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Technology is now a necessity for us all. But is it benefiting society?

In this issue (pages 10-17) we look at the power of technology to do good, profile innovative “tech for good” businesses, from one producing sustainable energy to another developing bionic arms and yet another using virtual reality to treat mental health issues.

But great technology can only be developed by those with good digital skills. And there’s a problem. Thousands of digital job vacancies currently remain unfilled. It gets worse: a further three million new jobs requiring digital skills will be created in the UK by 2025. If you’re looking to change your career, enrol on a digital skills course. Read our skills feature (pages 66-67) to find out more.

The construction industry is also suffering from a lack of skilled workers. But the sector has other things to worry about too as the government demands it builds more new homes.

However, while they want housebuilders to build more sustainably, ministers have yet to set a standard which is frustrating those across the whole sector.

A number of housebuilders are taking matters into their own hands by setting their own high standards in building zero carbon homes and we’ve spoken to some of them in our special feature (pages 102-104).

Are you suffering from FOBO? (that’s the fear of being overlooked). If you’re working from home but your colleagues are back in the office, this could mean you’re overlooked for promotion. But perhaps you’re worried about returning to work?

Your employer can help. Companies are demanding their landlords make offices feel safer and more attractive. We look at the relatively new art of placemaking being rolled out in offices, business parks and commercial areas across the region. And we don’t just mean a bunch of fresh flowers on the reception desk, some landlords are investing significant sums (pages 94-99).

This year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise were announced in April, celebrating excellence in innovation and exporting. Many companies across the region received awards and our manufacturing focus (pages 52-57 and pages 72-73), looks at some of the innovations currently under way in this sector.

And if you’re after innovation, we have three amazing interviews.

Quantum computing is the Next Big Thing, but do you understand it? Luckily one of the UK’s most inspiring young quantum physicists patiently explains quantum computing in words of mostly two syllables in my interview with her. I think I understood. Read my interview with Ilana Wisby (pages 82-84) to see if I succeeded.

Gloucestershire celebrated this year when ZeroAvia, the company pioneering hydrogen-powered flight, relocated from Cambridge to the Cotswolds. We spoke to the company to find out more about its incredible ambition to achieve zero-carbon flight by 2030 (pages 74-76).

Fast fashion is so last year. With the growing popularity of second-hand clothing websites such as Depop and Preloved, what does that mean for UK clothing brands? For Tewkesbury-based fashion retailer Weird Fish it means a commitment to sustainable fashion and ethical supply. Read our interview with boss John Stockton (pages 28-30).

From an Oxford spin-out company developing meat-free food (page 86-93), to profiles on Bicester, Malvern Hills Science Park and the man responsible for Stroud’s new shopping centre, along with our usual business news from across the region, your magazine is again packed full of mustread information to keep you on top of what’s going on across the region.

SKILLS 66

Digital skills are in demand, and what’s the future for apprenticeships?