IT industry gets behind Byte Night

Tech chiefs raising awareness of homeless children

Ian Williams, vnunet.com 19 Jul 2007

This year's Byte Night, the IT industry's annual charity sleep-out, has attracted record levels of support, its organisers claimed today.

Now in its ninth year, Byte Night raises money to support work by National Children's Homes in combating youth homelessness and improving services for young people leaving care.

Supporters headed by the event's founders, Ken Deeks and James Bennet, will lead the 34-strong senior team to organise the night. Backers include senior executives from a range of IT companies.

"We have the support and backing of many well-known names across the industry which shows how far the event has come," said Myles Bremner, interim director of fundraising at National Children's Homes.

"We are truly grateful to the people who continue to support the cause year-on-year. The money really makes a difference to the lives of vulnerable children across the UK."

Rather than just being held in London, this year the campaign is taking on a 'local' feel for the first time, with sleepers encouraged to take part no matter where they choose to participate.

"Being able to run Byte Night Local events this year will enable workforces across the country to get involved," said Ken Deeks, co-founder of the event.

The central London event will be held on 5 October near Tower Bridge, with other local events being held around the country.

Full list of main supporters:

Rob Banner, chairman, Banner
Mike Barrett, director, Compound Media
Peter Barrett, marketing director, Fujitsu
James Bennet, director, Ernst & Young
Tom Bureau, managing director, CNET Networks
Charles Cameron, managing director, Jefferies
Josh Claman, vice-president and general manager UK, Dell
Suzie Daniels, head of business media, CNET Networks
Ken Deeks, managing director, KDL
Nick Giles, managing director, Text 100
Tina Green, head of Government and Public Affairs, HP
Sally Hanson, global marketing communications, Micro Focus
Chris Harrison, previously of Ernst & Young
Gavin Isle, national head of IMT, Barclays
Phil Lawler, chairman, EGS
David Lewis, business development director, BDO Stoy Hayward
Jess Littlemore, business development manager, Banner
Paddy MccGwire, managing director, Cobalt Corporate Finance
Martin McPhee, head of infrastructure, Accenture
Martin Mackay, managing director European HR
Nick Marsh, managing director, Harvey Nash
Stephen Murdoch, vice-president of solutions and services, Dell
Saul Neale, director strategic alliance, EMC
Kath Pooley, general manager, LEWIS PR
Belinda Raynes, event director, Banner
Paul Renney, partner, Campbell Hooper
John Riley, managing editor, Computer Weekly
Trevor Saloman, vice-president, EMEA manager, Sterling Commerce Marketing
Arun Shenoy, director, Intel
Dion Smith, head of imaging, Dell
Graham Wall, director, Quartz Finance
Charles Ward, COO, Intellect UK
Alwyn Welch, chief executive, Parity