RJJ Software Wins Education Award at West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Raising The Bar Awards

A vibrant banner adorned with a colourful graphic design that prominently features the logo of both the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce's prestigious Raising The Bar Awards and the logos of corporate sponsors for the event. The banner proudly announces the 'Raising the Bar Awards,'' which are celebrating the social impact of businesses in the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yorkshire software consultancy recognised for outstanding contribution to regional skills development

Leeds, September 24th, 2025 – RJJ Software has been awarded the Education category in the Small Business section at the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Raising The Bar Awards, which took place last night. The social impact awards recognise businesses making exceptional contributions to education, environment, and community across the region.

The award recognises RJJ Software’s sustained commitment to bridging the technology skills gap through innovative partnerships with local educational institutions. Since 2022, the company has worked directly with Greenhead College in Huddersfield and Notre Dame Sixth Form College in Leeds, providing T-Level placements and delivering sessions on cutting-edge technologies that colleges cannot cover within their existing curricula.

image shows a person holding a framed award titled ‘Raising the Bar Awards.’ The frame is silver, and the award features text on both sides. On the left side, it reads ‘Winner Education,’ while on the right side, it says ‘Small/Medium 2025.’ The award is presented by Raise the Bar, which is also mentioned at the bottom of the award. There’s a ribbon across the top edge of the frame, suggesting that the award has been awarded or recognized for an achievement in education within a small to medium organization for the year 2025. The person holding the award appears to be dressed in professional attire and is positioned indoors. The overall style of the image suggests it might have been taken at an awards ceremony, as indicated by the context provided by the award.

“We’re honoured to receive this recognition,” said Jamie Taylor, Strategic Technology Consultant and founder of RJJ Software. “This award belongs to all the students and educators who’ve embraced our collaborative approach to technology education. It validates our belief that small businesses can have a profound impact on regional talent development.”

The company’s educational initiatives include:

  • Comprehensive T-Level student placements with documented learning journeys
  • Specialised AI and modern development technology sessions
  • Direct connections between colleges and major technology companies through Jamie’s Microsoft MVP status
  • Global knowledge sharing through The Modern .NET Show podcast, reaching developers in over 30 countries

Stephen Wood, Head of Computer Science at Greenhead College, supported the nomination, stating: “Jamie has been an invaluable industry contact for a number of years. The informative talks and mini projects are full of energy and wisdom that help bring the subject to life for students, helping them grasp what the industry is dealing with currently, which is usually outside of our normal curriculum. I would absolutely recommend Jamie as a STEM ambassador for anyone in the education sector, a true MVP of the digital sector.”

The Raising The Bar Awards celebrate businesses that drive positive change across three key areas: Education, Environment, and Community. As described by the Chamber, these social impact awards offer “the perfect opportunity to showcase positive work being done across these specific categories.”

A banner stands on a tripod in front of an indoor building, advertising a charity event. The banner features various colourful graphics and text related to the event. The main message ‘RAISING THE BAR’ is prominent, along with additional information like ‘DOING GOOD IS GOOD BUSINESS.’

RJJ Software’s award highlights how the company addresses two critical regional challenges: the technology skills shortage and the need to prepare young people for high-value careers in the digital economy. By providing access to cutting-edge technologies and real-world experience, the company helps ensure West and North Yorkshire students can compete in the global marketplace.

Jamie Taylor is a four-time consecutive Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional), recognised for his contributions to the global development community. This status provides unique advantages for Yorkshire students, including early access to pre-release technologies and direct connections with Microsoft engineers.

The Modern .NET Show, RJJ Software’s award-winning podcast, has produced over 170 episodes and reaches developers worldwide, creating a feedback loop where global insights flow back into Yorkshire classrooms.

About RJJ Software RJJ Software provides strategic technology consulting services to SMEs and high-growth startups across the UK. Led by Microsoft MVP Jamie Taylor, the company specialises in AI/ML strategy and implementation, Developer Experience transformation, and architecture modernisation. The company is a member of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and recently participated in the Chamber’s trade mission to the UAE.

About the Raising The Bar Awards The Raising The Bar Awards are organised by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce to recognise businesses making positive contributions to education, environment, and community across the region. The awards celebrate both small achievements and substantial successes in driving positive change.

Media Contact: Jamie Taylor Microsoft MVP, Strategic Technology Consultant & Founder, RJJ Software

RJJ Software provides Jamie’s time and expertise to colleges and schools in the Yorkshire area to help boost their curricula by providing sessions for their students on topics related to working in technology, such as his intro to AI sessions.