Unity Racing Secures third in World STEM Finals

Students from Scarborough UTC’s Unity Racing team have achieved remarkable success at the STEM Racing World Finals (formerly F1 in Schools) in Singapore. The team secured third place globally and won the prestigious FIA Scrutineering Award.

For the past three years, Made Smarter Yorkshire and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority have proudly supported Unity Racing through sponsorship and guidance.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said:

“We must connect our young people with the careers they want and deserve, and the success of Unity Racing is proof of the incredible talent we have in this region.

“To secure a podium finish at the F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore is a fantastic achievement for this team of students from Scarborough, who represent York and North Yorkshire with pride.

“I was inspired by their drive when I met them last year, and I will continue to cheer them on as they inspire the next generation of STEM students.”

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Mike Pennington, Business Relationship Manager for the Made Smarter Yorkshire Programme, said:

“To achieve third place in a global competition of this scale is an incredible result. It highlights not only their talent and determination but also the world-class innovation happening here in Yorkshire. We couldn’t be prouder to have supported their journey.”

The global competition challenges skills in project management, enterprise and marketing. Teams are judged on portfolios, presentations, and the performance of their cars, making it a true test of both technical ability and professional skills.

Their achievements in Singapore are a clear reflection of their hard work and passion for innovation.

If you want to know more about the Made Smarter programme, speak to Mike Pennington for tech support, digital road mapping and possible grant support to digitise your manufacturing business.

Innovation Supper provides funding boost for First Leaf Farm

The event followed its now well-established format: attendees enjoyed supper while hearing from local entrepreneurs, each given ten minutes to pitch their business idea followed by questions from the audience. At the end of the evening, participants voted to decide which business would receive the proceeds from ticket sales, providing both a financial boost and valuable exposure to an engaged local network.

Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch

After the incredible success of the previous event, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Innovation Supper, and once again, we’re inviting you apply to pitch. If you are interested in your chance to get some great business advice and take away some funding to grow, then please fill in the application and return to us by 4 September 2025.

Choc Affair Wins Prestigious Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Award

The region's manufacturers took centre stage at Insider's 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The prestigious event celebrated Yorkshire and Humber's world-class companies and their impact. One of the big winners was Choc Affair, the beloved York chocolatier renowned for its ethical and award-winning creations. Choc Affair clinched the top spot in the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Awards.