Regional Portal strengthens project management team

The Gateshead-based North East Regional Portal strengthens its project management team with the appointment of Sidsel McKeith.

Sidsel, 41, has joined the Regional Portal as project manager for iStop, a pioneering initiative tasked with reducing the digital divide by connecting disadvantaged communities to a range of information and shopping via a network of touch screen kiosks throughout the North East of England.

In her new role, Sidsel will work to generate awareness of the iStop project and install at least 50 kiosks throughout the region in a variety of locations, including sub-Post Offices, libraries, retailers, leisure centres and hospitals. She will also be responsible for managing the proposed roll-out of the project on a national level, which will see the development of a network comprising over 15,000 touch screen kiosks.

Originally from Norway, Sidsel began her career in London working in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of commercial management roles spanning 15 years. She moved to the North East in 2001 and completed a part-time MBA at Durham University whilst commuting between Helsinki and Newcastle in an international marketing role. She then took the world-recognised project management qualification for Prince2 Practitioner and a two-year contract with the NHS as a project manager, before joining the project management team at the Regional Portal.

Norma Foster, chief executive at the Regional Portal commented: “I am delighted to welcome Sidsel to our project management team. Her high calibre and impressive wealth of experience will ensure that the iStop project enjoys great success.”

Sidsel said: “I am very excited about joining the Regional Portal project management team and feel passionate about the added value the iStop initiative can offer local communities. The kiosks will provide a boost to local retailers by offering access to a range of online information and shopping services. In addition to the potential commercial value, istop kiosks offer retailers the chance to provide extra services to those customers who might not normally have internet access.

“My immediate focus is to work with the project team to recruit 50 partners to host a kiosk on their premises and to identify suitable content to be carried on the kiosks themselves.”

Norma Foster added: “Sidsel’s strong project management experience will be vital in managing the iStop initiative and when undertaking other projects on behalf of the Regional Portal. I am confident that she will achieve great results.”

To find out more about the iStop project please call 0191 487 2002.