Getting invited to 10 Downing Street

It’s a rare privlege because, as a naive citizen, I tried to visit No 10 before only to find out it’s off limits to the general public. The whole street is cordoned off and security is pretty heavy. There’s no pretending to be a lost tourist and slipping through here.

My invite was totally unexpected. I do volunteer at the Department for Business and Trade and I had the good fortune of participating in the (long) process of bringing the Make Work Pay Act to fruition. I played a very, very, small part. So, I was delighted to receive an email inviting me along to a small reception to mark the occassion. The invite didn’t have any more details than the date and the time and the purpose.

When to turn up to Number 10 Downing Street

My invited was for 6.45pm and, of course, I turned up early. Too early in fact, because there was a reception before the reception so I had to go find a Pret and get a tea. The best time to arrive is about 30 minutes before, and even then you might be waiting before the official queue starts.

What to wear to No 10 Downing Street

Lets be honest, everyone is pretty smartly dressed. Most men are in shirts, ties (not me) and navy jackets (I had a grey one) but, to be honest, chanches are you are invited here on merit so I wouldn’t worry if you want to spice things up a bit and, nowadays, you could dress down (a bit) too.

Inside No 10 Downing Street

Once you’re through the first gates you are poushed along through a mini airport-like security. When finally takes you to Downing Street. It’s eery because you find yourself on a street and you’re not too sure where to go but you assume you keep on walking – you do. As luck would have it Larry the Cat decides to cross the road. Once you reach the famous door you reach for the knocker to someone immediately opening the door.

In here you have a small reception area where you get checked in again. You leave your phone in a small cubby hole which, surprisingly, is not particuarly secure but you hope nothing with go awry. Next along is a coat area (I believe it’s a meeting room normally), where you get a number for your jacket. You keep going until the reach a lobby and then swing a right.

Now – you’re in Love Actually and you see the famous staircase decorated with the photos of all the ex Prime Ministers. Top of the stairs and you’re at the reception room to network in wait for the VIPs. In this case we had; Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, Peter Kyle and Bridget Phillipson to keep us entertained.

When to leave 10 Downing Street

Once the speeches are over, the VIPs will stay and mingle around the room and the comms team are ready to snap a few nice shots. After a little while, the VIPs will leave and now is probably the best time to leave whilst everyone finishes up drinks and clear the canape plates.

Part of the reason for this is that you get to take all your photos on the way out at the famous door, so it’s best to beat the crowd.

A few minutes later you would leave through the visitor exit and be the normal person you were just an hour and a half ago.

James Markey on BBC Radio Five Live: Summer, Bipolar, and Support

We’re thrilled to announce that James Markey, who openly lives with bipolar type two, was interviewed today on BBC Radio Five Live! The insightful discussion, hosted by Lucy Whyte, delved into a crucial topic: how the summer months can affect the management of bipolar disorder.

James shared his personal experiences and valuable insights, shedding light on the unique challenges and strategies involved in navigating bipolar during the warmer seasons. The conversation highlighted the often-overlooked impact of seasonal changes on mental health, particularly for those with bipolar.

A key takeaway from the interview was the vital role of support organizations. The discussion emphasized that Bipolar UK is an invaluable resource, offering guidance, community, and support for individuals living with bipolar and their families. Their work is crucial in helping people understand and manage their condition effectively, regardless of the time of year.

We’re incredibly proud of James for his courage and willingness to share his story on such a prominent platform. His openness helps to reduce stigma and raises essential awareness about bipolar disorder. If you missed the interview, you can listen back at the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002g178.

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It’s been a busy and prestigious time for James Markey, the dynamic founder of UNI SIM. Recently, he received a distinguished invitation to the annual luncheon of the National Conference of University Professors (NCUP) at the iconic House of Lords.

This event is a significant highlight in the academic calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the UK’s university system to discuss critical issues in higher education. For James, whose company, UNI SIM, is revolutionising medical and dental training with haptic and VR technologies, attending such a gathering at the heart of British governance is a powerful testament to the impact his work is having.

Being invited to the House of Lords for the NCUP lunch underscores the growing recognition of how innovative companies like UNI SIM are shaping the future of education and professional development. It’s an opportunity for James to engage directly with influential academics and policymakers, showcasing how his Guildford-based firm is contributing to a more skilled and prepared generation of medical professionals.

This kind of high-level engagement is crucial for UNI SIM’s mission to make cutting-edge simulation training widely accessible. It’s a clear signal that the vital role of technology in enhancing practical learning is being acknowledged at the highest levels, further solidifying James Markey’s position as a key innovator in the UK’s educational landscape. What a fantastic opportunity to connect with the very people driving the future of academia!

Cutting-Edge Dental Simulation Takes the Stage at Plovdiv University

Plovdiv University recently hosted a special event highlighting the future of dental education, featuring a live demonstration and seminar by James Markey of UNI SIM and Virteasy Dental. The event was held in collaboration with Professor Dr. Jorge Domínguez from ADEMA University in Palma, Mallorca, and was organized through the generous invitation of Prof. Neshka Manchorova from the Faculty of Dental Medicine.

James Markey introduced attendees to the advanced capabilities of Virteasy Dental, a state-of-the-art virtual reality system that allows dental students to practice procedures in an immersive and highly realistic environment. The interactive demonstration gave students and faculty the chance to explore the simulator firsthand and understand its potential to transform clinical training.

Professor Domínguez contributed valuable academic insights, sharing experiences from ADEMA University where simulation-based training has already been successfully integrated into the dental curriculum. His presentation emphasized how such technology supports more effective, hands-on learning and better prepares students for real-world clinical situations.

The seminar was well-received by students, educators, and professionals alike, sparking conversations about innovation, collaboration, and the evolution of dental education in Bulgaria. This visit represents an exciting step forward in bringing cutting-edge simulation tools to universities across Europe and fostering global partnerships in healthcare education.