Maths by Ian

Maths really is all around us. We use it every day often without really thinking about how good we actually are at it.

Take shopping in supermarkets for example:
We have to work out percentages to see what 50% off is
We have to estimate if what is in the basket is under the £10 we've got to pay for it
We work out if a 4 pint of milk is cheaper than 2 x 2 pints of milk

We can often feel like maths was never a strong subject or that we didn't enjoy it, but we all are more practiced in it than we realise.

When did you last work out whether something was the best value, to make sure your money covered what was in your shopping basket?

What a brilliant day we had yesterday at the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce Expo 2026. Thank you to all those who stopped by to talk all things numeracy and literacy with myself and Laura of 'English by Laura'.

It was really good to interact with so many like-minded businesses who have the good of our region at heart. Maths and English are everywhere, and we're on a mission to play our part to make support readily available everywhere too.

Congratulations to Sarah the winner of our draw to win the flowers, which represent maths in nature (Fibonacci and the Golden ratio). Sarah wasn't available for the draw but grateful for her colleagues at the Children's University, who were happy to help out.

Were you there, what did you take away from the day?

Are you coming to the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce Expo 2026? If so swing by the 'Maths by Ian & English by Laura' stand and say hello!

I'll be there talking all thing numeracy (no surprise there) but also english, education in general and lots about our wonderful region and opportunities for it.

▪️Parking is free so is entry
▪️There will be interactive displays and activities centred around Robotics and VR technology
▪️Don't miss the fireside chat between Melanie Onn MP, and E-FWD editor, Ed Reed

It will be a fabulous chance for us all to make new connections and celebrate Hull and the Humber!

There are many ways we can all get involved this Mental Health Awareness Week. Taking action to support those in our own communities is a perfect way to make sure that the conversations continue past the week and that progress is impactful.

Here are my thoughts about Maths anxiety and the actions we can take to support those who suffer with it.
👇

Numeracy Matters: Building Confidence, Reducing Anxiety Mental Health Awareness Week: Taking Action on Maths Anxiety This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is Action and it made me reflect on something we still do not talk about enough. Maths anxiety.

Thank you Niche Education & Training, Hull.. Jody they were all brilliant
I’ve seen some of the edits looking forward to helping National Numeracy for National Numeracy Day, and our