Thought leadership

From coaching apprentices and visiting GCHQ to launching a book, running for Headway and planting the seeds of new school partnerships, summer 2026 was a quarter that captured everything acornITy is about.

From a primary school science lab in Batley to a university entrepreneurship centre in Leeds, June was a month that captured everything acornITy is about – STEM, sustainability, enterprise and the quiet work of helping people believe in what they can do.

acornITy founder Steve Denniss reflects on his newly published memoir, a heartfelt journey from self-confessed non-runner to marathon finisher. More than a book about running, it is a story of self-belief and the courage to grow into a better version of yourself.

Steve reflects on how the Artemis II mission rekindles the sense of wonder and possibility he first felt watching Apollo, now passing that inspiration to the next generation through education and community.