I am happy to report another successful year in the life of SCET. Theseare difficult times for trading but we have once again achieved our budgettargets. Our proactive approach has also enabled us to enhance still furtherour profile as a dynamic organisation.

The growing popularity of our new Technology Centre has been a sourceof real gratification. It has no equal as a drop-in centre for teachers,pupils and others interested in the IT resources available to schools andcolleges. The ready access to the latest technology which it offers cando our image nothing but good.

My own role in the business community makes me even more appreciativeof the efficient decision-making processes within SCET. As its chairman,I consider myself fortunate to be working with such a robust and supportiveboard. The same applies at senior officer level, with the new smaller andmore focused management team responding admirably to the ever more complexdemands placed upon it.

Indeed, SCET is to be complimented on the quality of its staff generally.Whether I meet them at Victoria Crescent Road or elsewhere, I am invariablyimpressed by the expertise and commitment they bring to their work at alltimes.

On the basis of what I have seen over the past year, I am confidentthat SCET will continue to flourish. Its responsive approach has enabledit to handle the dual pressures of a fast-evolving technological environmentand fundamental changes in education such as the creation of new localauthorities, the incorporation of the FE colleges, Devolved School Managementand new curriculum structures. As an organisation which has already provedthat it can meet all these challenges, SCET must have a future as brightas its recent past.