Ghosts, ghouls, witches and goblins – when it comes to hustle and bustle of Halloween are we ready for the scariest part of all – our kitchen sink?
Forget about vampires, zombies and demons – the real monsters are lurking in your kitchen plughole. Nasty germs like salmonella love to breed on the bits of fat debris washed down your plughole, and if left untreated, can create stinks that would scare off Dracula himself!
So instead of filling your kitchen with cloves of garlic, crosses and holy water, prepare yourselves for this Halloween with a sprinkling of Buster Kitchen Plughole and Sink Treatment. The specially formulated foaming granules will exorcise your plughole demons leaving them hygienically clean, fresh and sweet smelling.
Alternatively for those nastier plughole gremlins, a dose of Buster Kitchen Plughole Unblocker is tough enough for even the scariest of bacteria. A quick dose will blast away any food or fat debris, clearing any blockages, and with regular use will prevent build up.
Priced at £3.29 (RRP) for 300gm, Buster is stocked in Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, Wilkinson, Tesco, Morrisons and independent hardware stores. Visit www.plugholesneedlovetoo.com
30 October 2009
28 October 2009
Your chance to ‘meet the world’ and explore global opportunities at major regional export conference
Businesses who sign up to attend a major regional export conference being held in Newmarket on 19th November will have the unique chance to arrange one-to-one meetings with commercial officers and country specialists at the event, who have experience in markets across the globe.
The conference, called ‘Global Opportunity’, and arranged by East of England International (EEI), which delivers business support on behalf of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist the region’s firms in exploiting overseas markets, aims to showcase the significant opportunities for firms of all sizes to increase their revenues through exploring new overseas markets.
During the one-hour lunch break, delegates will have the opportunity to arrange meetings with commercial officers who have the ‘on-the-ground’ knowledge and experience needed to help explore new opportunities in markets such as China, the Nordics, the Benelux countries, Russia, Hungary, the Baltics, Spain, Europe and Africa.
It is expected that the slots will fill up quickly, so delegates are urged to pre-book their one-to-ones in advance, through the form on the website. For more information on exactly which countries will be covered, see www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity.
Marguerite Meyer, Regional Head of Trade at EEI said: “This is your chance to explore new overseas markets for your business. It is an ideal opportunity to speak with someone who has first hand knowledge in a country you may have considered exporting to, but the contacts they can provide may well open new opportunities for your business. “
Lord Digby Jones, a name synonymous with British business and previously Director General of the CBI and Minister of UK Trade & Industry, will be the keynote speaker at ‘Global Opportunity’. Lord Digby Jones will tell the region’s businesses why they should be looking beyond UK shores to fuel their growth and raise their profitability.
The conference is being sponsored by HSBC Bank plc, and the bank’s senior economist, Mark Berrisford-Smith along with David Evans, CEO of Grassroots plc, add to the auspicious line up of keynote speakers for the event that takes place at Newmarket Racecourse.
The day also includes a discussion panel involving the speakers and local business chiefs, a short awards ceremony to recognise export leaders from across the region, and ample time to network.
The afternoon includes a series of breakout sessions, enabling delegates to hear firsthand from experts on how to go about exporting to and the opportunities in countries such as the USA, Europe, Middle East and Brazil. An additional set of breakout sessions will focus on exporting for specific industry sectors such as Food & Drink, Biotechnology, renewable energy and digital media.
The one-to-one sessions with the commercial officer of your choice can be pre-booked via the website. Tickets for the event cost £50 which includes refreshments and lunch. To register, visit www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity or call 08456 419 955.
Ends
The conference, called ‘Global Opportunity’, and arranged by East of England International (EEI), which delivers business support on behalf of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist the region’s firms in exploiting overseas markets, aims to showcase the significant opportunities for firms of all sizes to increase their revenues through exploring new overseas markets.
During the one-hour lunch break, delegates will have the opportunity to arrange meetings with commercial officers who have the ‘on-the-ground’ knowledge and experience needed to help explore new opportunities in markets such as China, the Nordics, the Benelux countries, Russia, Hungary, the Baltics, Spain, Europe and Africa.
It is expected that the slots will fill up quickly, so delegates are urged to pre-book their one-to-ones in advance, through the form on the website. For more information on exactly which countries will be covered, see www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity.
Marguerite Meyer, Regional Head of Trade at EEI said: “This is your chance to explore new overseas markets for your business. It is an ideal opportunity to speak with someone who has first hand knowledge in a country you may have considered exporting to, but the contacts they can provide may well open new opportunities for your business. “
Lord Digby Jones, a name synonymous with British business and previously Director General of the CBI and Minister of UK Trade & Industry, will be the keynote speaker at ‘Global Opportunity’. Lord Digby Jones will tell the region’s businesses why they should be looking beyond UK shores to fuel their growth and raise their profitability.
The conference is being sponsored by HSBC Bank plc, and the bank’s senior economist, Mark Berrisford-Smith along with David Evans, CEO of Grassroots plc, add to the auspicious line up of keynote speakers for the event that takes place at Newmarket Racecourse.
The day also includes a discussion panel involving the speakers and local business chiefs, a short awards ceremony to recognise export leaders from across the region, and ample time to network.
The afternoon includes a series of breakout sessions, enabling delegates to hear firsthand from experts on how to go about exporting to and the opportunities in countries such as the USA, Europe, Middle East and Brazil. An additional set of breakout sessions will focus on exporting for specific industry sectors such as Food & Drink, Biotechnology, renewable energy and digital media.
The one-to-one sessions with the commercial officer of your choice can be pre-booked via the website. Tickets for the event cost £50 which includes refreshments and lunch. To register, visit www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity or call 08456 419 955.
Ends
27 October 2009
Kelly proves its never too late to turn your life around
A woman from Colchester who suffered from severe agoraphobia for 6 years and couldn’t face leaving her house is now celebrating making it through to the regional finals of the Learndirect Adult Learners Awards for 2009, after turning her life around by going back into learning and securing employment.
Kelly Kirby, who is 42 and from Colchester, registered with training provider TBG Learning in late 2008 on the NDDP (New Deal for Disabled People) programme. Kelly had no formal qualifications and was suffering from depression, but she knew it was time to do something to get her life back on track.
The NDDP programme, delivered at TBG Learning in conjunction with the Shaw Trust, aims to help people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances, and aims to get 400 disabled people into full or part time work.
Andrea Pawsey, TBG Learning Colchester centre manager commented: “Kelly’s progress has been amazing. Her confidence has soared and she has made new friends. She has even achieved her dream of being employed. I admire her strength and determination to succeed against the odds, and we have decided to name her the TBG Learning Colchester ‘Outstanding Learner of 2009’.”
Qualifications which Kelly has achieved in the last year include English at level 1 and level 2, maths at level 1, the ‘switch on’ IT programme, a conflict management NVQ and the SIA door supervision course, as well as online Learndirect courses. She has secured employment with Essex firm Reliance Security, and regularly works with DHL and the NHS as a security guard.
Kelly commented: “TBG Learning has helped me turn my life around, my confidence has soared and I feel like a different person. My family are very pleased with how much happier I am nowadays, and have even managed to make friends with others in the centre, which is something I have never felt comfortable doing. I really enjoy my job and am so happy I took that first step a year ago.”
TBG Learning Colchester is situated at 27 Southway, Colchester. Courses available at the centre include NDDP (New Deal for Disabled People) and Entry to Employment (e2e), which supports 16-18 year olds to improve their skills and employment chances. TBG Learning also works with a wide number of employers in the area, providing Train to Gain and Apprenticeships learning in the workplace for employees.
Telephone TBG Learning on 01206 366341 or drop into the centre for more information. www.tbglearning.com
Kelly Kirby, who is 42 and from Colchester, registered with training provider TBG Learning in late 2008 on the NDDP (New Deal for Disabled People) programme. Kelly had no formal qualifications and was suffering from depression, but she knew it was time to do something to get her life back on track.
The NDDP programme, delivered at TBG Learning in conjunction with the Shaw Trust, aims to help people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances, and aims to get 400 disabled people into full or part time work.
Andrea Pawsey, TBG Learning Colchester centre manager commented: “Kelly’s progress has been amazing. Her confidence has soared and she has made new friends. She has even achieved her dream of being employed. I admire her strength and determination to succeed against the odds, and we have decided to name her the TBG Learning Colchester ‘Outstanding Learner of 2009’.”
Qualifications which Kelly has achieved in the last year include English at level 1 and level 2, maths at level 1, the ‘switch on’ IT programme, a conflict management NVQ and the SIA door supervision course, as well as online Learndirect courses. She has secured employment with Essex firm Reliance Security, and regularly works with DHL and the NHS as a security guard.
Kelly commented: “TBG Learning has helped me turn my life around, my confidence has soared and I feel like a different person. My family are very pleased with how much happier I am nowadays, and have even managed to make friends with others in the centre, which is something I have never felt comfortable doing. I really enjoy my job and am so happy I took that first step a year ago.”
TBG Learning Colchester is situated at 27 Southway, Colchester. Courses available at the centre include NDDP (New Deal for Disabled People) and Entry to Employment (e2e), which supports 16-18 year olds to improve their skills and employment chances. TBG Learning also works with a wide number of employers in the area, providing Train to Gain and Apprenticeships learning in the workplace for employees.
Telephone TBG Learning on 01206 366341 or drop into the centre for more information. www.tbglearning.com
16 October 2009
Lucky seventh birthday winner celebrates £50 Child Trust Fund boost with Ipswich Building Society
A lucky seven-year old has been given an extra birthday present this week (13th October) after receiving a £50 boost to her Child Trust Fund account, courtesy of Ipswich Building Society.
Shannon Harvey was chosen as the recipient of a £50 voucher by staff at the Tower Ramparts branch of the Society to celebrate the second stage of the Child Trust Fund payments for seven year olds.
Each one of the Society’s nine branches has randomly selected one Child Trust Fund account holder to receive a bonus of £50 to add to their savings.
Shannon’s mum Nicola Harvey said of the account top-up; “This is absolutely amazing. I was gobsmacked when I found out Shannon had won this prize. We weren’t aware of the second stage of the Child Trust Fund payment, so to get this extra prize on top of the payment is fantastic.”
She continued: “Every time we pop into the branch the staff have given us their undivided attention and we certainly feel that we are knowledgeable about the best ways to save for our children’s futures. We are saving as much as we can, so that when Shannon turns 18, she will have a strong nest egg to fall back on. Thank you to the Ipswich Building Society.”
Paul Millar, Tower Ramparts branch manager added; “We were pleased to give Shannon a bonus for her Child Trust Fund account. It is a vital tool in enabling parents to teach their children how to save, and we are delighted that Shannon’s parents are already thinking about her future.”
The Child Trust Fund was established by the government in September 2002 and seeks to encourage every child to have their own savings account. An initial £250 voucher is given to every child when they are born, with a further £250 top-up when the child turns seven. The aim of the Child Trust Fund is to ensure when the child turns 18, they have significant savings.
Shannon Harvey was chosen as the recipient of a £50 voucher by staff at the Tower Ramparts branch of the Society to celebrate the second stage of the Child Trust Fund payments for seven year olds.
Each one of the Society’s nine branches has randomly selected one Child Trust Fund account holder to receive a bonus of £50 to add to their savings.
Shannon’s mum Nicola Harvey said of the account top-up; “This is absolutely amazing. I was gobsmacked when I found out Shannon had won this prize. We weren’t aware of the second stage of the Child Trust Fund payment, so to get this extra prize on top of the payment is fantastic.”
She continued: “Every time we pop into the branch the staff have given us their undivided attention and we certainly feel that we are knowledgeable about the best ways to save for our children’s futures. We are saving as much as we can, so that when Shannon turns 18, she will have a strong nest egg to fall back on. Thank you to the Ipswich Building Society.”
Paul Millar, Tower Ramparts branch manager added; “We were pleased to give Shannon a bonus for her Child Trust Fund account. It is a vital tool in enabling parents to teach their children how to save, and we are delighted that Shannon’s parents are already thinking about her future.”
The Child Trust Fund was established by the government in September 2002 and seeks to encourage every child to have their own savings account. An initial £250 voucher is given to every child when they are born, with a further £250 top-up when the child turns seven. The aim of the Child Trust Fund is to ensure when the child turns 18, they have significant savings.
Care agency staff celebrate NVQ success
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A Saxmundham employer has praised Otley College after four senior staff members completed a fifteen month NVQ qualification in management.
The team from Christies Care worked closely with the college to complete the business management training programme, which saw managing director Nicola Warner receive a level 5 award, and managers Lin Barnes, Jill Pass and Sarah Middleton receive the level 4 qualification.
Along with Otley College course co-ordinator Drostan Stileman, the team were able to specifically tailor their training to their individual needs, paying particular attention to any strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking of the training, Drostan said: “I’m delighted with the achievements of the team at Christies Care. Not only have they worked hard to secure a formal qualification, but they have become much more confident in the way they work. It is a hard course, but thanks to the one-on-one training and the levels of commitment they have shown, they will be able to reap the benefits.”
Nicola Warner, managing director Christies Care, who completed the NVQ Level 5, added; “We’ve always placed an important focus upon ensuring our carers were trained to the highest possible standards, but we were very aware that we weren’t always offering the same to our office staff. Since completing the NVQ courses, we have all felt much more competent in the way we work.
She continued: “This is down to the fantastic support and training we received from Drostan and the team at Otley College, and we would like to thank them for their help and support. The individual tailoring of the course was superb, and it has meant we are all fully understanding of the work that we do, and the reasons why we work in a particular way.”
Since the completion of the course, over 20 more office staff have registered an interest in undertaking their own NVQ qualifications. It follows on from a successful training programme for the carers employed by Christies Care, who are offered introductory and further specific training on a regular basis.
The team from Christies Care worked closely with the college to complete the business management training programme, which saw managing director Nicola Warner receive a level 5 award, and managers Lin Barnes, Jill Pass and Sarah Middleton receive the level 4 qualification.
Along with Otley College course co-ordinator Drostan Stileman, the team were able to specifically tailor their training to their individual needs, paying particular attention to any strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking of the training, Drostan said: “I’m delighted with the achievements of the team at Christies Care. Not only have they worked hard to secure a formal qualification, but they have become much more confident in the way they work. It is a hard course, but thanks to the one-on-one training and the levels of commitment they have shown, they will be able to reap the benefits.”
Nicola Warner, managing director Christies Care, who completed the NVQ Level 5, added; “We’ve always placed an important focus upon ensuring our carers were trained to the highest possible standards, but we were very aware that we weren’t always offering the same to our office staff. Since completing the NVQ courses, we have all felt much more competent in the way we work.
She continued: “This is down to the fantastic support and training we received from Drostan and the team at Otley College, and we would like to thank them for their help and support. The individual tailoring of the course was superb, and it has meant we are all fully understanding of the work that we do, and the reasons why we work in a particular way.”
Since the completion of the course, over 20 more office staff have registered an interest in undertaking their own NVQ qualifications. It follows on from a successful training programme for the carers employed by Christies Care, who are offered introductory and further specific training on a regular basis.
13 October 2009
Young people speak at Kent ‘engaging and preventing NEETs’ conference
Tuesday 13th October 2009
Young people from Gillingham and Ashford who were NEET (not in education, employment or training), but who have now found employment or entered into training, spoke to delegates at a conference held yesterday, about why and how they became NEET, and what they did to overcome it. They also gave advice to those gathered on how to engage with young people and ensure that they progress into further education or employment after leaving school.
The conference, called ‘Shaping the curriculum: engaging young people and preventing NEETs’ was held yesterday (Monday 12th October) at the Ramada hotel in Maidstone. The conference was for managers from schools, colleges, government organisations such as Connexions and training providers such as TBG Learning, and gave them the opportunity to discuss and share effective practice on how to prevent young people becoming NEET after leaving school, and how to engage with those who do.
Nic Cole from TBG Learning, which has four centres throughout Kent and runs courses especially for young people who are NEET attended the conference, and commented: “It is important to ensure all young people get the right support that they need and recognise that traditional curriculums do not work for everyone. At TBG Learning we listen to the views of young people and build programmes around their needs and the needs of the local labour market. It is this flexible approach that makes us successful in helping young people gain qualifications and progress into employment or further learning.”
Kerry Knight, 17, used to be a NEET, but decided to join the Entry to Education programme at TBG Learning in Ashford. She also attended the conference, and said: “It was good to be at the conference as we got the chance to tell schools what it is like being NEET and what they can do to do to help young people in the future.”
The conference started with a key note speech from Rosalind Turner, Managing Director of the Children, Families and Education department at Kent County Council. This was followed by contributions from other organisations on topics such as ‘challenging stereotypes and understanding of why young people become NEET’.
The conference was organised in conjunction with Kent County Council, Kent Association of Further Education Corporations (KAFEC), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), and the Kent Association of Training Providers (KATO).
Anyone is welcome to drop into TBG Learning and find out about the range of courses and help. The centres can be found at the following locations:
Gillingham: Floor 2, Kingsley House, ME7 4NT (tel 01634 855629).
Gravesend: 23-25 King Street, DA12 2DU (Tel 01474 566 588)
Folkestone: Unit B, 145-147 Sandgate Road, CT20 2DA (Tel 01303 297 064)
Ashford: The Bull Yard, High Street, Ashford TN24 8SN (Tel 01233 634 476)
TBG Learning Kent 095
For further information please contact:
Helen Sharkey Project PR, Telephone 01473 326405 / 07521 318127
Notes to editors:
TBG Learning Ltd is an independent training provider. Its mission is to ‘improve people’s lives through learning’ and its focus is on helping each individual achieve employment related skills and qualifications. It operates 19 Learning Centres in some of the most economically challenged areas of Britain with over 6,500 learners at any one time.
It also works with over eight hundred employers in London, Kent, Essex and the Midlands, delivering Apprenticeships and Train to Gain to employees in the workplace.
Many people achieve their first ever qualification through courses such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Information Technology (from beginners to advanced), Literacy, and Numeracy.
Employability Skills Programmes (for unemployed adults) and Entry to Employment (for 16-18 year-olds) are just two of a wide number of programmes offered at many of the centres.
TBG courses are funded through a wide number of organisations including the Learning and Skills Council, Regional Development Agencies, Colleges of Further Education.
TBG (The Training and Business Group) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity Rehab Group.
Young people from Gillingham and Ashford who were NEET (not in education, employment or training), but who have now found employment or entered into training, spoke to delegates at a conference held yesterday, about why and how they became NEET, and what they did to overcome it. They also gave advice to those gathered on how to engage with young people and ensure that they progress into further education or employment after leaving school.
The conference, called ‘Shaping the curriculum: engaging young people and preventing NEETs’ was held yesterday (Monday 12th October) at the Ramada hotel in Maidstone. The conference was for managers from schools, colleges, government organisations such as Connexions and training providers such as TBG Learning, and gave them the opportunity to discuss and share effective practice on how to prevent young people becoming NEET after leaving school, and how to engage with those who do.
Nic Cole from TBG Learning, which has four centres throughout Kent and runs courses especially for young people who are NEET attended the conference, and commented: “It is important to ensure all young people get the right support that they need and recognise that traditional curriculums do not work for everyone. At TBG Learning we listen to the views of young people and build programmes around their needs and the needs of the local labour market. It is this flexible approach that makes us successful in helping young people gain qualifications and progress into employment or further learning.”
Kerry Knight, 17, used to be a NEET, but decided to join the Entry to Education programme at TBG Learning in Ashford. She also attended the conference, and said: “It was good to be at the conference as we got the chance to tell schools what it is like being NEET and what they can do to do to help young people in the future.”
The conference started with a key note speech from Rosalind Turner, Managing Director of the Children, Families and Education department at Kent County Council. This was followed by contributions from other organisations on topics such as ‘challenging stereotypes and understanding of why young people become NEET’.
The conference was organised in conjunction with Kent County Council, Kent Association of Further Education Corporations (KAFEC), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), and the Kent Association of Training Providers (KATO).
Anyone is welcome to drop into TBG Learning and find out about the range of courses and help. The centres can be found at the following locations:
Gillingham: Floor 2, Kingsley House, ME7 4NT (tel 01634 855629).
Gravesend: 23-25 King Street, DA12 2DU (Tel 01474 566 588)
Folkestone: Unit B, 145-147 Sandgate Road, CT20 2DA (Tel 01303 297 064)
Ashford: The Bull Yard, High Street, Ashford TN24 8SN (Tel 01233 634 476)
TBG Learning Kent 095
For further information please contact:
Helen Sharkey Project PR, Telephone 01473 326405 / 07521 318127
Notes to editors:
TBG Learning Ltd is an independent training provider. Its mission is to ‘improve people’s lives through learning’ and its focus is on helping each individual achieve employment related skills and qualifications. It operates 19 Learning Centres in some of the most economically challenged areas of Britain with over 6,500 learners at any one time.
It also works with over eight hundred employers in London, Kent, Essex and the Midlands, delivering Apprenticeships and Train to Gain to employees in the workplace.
Many people achieve their first ever qualification through courses such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Information Technology (from beginners to advanced), Literacy, and Numeracy.
Employability Skills Programmes (for unemployed adults) and Entry to Employment (for 16-18 year-olds) are just two of a wide number of programmes offered at many of the centres.
TBG courses are funded through a wide number of organisations including the Learning and Skills Council, Regional Development Agencies, Colleges of Further Education.
TBG (The Training and Business Group) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the charity Rehab Group.
Firefighter training boosted by car dealer partnership
Potters Bar Fire Station is set to benefit from a new partnership with local car dealership Dagenham Motors, who yesterday (8th October) handed over the first in a series of planned vehicle donations to the service.
This unique partnership will help boost vital training for the fire service which continuously needs access to cars and vans for both demonstrations and vital training for road traffic incidents.
Marc Skuce, Business Manager at Dagenham Motors, Potters Bar, said: “As a local business we feel it is important for us to contribute to the community, which is why we want to support our local services. Road accidents can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and the fire service plays a vital part in minimising that devastation”.
Station Commander Trevor Brown, Potters Bar Fire Station, said: “I am delighted to have set up this partnership, which will enable our crews to practice the essential skills needed to deal with road traffic collisions. We rely on the donation of scrap vehicles to use for training; so I would like to thank Dagenham Motors for their generosity and look forward to working with them in the future.”
Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service is now called to rescue more people from road traffic collisions than from fires, therefore rely heavily on the availability of cars for training.
Training vehicles are currently purchased from local scrap yards; however this new partnership with Dagenham Motors will ensure the provision of vehicles on a regular basis, giving firefighter training a boost in the preparation of all RTC scenarios.
Ends
Notes:
- Dagenham Motors is part of Ford Retail, the UK’s largest Ford dealership Group. Ford Retail trades as Dagenham Motors (in London and the South East), Brunel Ford (Bristol & South West), Heartlands Ford (Birmingham) and Polar Ford (Yorkshire and the North Wet).
- During the year April 2007 to April 2008, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) attended 682 RTCs (Road Traffic Collisions) where there were 15 fatalities and 950 casualties.
This unique partnership will help boost vital training for the fire service which continuously needs access to cars and vans for both demonstrations and vital training for road traffic incidents.
Marc Skuce, Business Manager at Dagenham Motors, Potters Bar, said: “As a local business we feel it is important for us to contribute to the community, which is why we want to support our local services. Road accidents can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and the fire service plays a vital part in minimising that devastation”.
Station Commander Trevor Brown, Potters Bar Fire Station, said: “I am delighted to have set up this partnership, which will enable our crews to practice the essential skills needed to deal with road traffic collisions. We rely on the donation of scrap vehicles to use for training; so I would like to thank Dagenham Motors for their generosity and look forward to working with them in the future.”
Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service is now called to rescue more people from road traffic collisions than from fires, therefore rely heavily on the availability of cars for training.
Training vehicles are currently purchased from local scrap yards; however this new partnership with Dagenham Motors will ensure the provision of vehicles on a regular basis, giving firefighter training a boost in the preparation of all RTC scenarios.
Ends
Notes:
- Dagenham Motors is part of Ford Retail, the UK’s largest Ford dealership Group. Ford Retail trades as Dagenham Motors (in London and the South East), Brunel Ford (Bristol & South West), Heartlands Ford (Birmingham) and Polar Ford (Yorkshire and the North Wet).
- During the year April 2007 to April 2008, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) attended 682 RTCs (Road Traffic Collisions) where there were 15 fatalities and 950 casualties.
7 October 2009
Ipswich launches limited edition 5 year 'Big Bond'
Ipswich Building Society has launched a chart topping 5 year, 5.1% fixed interest rate savings bond for consumers who have renewed confidence in longer term investments.
The highly competitive ‘Big Bond’ has the added advantage of giving access to funds after two years, providing investors with greater assurance.
Jo Leah, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Ipswich Building Society, says: “This is a very feisty 5 year savings bond for savers who have their sights set on a longer term goal. It has the added flexibility of giving access after two years which makes it one of the most attractive offers in the marketplace at the moment.”
The minimum investment is £5,000 (maximum £100,000) and the limited edition Big Bond is only expected to be available until the end of November.
The 5.1% gross/AER fixed interest (4.08% Net) is paid annually on the account’s anniversary, or monthly if the balance is over £25,000. No withdrawals are permitted for 2 years and thereafter any withdrawals incur a 180 days interest penalty on the amount withdrawn.
To find out more about the Big Bond savings account telephone 0845 230 8686 or email enquiries@ibs.co.uk Big Bond can be opened by post or at any Ipswich Building Society branch. See www.ibs.co.uk
6 October 2009
UK business leaders to speak at major regional export conference
6 October 2009
East of England companies will have the chance to hear one of the UK’s foremost business gurus speak about the significant opportunities for firms of all sizes to increase their revenues through exploiting overseas markets.
Lord Digby Jones, a name synonymous with British business and previously Director General of the CBI and Minister of UK Trade & Industry, will be the keynote speaker at ‘Global Opportunity’. Digby Jones will tell the region’s businesses why they should be looking beyond UK shores to fuel their growth and raise their profitability.
The conference, organised by East of England International (EEI) which delivers business support on behalf of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist the region’s firms exploit overseas markets, is being sponsored by HSBC. The bank’s chief economist, Mark Berrisford-Smith along with other business leaders to be announced soon add to the auspicious line up of keynote speakers for the event that takes place on 19th November at Newmarket Racecourse.
The day also includes a discussion panel involving the speakers and local business chiefs, a short awards ceremony to recognise export leaders from across the region, opportunities to arrange one-to-one meetings with UKTI commercial officers from countries around the world and ample time to network.
The afternoon includes a series of breakout sessions, enabling delegates to hear firsthand from experts on how to go about exporting to countries such as the USA, Europe, Middle East and Brazil. Additional breakout sessions will focus on exporting for specific industry sectors such as ICT, life sciences, renewable energy and digital media.
EEI’s Head of Regional Trade, Marguerite Meyer, encouraged businesses to attend, saying: “This is a one-time chance to hear from some excellent speakers and get a good understanding of the real opportunities overseas markets offer, as well as learn how exporting isn’t as difficult as many would think.”
Tickets for this one-off event are strictly limited to 200 on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and people interested in attending are encouraged to register quickly. Tickets cost £50 which includes refreshments and lunch. To register, visit www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity or call 08456 419 955.
Ends
East of England companies will have the chance to hear one of the UK’s foremost business gurus speak about the significant opportunities for firms of all sizes to increase their revenues through exploiting overseas markets.
Lord Digby Jones, a name synonymous with British business and previously Director General of the CBI and Minister of UK Trade & Industry, will be the keynote speaker at ‘Global Opportunity’. Digby Jones will tell the region’s businesses why they should be looking beyond UK shores to fuel their growth and raise their profitability.
The conference, organised by East of England International (EEI) which delivers business support on behalf of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to assist the region’s firms exploit overseas markets, is being sponsored by HSBC. The bank’s chief economist, Mark Berrisford-Smith along with other business leaders to be announced soon add to the auspicious line up of keynote speakers for the event that takes place on 19th November at Newmarket Racecourse.
The day also includes a discussion panel involving the speakers and local business chiefs, a short awards ceremony to recognise export leaders from across the region, opportunities to arrange one-to-one meetings with UKTI commercial officers from countries around the world and ample time to network.
The afternoon includes a series of breakout sessions, enabling delegates to hear firsthand from experts on how to go about exporting to countries such as the USA, Europe, Middle East and Brazil. Additional breakout sessions will focus on exporting for specific industry sectors such as ICT, life sciences, renewable energy and digital media.
EEI’s Head of Regional Trade, Marguerite Meyer, encouraged businesses to attend, saying: “This is a one-time chance to hear from some excellent speakers and get a good understanding of the real opportunities overseas markets offer, as well as learn how exporting isn’t as difficult as many would think.”
Tickets for this one-off event are strictly limited to 200 on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and people interested in attending are encouraged to register quickly. Tickets cost £50 which includes refreshments and lunch. To register, visit www.eei-online.com/globalopportunity or call 08456 419 955.
Ends
5 October 2009
Saxmundham firm reach £500+ milestone for Jeans for Genes
Employees at Saxmundham care agency Christies Care swapped their uniforms for jeans last week (2nd October), and reached a fundraising total of more than £540 for children suffering from genetic disorders.
Admin and booking staff at Christies Care have been supporting the annual Jeans for Genes appeal since 2004, and last week’s fundraising efforts, which raised £55, saw their cumulative total reach £541. The appeal encouraged workers to don their best denim in exchange for a £2 donation to the charity.
Debbie Ratcliffe, who organised the company’s charitable efforts, said of the money raised; “We are absolutely amazed that we have managed to raise so much money over the past five years as it is such a good cause. It’s become a staple on the Christies Care calendar, and everyone looks forward to taking part as it’s such a simple thing to do. We are already looking forward to next years appeal.”
Jeans for Genes was established in 1996, and raises funds for research into serious and often life-threatening genetic disorders affecting thousands of children.
For more information on Jeans for Genes and how to donate money, please visit www.jeansforgenes.com
Admin and booking staff at Christies Care have been supporting the annual Jeans for Genes appeal since 2004, and last week’s fundraising efforts, which raised £55, saw their cumulative total reach £541. The appeal encouraged workers to don their best denim in exchange for a £2 donation to the charity.
Debbie Ratcliffe, who organised the company’s charitable efforts, said of the money raised; “We are absolutely amazed that we have managed to raise so much money over the past five years as it is such a good cause. It’s become a staple on the Christies Care calendar, and everyone looks forward to taking part as it’s such a simple thing to do. We are already looking forward to next years appeal.”
Jeans for Genes was established in 1996, and raises funds for research into serious and often life-threatening genetic disorders affecting thousands of children.
For more information on Jeans for Genes and how to donate money, please visit www.jeansforgenes.com
2 October 2009
Barking's Biggest Coffee Morning raises £100 for Macmillan
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning came to Barking last week (25th September) in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.
Staff and visitors to the Dagenham Motors showroom on Ripple Road, helped to raise £100 by taking part in the annual “World’s Biggest Coffee Morning” appeal, which encourages local people to ‘boil’, ‘bake’ and ‘take a break’ to raise vital funds for the charity.
The money was raised through the sale of coffee and cakes to staff, customers and the local community in return for a donation to the charity.
General Manager Rob Dier said of the event: “We really wanted to support Macmillan as it is a charity that is often overlooked but is invaluable to cancer sufferers and their families. We had a great turn out and are so pleased that we could help raise money for such a worthy cause”.
Last year, more than 45,000 people held coffee mornings and together with their family, friends and colleagues, raised over £7.5 million towards practical, medical, financial and emotional support to help change the lives of those in need.
Staff and visitors to the Dagenham Motors showroom on Ripple Road, helped to raise £100 by taking part in the annual “World’s Biggest Coffee Morning” appeal, which encourages local people to ‘boil’, ‘bake’ and ‘take a break’ to raise vital funds for the charity.
The money was raised through the sale of coffee and cakes to staff, customers and the local community in return for a donation to the charity.
General Manager Rob Dier said of the event: “We really wanted to support Macmillan as it is a charity that is often overlooked but is invaluable to cancer sufferers and their families. We had a great turn out and are so pleased that we could help raise money for such a worthy cause”.
Last year, more than 45,000 people held coffee mornings and together with their family, friends and colleagues, raised over £7.5 million towards practical, medical, financial and emotional support to help change the lives of those in need.
PR 'Pet Peeves'
Leading industry magazine PR Week recently asked the editors of some well-known magazines and newspapers “What are your PR pet peeves?” The answers were straight out of a text book:
“When they ring me up to chase their press release”, “When they have not done their homework about what sort of things we publish”, “generic press releases”, “ringing to see if I have got their press release”, “when they don’t take time to find out who our readers are”, “when they blatantly have never seen a copy of our magazine” and so on.
Getting our clients into the media is the bread and butter of what we do in the PR industry, so it is essential that we build good relationships with journalists, and create a good reputation for ourselves in the process. It is vital that we do our research and take time to find out about the outlets we hope will cover our stories, giving us the best chance to develop a good relationship with them and secure the coverage our clients.
We are now in an age of 24/7 news. Journalists are busier than ever as news is constantly developing, so they need to be able to rely on us to give them good material. It is important that when an email arrives in a journalist’s inbox, they recognise the sender, and instantly know that the content is going to be interesting, relevant, and something they want to use. If the sender has been known to issue press releases that are too generic, or not relevant to their audience, the journalist will more than likely ignore or delete it if they are busy. And that could be the one press release that would have become their front page…..!
It is worth spending that extra little bit of time to research the publications you wish to target. Buy a copy and spend ten minutes flicking through to see its style, its content, how it is written, who its readers are, and the publication’s opinions on topical issues. If you can, try to target your press release to each publication, changing the focus of each if necessary, to ensure it grabs the attention of the journalist who picks it up. The same applies to local and regional media. Ensure you know which areas the publication covers, and try to ensure your releases include specific detail relevant to that newspaper. This is especially important to local newspapers that only cover small towns – there is no point sending them a story that is region-wide if they are only covering very local news.
Another of the pet peeves mentioned by editors is the idea of PRO’s calling journalists to check if they have received a release, or to follow it up. One editor added to her comment by saying: “if you don’t get an out of office, or it doesn’t bounce back, then assume we have received it. If it is good, we will use it. If it’s not, then we won’t. We are too busy to take calls about every release we receive.” This is important, and goes back to the point I made in the second paragraph. If your release is relevant and newsworthy, and you sent it to the right person then you are almost guaranteed coverage. If your release isn’t what they are looking for, and yet you still chase them with a phone call at their busiest time, you are likely to blacklist yourself even further. If you ensure your release is targeted to their publication, is salient, relevant and well written, then you don’t need to worry about following it up with a call. It will speak for itself.
However, there are some instances where a call to a journalist can make all the difference. If they work for a national newspaper or popular magazine they are likely to receive hundreds of emails per day. In this case, you will be fighting for both space and their attention. Call them first and tell them about it. They will soon tell you whether they are interested or not, and if they are, they will look out for it when you send it over.
Another important point to keep in mind when sending press releases to the media, is your timing. They will all have press days and deadlines, and some consumer magazines work up to 3 months in advance. It all goes back to doing your homework and giving yourself the best chance of getting your news into the press which you are targeting.
To sum up, do your research. Don’t just expect that your piece of news will automatically be printed; you are up against a world of 24/7 news and you need to make sure that yours stands out, and gets to the right people at the right time.
“When they ring me up to chase their press release”, “When they have not done their homework about what sort of things we publish”, “generic press releases”, “ringing to see if I have got their press release”, “when they don’t take time to find out who our readers are”, “when they blatantly have never seen a copy of our magazine” and so on.
Getting our clients into the media is the bread and butter of what we do in the PR industry, so it is essential that we build good relationships with journalists, and create a good reputation for ourselves in the process. It is vital that we do our research and take time to find out about the outlets we hope will cover our stories, giving us the best chance to develop a good relationship with them and secure the coverage our clients.
We are now in an age of 24/7 news. Journalists are busier than ever as news is constantly developing, so they need to be able to rely on us to give them good material. It is important that when an email arrives in a journalist’s inbox, they recognise the sender, and instantly know that the content is going to be interesting, relevant, and something they want to use. If the sender has been known to issue press releases that are too generic, or not relevant to their audience, the journalist will more than likely ignore or delete it if they are busy. And that could be the one press release that would have become their front page…..!
It is worth spending that extra little bit of time to research the publications you wish to target. Buy a copy and spend ten minutes flicking through to see its style, its content, how it is written, who its readers are, and the publication’s opinions on topical issues. If you can, try to target your press release to each publication, changing the focus of each if necessary, to ensure it grabs the attention of the journalist who picks it up. The same applies to local and regional media. Ensure you know which areas the publication covers, and try to ensure your releases include specific detail relevant to that newspaper. This is especially important to local newspapers that only cover small towns – there is no point sending them a story that is region-wide if they are only covering very local news.
Another of the pet peeves mentioned by editors is the idea of PRO’s calling journalists to check if they have received a release, or to follow it up. One editor added to her comment by saying: “if you don’t get an out of office, or it doesn’t bounce back, then assume we have received it. If it is good, we will use it. If it’s not, then we won’t. We are too busy to take calls about every release we receive.” This is important, and goes back to the point I made in the second paragraph. If your release is relevant and newsworthy, and you sent it to the right person then you are almost guaranteed coverage. If your release isn’t what they are looking for, and yet you still chase them with a phone call at their busiest time, you are likely to blacklist yourself even further. If you ensure your release is targeted to their publication, is salient, relevant and well written, then you don’t need to worry about following it up with a call. It will speak for itself.
However, there are some instances where a call to a journalist can make all the difference. If they work for a national newspaper or popular magazine they are likely to receive hundreds of emails per day. In this case, you will be fighting for both space and their attention. Call them first and tell them about it. They will soon tell you whether they are interested or not, and if they are, they will look out for it when you send it over.
Another important point to keep in mind when sending press releases to the media, is your timing. They will all have press days and deadlines, and some consumer magazines work up to 3 months in advance. It all goes back to doing your homework and giving yourself the best chance of getting your news into the press which you are targeting.
To sum up, do your research. Don’t just expect that your piece of news will automatically be printed; you are up against a world of 24/7 news and you need to make sure that yours stands out, and gets to the right people at the right time.
Managing bad news
One question that PR teams will be hearing regularly from management in these times of recession is “how do we tell our loyal employees the bad news?” Plenty of companies have been in the news recently with first class examples of how not to do this, but there have been very few cases of successful delivery of the words none of them want to hear.
The key to making redundancies or implementing pay cuts without causing too much heartache and protest is simple. Keep employees informed, involve them as much as possible in the planning stages, ask for their opinions, and recognise their loyalty to your business.
We all saw the pictures of protesters outside the MINI plant who turned up to work only to be told there were no longer jobs for any of them. They were given no prior warning, no explanation, and no financial help or training to help them find new employment. They felt as if they just didn’t matter.
If employees are involved in important decisions made by their employer then they will feel a sense of solidarity and ownership towards the business. They are more likely to club together and unite behind the cause, and will be more willing to take a day’s unpaid leave, or a pay cut, because they feel like their contribution is helping save the business they are proud to work for.
This recession is played out 24/7 on the news, radio and in the written press, and everyone knows what is happening. Employees understand that businesses across the world are struggling, and they are intelligent enough to know that no one is safe, including them. They will see other businesses on the news making redundancies, and will be hoping that it won’t happen in their workplace.
If you start to notice a slip in business, call a meeting to warn your staff. If you start thinking about redundancies, get your staff together to brainstorm other ways of saving money, and ask them what they would be prepared to sacrifice. If you really need to make people redundant, speak to them personally in advance, and offer anything you can to help make the process easier, such as one day training courses, days off to attend interviews, or excellent references. Don’t be scared of being honest. Your employees will respect you for this and will be much more cooperative.
Don’t forget the unions, which can be particularly influential, both positively and negatively, in these times. Involve them from the start, work with them, not against them, and they will be more likely to fight your corner. Hide things from them, and spring redundancies on employees, and they will incite protest, disloyalty and resentfulness.
Train your middle management and line managers to ensure they know the key messages and are capable of presenting to their reportees. Arm them with as much information as you can so they can answer anything the employees have to ask. If you are reading this and you are a senior manager, make yourself visible, speak to your staff and make sure they know just how important they are to you.
Finally, make sure your plans don’t get leaked to the press. They don’t want to read their job is in danger on the front page of the newspaper! They might just choke on their cornflakes!
The key to making redundancies or implementing pay cuts without causing too much heartache and protest is simple. Keep employees informed, involve them as much as possible in the planning stages, ask for their opinions, and recognise their loyalty to your business.
We all saw the pictures of protesters outside the MINI plant who turned up to work only to be told there were no longer jobs for any of them. They were given no prior warning, no explanation, and no financial help or training to help them find new employment. They felt as if they just didn’t matter.
If employees are involved in important decisions made by their employer then they will feel a sense of solidarity and ownership towards the business. They are more likely to club together and unite behind the cause, and will be more willing to take a day’s unpaid leave, or a pay cut, because they feel like their contribution is helping save the business they are proud to work for.
This recession is played out 24/7 on the news, radio and in the written press, and everyone knows what is happening. Employees understand that businesses across the world are struggling, and they are intelligent enough to know that no one is safe, including them. They will see other businesses on the news making redundancies, and will be hoping that it won’t happen in their workplace.
If you start to notice a slip in business, call a meeting to warn your staff. If you start thinking about redundancies, get your staff together to brainstorm other ways of saving money, and ask them what they would be prepared to sacrifice. If you really need to make people redundant, speak to them personally in advance, and offer anything you can to help make the process easier, such as one day training courses, days off to attend interviews, or excellent references. Don’t be scared of being honest. Your employees will respect you for this and will be much more cooperative.
Don’t forget the unions, which can be particularly influential, both positively and negatively, in these times. Involve them from the start, work with them, not against them, and they will be more likely to fight your corner. Hide things from them, and spring redundancies on employees, and they will incite protest, disloyalty and resentfulness.
Train your middle management and line managers to ensure they know the key messages and are capable of presenting to their reportees. Arm them with as much information as you can so they can answer anything the employees have to ask. If you are reading this and you are a senior manager, make yourself visible, speak to your staff and make sure they know just how important they are to you.
Finally, make sure your plans don’t get leaked to the press. They don’t want to read their job is in danger on the front page of the newspaper! They might just choke on their cornflakes!
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