Norwich based training provider Blue Sky Professional Development has teamed up with the Colchester Institute to deliver the new apprenticeships in Human Resources at levels 3 and 5 from venues in Norwich and Colchester. The partnership will deliver the apprenticeship programme through monthly group workshops where students meet with an expert tutor followed by independent learning through approved study packs. Both apprenticeships include a CIPD qualification as well as completing a work based project supported by a visiting tutor to help embed the knowledge and skills acquired
Many businesses are looking for ways to make the most of their apprenticeship levy and using it for existing staff is one option. Traditionally we think of apprenticeships as being for young people to start in work, and this is still the case but developing existing employees with new skills and helping them move into new roles can now be funded through the new apprenticeship levy. Not a levy paying organisation? Your business could still benefit from 90% funding towards the qualification.
Blue Sky are holding a briefing session for anyone who would like to know more on 10th October at their offices in the Henderson Business Centre. It’s an ideal opportunity for both the employer and the employee to learn about how the course is run and funded, and what commitment will be required on both sides.
‘We are planning to start the first groups in November but we will have more start dates early next year if people don’t feel ready to sign up straight away. The important thing is to come along and talk to us about what you are looking for and we can take it from there’ Kate Woods, Director.
For more information or to book onto the briefing session please contact Beth Russell on 01603 251558 or beth.russell@blueskypd.co.uk
Chamber Gold Patron, and local turkey giant Bernard Matthews says it is “back on track” after winning a contract with a major supermarket.
Following the contract win they are looking to create an extra 400 jobs at its Great Witchingham site after securing the deal to supply cooked chicken to a major supermarket chain.
Chris Just, Managing Director at Bernard Matthews said: “What’s great is that we have the ability to expand our capabilities and offer a cooked poultry product which is in such great demand.
“It is likely because of the scale of this new opportunity that we’re going to have to be innovative in the way we work and extend operations so we can fulfil orders. We’re delighted that the company has this opportunity and we can accordingly invest in the local and regional economy by providing new jobs and bringing about the associated opportunities that come with it from a supply chain and supplier perspective.”
Environmentally-conscious businesses will be pleased to hear one of the latest developments at Example Marketing and Web Design.
Printing of all matt and gloss laminate products has now be switched to a new biodegradable film. That includes business cards, flyers, showcards, menus, invitations, folders, booklets and more. Emma Raines, owner at Example Marketing, explains more:
“As the concern over the impact of single-use plastic continues to grow, many businesses may not have given much thought to the laminates on their printed products. But the traditional laminates used on many of these products are considered a contaminent. The new biodegradable laminate is compostable and disappears within two years without leaving impurities in the soil. And the good news is it still looks great.”
The Dereham-based marketing agency takes care of printing for many of their clients. As part of their Nettl partnership, Example offers a wide range of printing options and finishes. The introduction of the new biodegradeable film is a hugely positive development which will help more local businesses take a step towards improving their environmental credentials. Emma continues:
“In the past, our uncoated stock was the best option for those seeking an environmentally friendly printed finish. For some designs and businesses, that’s perfect. But for others, a laminate really helps make the colour pop. Or clever use of spot UV laminate makes people stop and take notice. With the new film, there’s no need to compromise which is really exciting.”
If any local businesses would like to see samples of the new finish or would like to know more, please call Example Marketing on 01362 708500.
Second shop for franchisee Baksho Hayer, which she runs in conjunction with her Walsall shop.
Having been a part of the TaxAssist Accountants network for four years, Baksho Hayer has recently celebrated the opening of her second shop. Along with her two members of staff, she has seen her business bloom and now looks after more than 300 clients across her West Midlands territory. “My practice has grown well in Walsall, and with a growing small business culture in the region, this felt like the ideal time to open a second shop. The open, welcoming TaxAssist shops are a real draw for clients and I am looking forward to meeting with new clients and establishing a presence in Great Barr,” said Baksho. CIMA-qualified Baksho had over 15 years of experience in the service sector and had been working as a self-employed Financial Controller when she saw an advert to join the TaxAssist Accountants network. She made enquiries and quickly realised this was the opportunity she was looking for. “I’d always wanted to run my own practice but wanted the extra support for myself and my clients, offered by a well-known quality franchise,” said Baksho. TaxAssist Accountants now has more than 300 shops and offices around the UK. If you would like to run your own TaxAssist Accountants practice, call us today on 0800 0188297 to find out if your preferred area is available. July 2018
Richard Brookes has recently celebrated 10 years as a TaxAssist Accountants franchisee, moving to a larger shop and the opening of a second shop.
Richard Brookes has been very busy of late, buying and moving to a new shop on Mill Road in Cambridge and opening a second shop on Histon Road in the north of the city.
“I’ve had a very successful 10 years with TaxAssist and it was the time to look for larger and additional premises to maximise efficiency and visibility for the practice across the city”, said Richard. “Both of the shops look absolutely fantastic, providing a literal shop window for our friendly walk-in services and both have plenty of parking available nearby. I couldn’t be happier with the location and indeed the client walk-in rate for both shops so far.”
Chartered Accountant Richard joined the franchise after a successful career working for two large multi-national companies. In early 2008, the opportunity arose to exit his employer with a lump sum and, rather than look for another job, he decided it was time to work for himself, and, familiar with franchising, decided to turn to this sector.
“If I had decided to just be my own boss I would have needed to buy things like technical support, systems, training as well as marketing support – so why not have them all under one roof as part of a franchise,” explained Richard. “The key thing is that being part of a successful franchise has meant that my business has grown much, much quicker than it would have done otherwise. I just wish I could have done it sooner!”
Richard runs his franchise with the assistance of nine members of staff and will be looking to take on more staff in the near future.
If Richard’s story has inspired you, please call or e-mail us for further information and to book onto a discovery day 0800 0188297 or franchiseenquiries@taxassist.co.uk
Local business, Example Marketing and Web Design, has achieved prestigious Google Partner status, proving the team are true experts in their field.
Being a Google Partner demonstrates that the Dereham-based marketing agency is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest Google product knowledge. It’s also official recognition of the team’s ability to create a highly successful Google Ads campaign.
Owner at Example, Emma Raines, explains why this achievement is so significant:
“There are lots of marketing agencies out there who offer search marketing as one of their services. Becoming a Google Partner helps mark us out as amongst the very best in the industry.
There are several hours of exams involved, so there’s a real sense of achievement in having successfully passed.”
Google Ads is an online service that businesses can use to reach their audience at exactly the right time. The adverts are triggered when people are searching for terms which match a business’ service. But it’s not quite as simple as that! Emma continues:
“We’ve come across plenty of businesses who’ve used Google Ads in the past, but many stopped because “it doesn’t work”.
It really does work, but only if you know how to do it properly. That takes a lot of knowledge, experience and time. That’s where working with a Google Partner who really knows their stuff pays off.”
Right Angle Corporate Ltd (RAC) have been appointed as a preferred supplier of team building events on non-match days at Twickenham Stadium.
An exciting new addition to the team building specialist’s venue portfolio, the stadium will offer outstanding event spaces providing clients with a truly unique and memorable experience.
The team at Right Angle are most excited about hosting their fun and engaging Crime and Dine team building event where clients become experts in fingerprinting, forensic dentistry and blood spatter analysis whilst working together as a team to investigate a crime over dinner.
Johanna Byrane, Head of Business Development at Twickenham Stadium says, “We’re looking to challenge the industry to think of new ways to do things in our events space and Right Angle have the creativity to offer something different for our clients, and a chance to use the stadium in new ways.” “With the launch of our East Stand in the autumn, we want to ensure that we have a selection of team building activities for our clients to choose from, whatever the occasion or size of event and something that would generate interest, conversation and a talking point among guests.”
Steve Gaskin, Director at RAC comments: “Twickenham Stadium is internationally recognised and a place that inspires so many guests whatever their reason for visiting. We are delighted to be working with a venue with such a broad variety of space, both indoor and out, it gives us real flexibility in the activities we can offer.”
Crime and Dine is perfect for a unique Christmas event or a celebratory dinner with a twist. If you would like to find out more about hosting this event at Twickenham Stadium, please get in touch with a member of Right Angle’s team.
Telephone: 0207 1676 717 Email: info@rightangleevents.co.uk Live Chat: www.rightangleevents.co.uk
The OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN) invites you to celebrate 250 years of the circus with a Big Top Fundraising Dinner on Thursday 1st November. The evening promises a night of glamour with first-class entertainment, food from Proudly Norfolk, a charity raffle and auction, featuring fantastic prizes and some of the youth charity’s finest young performers for a one-night-only circus experience. John Gordon-Saker, Chief Executive for OPEN said “This is a most prestigious event for us which will raise much needed awareness and additional funds for our charity. All those attending will help make even more of a positive difference to the lives of young people living in Norfolk, especially those from a disadvantaged background, whilst helping us on our journey to become self-sustainable by 2020.” With a moving performance of how OPEN makes a positive impact on thousands of young lives, the largest event in OPEN’s social calendar is a night not to be missed and your chance to support their work with young people. Tickets are priced at £500 per table of eight and includes entertainment, a three-course dinner and four bottles of wine. A limited number of tables of ten are available upon request. To book a table follow this link opennorwich.org.uk/whats-on/gigs-events/fundraising-dinner/ The charity are also looking for high quality prizes and sponsors for the evening. As the main sponsor of this high-profile event, included in your sponsorship package will be a table at the dinner for up to ten guests, a full page advert in the event programme, logo displayed on the 7 metre HD screen and plasma TVs within the venue, as well as a mention in all pre and post publicity and a partnership mention on their website for three months. Other sponsorship opportunities include just £300 for an advertisement in the event programme. For further information about sponsorship packages, to book a table at this event, or if you would like to donate in another way, please contact Harriet Davies, Fundraising Co-ordinator – harriet@opennorwich.org.uk or call 01603 25 21 12. All proceeds from the event go towards OPEN Youth Trust.
Did you know the cost of fraud in the UK is estimated to be a staggering £190 billion (Annual Fraud Indicator 2017) every year? That’s more than the Government spends on the health and defence budgets combined. The criminals committing these offences aren’t always obvious. They won’t be sitting on a big chair stroking a cat like a Bond villain. They could even appear to you as someone you know or a company you are doing business with, but it won’t be that person or company. Their aim is to get you to divert a legitimate transaction over to them by simply tricking you into believing you are doing your job. They may contact you and say you need to amend your bank details they are holding for you. The request may appear to be genuine but you need to check if it is. The Metropolitan Police have recently released a short video promoting some of the fraud prevention techniques available to combat payment fraud. The techniques don’t require sophisticated computer software or expensive equipment – just that you take a minute to think about things when a change request is made, or you have received a request for a payment. Often a simple phone call to the organisation or person using a number you know to be correct is all it takes to prevent the fraud.