Ethos Public Relations Manchester

New Chair for new committee

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes has confirmed 76 year old Len Lloyd MBE.JP as Chair of the new Customer Services Committee – a Committee formed as part of the recently formed Customer Services Directorate established by the company.

Len, who lives in Stretford, has been a tenant activist since 1992 when he was asked to establish a residents association in a sheltered scheme where his wife was manager. He has served in the Regular and Territorial Army for 42 years and then has also served as a magistrate for over twenty years. Len has been heavily involved with Contour Homes including serving as Chair of the Tenants Forum to sitting as a member of the Collingwood then Contour Homes Board.

The new Directorate is a result of a major internal re-structure at Contour Homes, one of the North West’s biggest social housing organisations, and Len admits that initially he was somewhat sceptical about the plan.

“When the changes were first proposed I had some reservations,” he said. “However, my opinion was changed by the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of the Focus Group tasked with setting up the new Committee.

“Now I believe this new approach will increase customer satisfaction. It is a radical move that will shake the company out of its traditional method of operation.”

The new Customer Service Directorate is headed by Judith Winterbourne. She said:  “Len’s commitment and enthusiasm will challenge the team to ensure we deliver the best service to our customers and place customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.”

Contour has invested considerable effort in scrutinising how it engages with tenants and is re-organising its business to provide a better service. The Directorate has seen the establishment of Centres of Excellence as well as new Regional Teams.

The Customer Services Committee is comprised of twelve members and is a sub committee of the main Board.  It will meet eight times a year and Len says it will ensure that tenant voice is central to everything it does.

“We will be appointing Service Champions on the Committee who will focus on specific areas so that the Champion becomes very knowledgeable in his or her field,” he adds. “Our first priorities will be around tenant involvement and repairs, and the main aim of the committee will be to ensure that the Customer Services Directorate delivers.

“Though, under the new government, the future of tenant involvement and the TSA remain uncertain, tenant activists have worked too hard and come too far to give up their voice and influence. Whatever the future of the regulator – tenants will continue to play a significant role in the sector.

“Contour Homes has adopted what I believe is a unique approach to its business which should result in significant positive changes for its thousands of customers. “I believe that more housing associations will adopt this new approach and I am pleased that Contour has been one of the first to move out of its comfort zone.”

Posted at 3^rd September 2010

Contour Homes launch new Directorate

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, one of the biggest social landlords in the North West, has launched a new Customer Services Directorate. The Customer Services Directorate, headed up by Judith Winterbourne, has been introduced to allow the company to focus on delivering outstanding frontline services.

“The Customer Services Directorate comes after a two year detailed review of the way we deliver our services now and by looking at what we want to achieve in the future,” said Judith. “This new way of doing business will meet our core goals of providing excellent and efficient services and doing more for more people.”

The new Directorate will be comprised of several Centres of Excellence including Independent Living, Revenue Services, Housing Options, Community Safety and Equality, Diversity and Resident Engagement - and all will be staffed by experts.

In addition the company will be operating new regional offices to serve the thousands of Contour Homes' residents who live across 27 local authority areas.

A newly formed Customer Services Committee will monitor and review the Directorate and recently elected Chair Len Lloyd is excited about this new way of doing business. “This new approach will increase customer satisfaction. It is a radical move that will shake the company out of its traditional method of operation,” he said.

The new Centres of Excellence, new regional office teams and revised staff structure ‘opened for business’ on September 1st and are supported by a new Customer Contact and Support Team.

“I do want our customers and partners to see a difference in the way we operate,” adds Judith Winterbourne. “I want them to see an improved organisation at all levels.

“I believe this new way of operating is a genuine departure from the traditional housing association business model and I am confident that it is one that others will eventually adopt.”

Posted at 1^st September 2010

Teens back from team building in Lake District

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes recently organised an outward bound course in Windermere for 10 teenage girls from the local area, to develop team building skills.

Wayne Smith from the Neighbourhood team said: “The trip to Tower Wood Outdoor Recreation Centre in Windermere was a great success, the girls had a brilliant time and really got stuck in to a range of action packed activities.”

The three day excursion included team building skills like building and sailing on a life raft as well as making the most of the great outdoors with activities such as pony trekking, abseiling, climbing and cave walks.

The ten girls aged between 13 and 15 are from across the Hyndburn area and were nominated to attend by a variety of agencies including their schools. The trip was funded by Hyndburn Homes and YNOT Hyndburn.

Posted at 24^th August 2010

E-Learning programme shortlisted as regional finalist

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy and Accent Group's Accent Regeneration and Community Partnerships (ARCP) Division, has been shortlisted as a regional finalist in the National Training Awards for their ‘Tenant Plus’ initiative, an e-learning programme designed specifically to encourage engagement from social housing tenants.

The awards are the premier accolade for training and development in the UK and are run by UK Skills on behalf of the department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The awards identify and celebrate organisation and individuals that have achieved really outstanding business and personal success through investment in training.

Tenant Plus is a bespoke training package designed to deliver basic level awareness tenant training using bite-size modules and self registration, which allowed tenants to study remotely and at their convenience.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy at Virtual College said: “We are all really thrilled to have reached the regional finals of these prestigious awards. We are keeping everything crossed that we go that bit further to win.”

Another division of the Virtual College Trades e-Academy has also been nominated as a regional finalist.

The overall winners will be announced on the 28th September. For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

Posted at 24^th August 2010

Grass is greener for Horticultural Acumen thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

Horticultural Acumen, a social enterprise plant nursery in County Durham, is going from strength to strength, reaching sales of over £200,000 and helping to get more people back into work thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £80,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) has enabled Horticultural Acumen in Peterlee, part of the Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust, to employ 11 more staff through the Future Jobs Fund.

Kate Welch, Chief Executive of Acumen, said: "The loan from TSELF has been invaluable, and has enabled us to operate a seasonal business and grow our customer base to over 50 customers including 36 garden centres, two wholesale markets and a number of local parish and town councils for their 'Britain in Bloom' entries.

"Without the loan, we could never have taken the risk to start this business, as we only make large sales for four months of the year so need cash to invest in the purchase of compost, seeds, small plants and packaging as well as cover the costs of wages and overheads during the winter as we grow for our peak of spring sales."

The loan has also made it possible for the organisation to provide training and employment opportunities to over 30 people, previously disadvantaged in the labour market because of long term unemployment, homelessness or an offending background.

Set up in September 2009, Horticultural Acumen is a ten acre nursery with over 2.5 acres of heated glasshouses growing vegetable packs and bedding plants for the wholesale market.

Rod Jones, regional director for TSELF, said: "Horticultural Acumen is unique in the services it offers to the community and really does help many disadvantaged young people in the area, so we are thrilled to be able to assist with funding."

"TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £15,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us."

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust visit www.acumentrust.org.uk or call 0191 587 8000.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

Posted at 23^rd August 2010

New life for ‘Honiton shops’

by Ethos public relations

A joint planning application by Peak Valley Housing Association and Rowlinson Construction for new shops and apartments on Honiton Road, Hattersley, has been submitted to Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.

Phil Corris Managing Director of Peak Valley Housing Association said: “The ‘Honiton shops’ are currently in a poor state of repair and with only two retail units out of the current seven open for business – are something of a blight on the area.”

The £4.7 million project has been supported by £2.5 million funding from the Homes & Communities Agency and will see the development of 33 two bedroom apartments built on the site of the current retail units. New retail units will be developed adjacent to the new properties.

Rowlinson Construction has purchased the existing retail units and will be building the new apartments which will be rented by Peak Valley to the over 55’s market.

John McCall architects will be designing the apartments which will comprise of a kitchen/dining room, a living room, a double bedroom and bathroom and an additional single bedroom or study. Car parking will also be provided.

Phil Corris adds: “The proposal has the support of the local community especially those people living close to the area, who recognise that this joint scheme will be a massive improvement to the area – as well as providing good local facilities.

“In addition, the new apartments will provide much needed accommodation for the over 55’s market which has been identified as being in high demand in this area.”

If the planning application is successful the joint partners anticipate starting work on the new retail units in the autumn with businesses opening in spring 2011. Once the new retail units are built, the old ones can be demolished and work should start on the new residential element of the scheme by March 2011.

Posted at 23^rd August 2010

Open day for Hattersley tenants

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association is inviting residents living in Hattersley to attend an open day at the Hattersley Community Centre where they can look at proposals for the next phase of the improvement work on the estate.

Phil Corris, Managing Director for Peak Valley said: “We have been cracking on with major improvement works to the inside of our housing stock in the area and next year we will be turning our attention to the external work. This event provides an opportunity for the local community to see what is proposed.”

The external works will include such things as new fencing, replacement of boundary walls and in-curtilage parking. The open day event will provide images and artists impressions of the work and tenants will also be able to see samples of the materials that may be used.

“The external work programme will be carried out on all of our 1500 housing stock subject to survey,” said Phil Corris. “It is a major multi million pound improvement scheme which will benefit not just Peak Valley tenants but everyone living in the area.

“As usual Hattersley residents will be provided with the chance to have their say on our proposals and their feedback will be taken into account when it’s time for the work to start.”

The event will take place on 24th August between 10.30am – 6.30pm at the Hattersley Community Centre.

Posted at 20^th August 2010

Hyndburn Homes expands business activity

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes Repairs, the largest direct works organisation in the area, and a subsidiary of the Contour Housing Group, has developed a growth strategy to increase its turnover by 50% over the next five years.

David Cross Operations Manager for Hyndburn Homes Repairs said this is great news for the company, its employees and the local economy.

“The Contour Housing Group is one of the region’s biggest housing and regeneration organisations,” explains David. “The Group has contracted us to work across areas of its business, which over the next five years should increase our turnover from £4 million to £6 million.”

This year Hyndburn Homes Repairs has negotiated three additional contracts which include maintenance of commercial boilers, cyclical painting and fire risk assessment works.

Contour Housing Group works across 27 local authority areas in the North West and has over 20,000 social housing properties under its ownership and management.

Currently Hyndburn Homes Repairs provides repairs and maintenance services exclusively to Hyndburn Homes. It has around 60 skilled workers including joiners, electricians, plasterers, plumbers and gas engineers along with grounds maintenance operatives and painting teams, all supported by dedicated customer service and supervisory staff.

“This news enhances job security for our existing staff and also means we will be able to take on new staff and develop our apprenticeship scheme,” adds David. “In these harsh economic times the announcement provides some good news for the local economy.”

“This is also good news for Hyndburn Homes. Any surplus generated from the new contracts will be shared with it - and so will ultimately be ploughed back into providing services to local residents.”

Posted at 18^th August 2010

Contour shortlisted for two CIH UK Housing Awards

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group one of the North West’s leading housing and regeneration organisations has been shortlisted for two CIH UK Housing Awards - Regenerating communities and Supporting social and economic inclusion.

“It’s lovely to be shortlisted for one award – but two is really great news and testament to the creative work of our staff and our partners,” said Vicky Carroll, Group Assistant Director.

The Group has been nominated for its community regeneration work on the New Broughton development in Salford as well as range of other activities which promote social inclusion and tackle worklessness.

Finalists will be announced in November.

Posted at 17^th August 2010

Local housing association looking for apprentices

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group, one of the North West’s biggest housing and regeneration companies, is offering five young people the chance to join its Apprentice Scheme based at the company’s head office at Salford Quays.

Gaynor Leary, Organisational Development Officer at Contour Housing Group said: “Unemployment, particularly for young people is becoming a major problem.
Apprenticeships offer a genuine route to employment and provide real job experience.”

The apprenticeship in Business Administration is a 12 month programme where candidates will be working toward a Level 2 qualification. Applicants should be aged 16-19 years old with GCSE’s English and Maths at Grade C.

18 year old Kate Garner from Little Hulton is two thirds of her way through the scheme.  “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do when I left school,” she said. “I would never have considered housing as a career option but the Contour Apprentice scheme seemed like a good opportunity to gain some valuable business skills.

“To date I have worked across a range of departments including IT, HR, Sheltered and Supported Housing and Leasehold. I’ve got a really good variety of skills now and I have decided that I want to focus my career in the Leasehold department which I really enjoy.

“I would recommend anyone looking to get real life work experience and further qualifications to apply for the Apprentice scheme. I’ve really enjoyed it and I hope to be working full time with Contour when I finish the Apprenticeship. Whatever happens, I think I have a lot to offer any potential employer in the future.”

Application packs and further information is available by contacting 0345 602 1120 or by emailing gaynor.leary@contourhousing.co.uk. Closing date for candidates to apply for this scheme is 31st August.

Posted at 17^th August 2010

E-learning thrives in social housing sector

by Ethos public relations

An e-learning provider with a specialist academy in the social housing sector is celebrating 15 years of success with news that turnover has hit £3.5m a year as the total number of registered e-learners across Virtual College exceeds 350,000 for the first time.

Virtual College has harnessed specific markets by evolving a portfolio of e-Academies in  the housing, healthcare, safeguarding children, food and drink, and trades sectors – and together offer over 100 online courses.

The Housing e-Academy drives forward adoption of e-learning within the social housing sector. Its increasing membership is made up of individuals and organisations that work within, or provide support, for the UK housing sector. It currently provides e-learning courses to over 9,000 individuals working within, alongside or affected by 27 social housing providers nationwide.

Housing e-Academy Chloe Weatherhead said: “The number of registered Virtual College e-learners is growing at an average rate of around 3,000 per month so that our customer base now stands at 360,000. This increase reflects Virtual College’s ability to meet the changing demands of our various clients, to respond quickly to economic pressure and to continue to develop new bespoke products for the industry. ”

Virtual College now has a 63-strong workforce and ten freelance consultants and continues to thrive, as individuals, businesses and organisations across both the public and private sectors seek to access innovative, flexible and cost-effective training solutions.

The UK e-learning market 2009 report forecasts growth rates of between 6.7 per cent and 8 per cent in 2010 alone for the e-learning industry as more and more business recognise the benefits of using e-learning for their staff and customers.

“E-learning is an increasingly popular and proven alternate route to traditional face-to-face training, adds Chloe. “Geographical restrictions are removed and learners can access their training at a pace, place and time to suit them which is why e-learning is providing to be so popular in the social housing sector.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

Posted at 16^th August 2010

Come along to Preston community film premiere

by Ethos public relations

The Contour Housing Group and People’s Voice Media partnership is inviting people to attend an Open Day in Preston next Wednesday 18th August to see the Callon, Fishwick and Avenham community researchers film premiere.

Contour Housing Group has been working with community media specialists, People’s Voice Media, to create an informal learning network for the local people using social media to develop dialogue and community cohesion enabling communities to have a voice.

Ross Hemmings, Regeneration Investment Officer for Contour, said: “There will be a feature presentation at 4pm showcasing the work the community researchers have carried out over the last six months, engaging with the community using interview, video and social media techniques.

“The event is free to attend and all ages are welcome. Refreshments and food will be provided and there will be workshops and games to enjoy. Please come along and see for yourselves the great work the community researchers have done in your community.”

The Open Day is on Wednesday 18th August at St Joseph’s Sports & Arts Centre on Rigby Street, Preston PR1 5XL from 5.30pm to 8pm, with a feature presentation at 4pm. If anyone would like any more information go to www.cavemedia.org.uk or contact Ross on 0161 875 8069 or email ross.hemmings@contourhousing.co.uk.

Posted at 13^th August 2010

ALMO’S to look beyond the front door

by Ethos public relations

The new Chair of ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) says the role of ALMO’s going forward lies beyond the front door.

48 year old Noel Chambers who was recently elected as Chair said: “The feedback I receive from tenants is we must now invest in neighbourhoods in the same way we have invested in homes. It’s time to go beyond the front door. The challenge is how to do that in times of public sector austerity”

Noel who has worked in the social housing sector for over twenty years is an Assistant Director at Cheshire West & Chester Council. He says taking over as Chair at this particular time is providing numerous challenges and opportunities.

“The government is making new announcements on a daily basis,” he adds “and the new landscape of the sector is still being formed but we need to ensure that ALMO’s seize any relevant opportunities.

“For example, we need to act smarter in order to face the challenges that will come in the wake of public sector cuts.  If councils are forced to cut services there could be a chance for ALMO’s to take up the slack.   I believe our model is well placed to do this.  It has an excellent track record and there is much goodwill.”

Noel says he is disappointed that the government has no further plans to continue with the Decent Homes Standard and believes that council house tenants in particular will feel aggrieved and cheated that they have missed out.

He is also keen that reform of the HRA is forthcoming.

“We are all holding our breath on this,” said Noel. “It really is a big deal for the sector and will determine the future of social housing for some years to come. Government needs to layout its plans sooner rather than later.

“I hope that despite the abolition of the TSA the core principle of giving tenants a real voice in the management of their housing and associated services must remain. At RBH we put tenants at the heart of everything we do and I am very proud to be leading a committed Board, a hardworking staff and thousands of tenants who genuinely care about where they live.”

Posted at 13^th August 2010

Buy skincare products from the doctor

by Ethos public relations

According to skin expert Dr Kiran Patel, the best kindest thing you can ever do for your skin is to protect it from the sun.

“The evidence against the sun continues to amass,” he said. “The more knowledge we have the more we understand just how damaging sunlight can be to the skin.

“It’s easy to see this for yourself. Look at how soft, smooth and wrinkle free the skin on your bottom is. That’s because - unless you are a nudist - your bum tends to be covered up for most of your life!”

Kiran says that in order to maintain and improve skin health, advanced skincare products which are not available on the high street – can have the best results.

“Look for brands which use pure, pharmaceutical grade ingredients with formulations based on optimal concentrations of active ingredients,” he said. “These products tend to be available by private prescription or in private clinics.

“For example, here at Laserase we use the  Heliocare SPF 50 from Aestheticare which has an SPF of 50. It has a strong reputation with the medical community through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and laser clinics.”

Whilst these specialist products are not budget brands they are similarly priced to the higher brand products available on the high street - prices start from £21 for 50ml.

“The most important advice for anyone looking to protect their skin or prevent further damage is to stay out of the sun,” adds Kiran. “If you do go into the sun use the highest factor cream available and ensure you use cosmetics that have sun protection built it.

“The sunshine may make you feel good by triggering the production of serotonin – but in reality it’s causing your skin a great deal of damage.”

Heliocare products are available to purchase from Laserase North West. Go to www.laserasenorthwest.com for more information or call  01204 570900 or email admin@laserase-bolton.co.uk.

Posted at 12^th August 2010

Bring out the animal in you

by Ethos public relations

Animal prints never go out of style and Frith Rugs has just introduced new animal print rugs to its Laura Jade collection.

“In the past few years animal prints have become increasingly popular,” said Director Andrew Firth. “Our original tiger print rug is a best seller and so we have introduced three new designs for customers to choose from.”

Andrew said that animal print rugs work best in modern homes where contemporary styles are used as the design theme. He also advises using just one print on one item - as too much can spoil the overall design. A rug is the ideal soft furnishing to show off the animal print as it will be the centerpiece of the room and everything else can complement it.

The new rugs are 100% wool and handmade in India exclusively for Frith Rugs. They are available in a range of sizes with a 1.83 m x 1.22 m (6’ x 4’) rug costing £239.00.

For more information, visit www.frithrugs.co.uk or telephone 0845 4 900 600.

Posted at 12^th August 2010

Soak up the fun in Limeside this summer!

by Ethos public relations

Residents living on the Avenues & Hollins estate in Oldham are enjoying an active summer thanks to Contour Homes.

Parents for Play are running drop in summer play sessions for children aged between 3 and 11 at The Community Hall on First Avenue. The sessions cost £1 per child run 1-3pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until Wednesday 25th August.

The group is running monthly drop in play sessions for children with additional needs on the last Saturday of every month from1-3pm.

Sarah Furbey from Contour Homes adds, “The aim of the group is to provide and maintain a multi-sensory play centre for children with disabilities or special needs in Hollinwood More information can be found on the website – www.parentsforplay.org.uk.”

For children who love football, football coaching sessions run by Football Coaching for the Communities (FCFC) and funded by Contour homes are running for children aged 6-12.

Sarah Furbey from Contour homes said: “If you want to attend - a registration forms must be completed and these are available from the Contour Homes office on First Avenue or from any of the FCFC sessions.

“We are hoping to form a team at the end of the sessions and are looking for local residents who would be interested in undertaking a level one football coaching course.”

If you want any further information about any of these activities or a registration form pop into Contour Homes office on First Avenue or contact Sarah Furbey on 0161 682 4019 or email sarah.furbey@contourhousing.co.uk.

Posted at 10^th August 2010

Hyndburn girls are outward bound

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes has taken 10 teens from the local area on an outward-bound course in order to develop team building skills, build confidence and encourage positive behaviour.

Wayne Smith from the Neighbourhood Management team explains: “Young people often get a bad press but we have found that with the right encouragement we can channel their energies into more positive things.”

The trip to Tower Wood Outdoor Recreation Centre in Windermere is the second trip organised by Hyndburn Homes after the first trip last year with teenage boys proved highly successful.

The ten girls aged between 13 and 15 are from across the Hyndburn area and have been nominated to attend by a variety of agencies including their schools. The trip has been funded by Hyndburn Homes and YNOT Hyndburn.

The three day excursion will include team building skills like building and sailing on a life raft as well as making the most of the great outdoors with activities such as hiking and pony trekking.

“For some of the young people this will be the first time they have enjoyed any sort of short break and their first time away from home,” said Wayne. “Hyndburn Homes and its partners have provided an opportunity for local young people to develop all kinds of social skills that they may not necessarily have a chance to develop otherwise - and as a result rewarding and developing positive behaviour that will benefit the whole community.”

Posted at 9^th August 2010

Up to 50% off ALL contemporary rugs during September

by Ethos public relations

With Christmas just a few months away, the Frith Rugs up to 50% off promotion means you can spruce up your home in time for the festive season.

"The addition of a new rug is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give any room in your house a brand new look," said Andrew Frith. "If you are looking for a rug to wow visitors browse our huge stock of modern rugs and carpets – the largest selection in the UK."

For more information, visit www.frithrugs.co.uk or telephone 0845 4 900 600. 

Posted at 4^th August 2010

Contour team at their Peak

by Ethos public relations

Colleagues from Salford based Contour Housing Group recently took part in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.

The team walked around 25 miles to raise money for charity.

“This was a great experience and there’s no doubt that the team and I felt a wonderful sense of achievement,” said Louise Marsden one of the organisers.

The housing association team raised over £800 for charities Help for Heroes and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Posted at 2^nd August 2010

Yorkshire based Virtual College continues to thrive

by Ethos public relations

Yorkshire based online training pioneer Virtual College is celebrating 15 years in business with news that turnover has hit £3.5m a year as the total number of registered e-learners across the Virtual College exceeds 350,000 for the first time.

Operations director Lesley Ord said: “The number of registered e-learners is growing at an average rate of around 3,000 per month so that our customer base now stands at 360,000. This increase reflects Virtual College’s ability to meet the changing demands of our various clients, to respond quickly to economic pressure and to continue to develop new products for the e-learning industry. ”

The Virtual College was established in IIkley by Chairman Bob Gomersall, who when he was Head of Physics at Bradford Grammar School, saw how he could dramatically improve training through the use of technology. “We set up Virtual College because we couldn’t find training providers who would adopt the use of new technology,” he said.  “It was a case of doing it yourself because nobody else would!”

As more businesses focus on the benefits of personal development, with managers tracking the progress of individual employees, the Virtual College has developed a branded learning system known as E?nable which is used by large and small organisations seeking to provide their staff with e-learning material for induction, mandatory and refresher training. It is also a valuable resource for training and human resources staff to track learner records, manage training needs analysis, appraisals and e-portfolios.

In addition, Virtual College has harnessed specific markets by evolving a portfolio of e-Academies in  the housing, healthcare, safeguarding children, food and drink, and trades sectors – and together offer over 100 online courses.

Virtual College now has a 63-strong workforce and ten freelance consultants. Chief Executive Rod Knox said: “Despite the current economic climate, we continue to thrive, as individuals, businesses and organisations across both the public and private sectors seek to access innovative, flexible and cost-effective training solutions.

“E-learning is an increasingly popular and proven route to traditional face-to-face training. Geographical restrictions are removed and learners can access their training at a pace, place and time to suit them.

“We are constantly looking to enhance our e-learning provision across all sectors through the development of both new academies and training courses and we are well equipped to respond to future challenges and opportunities.”

Posted at 30^th July 2010