Ethos public relations Manchester

Apprenticeship success for young people in Greater Manchester

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:59 +0000

Next week (6th–10th February) is National Apprenticeship Week and with the number of young people not in employment or training (NEETs) at an all time high, apprenticeship programmes could help tackle the problem. Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, introduced its own apprenticeship programme in 2008 and says the scheme has worked well. Gaynor Leary from the company said: “The Business Administration Apprenticeship Programme at our Salford Head Office is now in its fourth year. The apprenticeship programme allows us to deploy our apprentices where the business needs them most, giving us the flexibility to meet changing demands. “It provides apprentices the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain work experience in various departments. “Participation in the scheme has provided us the opportunity to develop individuals, giving them the skills they need to be successful in their future career choices, whether they choose to remain with Symphony Housing Group or look for opportunities elsewhere.” Hannah Smith, Wes Cunningham and Kate Garner completed their apprenticeships in October 2011, and have all been given a full time job with the company. Wes, 21, studied IT at college after leaving school but found it hard to get a job because he lacked real work experience. He recently completed his third year in the Group’s IT department. “My apprenticeship helped me a great deal, as I not only learned the trade but also got that all important work experience,” he said. “My college course helped with the specifics of the job and I was able to apply the theory to the real world.” Hannah, 19, has been employed as a receptionist. “When I left college I had good enough grades to go on to university,” she said. “But I just didn’t want to do more years of study with no guarantee of a job at the end of it. I knew that work experience would open more doors for me and I’m glad I made this decision. “Many of my friends are in higher education but are building up debt. By the time they leave university, my career will have progressed even further – and I won’t have a student loan to pay off.” Kate also 19, is now a Trainee Leasehold Administrator. Kate started her apprenticeship straight out of school at 16 and said: “I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. I have learned so much about people and business in these three years and it has paid off. I have a great career ahead of me.” There are over 200 different types of Apprenticeship frameworks, covering more than 1,200 different job roles in a range of industry sectors, from engineering to boat building, veterinary nursing to accountancy but all three young people believe that more companies should offer apprenticeships. Alice Bennett from Symphony Housing Group added: “We are delighted that through our apprenticeship scheme we have been able to offer three young people full time employment. "Statistics show that employees who come through this type of scheme are good for business thanks to their knowledge of the company and loyalty. I would encourage more businesses to get involved. It is hard work but it does pay off.” For more information about apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk. Vacancies are advertised online and you can choose from over 190 types of apprenticeships. Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

First members for pioneering new housing mutual

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:47 +0000

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) recently held its first event to recruit Members to what will be the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual landlord. In December last year, council tenants voted to create the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual landlord which will see ownership of 13,700 homes transferred from Rochdale Borough Council to RBH in March - placing members at the heart of the organisation. RBH Chief Executive, Gareth Swarbrick, said: “This new model could help find solutions to the political and financial challenges now facing the sector and the active involvement of both tenants and employees will be crucial. “Around 200 tenants attended our first launch event and we were delighted to see so many people come into town on a Saturday morning to give their support and be among the first to sign up for Membership of the new mutual.” The event was hosted by Mervyn Wilson, Chief Executive and Principal of the Co-operative College, who told the tenant delegates that they were creating another historic moment in the rich history of co-operation in Rochdale. “You are fulfilling some of the ambitions of the original 1844 pioneers whose vision also included housing,” he said. “I believe this model will be followed elsewhere in the country which makes you the new Rochdale pioneers – welcome to the global cooperative family!” The mutual model adopted by RBH has a structure that includes Members at grass root levels which will include RBH employees and tenants. Members will have their voice heard via a Representative Body which they elect. This will comprise tenants, employees, council representatives and external stakeholders. It will monitor the success of the organisation, set policy framework and agree how to spend money. It will also appoint (and remove) the Board of Directors. The Board itself will be made up of eight non-executive directors and two executive directors. Andrew Johnson, a tenant on the Constitution Committee, explained: “We have worked hard to develop the new constitution. As tenants and employees working together, we have the same goals – a strong RBH, owned by Members and delivering excellent services.” Gareth Swarbrick adds: “Co-operation and mutual businesses are becoming widely accepted across all business sectors. People are looking for alternatives ways to operate that are seen to be fair and democratic and we know that what we are doing will be of major importance to RSLs, ALMOs and local authorities who are looking for new ways to deliver their services." To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Co-operatives UK warmly welcomes Move Your Money – ‘the campaign for our times’

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:11 +0000

Co-operatives UK, the trade association for co-operative enterprises, applauds today’s launch of Move Your Money – a new campaign encouraging individuals to switch to a more ethical bank. Based on a similar campaign in the United States, the UK campaign aims to encourage people to move their current and savings accounts to fairer and more local forms of bank – specifically credit unions, building societies and The Co-operative Bank. Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: "We have co-operative and mutual options for current accounts and savings right across the UK and every pound is reinvested for good rather than for bad. At an individual level, you can't do everything to put an unfair economy right - but you can do something. Move Your Money is the new fair trade. It is THE campaign for our times." Key facts on co-operative and mutual money are: The demutualisation of some building societies from the late 1980s withdrew around 70% of assets from mutual building society and insurance sectors. Since then, co-operative and mutual models have grown rapidly, focusing on a mix of meeting needs not met by mainstream banks, value for money and social responsibility. Across Great Britain, there are now 465 credit unions that serve 870,000 members. £600 million is saved in credit unions. Building societies have £220 billion of UK savings. Since the credit crunch, The Co-operative Bank has been named by the Financial Times as the world's most sustainable bank, while Nationwide Building Society has been listed by Global Finance Magazine as one of the world's safest financial institutions. The UK Move Your Money campaign can aim to achieve the success of co-operatives on the continent. In the Netherlands, half the population is with the highly successful co-operative Rabobank, while in Germany co-operative banks have 30 million members. Overall, European co-operative banks have 20% of the market. To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Happy days for solar

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:09 +0000

Solar Direct Savings (SDS), a national solar PV installation company, says it is pleased and not surprised that the Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that Government cuts to the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) were unlawful and it has failed in its attempts to reduce themeans solar subsides. Dave Langford from Cheshire-based SDS said: “This is great news for the industry and for consumers as it the current Feed-in Tariff (FIT) is likely to remain in place until 3 March 2012." Under the FIT programme, people with solar panels are paid for the electricity they generate. The rate of 43.3p per kilowatt-hour has proved very popular and has encouraged huge take up of this renewable energy source. The FIT was scheduled for review in April 2012 but the Government, in a shock move last year, tried to bring in a lower tariff of 21p much earlier.This resulted in a legal challenge by environmentalists and installers. The High Court ruled that changing the tariffs before the end of an official consultation period was "legally flawed". The Government appealed and today’s decision upholds the original ruling. Dave adds: “The irony is that we are essentially back to where we were in the first place. The FIT was due for review in April anyway and all the government has done is cause chaos across the industry, confuse thousands of consumers and cost the tax payer thousands of pounds in the courts.” For information and clarification about the FIT rates go to www.solardirectsavings.co.uk. To read other news from Solar Direct Savings click here.

Go Compare? No – Go Away!

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:27 +0000

I was interested to read in a recent poll for Marketing magazine that Webuyanycar.com's musical ad campaign was named the most irritating in the UK. As a regular TV viewer I watch my fair share of adverts and often want to throw something at the screen when an annoying ad comes on. Some of those that make my blood boil, namely the Webuyanycar.com, Go Compare and singing Halifax adverts, not surprisingly all made it into the top 10 in Marketing’s poll. However is the fact that I remember these adverts, for all the wrong reasons, playing into the advertisers’ hands? Is their advertising strategy simply to be irritating so we remember their brand? The answer of course is yes, as Gio Compario (the Go Compare Man) and Compare the Market’s meerkat, Aleksandr Orlov, are now very well known. But, in my opinion, they are only well known because so many people hate them. They certainly don’t persuade me to buy from them and, to me, the increase in brand awareness is not worth the backlash that a lot of these brands ultimately face. Go Compare is now as much about a ridiculed opera singer as about car insurance. But it doesn’t need to be like that. A number of brands have managed to produce ads that you remember but are not annoying – John Lewis being the most recent example. Their ad for Christmas 2011 – a boy eager to give his parents presents to a cover version of The Smiths’ “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" – was simple, heart warming, ingenious and reflected the ethos of the brand well. To me, this was much more appealing than an irritating opera singer or a run of the mill choir of bankers! It would also encourage me to shop there – although I do base my purchases on much more than just one advertisement. At the end of the day it is all down to personal taste (whether you have any or not!) but I think it is telling that Go Compare is having a review of its advertising account and the future of Gio Compario is up in the air. It seems that even Go Compare has tired of its mascot…

Co-operatives UK applauds historic announcement by Prime Minister of a consolidated act for co-operatives

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:22 +0000

Co-operatives UK, the trade association for co-operative enterprises, has warmly welcomed the announcement made by the government today (19 January) that they are to refer the legislation governing co-operatives and mutuals to the Law Commission. The announcement, made by the Prime Minister David Cameron, means that the 17 separate pieces of legislation governing the sector, much of which dates back to 1965 and has been developed piecemeal, may now be consolidated into one Act. Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “The new act is intended to make it as easy and natural to form a co-operative as any other form of business. We are delighted to see the Coalition taking action to put co-operative businesses on an equal footing and create a diverse economy. “Co-operatives, as well as being widely recognised for their ethical business practices, are a vital part of the British economy, employing more than 235,000 people, turning over more than £33 billion each year and generating a significant amount of wealth for the country.” Co-operative businesses are already outperforming the UK economy and have grown by 20% since the start of the credit crunch. The consolidation of the legislation will create a more equal playing field for them by creating clarity and reducing running costs. The announcement comes at the start of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, a global campaign to increase understanding of co-operative businesses. To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Co-operatives across the UK unite for launch of 2012 International Year

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:26 +0000

Co-operatives up and down the country are gearing up for a flying start to the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012, with a number of high profile events planned to kick start the year in style. The United Nations has designated 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. It is a unique opportunity to open the lid on some of the world’s best kept secrets. There are over I.4 million co-operatives across the globe, working in everything from farming to football, healthcare to housing. Between them they have nearly 1 billion members and over 3 billion people secure their livelihood through co-operatives. On Thursday 12 January 2012 a number of events will take place to mark the start of the International Year. Co-operatives UK and The Co-operative Group are holding a live one-hour online debate in partnership with The Guardian. There will be receptions in the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies, along with tastings, conferences and book launches across the UK. Further afield, there will be celebrations in France and Portugal, Canada and China. Activities for the International Year of Co-operatives will continue throughout 2012, with co-operatives in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and around the world – using the Year to show how co-operatives build a better world. On 7 July, co-operative everywhere will celebrate International Co-operatives Day, whilst in the week of 29 October over 10,000 people from around the world are expected to attend Co-operatives United, a world co-operative festival and expo in Manchester. Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “2012 is a truly unique year for the co-operative movement. “This is an opportunity for every co-operative, from locally owned community shops to national brands in the UK co-operative sector, to show how they build a better world by pursuing both economic viability and social responsibility.” To find out more about the United Nations 2012 International Year of Co-operatives visit the ICA at www.2012.coop or the United Nations at http://social.un.org/coopsyear. For further information about what is happening in the UK throughout the International Year, visit the Co-operatives UK website at www.uk.coop/2012. Follow the action on social media by following @CooperativesUK on Twitter and visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CooperativesUK. To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Tribute to Blockbusters legend

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:54 +0000

As a thirty-something who fondly remembers tea-time as a kid watching and thoroughly enjoying the ITV children’s quiz favourite, Blockbusters, I was sad to hear that its legendary host, Bob Holness had died at the age of 83. Blockbusters had a simple but winning formula, in which sixth-form contestants would answer a series of questions based on letters of the alphabet and no weekday was complete without the half hour show! The news of Bob’s death also brought back memories of what a truly great, lighthearted show it was – what with the hand jive and gold run, and who could forget the comedy classic - “Can I have a P please Bob?” Bob Holness became a massive hit with school and undergraduate viewers, who helped to swell the ITV show’s ratings to 11.5million at its peak. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Holness and his wife, Mary, when I was a student studying journalism at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Blockbusters came to our Student Union and after the main event, myself and a fellow journalism student went behind the scenes to interview Bob and what a genuinely smashing bloke he was! A very modest man, Bob was a delight to talk to and I remember him being really enthusiastic about the fact that we were studying journalism at university and he was very positive about the media industry as a whole. But the main aspect, which was totally obvious from speaking to Bob, was just how much he loved being the host of Blockbusters from 1983 to 1993 and he really did deserve to achieve his cult status at the helm of the show. A talented and much-loved presenter, Bob will be missed. But as many people continue to pay their tributes to the legend, at least we can rest in the knowledge that his memory will live on as Blockbusters can be seen on digital TV channel, Challenge, which airs a number of the old classics, including Play Your Cards Right and 3-2-1. I for one will be tuning in.

Winter proof your home

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:49 +0000

There are still many more cold winter weeks ahead and this is the time when householders can experience problems. Assistant Director Steve Partner, part of the property regeneration team at Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, helps maintain thousands of properties and he shares of his top tips for winter proofing your home. “Keeping warm is a top priority and the highest volume of call outs we receive at this time of year is around the heating system not working correctly,” he said. “Frozen pipes can cause all kinds of problems, usually caused by the condensate pipe of your boiler - a waste pipe that carries condensation from the boiler to your drain outside. This can freeze which will cause your boiler to stop working. “The best thing to do is avoid freezing pipes by keeping your heating on and running cold taps regularly.” Steve said that all householders should know where their stop tap is located as it is imperative this is turned off in the event of any freezing, blockages or leaks. It is usually under the main sink. If you are having problems with your boiler there are a few very obvious things you can do yourself before calling out an engineer. This includes checking the boiler and the isolation switch/plug are on – also making sure the thermostat is turned up. “If we get severe weather as we did last year, it is often a good idea to have your own emergency kit at home,” said Steve. “This is particularly important if you find it difficult to get out or you live in a rural location.” A home emergency kit could comprise torches and batteries, spare bulbs, warm clothing, a first aid kit, a telephone and useful numbers such as local police station, local doctors or a friend or neighbour. In addition, non perishable food could also be a good idea. “Keeping warm is a top priority for everyone, especially the elderly,” adds Steve. “Keep curtains drawn and use draught excluders around doors and windows if you can feel cold air coming in. “Finally, if you do have an elderly neighbour and we have a very cold spell, please spare a few minutes to check they are OK.” To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

New powers allow credit unions to offer more services to many more people

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:33 +0000

From 8 January 2012, people living in England, Scotland and Wales will begin to benefit from new credit union powers to deliver more services to more members and communities. The new powers are the result of legal changes which give credit unions more flexibility to choose who can access their services. Credit unions will now be able to extend membership to more than one group of people, no matter where they live or work. For the first time, credit unions will be able to pay interest on deposits, instead of a dividend, and businesses and community organisations will be able to join a credit union and use the services it provides. The changes will help individuals, businesses and other organisations access fair and affordable financial services in their communities and allow credit unions to provide a more effective alternative to high street banks on the one hand and high cost lenders and loan sharks on the other. Up until now, credit unions have been hampered by outdated restrictions which meant all of their members had to have something in common – such as living in the same geographical area or working for the same employer – only individuals were able to become members, not organisations themselves, and credit unions could not pay interest on savings, only a retrospective dividend. Credit unions no longer need to prove that all the eligible members have something in common, which will mean that credit union services can be extended to new groups much more easily. For instance, a credit union providing services to anyone living or working in Hull will now be able to serve all the employees of a company too, even if they do not live or work in Hull. Credit unions will be able to begin to pay interest on savings, which will mean that people will be able to more easily compare the rates of return with other savings providers and it will help credit unions attract more savers. The new rules also mean that organisations themselves can join a credit union (up to a maximum of 10% of the members) and use the financial services it provides. A community group, housing association or local employer, for example, may now be able to use a credit union to manage its money, with the added advantage that the money is kept in the community. “These changes are a major breakthrough in the delivery of credit union services to communities around Britain,” said Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions. “The new rules mean credit unions can now compete more effectively with banks and other lenders to provide fair and affordable financial services. Credit unions will be able to reach many more people, helping them to develop a savings habit, which can only be good for communities.” As financial co-operatives, owned and controlled by their members, credit unions have no outside shareholders to pay and any profit they make stays in the community and is used to develop the credit union and provide a return to savers. Credit unions offer a range of services including savings accounts with payroll deduction, the Credit Union Current Account, the Credit Union Prepaid Card and an affordable source of credit. For more information about the new credit union powers, the services provided by credit unions and who can benefit visit www.abcul.coop. To make contact with a local credit union visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk or call ABCUL on 0161 832 3694. To read other news from ABCUL click here.

New Year, New Job

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:39 +0000

A Hollinwood Work Club, where job seekers can get advice and support on finding employment, has seen 50% of members successfully find a work placement in the eight weeks since the Club was launched. The Club is run by Sarah Furbey, Contour Homes Community Development Worker, and she is helped by volunteers who have a wide range of skills and experience, including one who has worked in recruitment for over 14 years. Support is also on offer from Hollinwood Children’s Centre, Regenda Housing and Limehurst Library. Sarah said: “So far we have helped 18 people with writing a CV, interview techniques and guidance on how to search for jobs on the web. To date, nine of them are successfully in work placements as a direct result of the Club. We couldn’t have asked for better results. The Club runs every Thursday between 1pm and 3pm at Limehurst Library with the next session on 5th January 2012. “If you are looking for a job in 2012, then why not pop in to the Work Club?” said Sarah. “2012 could be your year.” For more information on the Club or to book an appointment, call 0161 624 0351 or email limehurstlibrary@oldham.gov.uk. To read other news from Contour Homes click here.