TS1 & TS2 Middlesbrough bloggers

TTE offer 70 young people career in industry

2013-05-22T08:24:51Z

The TTE Technical Training Group has secured new funding to offer 70 young people on Teesside the chance to take the first steps towards a career in industry.

The TTE Pathway provides the opportunity to gain an industry-recognised Level 1, 2 or 3 Diploma and invaluable practical experience. It is open to students of all academic levels.

Available in six trade disciplines including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, process operation and warehousing, the TTE Pathway provides significant workshop-based training to develop students with the core skills required by employers.

Most significantly, successfully completing the Pathway will support students' chances of progressing on to an Advanced Level Apprenticeship sponsored by an employer from the oil & gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors. TTE works closely with more than 200 local employers that support apprenticeship training.

To date a large proportion of students who have completed a TTE Pathway have gone on to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme.

Open to those with a variety of existing skill levels and qualifications, the TTE Pathway utilises TTE's vast experience in technical training to deliver a strong foundation for trainees' future skills development.

From its fully-equipped, industry-standard training centre in South Bank, Middlesbrough, in addition to its Pathway and Apprenticeship programmes, TTE provides industry-specific technical training for UK and international commercial businesses in the oil and gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors.

As a charity with 'not-for-profit' status, TTE re-invests surpluses from its commercial activities in the development of its innovative Pathway and Advanced Level Apprenticeship programmes and facilities.

Students who secure a place on the TTE Pathway take part in a range of practical, workshop-based training modules that utilises TTE's high specification industrial equipment. Delivered by experienced technical training professionals with industry backgrounds, the training is supported by industrial placements with regional employers.

Students also receive free equipment and materials to support their training as well as subsidised meals and free safety clothing.

Steve Grant, Managing Director of The TTE Technical Training Group, said: "The growing interest in engineering, process and warehousing training programmes are attracting a much broader range of applicants, which is fantastic news for employers and industry.

"We are keen that our programmes are inclusive and provide opportunities for young people of all skills levels who can access our industry-standard training facilities.

"Creating places for 70 local young people on our TTE Pathway goes to the heart of our ambition to enable young people to gain skills and qualifications, no matter what their GCSE results, that can help them take an important step towards potentially securing employment in industry."

For more information or to apply for a TTE Pathway call 01642 770337 or email recruitmentinfo@tte.co.uk

Employee benefits are a must for recruiting and retraining staff, says WR Financial

2013-05-15T10:28:54Z

The right employee benefits are essential to plan your business and attract and keep the right staff, human resources experts from WR Financial have said.

Tony Slimmings, Director at WR Planning Group, has said while this is key in booming industries such as oil and gas, where there are shortages of skilled workers, an appropriate benefits programme is vital to any business.

Tony, who is an expert in human resources and is furthering his skills by undergoing a Masters' Degree at Northumberland University, said businesses who failed to invest time in putting together the right packages for employees may have problems retaining the right staff, leading to difficulties in the future.

WR Planning Group, which includes WR Financial, provides expert support and advice for businesses in all types of employee benefits, including pensions, insurance, human resources management and strategic planning.

Tony said: "People are a business's biggest asset. Without the right staff, a firm will struggle to meet their goals. Businesses must look at what they are offering employees to gain the right type of applicants with the appropriate skills and experience. This will vary tremendously according to the role which is needed.

"For example, an oil and gas firm looking to recruit and retain experienced engineers would probably offer a package including favourable long-term benefits, such as a final salary pension and healthcare, because the type of candidate the company will want to attract will probably be looking at the long-term picture and be more interested in stability for themselves and their families.

"However, to attract a graduate, you would be looking at a completely different package. Most university leavers who are starting their first job will want an employer who invests in their training and career development, and they will be less concerned about long-term benefits such as private health insurance and pensions.

"To stay ahead of their competitors and ensure they have the right skills and experience in place, firms need to sit down and have a look at where they want their business to be in the future, as well as where they are now, then take professional advice on how to put together the right package of employee benefits to not only attract, but also retain, members of staff with appropriate qualifications, skills and experience."

Tristar Homes help people step into the workplace

2013-05-15T09:20:46Z

Tristar Homes is piloting a service dedicated to supporting people with disabilities into higher education and employment.

Social landlord Tristar, which is part of the Vela Group, is working in partnership with STEPs, a service provided by Stockton Borough Council following the launch of two adult work placement schemes.

As part of the 12 month programmes, Matthew Moore and Robert Medd both 21 who have autism, are working three hours a week at Tristar's head office at Preston Farm in Stockton.

Whilst there they support the customer service and income management teams with administration, mailing and data input tasks. They are accompanied by Joan Robb, a Personal Development Advisor for STEPs who monitors and supports their progress.

Both of the roles were created as part of a Job Carving process, which is a way of splitting jobs to ensure the most suitable person carries out each task. It is a concept that can benefit both employers and employees through increasing productivity by realigning workers' tasks.

Joan Robb said: "People with a disability including autism have a wide range of skills, knowledge and abilities that can make an important contribution to an employer and the community. They often merely need the opportunity, encouragement and proper access and support.

"We cannot thank Tristar Homes' employees enough, particularly those who work within the teams with Matthew and Robert, for the commitment and hard work they have put in to making this an enjoyable and beneficial experience for them both."

Kay Glew, Head of Housing Services for Tristar added: "As a key provider of homes across Stockton we're also dedicated to helping people back into the workplace whether this is through paid or voluntary work placements.

"The STEPs scheme has proven to be yet another positive initiative which has provided opportunities and helped people to positively change their lives."

Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, Councillor Jim Beall, added: "I am really pleased that we are able to support Matthew and Robert in developing skills to help them progress their chosen careers.

"It is really important that all people have an opportunity to learn and work towards their ambitions. The support we are able to provide through STEPs at Tristar is an excellent example of how the Council is working with other organisations to help ensure all our young people have these opportunities and can gain valuable experiences."

Before the programme began, Tristar invited local autism charity Daisy Chain to deliver awareness sessions to staff so they had a better understanding of the developmental disability.

STEPs work with a range of people who have mental health needs, physical disabilities and learning disabilities. The service aims to build on people's aims and interests, develop skills and achieve realistic goals.

To do this they offer one to one support, practical advice and guidance to help people access opportunities and overcome the barriers to employment, helping build confidence, self-esteem, recognise abilities and realise potential.

To be supported by the STEPs programme, participants must be referred directly by a social worker. For more information please visit www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/learning/steps or contact Lynn Wightman, STEPs Team Manager on 01642 524525.

TTE achieves national accreditation for second time

2013-04-29T14:44:33Z

The TTE Technical Training Group has been accredited with a nationally recognised quality mark in recognition of its commitment to delivering high standards of information, advice and guidance.

The matrix Standard recognises organisations that effectively provide support to individuals making learning and work more accessible. This is the second time TTE has been accredited by the matrix Standard after it first achieved the quality mark in 2009.

The Middlesbrough-based technical training provider received a full assessment from emqc, which was passed with flying colours after the company met the entire criterion required to achieve the matrix Standard accreditation.

Emqc conducted various interviews and observations at TTE's fully-equipped, industry-standard Training Centre in South Bank, which included both staff and customers.
The assessment highlighted a number of key strengths within TTE, which delivers a range of technical training programmes for young people and employees from UK and international companies.

Among the achievements recognised by the assessment was TTE's ability to make a clear difference to the companies it works with by providing valued support, which helps them achieve the required training outcomes.

In addition, companies working with TTE that were interviewed for the assessment commented on the willingness of the training company's staff to provide encouragement and support related to their particular requirements.

As well as assessing TTE's relationship with its customers, the matrix Standard also evaluates the views of the company's staff and their support of company ethos.

Among the findings of the assessment was employees' commitment to constantly looking for opportunities for partnership working and networking in order to develop what is on offer at TTE and create additional opportunities to support customers.

Steve Grant, Managing Director of TTE, said: "I am delighted that TTE has been recognised once more with this prestigious accreditation. The findings in emqc's assessment are a testament to the staff here that are always making the effort to go that extra mile when dealing with customers. Their excellent knowledge, not only of our services, but of the requirements of the companies we work with ensures that we are able to deliver effective technical training solutions.

"Our team is always looking to improve and is always coming up with ideas to further improve the delivery of our services. This is reflected in the excellent relationships we have established in industry and we are proud to be able to support so many companies in their skills development programmes."

David Allan, Managing Director at emqc Ltd said: "This matrix Accreditation is another example of how the matrix Standard is proving effective for all types of organisations, helping them to provide a more professional service offering and to strive to be the best in their sector."

About the matrix Standard:
• The matrix Standard is the national quality mark for all organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services.
• The matrix Standard is highly adaptable to a range of organisational settings, regardless of size or sector, including further/higher education establishments, training providers and voluntary/community organisations.
• The matrix Standard is maintained and promoted by emqc Ltd on behalf of BIS.
Any other organisations that would like to know more about how the matrix Standard might be able to help, can find out more by contacting us on 0845 304 8600.

Partnership event teaches children to Stay Safe

2013-04-22T10:38:36Z

(L-R): Amber Stewart, PCSO Ryan Davey, Tristar Patch Manager Debbie Robertson, PCSO Helen Pendlington, Jack Graham and Crew Manager Phil Kelsey.

Tristar Homes and Cleveland Police have teamed up to encourage local school children to take responsibility for their own personal safety by 'Staying Safe'.

Primary school pupils across seven schools in Stockton were given a helping hand to stay safe thanks to a pioneering event held at Hardwick Community Centre.

Children aged 10 and 11 attended workshops at the safety event which were designed to teach them how to play a positive role in the community, prevent accidents in the home, understand and manage risk whilst out in the community, report inappropriate behaviour, tackle bullying, learn about the negative impact of drugs and alcohol, and build trust between the youngsters and various community agencies involved.

The event was the brainchild of neighbourhood police officers from the Newtown Neighbourhood Policing Team, who work hard to engage with people from the local community. Funding was provided by Tristar Homes, with assistance provided by Debbie Robertson, Tristar Patch Manager and Kath Oliver of Tristar's Stockton North Reaching Out Area Panel.

Other partners involved in the event included Cleveland Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance, Junior Neighbourhood Watch, Local Councillors, Stash - Young Peoples' Drugs Service, Hardwick Young Peoples Enterprise (HYPE) and Stockton Borough Council's ASB and Enforcement teams.

As one of the largest housing providers in Stockton, Tristar Homes, which is part of the Vela Group, has pledged to work together with residents in its communities to help create neighbourhoods where people feel safe.

Kay Glew, Head of Housing Services for Tristar Homes said: "At Tristar we recognise the importance of launching initiatives that promote safeguarding young people which is part of our vision of shaping places, creating communities and changing lives.

"Children and young adults should be able to enjoy safe environments wherever they spend their time. However it is also vital that they develop a good understanding of risks and how to manage these to stay safe so they have the freedom to grow and achieve their full potential."

Police Community Support Officer Ryan Davey added: "Children are vulnerable and are not always aware of dangers that may be happening around them.

"We are committed to improving safety in our neighbourhoods by protecting young people and vulnerable adults whilst building positive relationships with them which will help keep them safe."

A competition held as part of the event invited children to write a short poem on the subject of "People who help us". They were able to choose and write about any of the agencies who attended 'Staying Safe'. The winners will be picked by local Councillors.

For more information on Tristar Homes, please visit www.tristarhomes.co.uk or contact 0300 111 1000.

Muse reaps in the benefits after installing hi-tech phone system

2013-04-22T09:54:26Z

From L-R: Mike Odysseas, Managing Director of Odyssey Systems Ltd, with Marcus Bennett, Chief Proprietor of Muse.

A restaurant in Yarm has seen an increase in bookings thanks to its brand new phone system, installed by telecommunications experts, Odyssey Systems.

Muse Continental Café on Yarm's High Street has seen a 16% increase in business after introducing the latest communication technology from LG, which makes bookings more efficient for customers.

The restaurant has teamed-up with the Stockton-based telecommunications company, who have 26 years' experience in telecommunications and have installed and serviced the LG IPECS system for Muse.

The innovative system ensures maximum customer service is achieved with a series of features, including sending customer's confirmation text messages when a reservation is made.

The phone system also alerts customers on hold to Muse's various promotions and special offers through a series of tailor made recorded messages created by Odyssey Systems as standard with all new phone systems.

Mike Odysseas, Managing Director of Odyssey Systems Ltd, said: "I am delighted with the partnership between Muse and Odyssey Systems. At Odyssey we pride ourselves in providing the best service possible and I am pleased for the café that our service has given them a boost in bookings with the latest range of telecommunications technology."

Marcus Bennett, Chef Proprietor of Muse, said: "The new booking system has been really positive for Muse, which is demonstrated by our increased business from booking reservations. I would like to thank Odyssey Systems for the service they have provided and look forward to our continued partnership.

"It is a much more engaging system, with customers being given convenient reminders about their bookings via text messaging, and also being made more aware of our fantastic promotions."

With a bistro-style menu, Muse is open all day as well as during the evening, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, teas, coffees and drinks. The menu includes continental inspired food, such as Queen Scallops in Herb and Garlic Butter, and Macerated Strawberry & White Chocolate Sundae.

The restaurant offers a Prix-Fixe menu at lunch, with two courses for £13.95 and three courses for £15.95, served between noon and 2:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 5.30pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Thursday.

Northumberland projects celebrated at prestigious awards ceremony

2013-04-19T15:48:19Z

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East has announced two Northumberland projects as the winners of this year's prestigious Robert Stephenson Awards.

A third project from the county further marked Northumberland's success in the 2013 awards, with the team behind it taking a commendation in the under £4m category.

Presented by the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Professor Barry Clarke, at ICE North East's annual dinner, the awards recognised projects in the Under £4m and Over £4m categories.

The under £4m category was won by Northumberland County Council for the Rothbury Bridge Strengthening project.

The judges said: "This scheme provided a sensitively undertaken refurbishment of a medieval structure and scheduled ancient monument. The design and build scheme sympathetically incorporated traditional and modern techniques ensuring continuity of an important local transport link. Extensive community involvement resulted in a successful and popular project with careful reinstatement of the site allowing the works to blend seamlessly into its rural surroundings."

A commendation in this category also went to Northumberland County Council, alongside Royal HaskoningDHV and BAM Nuttall Ltd, for the Berwick Breakwater Refurbishment.

In the over £4m category, the winning project was the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) scheme, with the award presented to Narec, Red Box Design, Shepherd Construction, Arup, Turner & Townsend and Heyrod Construction.

Judges said: "This scheme demonstrated great technical ingenuity in both the design and construction processes. The requirements of the scheme set unique challenges for the designers to understand and calculate the huge loads applied during the testing process and the construction demanded tolerances more normally associated with a laboratory than a construction site. The judges were impressed by the integration of the entire team of client, designer, main contractor and subcontractors and felt that this integration was a large factor in the overall success of the project."

A commendation in this category was given to Network Rail, AECOM and BAM Nuttall Ltd for the Esk Valley Bridge replacement scheme, on the line between Middlesbrough and Whitby in North Yorkshire.

www.twitter.com/ice_ne

Picture captions:

Esk Valley Bridge Replacements
Andy Vipas (Bam Nuttall), Greg Rutherford (AECOM), Paul Musgrave (AECOM), Darryl White (Network Rail), Dave Lugsden (Network Rail), Professor Barry Clarke (ICE President), Professor David Toll (Chairman, ICE North East), John Longthorne (AECOM), Brian Walton (Bam Nuttall).

Investment in infrastructure needed in the North East to deal with increased storms: Civil Engineering President

2013-04-18T10:03:06Z

The North East needs to see investment in infrastructure to cope with changing environmental pressures, according to the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

A former head of civil engineering at Newcastle University, Professor Barry Clarke was speaking after a debate on the region's infrastructure and its ability to cope with flooding, featuring experts on water management, power and transport.

Professor Clarke added that local authorities and the region's Local Enterprise Partnerships have a very important role to play in delivering the infrastructure investment, as experts highlighted the increase in storms previously considered as "one in 100 year" events.

The debate, held at Northumbria University, was part of a two-day visit to the region by Professor Clarke.

Facilitated by Professor Stephanie Glendenning of Newcastle University, the debate also featured:
Julian Leslie, head of electricity customer manager at the National Grid
Tom Brown, chairman of ICE North East's flooding panel
Clive Leadbetter, general manager at Aone+
David Hutchinson, route asset manager at Network Rail
John Robinson, principle engineer - street management at Newcastle City Council.

Each argued the case for investment into their own areas of infrastructure expertise, with delegates asked to say where they would prioritise funding. Flooding was a recurring theme throughout their presentations.

Professor Clarke said: "Flooding has caused a lot of damage here in the North East. It starts to affect the economy very quickly. In terms of damage to property and to the regional economy, the cost to the North East annually runs into the hundreds of millions of pounds."

He added that he had personally seen the effects of last year's storms, when a rail journey to Scotland was disrupted because "the North East was shut".

"We need to start to consider appropriate infrastructure to manage these scenarios," said Professor Clarke.

"ICE is working nationally with a wide range of organisations to look at this issue. Local authorities and LEPs also have a very important role to play."

During his visit, which culminates on Thursday evening with the presentation of the prestigious Robert Stephenson Awards at the ICE North East Annual Dinner, Professor Clarke also visited NaREC in Blyth and took part in a round table discussion on the education and training of future civil engineers at Durham Castle.

Housing Hartlepool help children to branch out

2013-04-18T09:53:36Z

From L-R: Jo Larkin (Housing Hartlepool), Evie Stubbs (member of the Neighbourhoodies) and Kenny Jobson (Housing Hartlepool)

Housing Hartlepool and green fingered children from a local youth group have planted 100 trees as part of their campaign to help the environment.

Youngsters from Hartlepool Neighbourhoodies helped to dig, plant and water tree saplings provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust, at Romaine Park in Hartlepool.

They were joined on the day by Police Community Support Officers, Housing Hartlepool staff, Hartlepool Community Wardens and representatives from the Woodland Trust.

The initiative came about as part of a wider Housing Hartlepool campaign to inspire residents to 'Love Where You Live', which encourages people to make a positive difference to the neighbourhoods they live in.

Housing Hartlepool, which is a part of the Vela Group, is now looking to enhance the area even further, with plans to plant wild flower seeds as well as installing paths and seating.

The Neighbourhoodies, who are based at the Phoenix Centre in Hindpool Close, Hartlepool, are a group of children aged between 6 and 17. The group is jointly run by Housing Hartlepool and Cleveland Police and focuses on providing diversionary activities, including tackling anti-social behaviour through education and promoting a community spirit and pride in the area.

Helen Ivison, Housing Hartlepool Neighbourhood Manager said: "The trees will help enhance Romaine Park, encourage wildlife and have given the children an opportunity to learn more about the natural environment.

"As well as providing affordable homes across Hartlepool we are committed to improving our neighbourhoods and the surrounding environment to help create sustainable communities."

Police Community Support Officer Christopher Corkin said: "This has been a worthwhile and educational project for the Neighbourhoodies to be involved in. Through neighbourhood policing we are committed to engaging with young people and supporting them to do good work in the local community."

Since 2004, over 2 million children have helped the Woodland Trust plant more than 8 million trees across the UK.

Neighbourhoodies youth group is held on the second Wednesday of every month between 6.00-7:30pm. For further information on the group or to join, please contact Natalie I'Anson, Housing Hartlepool Tenancy Relations and Enforcement Team Support Officer on 01429 525269.

Latimer Hinks solicitor to go the extra mile for support dogs

2013-04-18T08:49:40Z

From left to right: Seven year old Elizabeth Gregor with her support dog Oyster, Latimer Hinks Solicitor Gillian Ibbotson (centre) and Elizabeth's mother Marie Gregor.

A Darlington solicitor is in training to run the London Marathon to raise vital funds for Support Dogs, a national charity that gives "a new lease of life" to people with epilepsy, physical disabilities and children with autism.

The charity trains three main types of support dog including seizure alert dogs, disability assistance dogs and autism assistance dogs for thousands of families across the UK. It receives no support from government and relies entirely on charitable donations. It costs £12,000 to put one Support Dog through a twelve-month period of training.

Gillian Ibbotson, a Solicitor in the Private Client Department at Latimer Hinks solicitors is raising money to help people like seven-year old Elizabeth Gregor from Guisborough who is autistic and also suffers from Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. The youngster has blossomed since four year old Labrador Retriever Oyster joined the family three years ago after completing her training with Support Dogs.

Her mother Marie said: "Elizabeth has been given a new lease of life since Oyster joined our family. She used to refuse to walk anywhere and had difficulty communicating with people, now she holds on to Oyster and walks everywhere with me, including regular walks to the woods, which she loves.

"I cannot believe how much Oyster has changed Elizabeth's life for the better. She started talking to Oyster and then about the dog and has now really opened up. Her communication skills have improved hugely. She loves to play with her dog and it's lovely to see her laughing while playing in the garden with Oyster. It really is fantastic to see, and couldn't ever have been achieved without Support Dogs."

Gillian said: I'm pleased that I can run for Support Dogs, as it is such a fantastic charity. They're a smaller charity than some of the others, but still work nationwide.

"The dogs that they train and support allow people with epilepsy and physical disabilities to live more independently. The success stories from families such as the Gregors really are an inspiration, and I am delighted to be able to help them. Training for the London Marathon has gone really well, and I'm now looking forward to raising some vital funds for the charity."

To donate to Gillian's Just Giving account, please visit www.justgiving.com/Gillian-Ibbotson ideally before the London Marathon, which takes place on April 21st.

For more information about Support Dogs, visit www.support-dogs.org.uk.

Nortech Group expands holidays for staff to celebrate national spirit

2013-04-18T08:45:04Z

Nortech Group celebrates two new staff holidays.

In celebration of national spirit, the Nortech group of companies is treating its staff to two additional bank holidays a year.

The two days (January 2nd and April 23rd) will be in addition to the existing 25 days and the eight statutory day's holiday that staff currently enjoy at Nortech. January 2nd is a Scottish bank holiday while April 23rd is St. George's Day.

Bryan Bunn, managing director of Nortech, said: "It's important to celebrate the continued business that we have in Scotland, so the holiday on January 2nd is a perfect way to represent this.

"Unlike the rest of the home nations, the English do not have a special day to celebrate, as Scotland does for St. Andrews Day, so with the additional holiday to commemorate St. George's Day, the English members of the workforce are able to join in the festivities too."

St. George's Day is celebrated in England as Saint George is the patron saint of England and the date itself is traditionally accepted as the date of his death in AD 303. Unlike the rest of the UK, Scotland celebrates an extra day's holiday on January 2nd during the Christmas-New Year period.

Bryan added: "The holiday on January 2nd is to align with the Scottish bank holiday because of the increasing amount of business Nortech conducts there. The Scottish and Irish already commemorate their patron saints with St. Andrews Day and St. Patrick's Day, so it seems fair that we celebrate our national day as well."

"Our colleagues work tirelessly all year round so these two additional days holiday are a way to repay the hours and hard work that each member of staff has put into our success."

Insurance broker welcomes trio with wealth of experience

2013-04-11T08:56:24Z

From L to R: Rob Thompson, Chris Duggan, Heather Anderson.

Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside has made a hat-trick of experienced appointments that will further boost its commercial division.

Rob Thomson, 60, and Heather Henderson, 52, join the company as account executives, where they will develop insurance accounts by bringing in new business.

Chris Duggan, 26, has been welcomed to the role of business development executive. Chris graduated with a business degree in 2007 before working for Barclays and Santander in business development and relationship management positions.

Rob and Heather are both from Hartlepool and have a vast amount of experience in the insurance business, with Rob starting out in 1973 and Heather in 1978. Rob owned Sillars Insurance Services from 1980, which Heather was then a director and shareholder of, before selling the business in 2010.

Jonathan Willett, managing director of Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside, said: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Rob, Heather and Chris to the team. They all bring a substantial amount of experience that will only serve to benefit our Teesside office, and complement the existing strong talent pool that we already have.

"This expansion will help the business grow and develop as well as further improving our client-facing services. All three new members of the team are looking forward to the challenge and I am looking forward to working with them for many years to come."

Chris Duggan said: "I am delighted to join the team as a business development executive. Henderson Insurance Brokers is a leading force in the insurance industry, and has a strong market position and a forward-thinking outlook, and it was these qualities that attracted me to join the company."

WR Financial welcomes new FSA rules to prevent bad practice

2013-04-04T11:23:47Z

Graham Laverick, Managing Director of WR Financial

A pensions expert and boss of a Tess Valley financial firm has welcomed changes in legislation to the way financial advisors are regulated.

Graham Laverick, Managing Director of Tees Valley-based WR Financial, believes the new rules which govern his industry, implemented by the Financial Services Authority, will help improve the service and transparency customers get from their financial advisors and prevent bad practice.

The new rules, which have come in through the FSA's retail distribution review, mean advisory firms must explicitly disclose and separately charge clients for their services, meaning they can no longer be paid through a commission which the product provider would pass on to the customer by increasing the product price.

Independent financial advisors will no longer be able to take commission as a payment but must now instead transparently quote customers fees for the advice provided, either at an hourly rate or at a flat fee for all the services provided.

The changes have been put in place in an attempt to make the process easier to understand for customers, and help them to receive the correct advice for their situation.

Under the rules, firms must also make it clear if they are tied to one provider, or a limited number of providers, or if they are completely independent. A code of ethics and standards has also been introduced for financial advisors to adhere to.

Now, practising Independent financial advisers must hold at least QCF level 4 qualifications - which are equivalent to the first year of a degree course - if they are to offer financial advice in a bid to raise standards and increase consumer trust.

Graham said: "We wholeheartedly welcome this move by the FSA. It is extremely important that all aspects of financial products are transparent and easy for the customer to understand to prevent less scrupulous elements of the industry from pulling the wool over the eyes of consumers.

"Trust is the most important element of selling any financial product, which is why WR Financial has always directly quoted customers a price for the advice we give. It is great that there is now a level playing field for all financial advisors, and that customers will be able to transparently and openly see the best deal.

"The current economic climate means that selecting the right pensions and investments are more crucial than ever before, and this move to clean up the industry and increase consumer faith in financial services is most welcome."

Military2Energy provides new direction for former military commander

2013-04-04T09:21:06Z

Mark Simon (left) swaps his military career for a role in the energy sector with the help of Joanne Leng MBE from NOF Energy (right)

A former Royal Artillery Commander has taken his career in a new direction thanks to the Military2Energy Careers Service.

Mark Simon, 38, has secured a position with Teesside-based MC2 Contracting Services Group after accessing the service, which is operated by NOF Energy and the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS).

MC2 provides engineering professionals to a wide variety of clients around the world for temporary, fixed term and permanent contracts. Mark is responsible for building the company's client and candidate portfolio as well as managing MC2's Global Recruitment Team and internal HR operations.

Originally from Leeds and now living in Stocksfield, Mark joined the Army as a school leaver, but quickly progressed becoming an Officer after attending the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He has served all over the world and has completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan and has also served in countries such as Norway, Germany, Italy and Canada.

Prior to leaving the Forces he was stationed in Northumberland as a Battery Commander and was responsible for the training and operational deployment of 120 people and more than £8m worth of highly specialised state-of-the-art technology.

With his children requiring a more stable future for their education, Mark decided to settle in the North East and accessed the Military2Energy Careers Service to look for opportunities in the region's energy sector supply chain.

The service, which is designed to introduce ex-servicemen and women into careers in the energy sector, offers NOF Energy members the opportunity to communicate with and recruit from BFRS's Armed Forces community of more than 14,000 skilled Service leavers.

It offers companies a constant influx of ex-servicemen and women for enrolment on training courses, opportunity to promote vacancies at any point and organises work trial placements with potential candidates through interaction with ex-military personnel at live and virtual career events and exhibitions, company listing on the BFRS website and inclusion in the BFRS newsletter.

The service also provides organisations in the energy sector with a 12 month programme of support and multiple marketing opportunities to position their company as the employer of choice or leading training provider to the Armed Forces community.

Among these opportunities is an annual Military2Energy Careers Event, which, this year, takes place on 27 June at Catterick Leisure Centre in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

The event, which is open to ex-military personnel and organisations in the energy sector, is a chance for energy sector supply chain employers to meet, network and potentially recruit from a network of highly skilled Armed Forces leavers interested in starting a career in the energy sector.

Mark said: "I was keen to settle my family in the North East and knew the energy sector is one of the area's key industries where there would be good career opportunities. After accessing Military2Energy I had a conversation with the Managing Director of MC2 Contracting Services Group to discuss a potential opportunity with the Company. I was really pleased when he offered me the appointment and am very happy to be in a pivotal role in the Business. I am already involved in some exciting and high value projects and am working with clients all over the world including Malaysia, Libya, South Africa, Canada and the UK."

Joanne Leng MBE, Deputy Chief Executive of NOF Energy, said: "Mark is a perfect example of the high quality former military personnel that are available to energy sector employers. Military2Energy is proving to be a popular service with both NOF Energy members and ex-forces personnel and is an excellent tool to support career development and meet businesses' skills requirements."

Great egg-citement for winner of Odyssey Systems' charity Easter egg competition as partner prepares to give birth

2013-04-03T10:33:10Z

Competition winner James Hay holding the 'Mad Hatters Egg Party' is joined by Anthony Suddes (in suit) of Odyssey Systems.

Almost 500 votes were cast in a charity Easter egg decorating competition organised by telecommunications firm Odyssey Systems after the contest was judged via Facebook for the first time.

Eight staff members at Odyssey created their own individual eggs ranging from a depiction of John Lennon and "Yolko" Ono to the Addams Family, with £100 being donated to the Stockton-based charity Daisy Chain, which supports families affected by autism, a similar cash prize for the winner.

In contrast to previous years, where a director has judged the competition, the winning egg was chosen via Facebook, with members of the public voting for their favourite by clicking the "Like" button after photographs of each egg were posted to odysseysystemsltd Facebook page, with 497 votes cast.

The winner, with 141 "likes", was James Hay, with his mad hatter egg party. It is the start of a very big week for James, who works in Odyssey's broadband team, as his partner, Victoria, who helped to make the winning creation, is due to give birth to their baby.

Anthony Suddes. Marketing Manager at Odyssey Systems, organised the competition. He said: "Our Easter egg competition is a longstanding tradition that is a great way to welcome in the Easter period. We've now started to engage with our customers and the public through social media and thought Facebook would be a fun and fitting way to decide the contest.

"Matching the prize fund with a donation to charity is something that we are proud to do to help Daisy Chain, where we know the money will be put to good use. James's design was very creative and a worthy winner."

James added: "I am delighted to have won the Easter egg contest this year - it is always very competitive within the office, so I'm very proud to be the title holder until next year. The extra £100 is a great bonus and will certainly come in handy with the imminent birth of our new baby - I've already worked out how many nappies I can buy with my winnings!"

Daisy Chain is Odyssey Systems' nominated charity, and staff will be taking part in a series of sponsored activities to raise funds for the charity, including Mike Odysseas, Andrew Middlesmiss and Matthew Park cycling 300 miles from Teesside to London.