Volunteers at victim support service held in high esteem

Local volunteers at Victim Support Solihull were thanked by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Joe Tildesley, for their part in providing a valuable service to local people in a special evening recently.

Victim Support Solihull gives free and confidential help to victims and witnesses of crime, their family and friends.  They are an independent charity which works closely with the Police and other criminal justice agencies.

Nationally, Victim Support has helped over 25 million people since it began in 1974.  Most of the help is provided by specially-trained volunteers many of whom have first-hand experience as a victim or witness.  There are 6,000 volunteers nationally.

To mark Volunteer Week, Councillor Joe Tildesley thanked local volunteers for the valuable work they do and presented them with certificates.  Louise, one of their long-standing volunteers received flowers for five years service.

Councillor Tildesley said: "Victim support is a cause very dear to my heart. Our criminal justice system cannot function effectively if victims are not prepared to come forward and report crimes and then have the courage to attend Court and give evidence. The role of volunteers in supporting those victims through the whole process is absolutely key and it is wonderful that here in Solihull there are a group of committed professionals providing such a great service. I would encourage anyone who considers they might have relevant skills to come forward and see whether they have what it takes to carry out this essential work."

People can call Victim Support Solihull for help, support and information anytime after a crime has happened whether or not the Police are involved, the crime may have happened yesterday, last week or several years ago. 

The helpline is 0300 303 1977 and it is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.  The service is confidential and free of charge. For more information people can visit www.victimsupport.org.uk.

Alfie Smith Memorial Concert

On 21 June The Public will be hosting a special concert in memory of Black Country legend, poet and entertainer, Alfie.

A Bostin’ Mon - 'Bir on This, That an T’utha', will feature performances from many of his friends and fellow entertainers from across the region. 

Starring at the concert will be compere and poet, Keith Whitehouse, storyteller, Sue Hulse, original Black Country Folk Artists, Billy and Lozz, poet and songwriter, Brendan Hawthorne, and ukulele band, A Real Treat.

Having performed his poetry across the region from Birmingham Symphony Hall to Smethwick Library, meeting stars such as Jimmy Cricket, Jasper Carrot, Eddie Large, Brian Conley, Don McLean and Bonny Langford along the way, Mr Smith became a much celebrated poet, winning over fans with his quirky comic prose.

A plaque in memory of Alfie will be unveiled outside The Public prior to the concert.

Linda Saunders, Managing Director of The Public said,

“Alfie was a much loved Black Country poet who bought a smile to many faces across the region with his hilarious, legendary punch lines.  We’re delighted to be celebrating the life of a true Black Country Legend and look forward to welcoming others to join us.”

The memorial concert will take place on Friday 21 June at 7pm and is free to attend.  To reserve your ticket call 0121 533 7161.  Donations on the night will be taken for Parkinson's UK

Library items for clearance

Dear Colleague,

Health Exchange has a number of items at our old base in Central Library that we would be happy to donate to other social enterprises. Please contact me for any information.
 
Large Room
2 x green cabinets (previously used for Macmillan leaflets on 5th floor)
1 x grey cabinet
2 x tables
4 x chairs
1 x Macmillan pedestal stand
1 x large printer
1 x desktop computer

 Small room
1 x table
2 x chairs
1 x grey cabinet
 Mezzanine
Macmillan pod – 6 x wall sections, 3 x bench sections
Tables x 3
Curved screens – 3x short, 3x high
Numerous large image boards on wall & Perspex Macmillan sign


Thank you

Kind regards
Catherine FletcherMacmillan & Physical Activity Programme Lead
Tel:         +44 (0)1 21 663 0007
Mob:      +44 (0) 7792275127
Fax:        +44 (0)1 21 773 0334
URL:       www.healthexchange.org.uk <http://www.healthexchange.org.uk/>
Health Exchange CIC Limited          Avoca Court
27 Moseley Road
Digbeth
Birmingham
B12 0HJ

Solihulll Council support for existing airport growth plan

Solihull Council has today reaffirmed its support for existing growth plans for Birmingham Airport.

However, while supporting the Airport’s plans for growth through the current extension of the runway and the pursuit of more direct routes to the USA and the emerging economies of India and China, the Council does not support the case for a second runway.

Councillor Ken Meeson, Leader of Solihull Council, said: “We want Birmingham to be recognised as a truly international airport and be the destination of first choice for business, which is why we have backed the runway extension. However this Council  opposed the previous proposal for a second runway on the basis that we were not convinced that the case had been made. The growth potential provided by the runway extension currently under construction gives sufficient capacity for the foreseeable future.”

Councillor Meeson added. “There would need to be wide consultation with local communities and an extensive environmental impact study before we could formally consider the justification for an additional runway. At this stage the possibility appears to be illustrative for the purpose of showing its longer term ambitions to the Airports Commission and no specific proposal has been submitted.”

STAR-STUDDED CAST ANNOUNCED FOR BRITAIN’S BIGGEST PANTOMIME!

John Partridge, Gok Wan, Stephanie Beacham,
Gary Wilmot, Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack

Birmingham Hippodrome and Qdos Entertainment today announced a star-studded cast for the UK’s biggest pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opening on Thursday 19 December 2013 and running until Sunday 2 February 2014.

Heading the cast as the handsome Prince is the multi-talented JOHN PARTRIDGE. John, who is currently starring in A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, is best known for playing the role of Christian in BBC1’s EastEnders. He was part of the panel for the hugely-successful BBC series Over the Rainbow and is a guest host of The National Lottery Draws.

Adding a little bit of sartorial chic is everyone’s favourite fashion guru GOK WAN who makes his pantomime debut in Birmingham as The Man in The Mirror.  Leicester born Gok achieved huge success with his Channel 4 series How to Look Good Naked and has since enjoyed regular appearances on television and was recently seen in Channel 4’s The Secret Millions.   

The Wicked Queen will be played by stage, TV and film actress STEPHANIE BEACHAM.  Stephanie’s credits include the hit television series Tenko, Bad Girls and The Colbys but is probably best remembered for playing the role of Sable in the hit US TV series Dynasty. 

GARY WILMOT, a firm favourite with Birmingham Hippodrome audiences will be marking his first performance as pantomime Dame. Gary played the role of Buttons in the 1995 production of Cinderella at the Hippodrome, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End and Birmingham and starred in the hit productions of The Goodbye Girl and Me and My Girl.  He rose to fame on ITV’s New Faces and went on to present numerous television shows including Showstoppers.

Following his popular appearance in Robin Hood at Birmingham Hippodrome in 2008 the hilarious ventriloquist PAUL ZERDIN returns to play the role of Muddles. Paul, star of the Royal Variety Performance and Comedy Rocks will be bringing along a few of his friends including the cheeky and loveable Sam! The headline cast is completed by MATT SLACK who will play the role of Odd Job.

Michael Harrision, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division and Director of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs said

“The country’s biggest pantomime deserves a stellar cast and we are thrilled to present a line-up of huge talent for this year’s Christmas show. The superb cast, combined with top-drawer production values, stunning sets and fabulous costumes makes the Birmingham Hippodrome this year’s unmissable pantomime.”

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Executive, Birmingham Hippodrome said

“We are absolutely thrilled that Qdos Entertainment have put together one of the most spectacular casts we have had at Birmingham Hippodrome.  This will be a production that will appeal to families of all ages and seals our reputation as the home of the UK’s  biggest pantomime.”   

Tickets for SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS are priced from £12 to £39 with discounts and concessions.  A 5% transaction charge applies on most bookings.  Patrons can select their own seat online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or can book by telephone on 0844 338 5000.  Group bookings can be made on 0844 338 7000 and Hospitality bookings on 0844 338 9000.

Two schools performances will be held on Friday 17 and Friday 24 January 2014 at 1pm. A ‘Relaxed Performance’ for children on the autism spectrum or with learning difficulties will be staged on Thursday 30 January 2014 at 1pm.  Please call 0844 338 5000 for further details and to book tickets.  Tickets for these performances are not available online.

Assisted performances will also take place as follows:  Captioned performances on Sun 5 Jan at 1pm and Wed 8 Jan at 7.15pm; sign language interpreted performances on Sun 12 Jan at 1pm and 5.15pm; and audio-described performances on Wed 15 Jan at 2pm and Sat 18 Jan at 2.30pm.

Formula 1 comes to West Bromwich.

The iconic Fleetwood Mac tune ‘The Chain’ will reverberate round The Public in West Bromwich on Saturday 8^th June. The piece, which was used as the theme tune to BBC’s Formula 1 coverage will be played in the upcoming concert by The People’s Orchestra – ‘Sporting Classics’.

Sporting Classics, the third concert held by The People’s Orchestra, promises to be packed with theme tunes from great sporting shows, both past and present. A few of the pieces the audience can expect to hear include: Torvill and Dean’s Bolero, The Ski Sunday theme, and the intro from The Horse of the Year Show.

Sarah Marshall, Managing Director of the orchestra said “This could well be a unique performance. It has taken months the get permission to play ‘The Chain’ live - we needed 4 members of Fleetwood Mac to say ‘Yes!’”

Those familiar with the orchestra, will know they primarily play film music, so the audience can also anticipate a number of cinematic classics - for those that saw the film ‘Chariots of Fire’ the haunting music, as the athletes ran through the surf, will live long in the memory.

Paul Archibald, Artistic Director of The People’s Orchestra said: ‘I am extremely excited to be leading the orchestra, through this concert of well known sporting classics. The pieces I have selected are incredibly iconic and easily recognizable for the audience.’

The People’s Orchestra is a charity originally set up in 2012 to encourage school leavers to carry on playing their instruments after leaving full time education. Since forming the orchestra has attracted performers from a range of backgrounds aged from 15 - 68.

The orchestra aims to move away from typical ideas that may be held by audiences - performers dress in bright colours and also actively encourage audience participation with its motto – ‘Don’t just listen to music, Live it’.

Tickets for the upcoming Sporting Classics concert at The Public, West Bromwich are priced at £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and £5 for children. Tickets and further information on the orchestra is available from the website: www.thepeoplesorchestra.com, or by calling 0121 533 7150.

Adventure ability in Coventry

12-year old Ryan Jones designs a bird box, with mum Kellie Jones

 

Coventry families with disabled children are being told to get ready for a summer of fun, by the 1 Voice Parents Group.

Following the success of an action day, funded by Whitefriars Housing, a Coventry mum is vowing to repeat the achievement.  Earlier this month around 100 disabled children aged from zero to 19-years-old climbed, decorated, aimed, planted and pedalled their way to confidence at a special action day in Berkswell.

Whitefriars Housing provided £6,000, to Coventry-based 1 Voice Parents group to host the day, in association with the Scouts Association, at the Rough Close Scout Campsite.  

The 1 Voice Parents Group is a group of parents who help shape services for disabled children in Coventry.  The Adventure Day, which included activities as diverse as archery, crate climbing and bird box decorating, was organised to provide disabled children, together with other young people, and their families, with the chance to take part in physical challenges in a safe environment.

Coventry mum Claire Batten, was one of the 1 Voice organisers.  Her son, Henry, who is 10, suffers from Williams Syndrome and autism, and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, took part in the day, along with his brother and sister.  Claire said: “If you have a child with a disability it’s so important to find ways of giving your child an opportunity to develop, take risks and have fun, while also not separating them out from their siblings and families.  We set up the 1 Voice Parents Group both as a support network for parents and carers, but also to influence decision-makers to provide support for families with a disabled child.

“I’m so grateful that Whitefriars gave us the money to run this day.  Henry had great fun and it really helped him to build his self-belief.

“But I’m determined that this won’t be the end.  The adventure day was so successful that we will now be looking at other events that we can run that will give families who have children with disabilities the chance to socialise and have fun together.  We would love to have activities organised all the time, but we don’t have the resources to do that.  However we will now look to see what we can organise during summer, with perhaps a bbq being next on the agenda.   If anyone is interested in coming along to future activities please check our website and we’ll update it with events as we plan them.”

Donna Milliner, customer involvement officer at Whitefriars, who attended the adventure day, said: “The Adventure Day ticked pretty much every box that we had for being eligible for our Pride In our Street funding.  The children had great fun and you could see their confidence blossoming as they achieved each task.  It was all about reducing isolation, while developing personal skills. The 1 Voice Parents Group is a fantastic organisation that makes a real difference and I’m delighted that we were able to support them.”

In 2012/13 Whitefriars distributed £100,000 to good causes through its Pride In Our Street awards scheme.

For more details on the 1 Voice Parents Group and future events, go to www.onevoicecoventry.co.uk

Herefordshire Diamond County Award winner announced

Left – Right: Gareth Williams (Caplor Energy), John Garbutt (Kingspan), Herefordshire Council chairman Councillor Olwyn Barnett, Herefordshire Council vice chairman Councillor Chris Chappell, George Smith (Walford Timber) and Yana Childs (Cargill).

The winner of this year’s Herefordshire Diamond County Award was announced on Friday 24 May by Herefordshire Council chairman Councillor Olwyn Barnett.

 

The winner was Cargill in Hereford, who the judging panel felt epitomised the award for its exceptional range of local charitable work and the enormous voluntary contribution from its employees.

 

The finalists and ultimate winner were shortlisted from over 40 nominations by a judging panel of Neil Kerr, chairman of the Herefordshire Business Board, Philip Round, chief executive of Herefordshire Group Training Association and Paul Deneen, former chairman of Herefordshire Policing Board.  

 

Councillor Olwyn Barnett, chairman of Herefordshire Council said: “I am delighted with the number of nominations we received from across the county and all four of our finalists are winners and all are outstanding for the contributions they make in their local communities.

 

“I am delighted to be able to award the first ever Diamond County Award to Cargill, for although an international company, the positive community work they perform in our county is exceptional.  This award not only recognises the company, but also its employees who have volunteered an amazing 7,000 hours this year alone to support work in the community.

 

“I would like to congratulate our worthy finalists, Caplor Energy in Fownhope, Kingspan near Shobdon and Walford Timber near Ross-on-Wye and our overall winner, Cargill in Hereford for everything they do for us in our county.”

 

Yana Childs from Cargill, said: “We were delighted to receive this award as recognition of the tremendous passion and commitment of all our employees who are instrumental to the success of our community programme.  At Cargill, we recognise that our continued success depends on the growth and health of the communities we operate in.

 

“In Hereford, we have a strong heritage of community involvement across a wide range of areas.  We try to support projects which are not only close to our employees’ hearts but also fit within Cargill’s community focus areas of health and nutrition, education and the environment.  Our community engagement is not just about financial donations but employee volunteering and we look forward to continuing to support the Hereford community moving forward.”

The birds and beasts of Bodenham Lake

Herefordshire Council’s countryside team is inviting residents to find out about the birds and beasts of Bodenham Lake.

This year’s strange weather and a late developing spring not only affects people but also our local wildlife.  The council’s countryside ranger Trevor Hulme, who is responsible for the management of the nature reserve, will be leading a free natural history oriented stroll around the orchards and meadows at Bodenham Lake from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 15 June.

Trevor Hulme, head countryside ranger, said: “Bodenham Lake is an old gravel pit and is the county’s largest stretch of publicly accessible open water, so it is quite a unique habitat enjoyed by residents and wildlife alike.

“It is a haven for water birds and other wildlife associated with water such as otters and at this time of year, there will be lots to see at the nature reserve.  Although the planned walk won’t go all the way around the lake to avoid disturbing breeding birds, we will be visiting the bird hide where we’re likely to see lots of activity on the lake, so don’t forget your binoculars.”

To find out more and to book a place, booking is essential to help manage numbers, please contact Trevor Hulme on 01432 260238 or thulme@herefordshire.gov.uk.

To find out about other events taking place across Herefordshire, please visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside or www.facebook.com/QueenswoodCountryPark.

Sharing & Learning Day - Invite

We’re holding a sharing, network and awards day called The Big Share on Wednesday 22nd May between 10am and 4.30pm and I’d like to invite you to come along.

The event will take place at: The Sweet Project, 3 Ardath Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 9PL
There will be the opportunity to meet social entrepreneurs, to share your mentoring stories, give on the spot pearls of wisdom, or indeed meet future mentees.

If you could make just part of the day, that would be fantastic! Even if it’s just an hour over lunch to grab some food and have a chat to some of our social entrepreneurs, fellow mentors.

Helen Davies
Volunteering & Pro Bono Co-ordinator, UnLtd
Mobile: 07860595912

Who is your Worcester Sporting Hero?

Do you know a Worcester individual or team who has shown great dedication or excelled in sport over the last year? Now’s the time to help them get the recognition they deserve.

Nominations are open for the 2013 City of Worcester Sport Awards – your chance to make sure the people who are keeping the Olympic legacy alive in the Faithful City are rewarded for their work and dedication.

Whether it’s a team, a coach, a volunteer or a single sportsman or sportswoman who you think deserves an honour, there’s a category for them all in these prestigious annual awards.

And the winner of the Unsung Hero Award at County level will have the opportunity to progress up to the National BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards.

Worcester City Council and Sport Worcester jointly run the awards, and last year’s ceremony attracted big names in the shape of Olympic medallist Zac Purchase and Paralympic medallist Mel Clarke.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Worcester really embraced the Olympic spirit last year and since then many local people have been working night and day to keep the flame alive. This is their chance to be hailed as the community heroes they are.”

The Awards ceremony will be held on 18 September, with the winner of each award receiving a trophy. The winners will then be put forward for an award at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire County Sports Partnership Awards Ceremony.

To make your nomination, download the form from www.sportworcester.org.uk or call 01905 722331.

Please complete and return the forms by the deadline of Friday 30 August 2013 to: FAO Sport Worcester, Sports Development, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB or email sportsdevelopment@worcester.gov.uk with the subject title Sports Awards.

A shortlist will be drawn up and finalists will be selected for each award.

Marketing courses for the 3rd Sector

The Change Consortium based in West Bromwich is holding 2 half-day marketing courses for 3rd Sector organisations in May. Would you be able to able to publicise these to your networks?
May 14th - Using Social Media effectively to add value to your marketing
Social Media, it’s all the rage!

The explosion in the use of Social Media has left many organisations with a skills gap in using this important marketing tool effectively. This in-depth course addresses how to effectively use Google +, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest & other funding raising web and social media sites.

Get you organisation up to speed with all the latest Social Media developments, to book or for more information please follow the link:-

http://www.thechangeconsortium.org/events/2013/01/24/216-using-social-media-effectively-add-value-your-marketing-midlands

May 16th - 61 ways to Improve your copy

In a morning, we can't promise to make you an award-winning writer, but this action-paced, thought-provoking and entertaining course is guaranteed to improve your copy.

Effective writing and attention grabbing in this fast-paced world is of upmost importance – give yourself the edge - to book or for more information please follow the link:-

http://www.thechangeconsortium.org/events/2013/04/16/221-61-ways-improve-your-copy

Equality & Diversity Week 13th - 19th May - Dudley and Walsall

We are delighted to present a series of events, activities and learning opportunities during Mental Health Awareness Week and Equality & Diversity week 13^th May to 19^th May. Information on these events can be found on our website or you can download the poster here.

The events are designed to raise the awareness of equality and diversity and mental health and are being held at variety of locations within Dudley & Walsall; we look forward to seeing you there.

· Monday 13^th May in Dudley town centre in Stone Street Square from 10:00 to 15:00

 · Tuesday 14^th May Russell’s Hall youth club from 18:00 20:30 (this is mainly for children with disabilities and their friends/carers/families but it is still open to the wider public)

 · Wednesday 15^th May at Lower Gornal youth club from 18:00 – 20:30 (this is mainly for children with disabilities and their friends/carers/families but it is still open to the wider public)

· Friday 17^th May at the Saddlers Centre, Walsall from 10:00 – 15:00.

 If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01384 324531

ChildLine offers advice to young people in Birmingham as exam pressures build

ChildLine is reminding teenagers that help is available if they feel anxious or worried about exams. Young people in Birmingham and across the West Midlands will be amongst the millions of under 18s who will sit exams this summer. Last year, (2011/12) the ChildLine base in Birmingham received 1,016 contacts* from children and young people about exam pressure**.

Elaine Chalmers, Area Manager for ChildLine in the West Midlands said: "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people. We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision. We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”

To help children and young people cope with exams and combat anxiety, ChildLine is offering the following advice for young people to overcome pre-exam nerves and help them if they have any concerns.

• Make sure you take regular breaks from revising and do some exercise
• Go to bed at a reasonable time and try and get some sleep
• Getting a good night’s sleep will help you much more than trying to revise all night – you will just end up very tired the next day
• Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive attitude will help you during your revision
• Take some water into the test with you, if you can. Keeping hydrated by drinking water will help you concentrate.

The ChildLine website has a special ‘Beat exam stress’ section for children and young people to visit. As well as calling ChildLine’s free confidential helpline on 0800 11 11 or visiting www.childline.org.uk, young people can also send emails to trained counsellors or receive support online via one-to-one chat.

ChildLine is also offering the following advice for parents and carers to help ease young people’s exam stress and anxieties during the summer months:

• Don’t place unnecessary pressure on your children to gain certain grades. They may feel they have failed if they don’t achieve what they thought was expected of them.
• Encourage children to take regular breaks, eat snacks and exercise.
• Help them revise by leaving them the space and time to do so.
• Be relaxed about chores or untidiness and understand they might be moody. Allow your children to revise at nights if that’s what works best for them however do make sure that they get enough sleep to keep their energy levels up in the day.
• Be supportive and help alleviate their worries by talking to them.

Passionate support for The Public

Today, The Public received messages of support from passionate fans in light of the shock announcement by Sandwell Council into reviewing the building’s use.

Since opening in August 2009, The Public has seen steadily increasing visitor numbers, with over 380,000 in 2012-13, and its one millionth visitor expected this June.

 Playing a valuable contribution in the regeneration of West Bromwich, over half of the people who visit the Black Country venue are Sandwell people and come for a diverse number of activities from music and comedy to annual celebrations such as St Patrick's Day and regular events such as tea dance and Zumba. Their comedy line up is attracting well known stars of the calibre of Al Murray, Alexei Sayle and Jenny Éclair to West Bromwich and May Bank Holiday sees the return of the popular Now We Are Weekender - a two day music festival featuring 24 bands from the West Midlands and further afield.

During school holiday periods hundreds of families from across the region choose The Public as a great day out, attending sell-out workshops and children theatre, and exploring the gallery’s free exhibitions. Throughout 2012-13 venue also welcomed over 100 work experience placements from across Sandwell, providing young learners with a high quality experience that enhances their lives and gives them a platform to develop skills and opportunities.

The Public continue to nurture new and young artists and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their work alongside established, highly regarded artists. In 2012 their annual Summer Show received over 300 submissions, and in 2013 the open exhibition will provide Sandwell people with an opportunity to display their work alongside work by Tracey Emin, Martin Creed and recent Turner Prize nominee, David Shrigley.

The Public is home to 27 businesses employing over 60 people and offering 100 plus creative apprenticeships, in addition a number of community organisations regularly use the venue.

Whilst Sandwell Arts Trust acknowledge Sandwell MBC and Sandwell College are currently engaged in talks which could see the college turning The Public into a sixth form facility for 500 'A' Level Students, SAT see the future of the venue as an arts centre, continuing to build on the success of the previous four years.

Jan Britton, Chief Executive of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council said,

“The review by the Council of the future options for operating the building has always been part of our agreement with Sandwell Arts Trust. The Council is very pleased with the progress The Public has made in contributing to the lives of Sandwell and West Bromwich people.”

 Andrew Fry, Chair of Sandwell Arts Trust Board said,

 “We are very aware of the difficult financial choices facing the Council at this time. We will continue to operate The Public as normal during these circumstances and work with the Council to provide the best value for the people of Sandwell.”

 

Skills for starting a Consultancy Business

6 & 7 June 2013
Location: Mechanical Engineering Building. G36, University of Birmingham
Consultancy is SELLING your skills in problem solving.
It’s about offering SOLUTIONS which add tangible value,
providing clear BENEFITS to the customer which meets their NEEDS cost effectively.
To join: register at http://uk.amiando.com/StartConsultancy.html <http://uk.amiando.com/StartConsultancy.html>
Or contact ei@contact.bham.ac.uk <mailto:ei@contact.bham.ac.uk> expressing your interest.

Who is the course for?
Undergraduates, postgraduates and graduates (from 2007), residing in the West Midlands seeking assistance to START any consultancy business.
Your business could be environmental consultancy, technical, management consultancy – the case studies will vary and range by sector to ensure a tailored delivery.
Description:
Over the two days, you will gain knowledge, tips and advice on:

• Your value proposition - what is my value proposition as a consultant?
• How to plan for consultancy: taxes, formation, legislation and insurance
• How to prospect, win work and retain valuable customers (developing trusting, strong relationships)
• Financials (for non-finance people) to be able to assess and understand a company’s position
• Quoting for work and contracts
• Comprehensive frameworks and methodologies
• How to write an effective proposal using a range of real case studies

Desirable Outcome:
You will have knowledge to set up your own consultancy business and will have gained the confidence and knowledge to seek and fulfil consultancy projects.
Trainer’s background:
Clive Booth

Clive spent most of his career in the computer industry during which time he ran three key UK companies. The last of these three was the UK subsidiary of an American software house which he started from scratch. Having grown the UK company substantially he then participated in the management buyout of the American parent and its UK and Australian subsidiaries.

The sale of the parent company in 2002 resulted in Clive being able to get involved with many diverse business interests and he is now a director of a number of companies. These include a software house, a design consultancy, a strategic planning company and a mergers & acquisitions company. He also owns a business planning company and a property business.

Clive originally obtained a degree in engineering from Aston University. His first job was in corporate finance for a large engineering organisation as part of which he undertook accountancy training. An early move into the newly emerging computer industry with further training and roles in sales & marketing led ultimately to general management / Managing Director positions. He is now a member of The Institute of Directors.

Today he spends a lot of time helping entrepreneurs and start-ups with advice on business planning, finance and funding and sales & marketing. He does this through his own business planning company, Escal8or.
Further help:
Join BSEEN, ei’s start up programme which provides you with additional 12 month support, including: a start-up grant, mentoring and further workshops:

• Setting up and legals
• Finances
• Business planning
• Sales
• Marketing
• Funding & Investment
• IP

Start dates 26th and 27th June 2013.
For an application contact ei@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Informal interviews: 17th June.
This event is managed by Alison Sharp, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Birmingham. It is part-funded by erdf (European Development Fund) through BSEEN.