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Kent based digital agency mso-education has launched an innovative mobile application for schools. Years of experience within the education sector has revealed that communication is an integral part of building a relationship between a school and their stakeholders.  With this in mind, mso-education have introduced a ground breaking mobile application making this communication easier than ever.

The unique technology captures and delivers information with the touch of a button, whenever and wherever you are.  Developed by industry experts, the app informs stakeholders about latest news in real time, straight to their mobile device.  Paul Lawrie, Owner and Managing Director at mso-education comments “There has never been a more convenient way to engage with parents and keep them informed, whilst creating a competitive advantage for your school.”

Features of the school mobile app
The app allows parents to have at their fingertips all the key information they need to stay up to date with school’s activities, news and events.  Features like the interactive school calendar displays full information on school activitiesincluding start time, end time, venue details and location via Google maps.  

Schools will be set upwith the mobile app illustrated with an icon of their school logo, and tailored to the school’s colours.  They will then be able to publish the latest school news, school calendar, general information and photos toiPhones, iPads and Android devices bringing immediacy and best practice to their dialogue with parents and school stakeholders.  All this will be done by the schools via the simple content management system.  Paul Lawrie explains “Schools are under increasing pressure from regulatory bodies, such as Ofsted, to demonstrate they are doing all they can to communicate with parents. We feel including a mobile app in a school’s communication strategy has to be seen favourably.”

Free trial offer

For a limited time, mso-education are giving schools the opportunity to trial this mobile application free of charge for one school term.  See http://www.mso-education.co.uk/Features/Mobile-Apps for more information.

About MSO Education
MSO Education is a dedicated website design service for schools in the UK.  With over fourteen years’ experience of working within the education sector, MSO Education is dedicated to creating high value, high quality websites that deliver results for schools, students and communities.   Their expertise spans website design, digital marketing, branding, communications and multimedia.

For more information please visit www.mso-education.co.uk or call a member of the team on 01474 704400.

Kent, December 2011: In light of recent worsening unemployment figures, a local firm based in Gravesend has launched two innovative solutions, SmartRelaunch and the Flexolution to support skilled professionals - especially women, who are returning to the workplace following a career break or redundancy.

With over 1.09 million women* now out of a job, a seven per cent increase on the same period last year, SmartRelaunch – North Kent & Medway, a recruitment, professional development and networking event on January 26, 2012 at the Old Town Hall in Gravesend from 6pm to 9pm, will bring experienced female and male professionals seeking to relaunch their careers in direct contact with recruiters, hiring professionals and local business owners around North Kent and Medway,giving them the best advice on their job-seeking and the opportunity to pitch their talents within a focused environment.

Speakers include Lara Slavin, Editor of Kent Family Magazine, who recently relaunched her career and clinched a Managerial role after a 10-year break. Former Marketing and Advertising Executive and mum of five, Jo Maloney will be on the same panel as Slavin. The death of her Gran two years ago brought out the baking talent of this stay-at-home mum, and in less than two years, she now owns and runs two inspiring businesses – The Cupcake Sanctuary and Biccies.

The Event provides participants with an opportunity to learn about effective relaunch strategies, explore business collaborations and leave with the tools and inspiration to relaunch their careers. The Event will include Leader of Gravesham Council John Burden’s opening speech, Veronica Akinyemi’s keynote, presentations by successful relaunchers, expert advice from hiring professionals and business advisors, and facilitated networking with employers and recruiters who are interested in this talent pool.

One of the highlights of this event is the launch of the Flexolution - Kent’s No.1 online portal that connects local employers to flexible and skilled professionals in and around the county. The firm is calling local business employers to establish more flexible and accessible routes for skilled professionals looking to return to the workplace. By doing this, Smart Opportunities for Women believes that employers will provide the flexibility needed to accommodate the women and men who want to work but who have family commitments which prevent them from undertaking traditional employment.

To celebrate the launch of both initiatives, Smart Opportunities for Women is offering free unlimited job listings on the Flexolution site, to all employers and recruiters in and around Kent from now until the end of February 2012.

“We provide support and introduce local business employers to the benefits of a highly skilled and flexible local talent resource. Employers get all the benefits of skilled expertise without incurring huge costs. This way, they work smarter. We want to nurture and support the best of our local talent and businesses, helping to make our local communities stronger.”Says return-to-work and people development expert, Veronica Akinyemi, the driving force behind both initiatives

Project Manager, Tabitha Mickelburgh who has years of experience working in a large blue chip company recently set up T.M Communications, a Marketing and Website Design Consultancy in response to redundancy. She attended one of Smart Opportunities for Women’s recent workshops and says “Smart Opportunities is a super initiative, supporting women into work”.

The SmartRelaunch – North Kent & Medway event registration costs £27 per person. For more information and to register, please visit: www.smartopportunitiesforwomen.co.uk. To upload vacancies and business opportunities, register atwww.flexolution.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter: @SmartOpps4Women.

A joiners based in Strood has become one of the first Medway businesses to take on a trainee as part of the council’s latest initiative to boost apprenticeships.  Totally Bespoke Joinery, based on Medway City Estate, has received a £2,000 subsidy to take on an apprentice as part of Medway Council’s apprentice subsidy scheme.

The scheme, launched in October following the completion of Medway’s 100 in 100 apprenticeship challenge, provides small to medium sized businesses with a subsidy of £2,000 to go towards the apprentice’s wages, or, or if they are over 19, their training costs.

For Brian Wright, 46, who has been running Bespoke Joinery for eight years, hearing about the subsidy meant he could give some serious consideration to taking on an apprentice. “We have had apprentices before but only short term placements – partly because of the costs” he said.

“For a business like ours, an apprenticeship really is the best way to learn the trade and pick up the skills and techniques. When I heard about the subsidy it seemed like the perfect opportunity to teach the trade and get an extra pair of hands on board.”

And their apprentice, Frank Turtle, 18, is already busy learning the ropes.

“I decided to look for an apprenticeship after completing my second year at college studying bench joinery. Doing an apprenticeship is giving me the chance to be in a real working environment and part of a team and, for me, it seemed the best way to really learn the trade.”

Frank attends North West Kent College where he is working towards a Diploma Level 3 in Bench Joinery one day a week and spends the other four days in the workplace.

“I’m working with bench joiners who have years of experience and can pass on their knowledge and expertise to me and will hopefully stand me in good stead for the future.”

Totally Bespoke Joinery employs three full timne staff and specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke and custom built timber staircases and fitted furniture.

The council’s subsidy scheme has set aside £200,000 for apprenticeships, half of which comes from EU funds, and aims to support up to 90 apprenticeships between now and March 2012.

The cash boost is targeted toward helping small to medium sized Medway businesses with less than 50 employees and is aimed at seven specific sectors, including construction and engineering, horticulture, travel and creative industries.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: “We are committed to boosting economic growth here in Medway and this scheme is at the heart of that commitment –offering businesses that extra incentive to take on an apprentice and reap the benefits they can bring.

“Apprenticeships offer something really special – the chance for businesses to gain fresh, new talent trained to industry standards and an opportunity for young people to learn valuable skills and get on the career ladder.

“I’d encourage any businesses that are interested to get in touch now and find out what’s on offer to them.”

For more information on the subsidy and how it may benefit your business, get in touch by emailing gaps@medway.gov.uk or calling 01634 334348.

Medway Council is on the look out for local businesses that want to harness new talent and boost their bottom line by taking an apprentice under their wing.  The council has recently announced a commitment of £200,000 for apprenticeships and is now searching for Medway businesses that can benefit from the deal.

The cash boost, half of which comes from EU funds, will support up to 90 apprenticeships between now and March and is targeted toward helping small businesses with the costs of taking on an apprentice.  The financial support of around £2000 per apprentice is available to businesses with less than 50 employees across a range of priority sectors, from construction and engineering to horticulture, travel and tourism and creative industries.  Paid directly to the training provider for the apprentice, the subsidy can be used to either help the employer pay the apprentice’s wages, or if they are over 19, will go towards their training costs.

As well as encouraging economic growth in the area, the aim of this latest initiative is to help long term unemployed people find their way back into work through apprenticeships.  Employ Medway, the council’s employment advice centre based in Chatham High Street, will work with businesses to help them find suitable candidate for their roles.  The majority of apprenticeships last one year, while some can last longer, and most of the training takes place on the job with the rest organised by training providers.  They also allow businesses to train staff to industry standards and 80 per cent of employers who have apprentices agree that they make their workplace more productive. (Source:

www.apprenticeships.org.uk).Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: “Apprenticeships can offer businesses something really special

the opportunity to reap the benefits of having fresh, enthusiastic talent on board and the chance to train staff to their industry standards.  We’re committed to driving up economic growth here in Medway by supporting businesses and apprentices and making sure they have the tools they need to grow. I’d encourage any businesses that are interested to get in touch now and find out what’s on offer to them.”To find out more about the subsidy and how it may benefit your business, get in touch by emailing gaps@medway.gov.uk or calling 01634 335889.

The subsidy will support businesses in the following sectors that have been trading for more than two years: Construction; Engineering and Manufacturing; Care; Horticulture; Sports and Leisure; Creative and Digital Industries; Travel and Tourism; Environmental Technologies.

The popular Givaudan Ashford 10K returns to the town on October 9th with a big entry expected to help celebrate the race’s silver jubilee.

The 25th running of one of Kent’s leading road running events sees some of the county’s top runners lining up with club athletes, seasoned runners and those looking to complete their first race.

“It is part of the enduring appeal of the race that it attracts runners of all shapes, sizes and abilities, all looking to complete the race and achieve their own personal milestone” says race spokesman Martin Burke.

The race once again benefits from the generous sponsorship of Givaudan plus the support of the Ashford International Hotel and PodPlus sports shop & clinic. A big entry is expected for the race which is now an established part of the south east’s road running calendar and with the 2011 event celebrating its 25th birthday, organising club Ashford AC are hoping for great support from the town.

Thanks to the cooperation of Kent Highways, Ashford Borough Council, Kent Police and the other town agencies, the race will once again benefit from closed roads. The start and finish both take place in the Julie Rose Stadium providing a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.

The race starts from the Julie Rose Stadium on Willesborough Road, the headquarters of Ashford AC. All finishers will receive a special 25th anniversary medal plus there will be trophies and prizes for the leading runners. In addition to the main 10K race there are fun runs for Under 10’s and Under 15’s plus plenty of other activities to keep spectators entertained.

For more information or to download an entry form, visit the race website www.ashford10k.co.uk. Entries are available online or by post or you can contact race organisers Nice Work on 01797 230999.

A 17 year old from Gillingham has become the youngest person to receive a start up business grant from Medway Council.  Katie Blench was awarded a £1,000 grant from the council to help get her business, Katie Blench Photography, off the ground.  The young entrepreneur, who turned 18 at the end of August, set up the business after taking to photography as a hobby and after work experience with a professional photographer, realised she’d found her perfect career.  Working from her family home, Katie has her own studio with professional lighting and already boasts a portfolio of pet portraits and weddings to shoots for bands and models.

The Partners for Growth start up scheme offers budding entrepreneurs a grant of up to £1,000 that can be used to fund initial start-up costs for example rent, stock, vehicles or promotion.  The former Chatham Grammar School for Girls pupil completed a foundation degree in photography at North West Kent College in Dartford in June 2010 and determined to succeed, wasn’t fazed by the challenges of going it alone in the business world.

“Setting up the business wasn’t a difficult decision at all. I had several nine to five office jobs after leaving college and knew they just weren’t for me. I have a genuine passion for photography and love it when people enjoy themselves on my shoots.”

Katie will put the grant towards a new camera and a mobile generator to allow her to take her shoots outside of the studio and on location.  “The grant has meant I haven’t had to worry about money for a while and being the youngest person to be offered a grant was a great confidence boost in my ability and my business plan. I hope it will mean I can inspire more young people to pursue their dreams as well” she said.

In the future, Katie’s looking to invest in her own studio away from home as well as hiring an assistant for shoots and receptionist to manage bookings.  As part of the Partners for Growth scheme, Katie was also provided with courses through the council’s Business Link service.  These included bookkeeping and one to one business advice meetings. She will also receive on-going mentoring to assist the growth of her business.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: “Katie is a real inspiration to all young people with entrepreneurial spirit and an example of how, with ambition and hard work, you can realise your dreams and start up your own business.  “Our start up grants are about helping local people with obvious talent find their feet and get their business off the ground, as well as giving them the tools to help their business grow and create jobs and opportunities in the future. I wish Katie every success.”

In case you had not heard, it has now been officially announced that Tuesday 5 June 2012 will be a bank holiday to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

There will not be the usual bank holiday on the last Monday in May (as we have enjoyed this week) but rather, this will be moved to Monday 4 June. Therefore there will be a four day weekend for the Diamond Jubilee.

As with the Royal wedding this year, this means that there will be 9 public and bank holidays next year, as opposed to the usual 8. Employers may want to think in advance this time as to whether they will be allowing employees to take the additional day as paid annual leave.

It will depend on the wording of your employee’s contract as to whether employers are obliged to allow this.

If you require any assistance or advice in preparation for next year’s extra bank holiday, please contact a member of Brachers Employment Team on 01622 690691

To enquire about further Employment law e-bulletins please email us on publications@brachers.co.uk or visit Brachers LLP online www.brachers.co.uk

The Innovation Centre Medway (ICM) provides state-of-the-art facilities for start-up technology companies. It is a partnership venture bringing together Medway Council, the Universities of Kent and Greenwich and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

ICM is a 30,000 ft2, three-storey, purpose-built innovation centre next to Rochester Airport on Maidstone Road (near the Holiday Inn) and close to junction 3 of the M2.

The centre offers the following facilities:

• 48 fully serviced offices
• sophisticated telecommunications services, including a 200 MBPS internet connection
• server hosting facilities for off-site clients
• a 75-seat conference facility and full catering service
• 150 car parking spaces
• reception facilities
• close proximity to two of Medway’s well established hotels.

For more information, visit www.innovationcentremedway.co.uk/index.php.

To book, email info@innovationcentremedway.co.uk or phone 01634 887282.

The problem with success is that it comes in many shapes and sizes. When starting a business it can seem a long way off and it is not always obvious when it comes.

Fortunately there are many who have been there before. To learn from such people is a great opportunity and KAYE (Kent Association of Young Entrepreneurs) invites members of the Kent Ambassador Group to share their experiences.

In March at the Canterbury Innovation Centre, Richard Oldfield did just that. A successful investment fund manager, Richard trained with Mercury and SG Warburg, was chief executive of Alta Advisors, a major family fund, and now runs his own fund, Oldfield Partners.

In Kent Richard has held the role of High Sheriff, Trustee of Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral and is currently President of Demelza House Children’s Hospice.  For all the KAYE Success Sessions it is this breadth and depth of experience that offers the most amount of insight and inspiration.

The format is relaxed and informal – more of a chat than a lecture. Richard stood at the front, with no presentation, telling his story. He shared his experience of running the investment fund for Tetra Pak founders, the Rauslings, through to the day he decided to set up his own fund and go it alone.

The high and low points were eloquently placed amongst his top 5 tips for being an entrepreneur, which include

·         Don’t sweat the details

·         Always look forward, not back

·         Expect to moonlight to get things started

·         Things don’t happen the way you expect them to

·         It takes failure to be successful

KAYE Success Sessions are monthly and details can be found on Twitter - hashtag #KAYE and #success. More information is available from the IoD Branch or from Jonnie Jensen at KAYE at jonniejensen@tobesocial.com.

Hi Guys,

Just to let you know that we have a confirmation that we shall be featuring on

 The Secret Supper Club on Saturday 12th March at 3.50 on Channel 4

 The series looks at scenic areas around the UK in which secret suppers are prepared  

You can see me cooking some great Indian dish’s with my recipes for some fruity “Banana Bhaajis”

If you have not been watching the series you can catch it online on the 4OD website.

4odhttp://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-supper-club/

The show has been given some great feedback and is definitely worth watching!

Catch up soon
Jay

Jay  Pitrola
Desi Box Catering  
Email: desibox@live.co.ukWebsite: www.desibox.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/desiboxcatering
Mobile: 07947 196 416