Stormport Professional Services continues to build on the long established, trusted relationship with UK Power Networks through the award of a six-year Framework agreement for Distribution Capital Delivery Services in the East of England.

Established in 2009 and based in Ely, Cambridgeshire, Stormport Professional Services is an independent electrical engineering/connections business providing expertise to maintain and improve electricity distribution networks across the UK.

UK Power Networks distributes approximately 27% of the UK’s electricity, serving more than eight million customers in London, the South East and East of England. They are responsible for over 135,000 substations and 170,000 km of overhead lines and underground cable network.

The Distribution Capital Delivery Services contract awarded to Stormport Professional Services will comprise the replacement of assets across the UK Power Networks’ Eastern area, including cables and substations. The contract also includes placing overhead lines underground. There is also a very strong commitment to support UK Power Networks restoring supplies to customers in the event of extreme weather conditions. The contract win will result in Stormport Professional Services expanding facilities, with new depots being added near Bury St Edmunds, Chelmsford and Peterborough. A significant number of new jobs will be created at the company.

Steve Wright, Managing Director at Stormport Professional Services said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded the contract with UK Power Networks after a fiercely competitive nine-month tender process.

“The new contract builds on the strong working relationship between UK Power Networks and Stormport Professional Services, developed over the past seven years. Understanding UK Power Networks’ drivers has allowed us to align our business to provide a customer focussed, flexible and technically proficient model to deliver the contract. During this time, we have demonstrated to UK Power Networks our excellent record in the safe delivery of services.

“In addition, we have proved to be a reliable contractor, consistently delivering a range of complex projects to a high level of quality and will continue to use directly employed staff (including all electrical trades, civil works, Hot Glove/Live Line and senior authorised engineers) to cover the entire work scope of this contract.”

For more information on the services Stormport Professional Services provide please visit www.stormport.co.uk or call 0870 092 1996

Notes for Editors

Established in 2009, Stormport Professional Services is an independent electrical engineering/connections business providing expertise to maintain and improve electricity distribution networks across the UK. The company, based in Ely, Cambridgeshire, contract to major electricity companies including UK Power Networks and Western Power Distribution.

For more information on the services Stormport Professional Services provide please visit www.stormport.co.uk or call 0870 092 1996

Eindhoven and New York -March 3, 2017 -SPOSEA, a privately held company and software innovator in the Price Optimization & Management for the SAP software market today announced the acquisition of Darwinpricing LLC, a leader in Dynamic Pricing Solution for Geo-Targeted Price Optimization.

The popularity of shopping comparison platforms like Amazon and Google Shopping is increasing the pressure on e-Commerce companies to monitor the prices of their competitors, and adjust their own prices in real-time to stay competitive around the clock.

Price intelligence is becoming a big buzzword these days. But to be ignorant of even the most comprehensive price intelligence data in the world is not an option.

The secret to boost the profitability of e-Commerce is to display different prices on your website depending on the physical location of customers, and to run and analyse split tests every day to find out the optimal price points in every location. It is easily done with managed price tools like Darwinpricing.

"The acquisition of Darwinpricing strengthens Sposea's position as a leading end-to-end price data management and optimization software provider to the industry as insight in pricing becomes increasingly ubiquitous," said Anjo De Heus, president and CEO, SPOSEA. "Darwinpricing's dynamic pricing solution for geo targeted Price optimization capability aligns perfectly with our BrightPrice suite of solutions, allowing Sposea to leverage analytics to offer comprehensive product enhancements to our customers."

A recent study by JDA/PwC states that the next wave of change is sweeping across retail as the industry looks out to leverage digital technologies to reach the modern shopper. The survey of more than 350 global retailers finds that a digital transformation strategy is their number one priority in 2017; 69 percent of the executives say that they plan to increase their investment in digital transformation over the next year.

BrightPrice suite of price management solution is integrated into SAP and certified by SAP for NetWeaver and SAP HANA and deliver deal management, customer pricing quotation, price data management and real-time data science to help customers identify sales opportunities that are most likely to close, offers that are most likely to sell, and prices that are most likely to win.

The Darwinpricing solution will be offered as part of the BrightPrice suite, and will not only focus on SAP Software, but also on retailers who have other back end systems, such as Salesforce and Oracle. The solution already supports a wide variety of E-Commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, Intershop, Shopware, Shopify, Woo commerce, osCommerce, 3dcart and many others.

The team of Darwinpricing will be integrated in Sposea, and the on-boarding has already begun. Sposea is very pleased that the whole team of Darwinpricing has agreed to stay on, and be part of the fast-growing company.

About Sposea

SPOSEA B.V. Driving profitability by SIMPLIFYING SAP Price Data Optimization, Management & Execution. Enabling the SAP ecosystem with enterprise-wide Price Management, increasing margins through optimized prices. With its family of products, BrightPrice Manager and BrightPrice DealManager, SPOSEA provides its customers with out of the box solutions for effectively managing Pricing in SAP.

Sposea B.V., headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and offices in Morristown, New Jersey; Walldorf, Germany; and Kerala, India.

# # #

SAP, SAP NetWeaver, ABAP, SAPPHIRE and all SAP logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries. All other products and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

The sister of a Gorleston teenager who lost her life-long battle with a rare metabolic disorder will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon in her memory to thank The Sick Children’s Trust for its support.

Primary School Teacher Georgia Donaldson, 26, is determined to complete the iconic 26.2 mile race in memory of her beloved sister who tragically passed away last September. 15 year old Sydnee Donaldson had been fighting methylmalonic acidemia – a condition believed to occur in one in 100,000 – along with other complications which resulted in numerous lengthy stays in her local hospital, James Paget University Hospital, and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, miles away from home. And although Sydnee fought incredibly hard all her life and never let her condition get her down, sadly the teen passed away in September at GOSH, surrounded by her family.

Georgia, who now lives in London, is thanking The Sick Children’s Trust in her sister’s memory. The Sick Children’s Trust supported Georgia along with her family with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation throughout Sydnee’s life when she needed specialist treatment at GOSH. This meant they were never more than a few minutes away from Sydnee’s hospital bedside. Georgia says:

“The Sick Children’s Trust’s Rainbow House has supported our family since Sydnee was a baby. Knowing that somewhere exists that could give us a roof over our heads, a place to cook meals and a place to rest just minutes from Syds’ bedside was amazing. It meant that we could be by Syds’ side up until midnight and be back across to the hospital at the break of dawn. She was never alone. She always had us there.

“The last five weeks of Syds’ life were incredibly hard, we could see just how poorly she was and it was completely heart-breaking. But we were there every day and every night. We didn’t have to worry about her being alone, or not being there when we needed to be because The Sick Children’s Trust was there for us.

“Whenever I talk and think about Syds, I am overwhelmed with how inspirational she was. Despite her daily struggle and daily treatment she was always smiling. Syds would get so excited about things we take for granted. She absolutely loved being outdoors, and when she needed a wheelchair we made sure she could still enjoy this by taking her to her favourite park and feeding the squirrels and ducks.

“Because of her condition, Syds didn’t eat however her love for baking and seeing others enjoy her food would have you believe otherwise. She loved school, arts and crafts and dressing up. I miss Syds every single day, she was the bravest, most inspirational and beautiful person. It is an honour to have been her big sister.

“My decision to run the marathon is for Syds, and it’s to say thank you to The Sick Children’s Trust for their support. Some days can be so hard , as I’m constantly thinking about how the person I loved with all my heart is no longer with me, but I know that on cold, dark evening runs after long days at work she will be the one who keeps me going.”

Georgia is joining #TeamSCT this year to raise money for thousands of families who have sick children in hospital. Georgia is hoping to raise £2,000 which will go towards supporting families with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation. Rainbow House Manager, Sandra Williams says:

“Georgia’s family have suffered a great loss which we are all very saddened by. Sydnee was so brave and so beautiful. Our thoughts are with Georgia and her family.

“Sydnee’s bravery can also be seen in Georgia who is taking on a huge challenge for The Sick Children’s Trust which will test her physically and emotionally. We are so grateful to Georgia for choosing to run for us and to help us continue to support families with ‘Home from Home’ accommodation. Thank you and good luck!”

To help Georgia reach her £2,000 target, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Georgia-Donaldson14

For further information about The Sick Children’s Trust, please visit http://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/

LONDON, UK

Agency will showcase the latest in global reaching multilingual social intelligence as one of only 17 UK businesses sharing cutting-edge ideas and services

London, UK. 16 February, 2017 – The Conversationalist Agency® (TCA)—a premier social intelligence provider of multilingual, global social insights—today announced it has been selected as a “Best of British” company by the UK Trade and Investment authority. The agency is one of only 17 selected out of hundreds to represent UK innovation at the South by Southwest (SXSW®) Interactive Conference.

SXSW® is an annual conglomerate of film, interactive media and music festivals and conferences that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas, each year. The event attracts 85,000 participants from 85 countries and is a cross-sectoral creative and interactive event that merges a first-rate film festival with a fast-growing digital trade event and one of the world’s largest music festivals. This year’s event runs from 10-19 March 2017. With more than 1,500 attendees, the UK is the single largest international delegation.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to put British innovation on the global stage in front of some of the most diverse, collaborative and inventive communities in the world,” said TCA CEO Jackie Cuyvers. “We’re excited to show the world the value of social intelligence when taking local language and cultural content in context. We’re honoured to be recognized as a leader in global social intelligence, and as an innovator in the UK.”

Cuyvers has also been selected from among more than 4,000 applicants to host an event at SXSW® Interactive. On Saturday, 11 March, at 11:30 a.m. local time, she will lead Social Listening Meetup ( #solimeetup)—a first-of-its-kind event that will gather experts, analysts, agencies and brands to discuss the application of social listening for developing insights and recommendations to drive business impact.

The Trade Mission and Great Britain House will be hosted by the UK Department for International Trade and the UK Trade & Investment.

About The Conversationalist Agency®

The Conversationalist Agency® (TCA) is a global organization specialising in multilingual social media insights and business intelligence. With a global team of experienced analysts, TCA makes multi-country business intelligence efforts and social listening projects scalable and successful by providing actionable insights that answer strategic business questions.

For more information

The Conversationalist Agency®

1 Hammersmith Broadway, London W6 9DL

+44 203 282 7172

For press enquiries and media partnerships letschat@conversationalistagency.com

Coventry Citizens Advice – in partnership with Severn Trent Water – is leading the Big Difference Scheme to help struggling customers access discounted water rates. These savings can be crucial to help struggling families make ends meet alongside our expert money advice and other services that help people get back on track financially, and improve their lives.

Alan and Lorraine Tranter became the 10,000th household to be awarded a discount on their Severn Trent Water bill since April 2016 after their Macmillan Adviser, Rebecca Carpenter, made a successful application to the Big Difference Scheme.

Alan is diagnosed with cancer and Lorraine is disabled, and their income is very limited so circumstances have been extremely difficult for the two of them in recent years.

Thanks to their work with Rebecca, they now have a reduced water bill of £2.74 a month! As they had previously overpaid their bill, Rebecca discovered they were in credit of £340+ with Severn Trent and managed to get this amount refunded to them. Rebecca has also been able to help them access a grant, help with filling in PIP forms and other advice. Macmillan has also been able to offer regular support and information to Lorraine as she cares for Alan through his cancer.

Mr and Mrs Tranter were absolutely delighted and ecstatic with the help they received from Rebecca and the support the scheme offered. “I was very surprised as it’s a great saving, I’d just been paying my water every month by standing order and I didn’t realise such help was available. Everyone’s been really helpful and I was even more surprised when I learned I was due such a huge refund for having a credit on the account!”

Jessica Brindley, Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Manager, says “Macmillan research shows that four in five people affected by cancer are on average £570 a month worse off so reducing their water bills with this scheme is a great help.”

CEO of Citizens Advice Coventry, Caroline Leighton, says “The support we have provided to more than 10,000 households across the region is amazing and Mr and Mrs Tranter’s story is just one example of the impact the Big Difference Scheme can have.”

Like Mr and Mrs Tranter, Severn Trent Water customers accessing the Big Difference Scheme through their local Citizens Advice – or another local partner – can receive assistance with a range of other issues to compliment the help they are getting with their water bill.

In total the Big Difference Scheme has helped over 32,000 financially vulnerable households to reduce their water bills and increase their well-being and financial stability.

Severn Trent customers who are interested in accessing the Big Difference Scheme can visit www.bigdifference.org.uk to find out more about the scheme, access an application form and look up local agencies who may be able to help.

--ends--

Contact: Rosa Parker-Hinton

Tel:024 7625 2604

Out of Hours: 079 5656 9628

Email: rparker-hinton@coventrycab.org.uk

Website: www.bigdifference.org.uk Twitter: @BigDiffScheme

Notes for editors:

1- The Big Difference Scheme is a partnership between Coventry Citizens Advice and Severn Trent Water.

2- Se www.bigdifference.org.uk/find-a-local-adviser/ for full list of participating agencies.

3- If Severn Trent Customers think they could benefit from the Big Difference Scheme, they can visit our website (www.bigdifference.org.uk), call us on 024 7625 2600 or visit their local Citizens Advice.

4- More information about the Telford Macmillan Welfare Rights team is available here https://goo.gl/1anNQ3

Cambridge Company Cell Guidance Systems announced today that it has licensed a new technology, developed by researchers at Cambridge University, which for the first time makes it possible to simulate major events in mouse embryo development without the use of eggs and sperm.

In ground breaking research that was published in the 2nd March issue of Science, Prof Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz and her colleagues studied trophoblast and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), two of the earliest cell types to develop from the fertilized egg. They found that simply growing these two cells together leads to the development of structures termed ETS-Embryos, which strongly resemble mouse embryos in the days immediately following their implantation into the womb. Key to this success was development of “ETS-Embryo Medium” to culture the two stem cell types.

Since in ETS-embryos all of the genetic identity of the embryonic tissues is derived from the ESC, any embryo produced is a clone of that cell. How far ETS-embryos can develop remains still to be determined.

ETS-Embryos are set to transform the fields of embryology and stem cell science. Potential future applications include improving the efficiency of generation of transgenic animals for research and novel ways to make tissues and organs for stem cell research.

Cell Guidance Systems has agreed an exclusive license to the technology. Dr Michael Jones, CEO, commented “We are very happy to be working with Prof Zernicka Goetz’s lab and to be involved in this ground-breaking research. This is arguably the most significant breakthrough in stem cell science for a decade and these discoveries provide key insights into mammalian development. The potential benefits of the technology for basic research and the development of new medical therapies is very exciting.”

About Cell Guidance Systems

Cell Guidance Systems is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, UK that is leading the way in the development of technologies for cell based research and regenerative medicine. The company collaborates in the development of new technologies with academics and clinicians at universities and hospitals in the UK and internationally.

PALO ALTO, March. 2, 2017 - WWE and The Cybersmile Foundation have partnered on a new initiative to promote diversity and inclusion online with the hashtag #WWExCYBERSMILE.

The partnership will focus on raising awareness of support available to anybody affected by online negativity while encouraging a diverse and inclusive internet, free from harassment and online abuse.

With the support of WWE superstars, the partnership will encourage online users across social media to engage in a positive, open dialogue, supporting those that have been affected by harassment while promoting everyone to celebrate their individuality.

“WWE is proud to continue our commitment to bullying prevention through this partnership with The Cybersmile Foundation, an award-winning cyberbullying organization that tackles all forms of online bullying.” - Tracey Keenan, WWE International.

Social media users are being invited to participate in the debate with the hashtag #WWExCYBERSMILE where they will also get the chance to win special prizes during the campaign.

“Cybersmile and WWE teaming up is very exciting and together we are introducing a whole new audience to Cybersmile’s education and support resources. In addition, we will be empowering huge numbers of people around the world, letting them know that it’s ok to be them, whoever they are.” - Dan Raisbeck, Co-Founder, The Cybersmile Foundation.

To find out more about the partnership log on to the official Cybersmile website and follow the hashtag #WWExCYBERSMILE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About The Cybersmile FoundationThe Cybersmile Foundation is a multi award winning non-profit organization committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online. They work to promote diversity and inclusion by building a safer, more positive digital community.Through education and the promotion of positive digital citizenship, The Cybersmile Foundation reduces incidents of cyberbullying and provides professional help along with support services to children and adults.ConnectTwitter: https://twitter.com/CybersmileHQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCybersmileFoundationWebsite: http://www.cybersmile.org/Community support website: http://www.cybersmile.org/cyberbullying-support-communityContactpressoffice@cybersmile.org

For immediate release: 3 March 2017

Memorability as an Image

17 March-6 May 2017

Opening Night: Thursday 16 March 2017

Northampton-based photographer James Smith brings together a five-year study of Brutalism. Memorability as an Image (2011–2016) is the governing title of three photographic studies, Heavy Simplicity (Patterned), Brutal Relics and Civic Stage. Together they examine the structures of experiences in loss and vision, of a post war movement that refuses to disappear.

Memorability as an Image lifts an idea through photography and offers a structural rhetoric of an Anglicised movement, which perhaps is now being viewed as an era of a ‘Brutal Romantic’ by means of verification, confirmation and comparison. Smith challenged further research from 2011, which observed form, object and/or structure through theories of Brutalism. That same year the journal October (edition 136) was published with Ben Highman’s essay “Image-breaking, God-making”: Paolozzi’s Brutalism, which featured this germane quote from the Smithson’s;

“…Brutalism has been discussed stylistically, whereas in essence is ethical.” Ethics, here, is seen as a form of objectivity; “Any discussion of Brutalism will miss the point if it does not take into account Brutalism’s attempt to be objective about ‘reality”.

The essay also highlighted architectural critic Reyner Banham’s seminal description of his own coined term, New Brutalism.

1, Memorability as an image: 2, Clear exhibition of structure; and 3,Valuation of Materials “as found”. Remembering that an image is what affects the emotions, that structure, in it’s fullest sense, is the relationship of parts, and that materials “as found” are raw materials.

One of several works to emerge from this initial research period was Heavy Simplicity (Patterned), the title taken from a Brutalist design term; ‘an embrace of natural forms’,realising how climates of northern and southern hemispheres can effect peoples’ perception and opinion of the movement’s aesthetics.

A more recently produced work that pays homage to Banham is Brutal Relics. Presented as maintained objects against black voids, these relics are all that is left from the former neglected Brutalist structure, Greyfriars Bus Station. They serve to inform a mood of the regressive thinking of media and local governance, which left the site blitzed to nothing. For Civic Stage, while still referencing Reyner Banhams’s ‘1,2 & 3’, Jacques Lacan’s Mirror Stage inspires the title, relating to an observer’s first immersion and apperception of a built landscape, found within itself but viewed entirely as surface.

Events accompanying the show include Crit Group, Write Club, From Art To Commerce as well as an Artist Talk.

To accompany the exhibition there will be a publication with three newly commissioned essays by Jonathan Hale, Ben Highmore & Nicholas Smith plus a further photographic study appearing in the exhibition of the Greyfriars Bus Station. The book is being published by scopio EDITIONS, with the support of NN Contemporary Art and Centro de Comunicação e Representação Espacial (CCRE), a research group of the Faculty of Architecture, Porto University (FAUP), Portugal.

More information on the project and information about NN are at www.nncontemporaryart.org

About James Smith

James Smith, after completion of MA Photography (2012) at the Royal College of Art, has since gone on to be shown in both solo and group exhibitions. Underpinning his current research and practice is a debate regarding the architecture of territory and the projection of politics, through aesthetic and cultural definitions of geographic positioning within the English landscape. The articulation of territory through form can be seen as a presentation of intuitive structures that radiate and demand their coexistence within a landscape. A structural rhetoric of the obstante, the stubborn and the immovable become established chapters of identification.

Solo exhibitions include, Temporal Dislocation, Photofusion, London 2012, and the ACE funded London Overspill commission of four exhibitions; London Overspill, UH Galleries, Hatfield, 2012, Luton Overlay, Departure Lounge 2012/13, Estate, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow 2014 and Parkway, Peterborough Museum, Peterborough 2014. He is also a visiting lecture to a number of universities and his work is housed in several private and public collections.

Ends

Notes to editors:

NN is a contemporary art space in the centre of Northampton.

Opening hours: Wednesday–Saturday 11am–6pm

Free admission

NN is supported by:

Arts Council England

Northampton Borough Council

Northampton County Council

The University of Northampton

For further information please contact:

Danielle Macleod

Marketing Assistant, NN Contemporary Art,

Number Nine Guildhall Road, Northampton NN1 1DP, UK

E: marketing@nncontemporaryart.org T: 01604 638944

Lancashire baker Holland's Pies is celebrating British Pie Week with the announcement of a brand NEW Micro Pie available nationwide this March.

The new Micro Pie, available in over 400 Tesco stores across the UK from 13 March, is a frozen pie which can be conveniently microwaved in the packaging straight from the freezer. Using susceptor packaging technology, the pack also crisps up the pastry during the cooking process creating an oven-baked taste in just four minutes.

Adding extra convenience to a comfort food favourite, this individually-boxed tasty treat is perfect for a quick snack at home or at work. With a recommended retail price of just £1.50, the pies will be available in two tasty flavours:

The Chicken, Leek & Bacon Micro Pie includes tasty British & Irish chicken, sliced leeks and smoked bacon, seasoned with pepper, parsley and thyme, in a creamy sauce, baked in Holland's new microwavable shortcrust pastry. The Steak & Ale Micro Pie includes slow cooked tender prime steak in a light ale gravy, baked in Holland's microwavable shortcrust pastry. These new pies are sure to be a firm favourite for those wanting a tasty snack in just a matter of minutes or as an ideal pairing with mash or mushy peas.

Leanne Holcroft, Brand Manager at Holland's, commented: “We're really excited about the national launch of our new Micro Pie. As convenient as they are delicious, these tasty snacks bring our products to life in a completely new way. We've invested a lot of time in perfecting a pie that offers an even crispier and shorter pastry, an oven-baked taste and Holland's signature flavour and we're delighted with the finished product. We look forward to hearing customers' feedback and hope they enjoy them as much as we do!”

ENDS

Honda of the UK Manufacturing gears up to extend its apprenticeship programme for 2017 after receiving a record number of applications.

Off the back of the success of becoming Honda's global production hub for the new Civic, the Swindon-based factory is midway through recruiting September's intake of new apprentices. This year, Honda received the highest volume of apprenticeship applications since the introduction of the programme in 1999. Honda's European flagship production facility is looking to train the next generation of engineers to support ongoing company success.

Currently, the apprentices enrol on to the Technical Engineering - Mechatronics Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme. This four-year programme consists of a combination of on the job training and class-based learning to ensure apprentices develop the necessary broad range of technical skills and experience required.

In September 2017, Honda will introduce a second apprenticeship scheme. The new Toolmaking Trailblazer Apprenticeship programme will develop Tool and Die Maintenance Technicians that will be responsible for maintaining the specialist tooling that is in use throughout the site.

Jason Smith, Director at Honda of the UK Manufacturing, says: "We're incredibly excited to be introducing the new Toolmaking Trailblazer Apprenticeship this year. It is brilliant to see such a high number of applications and these candidates will be joining extremely rewarding programmes at a very exciting time for Honda."

Honda has been investing in Engineering Apprenticeship Training for the past 18 years with more than 170 apprentices successfully completing the programme to date.

Manchester charity Back on Track are looking for people with food skills to help run their centre cafe. The café, Swan Kitchens, is staffed by people who are getting their lives back together after going through homelessness, addiction, offending and mental health problems. Since it launched just over a year ago it has sold thousands of low cost, healthy meals to people on low incomes.

Since April 2016 the cafe has also provided catering to local charities and businesses, including Citizens’ Advice, the National Autistic Society and a group visiting from the House of Commons. All profits the café makes are reinvested into Back on Track services for disadvantaged people.

The main aim of the cafe is to give disadvantaged people the chance to get new skills and crucial work experience. So far members of the café team have moved into paid jobs with a wide range of employers, including the Midland Hotel, Manchester City FC and several local cafes.

Several local enterprises have lent their expertise to the project, including Honest Crust Pizza – rated one of the best pizza restaurants in Manchester – which recently held a pop-up workshop at Back on Track.

The charity now urgently need skilled volunteers to support people in the kitchen and help run the business side. Experience in catering is preferred, but training will be provided. You need to be able to offer at least one full day a week.

Rachel Gilkes, Back on Track’s Enterprise Coordinator, says ‘This is a chance to make a real, lasting difference, using your skills to change people’s lives. And the cake’s great too!’

You can find out more at a special ‘afternoon tea’ information event on Friday 10 March, from 1-3pm at Back on Track’s centre in the Northern Quarter – 4th Floor, 20 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JW. Back on Track’s famous cakes will be served!

If you can’t make the event email rachel.gilkes@backontrackmanchester.org.uk to find out how to get involved.

About Back on Track

Back on Track is a Manchester charity that enables disadvantaged adults to make lasting, positive changes in their lives. Formed in 1977, today we run a learning centre in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. We work with adults who have been through problems with alcohol or drugs, offending, homelessness and mental health. Our training, wellbeing, work experience and volunteering projects enable 1000+ people a year to build the skills they need to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. We run a catering social enterprise, which includes an on-site cafe and external catering operation. This gives disadvantaged people the skills and experience they need to overcome barriers and move into work.

YMCA Lincolnshire & The Nomad Trust raises over £16,500 for homeless people as part of the national YMCA Sleep Easy Week

Local people have so far raised over £16,500 for YMCA Lincolnshire at a local fundraising event last Friday. The event saw 85 people spend a night sleeping rough in the grounds of Lincoln Cathedral, sheltering in cardboard boxes from the wind, rain and bitter cold.

The event, ran annually by the YMCA, attracted more than double the participants of last year’s SleepEasyLincoln16, beating the fundraising target of £10,000 by over 50%, with generous support and donations still coming in following the event.

YMCA Lincolnshire have ran SleepEasy events for the past seven years, however this is the first event to be part of national YMCA Sleep Easy Week, that saw 15 YMCAs come together over seven days promote to their work with young people and the homeless.

Money raised from the event will help YMCA Lincolnshire and The Nomad Trust increase the provision of accommodation and support services for the most vulnerable people in our society.

The Nomad Trust, part of YMCA Lincolnshire, is looking to improve the support they provide through a new direct access and supported accommodation project – The Nomad Centre. Funds raised through Sleep Easy will go directly to supporting the new build.

Sleep Easy event organiser, Rachael Hewitt, said: “This was the first time we teamed up with other YMCAs for YMCA’s National Sleep Easy Week. We are amazed with the level of support we have received, from local businesses, organisations and individuals. We’re thrilled with the success and I’d like to thank everyone who took part and spent the night out with us.”

“There is still time to support the cause – you can donate to #SleepEasyLincoln17 by visiting: www.lincsymca.co.uk/sleepeasy - now, it’s not about supporting those who took part in Sleep Easy, it’s about supporting those who have no choice but to sleep rough on a daily basis.”

Mindy Arora who participated in the Sleep Easy event, raising over £1,500 in sponsorship, shared her thoughts;

“You can never truly understand how difficult it is being young and homeless, unless you experience even a fraction of what it is like sleeping out.”

It’s definitely made me realise the hardships these people face on a daily basis – the struggle for things most of us take for granted – warmth, shelter and food…”

A number of participants have already expressed their desire to Volunteer for The Nomad Trust, and take part in next year’s SleepEasy, explains YMCA Lincolnshire’s Fundraising Officer, Emma Hume.

“To see the local community coming together in support of those most in need is amazing… Whether you can afford to donate to the cause, or offer some time to volunteer, your support is greatly appreciated.”

“We would like to offer particular thanks to Spaldings Ltd, Stokes Tea and Coffee, East Coast Homeless Outreach, Running Imp, Nomad Retail, Lincoln Cathedral, Go Outdoors and RAF Waddington for supporting the event.”

You can help support the homeless by donating to the cause at: www.lincsymca.co.uk/sleepeasy

For many, a car is a significant financial investment and one that many Brits expect to receive a decent return. So, when is the optimal time to sell? We Buy Motors, a leading online used car dealership, recently researched the best time to sell your car.

Depreciation:

Depreciation begins the moment a car leaves the dealership, and sadly no amount of tender, love and care can significantly slow down the process.

Reason with the season:

Seasonal weather has a large effect on car sales and should always be taken into consideration. Autumn and winter is the ideal time to sell 4x4s, SUVs and trucks with many Brits looking to upgrade as rain and snow becoming problematic for smaller cars. The warmer months of summer and spring see a spike in demand for convertibles and sports cars making this the most profitable time to sell high performance vehicles.

Determine the day:

Research shows that people are most productive at the start of the week, and the same is true when it comes to the business of buying cars. Car sales in the United Kingdom peak on Monday and Tuesday. To expand your potential market and increase the likelihood of a rapid sale consider posting your advertisement on a Monday or Tuesday.

Keep an eye on the economy:

Like all products and services, the current state of the economy affects the value and demand for certain types of cars. For those planning to sell a hybrid or other fuel-efficient car, wait for a slump in the market. A struggling economy triggers an increase in fuel prices, which increases demand for fuel-efficient cars. Similarly, a drop in the economy sees an increase in public transport costs, which bump up the demand for all used cars. On the other hand, those keen to sell a luxury car or SUV should wait until the economy is flourishing.

The Best Time

Through extensive research, WeBuyMotors.com concludes that the best time to sell your car is between the 3 to 6-year mark. While a variety of factors do impact upon the value of each vehicle, the company believes that keeping your car in the best condition possible will ensure sellers maximise their return in all situations.

Young residents at YMCA Humber designed and planted a community orchard to gain new skills and to support their YMCA centres’ enterprise!

The Big Lottery Fund has invested £33 million in more than 30 organisations to inspire and develop the next generation of environmental leaders through Our Bright Future programme led by The Wildlife Trusts.

Fruit-full Communities is one of the funded projects and is working with residents of 10 YMCA sites in England, including YMCA Humber who created their own orchard, learning new skills such as designing, budgeting, trees planting and pruning. They are also gaining better understanding of the importance of trees in protecting the environment and are making connections with other young people working with trees in African countries.

For many YMCA residents this is the first project of its kind and here is what some of them said:

“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and I can’t wait to see it when it is finished.” Paul, YMCA resident

“I joined a committee for the Orchard Project and I was made Chair Person.

“I designed the logo and drew up the plans, something I thoroughly enjoyed doing. Art has always been a passion of mine and the Orchard Project has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent.” Anthony, YMCA resident

On 18 March 2017 YMCA Humber residents, supported by YMCA staff and community volunteers will be celebrating the opening of their orchard at a community event at the charity’s Peaks Lane site from 2pm-5pm.

We invite the local community to join the celebrations and also to meet our orchard creators and have a go at a range of activities, including tree dressing, woodcraft workshops, fresh food coking demos, a cob workshop, as well as a BBQ, stalls, live music, a disco and much, much more.

The new orchard was planned and planted by the residents and it will improve their local environment in which they can relax, exercise or socialise. Furthermore, YMCA Humber residents are planning to use the fruit grown for cooking and also to promote healthy eating.

To find out more about the project visit: www.fruitfullcommunities.org

This unique project is a collaborative partnership established by outdoor learning and play specialists, Learning through Landscapes, YMCA, the International Tree Foundation and the Orchard Project.

Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts said: “Our Bright Future is an innovative movement for change. It is brilliant that the Big Lottery Fund has recognised that societal and environmental challenges are two sides of the same coin. The programme supports young people to develop the skills needed to thrive in the workplace and it does so through the environment. We want to see a generation of courageous and wise leaders empowered to change our world for the better.”

Thanks to Our Bright Future, thirty one youth-led projects across the UK are each receiving around £1m of funding to give young people the skills and knowledge to improve their local environments. In doing so, young people will develop the confidence and resilience to become environmental leaders and influence decisions at local and national levels.

Gala Leisure (Gala Bingo Retail) has been awarded five-star GamCare Certification, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to social responsibility and player protection across its 130 bingo clubs throughout the UK.

GamCare is the leading national provider of information, advice and support for problem gamblers, and works with gambling operators to embed socially responsible gambling and player protection at the heart of their businesses.

GamCare Certification is an independent audit assessment of the operator’s player protection measures and social responsibility standards, policy and practices. Informed by extensive experience of problem gambling, the GamCare Code of Practice is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains at the forefront of player protection.

Dirk Hansen, CEO at GamCare, says: “GamCare recognise the importance of acknowledging organisations that achieve high standards of social responsibility and player protection. Gala Leisure demonstrated good knowledge of social responsibility policy and practice, and their Certification shows that they are offering relevant player protection tools for their customers to minimise risk of harm.”

Hayley Jane Lee, Head of Risk and Compliance at Gala Leisure Ltd, commented: “We have always worked closely with GamCare and value their advice and expertise to ensure we are able to offer a great customer experience whilst minimising the risk of harm.”

Alex Wood, Acting CEO of Gala Leisure Ltd added: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded the five-star GamCare Certification, it is a credit to all of our colleagues at Gala Bingo.”

For more information, visit www.gamcare.org.uk

ENDS

For more information or accompanying images please contact Catherine Sweet, Marketing and Communications Manager, at catherine.sweet@gamcare.org.uk or on 020 7801 7000.

Notes to editors:

GamCare – Working to minimise gambling-related harm

Gala Leisure Ltd (Gala Retail)

Formed in 1991, Gala Bingo is the UK's largest retail bingo operator with a 38% market share. Headquartered in Nottingham, it operates 130 clubs throughout the UK and has over 1.1 million active members (being customers who have visited a club within a 52-week period). The bingo clubs trade under the Gala brand through a license agreement entered into with Gala Coral Group. Gala Bingo employs 4,000 people and holds the Investor in People Gold Standard.

Following its sale by the Gala Coral Group for £241million in December 2015, Gala Bingo is now owned by Caledonia Investments Plc, an investment trust company that is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Soldier Michael Tait is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon next month to raise £2,000 for The Sick Children’s Trust.

Michael, 31 from Chelmsford, is running the iconic route to say thank you to the charity for supporting him and wife Lisa with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation when their son was born with serious medical issues.

Little Oliver, now one year old, was born at the couple’s local hospital, Broomfield, but within hours was rushed to The Royal London Hospital after being diagnosed with tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF). The condition meant that Oliver had an abnormal connection running between his windpipe and oesophagus which left a gap, meaning his food would go straight into his lungs.

At just 12 hours old, Oliver underwent major lifesaving surgery and spent two weeks on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) recovering. During this time, The Sick Children’s Trust gave Michael and Lisa free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation at Stevenson House, just minutes from Oliver’s bedside. First time Dad Michael, says:

“It was a complete shock when we found out how poorly Oliver was. You never think that your baby is going to have to fight so hard to survive before they’re even an hour old. We were filled with absolute dread and fear because we didn’t know what would happen.

“When we arrived at The Royal London Hospital, Oliver went straight into theatre. He was barely 12 hours old. It hurt so much to kiss him goodbye and watch him be taken away. But thankfully, four hours later we were finally given the news that the procedure had gone well. The agonising wait was over, but home was still a long way off.

“Following his operation, we were introduced to Alan from The Sick Children’s Trust, who manages Stevenson House: free accommodation just minutes from the hospital. Stevenson House took a lot of the stress and worry of having a seriously ill baby in hospital away. For us, not having to worry about making our way to and from Chelmsford made a huge difference. Although Chelmsford doesn’t seem too far – when your baby is just hours old and fighting for their life, anything more than five minutes is too much.

“Because of The Sick Children’s Trust, we could be by Oliver’s side at any time, pick him up and cuddle him when he was strong enough, and be there the moment he woke up. For that, I will forever feel indebted to the charity.”

Oliver was discharged back to his local hospital after two weeks and then was finally allowed to go home. Although Oliver is doing well, he may have to undergo further surgery later this year and will have to attend yearly check-ups until he is 16. Michael continues:

“Oliver has come on leaps and bounds since he was born. He’s a very happy child and is so loving. We have since been back to Stevenson House to visit Alan and Assistant House Manager Irma to thank them for their wonderful support. Stevenson House will always be a big part of our lives.”

Stevenson House is one of ten ‘Homes from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust across the country, supporting thousands of families with seriously ill children in hospital. The charity completely relies on voluntary donations to keep the houses running. Stevenson House Manager, Alan Booth, says:

“We’re delighted to hear that Michael is running the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for us, and we’re so pleased that Oliver is doing well.

“It costs the charity £30 to support a family for one night in a ‘Home from Home’, so the money Michael raises will make a huge difference to families with seriously ill children in hospital.”

To help Michael reach his target, please visit: http://buff.ly/2moLv8u

For further information about The Sick Children’s Trust, please visit http://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/

Colne Valley Black Belt Academy, nestled in the heart of the Colne Valley, is run by renowned Senior Martial Arts Instructor Bob Sykes, 6th Dan Black Belt, who has been practising for 40 years. The full-time Academy has a well-deserved reputation as a family martial arts centre, encouraging adults and children from three years old, to take up martial arts including karate, kickboxing and tai chi… Sykes has now taken his knowledge a step further.

All instructors of the CVBBA, members of the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS), have recently gained Equality Awareness Qualifications, and their aim is to continue to expand their popular classes within all areas of the local community. Classes, available to both children and adults, will encourage more students with a range of educational, physical and neurological needs, including high functioning autism spectrum conditions.

Already the CVBBA has an inclusive approach and believe that martial arts should be open to all; this commitment to equality and diversity can now be more formalised with their recent training.

Sykes said, ‘we pride ourselves on having an academy that not only deals in equality but that welcomes diversity with open arms. It is our unique mix of all ages, abilities, genders, and cultural differences that makes us the academy we are today’.

Not only is Sykes, a long-established instructor in Huddersfield, he is also editor of the UK’s leading Martial Arts Illustrated magazine with knowledge of a wide variety of martial arts governing bodies. He took a leap of faith in NAKMAS and its initiatives.

NAKMAS currently hold the Intermediate level of the Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport, a government initiative run with UK Sport, to accredit sporting bodies with national equality standards. They are working towards the Advanced level and this involves clubs and organisations within membership taking equality awareness on board. Another such initiative is the Safe Kids Campaign; its purpose being to raise awareness of bullying for the junior members of the clubs across the UK.

Parents at the CVBBA speak highly of the club: ‘CVBBA is a brilliant family oriented club’; ‘awesome place with awesome teachers’; ‘CVBBA has taught my child respect, concentration, and confidence since he has been training with them’.

Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis, Director of Operations for NAKMAS, said, ‘we are pleased that Bob had the confidence to enrol his Academy with us, and impressed at their efficiency and open mindedness to embrace new processes and training initiatives. We are proud to be able to support the CVBBA in their bid to expand their student base and help their local community’.

You can contact Colne Valley Black Belt Academy at www.cvbba.co.uk or call Natalie Robinson on 01484 844386 or 07827 276518.

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

Find out more about Colne Valley Black Belt Academy their website at www.cvbba.co.uk or the Facebook page via:

https://www.facebook.com/ColneValleyBlackBeltAcademy/

Contact Natalie Robinson Tel: 01484 844386 or 07827 276518.

Find out more about NAKMAS at www.nakmas.org.uk or via Facebook www.facebook.com/nakmasngb

NAKMAS has secured the Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport. To find out more about Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport at http://equalityinsport.org/

The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) National Governing Body is a non-funded national governing body and is a member of Sport & Recreation Alliance (formerly known as the CCPR) and The Association For International Sport For All. With its Head Office based in Kent, NAKMAS governs all forms of traditional and modern martial arts and has over 65,000 members.

NAKMAS is an approved insurance provider by XL Catlin and holds a National and International Quality Standard Certificate via the BSI (British Standards Institute).

For further information, please contact:

Libby Ellison – NAKMAS Press/Media Officer

Email: libby.ellison@nakmas.org.uk

Tel: 01227 370055

or

Joe Ellis – NAKMAS Chair

Email: joe.ellis@nakmas.org.uk

Tel: 01227 370055

British Actress Sally Philips has been confirmed as the host of the Charity Film Awards. Taking place on 15 March at BAFTA (London), the Awards celebrate the use of video by charities, whether to change mindsets, fundraise or raise awareness.

36 charities have made it through to the finalist stage, including household names such as RSPCA, Barnardo’s, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Prostate Cancer UK, St John Ambulance and Alzheimer’s Society. The charities are categorised according to their turnover, with each hoping to be crowned with Charity Film of the Year.

The finalist charities have also been appealing to their supporters for votes to win the accolade of People’s Choice. Over 65,000 members of the public have taken part to choose their favourite charity film.

In addition to representatives from the charities, confirmed attendees for the Awards Ceremony include Niomi Smart, Joe Woodward, Lady Colin Campbell, Chelsee Healey, Lord Herman Ouseley, Kelsey Hardwick, James Sutton, Luke Friend, Chessie King, Stephanie Elswood, Baroness Parminter, Danielle Armstrong, Dr Dawn Harper, Svet Kolchagov and Emilio Barba and Jamelia.

Simon Burton, Co-founder of the Charity Film Awards, said: “We are now just over a week away from the Charity Film Awards ceremony and we have a great line-up of entertainment from a variety of acts. We’re excited to know which charities will be announced as the winners!”

Limited tickets are still available to purchase, visit www.charityfilmawards.com for more details.

Since launching in 2013, We Buy Motors has quickly gained momentum as a leading online car dealership in the United Kingdom. The budding company recognised the potential of the platform after noticing an increasing trend to buy and sell used cars online. A lack of reliable and trustworthy dealers created an opportunity for We Buy Motors to enter the marketplace. Today, the company is gaining a reputation as the easiest and most profitable way to sell used cars for cash.

We Buy Motors attributes its substantial growth to a simplified process, which introduced a hassle-free way to sell used cars for cash. The process takes just 48 hours and involves three simple steps including car valuation, car collection, and payment. To begin the free valuation process, sellers need only log on to the website and enter their car registration and odometer reading. We Buy Motors immediately commence a detailed search using their large database to identify the best possible price, and within just 60 seconds the seller is notified of their valuation via email.

Car collection comes at no additional cost to the seller, and payment is transferred directly into the client’s account before the car is collected. The whole process is seamless requiring little effort on behalf of the seller.

‘No messing about, you get a quote, you make a call, then they come out (and) have a quick inspection’ said David Adamson, a recent customer who successfully sold his Volkswagen Scirocco. ‘And you get your money straight to your bank (with) no hidden fees or costs!’

Ex-militarycareers.com has been named a finalist in the Business Enterprise category of the 2017 Soldiering On Awards.

Ex-militarycareers.com was one of 46 finalists in 10 categories honoured at a House of Lords reception on 9 February. The evening was hosted by the charity’s patron, the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC, and celebrated individuals and organisations for their inspirational and outstanding achievements in support of the Armed Forces Community.

“The Soldiering On Awards recognise the amazing contribution that former members of the Armed Forces – and animal partners – continue to make to society and also those individuals, charities and groups in the wider community who support their journey,” said Earl Howe. “We believe that we are all part of one community and are stronger together supporting each other.”

Nominated by work colleague James Lawrence, the Business Enterprise Award recognizes an individual, group or organisation that has demonstrated sustained innovation, providing business and enterprise solutions to challenges faced by service men and women, their families and the Armed Forces Community as a whole.

The nomination read:

“The free-to-use jobs board helps ease the transition and resettlement process for former military personnel as they begin their journey of establishing a civilian career. Profits generated from Ex-Military Careers are reinvested back into the charity, making contributions to industry courses, travel, attire and various other employment solutions.”

Finalists were nominated by members of the public and more than 40 charities and not-for-profit organisations either representing or associated with the wider Armed Forces Community. Winners are selected by a distinguished Independent Judges Panel, co-chaired by General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL and Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive of the Directory of Social Change.

This year’s winners will be announced at the 2017 Soldiering On Awards on Friday, 24 March at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, London.

The Soldiering On Through Life Trust encourages support for the UK’s Armed Forces Community by nationally recognising the achievements of groups or individuals supporting this Community through the annual Soldiering On Awards.

Soldiering On Awards: National Recognition for the Armed Forces Community.

For highlights of the 2016 Soldiering On Awards visit: www.soldieringon.org