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Get a taste of life as a teacher
STUDENTS in Somerset are being offered the chance to get a taste of life as a teacher this summer.
What's for Christmas dinner? Careers chatter
WHEN family and friends sit down to enjoy Christmas dinner across the South West this year, what topics will guide the traditional festive banter?
Get on yer bike
YOU'VE heard the phrase "get on yer bike" before in troubled times â EURO " and that's exactly what South-West graduate Mark Mitchell had to do because of the current economic climate.
Somerset firm celebrates global boost
A SOMERSET firm, which offers animal keepers across the globe the chance to use 100% natural ingredients to control parasites, is celebrating the growth of its overseas trading.
South-West workers on the road for 45 minutes a day
WORKERS in the South West spend 45 minutes a day commuting to work, according to union officials.
Smallholding... itâ EURO [TM]s a growing trend!
MORE and more people are discovering the joy of growing their own, especially so in the current tough financial climate.
Cornish motor company expands
The Helston Garages Group, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, has expanded again by taking on the Renwicks Peugeot Exeter dealership.
Attracting more young, disabled volunteers
A NEW project to encourage organisations in Somerset to involve young disabled volunteers is announced today by Skill - The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities.
Cornwall Council grants Cornish Tin Mine New Life
The Mount Wellington Mine site in the Bissoe Valley took another significant step towards its transition into a low-carbon manufacturing facility today when Cornwall Council granted planning consent for a change of use of one of the buildings to the manufacture of Wave Buoy's and other marine renewable devices. Mount Wellington is the only modern Cornish Tin Mine that Cornwall Council have so far encouraged to diversify away from mining.
Call to raise retirement age to 70
WORKERS in the South-West would not be able to retire until the age of 70 if the Institute of Directors had their way.
Carnival season boosts the Somerset economy
SOMERSET is showing off its entrepreneurial and cultural talents as carnival season gets into full swing.
South-West law firm confident in the future
SOUTH-WEST law firm Foot Anstey has signalled its confidence in the future by offering positions to nine qualifying trainee solicitors.
The Glastonbury Festival effect
GLASTONBURY Festival plays a key role in attracting people to live and work in Somerset, it was claimed this week.
A new green manufacturing economy
EMPLOYERS and trade union reps in the South-West have been called on to seize the opportunities of a new green manufacturing economy.
South West students choose to learn for longer
AFTER hundreds of thousands of students across England received their GCSE results last week, new research shows that young people in the South West want to continue in the education system for longer than they had previously planned, to increase their future job prospects. Over a tenth (13%) of students in the South West aged 15 or 16 claim to have changed their minds about leaving school after GCSEs, now choosing to undertake new qualifications or training routes instead of starting the search for paid employment. Even local young people, who were already planning to stay on into further education have given more consideration to the options available to them, with over a third (35%) thinking more carefully about the subjects or qualifications they take. Commenting on the findings, Maggie Cowan, a careers and personal adviser from Connexions - the advice and information service for young people - said: "It is very important that students who have just received their GCSE results seek advice and guidance to help them with their choices. There is now a much broader range of post-16 options available to young people in Somerset, including the Diploma, A levels and a growing number of Apprenticeships, meaning students should be able to find subjects and qualifications that suit their strengths and interests."
South-West school leavers urged 'hustle to get your first job'
WITH GCSE exam results released on August 27, school-leavers in South-West are being advised to be prepared to be flexible and 'hustle' to get their first job.
South-West school leavers urged 'hustle to get your first job'
WITH GCSE exam results released on August 27, school-leavers in South-West are being advised to be prepared to be flexible and 'hustle' to get their first job. UK recruitment body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has outlined some key pieces of practical advice for school-leavers in the South-West region to help them get into the jobs market which include being flexible, building up their CV with personal and work-related achievements and being prepared to 'hustle' to get opportunities in this competitive environment. Based on the feedback from recruitment professionals, the REC has issued the following advice for school-leavers: 1. Build up your CV - Internships, work experience, voluntary work and temporary placements are crucial ways of building up your CV and experiencing the practicalities of the world of work 2. Consider vocational training opportunities - These can provide a way into specific industries where there is likely to be an increasing demand in the coming years. 3. Weigh up the pros and cons of pursuing the university route 4. Manage your own expectations - Nobody gets the perfect job straightaway but all work experiences are useful and will build generic skills such as communication, teamwork and time management. 5. Get the right support - Use as many sources as possible to get the guidance and support that you need to get that first job. 6. Get the basics right - Proof-read and perfect your CV to make sure it is free of mistakes. Prepare well for interviews and practice with a friend if you can. 7. Understand what employers are looking for - Use the internet to do your research and speak to people in the industry to learn more about the employer you are being interviewed by and the skills they are looking for. 8. Don't be afraid to 'hustle' - Job-seekers who are prepared to chase employers for work-placements or for guidance on upcoming opportunities are often respected for their tenacity and desire as these are key qualities that employers look for in a candidate.
St Ives fish merchant creates jobs with new crab processing facility
The traditional and family run seafood specialist supplier Matthew Stevens & Son have extended their factory overlooking St Ives bay to accommodate a new crab processing facility, creating an extra 10 local jobs.
Sainsbury's to unlock 50 new jobs in Somerset
OVER 50 new jobs will be created by Sainsbury's in Somerset.
Time to enter Somerset Business Awards
TIME is running out for local businesses wishing to enter this year's Somerset Business Awards, as the closing date is soon approaching.
Falmouth company expanding
A Falmouth company that supplies the IVF market with leading-edge technology is expanding internationally in spite of the recession after help from UK trade and investment services. Research Instruments Ltd has added five new markets in the Middle and Far East and has appointed distributors in Israel, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, and has already secured orders in excess of 100,000 pounds, with exports accounting for 85 per cent of sales. In the last year the Bickland Industrial Estate company's 5m turnover grew by 16 per cent and bosses predict that it will expand its business by the same amount this year. Director Justin Retallack bought out the company along with two other employees in 2000 after working there for a number of years. He said Research Instruments aimed to expand in supplying technology to IVF markets internationally using UK trade and investment's overseas market introduction service. "We used the OMIS service to target Israel initially and haven't looked back since. Since then we have used the service to research Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam and in every market we have had success.
Marine courses could lead to new careers
Twelve Boatbuilding students from Falmouth Marine School went on a five day sailing adventure around the east coast of the UK last week.
Insure your key players
BUSINESSES in the South West need to do more to protect themselves from the unexpected, research has found.
Hodgsons recruiting for school leavers during bleak period of job opportunities for young people
Results from a survey undertaken by The Chartered Institute of Professional Development in May found that 50% of businesses surveyed would not be recruiting for school leavers or graduates this year, but Hodgsons, Chartered Accountants based in Launceston and Falmouth are going against this trend.
Cornwall recruitment fayre
With Cornwall seeing a dramatic rise in unemployment figures, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust is doing its bit to ease the situation with a Kernowflex Recruitment Fayre planned for July.
Somerset firms urged take on apprentices
CONSTRUCTION firms in Somerset are being urged to take on and train apprentices to help survive the economic downturn.
CONFIDENT WARDELL ARMSTRONG INVEST INTO REGENERATION TEAM
Truro and Falmouth based environmental and engineering consultancy Wardell Armstrong International (WAI) has broadened its range of development and regeneration services by securing industry expert John Dobson as an Associate Consultant.
Top tips for South-West firms
HOTELS, bars and restaurants across the South West have been warned that legislation coming into force in the autumn will prevent them from using tips and service charges to â EURO oetop upâ EURO staff wages.
New growth and jobs for Cornish butcher
One of Cornwallâ EURO [TM]s leading wholesale butchers says heâ EURO [TM]s seen a significant increase in business and the creation of new jobs since the opening of a new abattoir supported by South West insurer Cornish Mutual. RJ Trevarthen has operated a butchery and slaughter service for years at a farm and facilities near Stithians, and twelve months ago they opened a new abattoir at Roskrow, near Penryn. Now the company employs over 50 members of staff and has expanded distribution further into Devon and Somerset. Owner Robert Trevarthen says they are growing in these areas because they can deliver more on the same day. â EURO oeWeâ EURO [TM]ve certainly been busier now weâ EURO [TM]ve got one of the most modern abattoirs in Cornwall. Our turnover is growing and itâ EURO [TM]s been a real success. Itâ EURO [TM]s helped us to streamline the operation from working out of two sites to one.â EURO He adds: â EURO oeItâ EURO [TM]s a lot more efficient working in purpose-built premises and has helped the company to grow, saving time and giving us the ability to take on more staff.â EURO The firm supplies many top class restaurants across Cornwall as well as smaller independent butchers, catering companies, pubs, hotels and farmers markets. It also sells prepared meat products including hams, cold meats and hogs pudding. Robert says all the meat is from local farmers and has full Cornish traceability, â EURO oeThis is something a lot of our customers are asking for â EURO " by buying their meat locally, theyâ EURO [TM]re supporting local farmers as is Cornish Mutual.â EURO Cornish Mutual provides RJ Trevarthen with insurance cover for its 24 vehicle fleet, goods in transit, home and farm, livestock, premises, employersâ EURO [TM] and public liability. The independent butcher has not only been insured by the company for over 34 years but has known local insurance Inspector Jeff Kincaid since they were at school together. â EURO oeWeâ EURO [TM]ve got a good personal and business relationship which is based on trust and service and thatâ EURO [TM]s important,â EURO says Robert, â EURO oeIâ EURO [TM]ve never had any trouble and can call Jeff at home. He comes down to see us regularly and if I need anything, itâ EURO [TM]s always a fast turnaround,â EURO he added. Robert and Jeff also bump into each other most weeks at the Truro Livestock Market. In light of the rapid growth of his business, Robert says Jeff helped to review all his insurance needs, â EURO oeWeâ EURO [TM]ve never been insured with anyone else â EURO " we always try and give our customers a good service and Cornish Mutual does the same. At the end of the day, itâ EURO [TM]s not just a business but a complete way of life. I still get a kick out of it.â EURO Robert adds: â EURO oeBecause we deal with local producers we keep the miles down, reduce travel and in turn our carbon footprint. The signs are good and month-on-month our turnover is increasing.â EURO Jeff, who covers a wide area of Cornwall including Redruth, Stithians, Mount Hawke and Helston, says: â EURO oeIts great seeing a local business and one of my Members doing so well. Robert and I go back years and weâ EURO [TM]ve grown up together. Iâ EURO [TM]d like to think that because of our history, I can just pop in and see Robert anytime, give him honest and impartial advice and I know he appreciates the service we give him.â EURO
Jobs created former Woolworth store in Truro
Poundland moves into the empty Woolworths building. The 1,340 square metre store is in a prime shopping area in the city, facing onto Princes Street and backing on to Lemon Quay, but has laid forlorn and empty since the end of December when it shut its doors for the last time.
Helping people back into work in Somerset
A SCHEME set up to help people in Somerset get back into work is celebrating its fifth birthday in July.
South-West employers report positive hiring intentions
EMPLOYERS in the South-West report the most positive hiring intentions in the UK for the third quarter of 2009, according to figures released this week.
Tourism businesses in the South-West urged to prepare for climate change with new DVD
THE South West Climate Change Partnership and South West Tourism have produced a new DVD to help tourism businesses adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Women under-represented in the South-West
WOMEN in the South-West are vastly under-represented in the regionâ EURO [TM]s top positions of power across the public and private sectors, research has found. A study carried out by the South West TUC and Equality South West shows that in politics, business, media and culture, the region is lagging behind the national average.
Firms in Somerset toughing out the recession
FIRMS in Taunton, Somerset, are toughing out the recession by 'gritting their teeth and getting on with it' according to a straw poll carried out this week.
Seeking the best apprentice in the South-West
APPRENTICES from across Somerset will soon be battling it out to become this year's best trainee tradesperson and flying the flag for the region in Britainâ EURO [TM]s biggest skills competition, SkillBuild.
New logo for Somerset business awards
ORGANISERS of the annual Somerset Business Awards 2009, launched at the Rural Business Centre, Bridgwater, have unveiled a new logo that winning businesses will be able to display on their own marketing material â EURO " giving recognition of their well status. The Somerset Business Awards 2009 logo features a classic Somerset cider apple, reminding candidates of their strong Somerset roots. The new logo can incorporate the winnersâ EURO [TM] company names within the design, which can later be displayed and used within all of its own promotional material. Designed by Glyder Graphic and Design of Taunton, designer Tim Baigent said: â EURO oeSomerset is renowned for its diverse businesses and its varied and striking rural landscape, so we created a contemporary generic icon that could stand alone and develop the SBA into a recognised brand in the future. â EURO oeWe gave the icon a natural organic feel and incorporated a bright new leaf to signify business growth and new businesses in Somerset. Coupled with a stylish modern font (Alwyn) this completed a final logo that creates strong branding that the SBA merits.â EURO The annual Somerset Business of the Year Awards are organised in partnership by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses in conjunction with ADPR, Business Link, Butterworth Jones, Clarke Willmott, Lloyds TSB, Lentells, Samson Office Supplies Somerset County Council, South Somerset District Council, Towergate Risk Solutions and UKTI South West. To view the logo, visit: http://www.adpr.co.uk/page/PRSBA03
Somerset businesses form UKâ EURO [TM]s biggest rural wireless network
THE UKâ EURO [TM]s largest rural wireless internet network is connecting rural businesses across Somerset. South West Internet is not only bringing low-cost broadband to isolated businesses across the county, but it is providing free access for community groups. Rupert Cox, interim CEO of inward investment body Into Somerset, says, â EURO oeThrough the rural wireless internet, Somerset businesses can obtain faster broadband speeds through the wireless internet network than some in London.
Somerset businesses form UK's biggest rural wireless network
THE UK's largest rural wireless internet network is connecting rural businesses across Somerset.
Don't hit South-West firms with taxes
HARD-PRESSED businesses must not be hit with unnecessary taxes in this month's Budget, according to a leading chartered accountants from Somerset.
Jenson Button win boosts Somerset's engineering credentials
SOMERSET'S Formula One Grand Prix winner, Jenson Button, highlights the county's engineering and racing expertise, says inward investment body, Into Somerset.
Falmouth Diesels on the move
A Falmouth car dealer is bucking the trend by taking on new staff and expanding onto a new larger site.
Firms in the South-West warned not to discriminate
EMPLOYERS must not use the recession as an excuse to discriminate against young people, disabled people or other minority groups, warns Equality South-West.
Firms' commitment to staff training
BUSINESSES in the South-West have demonstrated their commitment to staff training by signing a pledge, it has been claimed.
Small employers in South West England urged - file online and get a £75 bonus
THOUSANDS of small employers in the South West are being urged to file their Employer Annual Return online this year, and get a £75 tax-free payment in the process.
South-West trust is best to work for
SOUTH Western Ambulance Service has been awarded an accolade from the Health Service Journal and Nursing Times after being officially named as the best ambulance service to work for nationally.
Get a taste for teaching and earn £200 a week
STUDENTS in Somerset can earn themselves £200 a week AND get a taste for life as a teacher this summer, thanks to a new recruitment scheme.
Happy workers in the South-West
WORKERS in the South-West of England are among the happiest, calmest and healthiest in the UK, according to the latest research.
Recession brings a new breed of entrepreneur in the South-West
NATURAL selection is not only confined to the theories of Darwin according to a new study which has unearthed a new breed of business owner in the South-West, fit to survive the current recession and well into the future.
Cornish pasty firms' success
Continuing to mark its 60th anniversary year, Rowe's bakery in Cornwall welcomed MP Shadow Minister for Cornwall, Mark Prisk, and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Sarah Newton, for a tour of one of its production facilities on Bickland Industrial Estate in Falmouth.
New recruitment office for Army
THE Army's new, full-time recruitment office in Weymouth is to be officially opened on March 17.
Free networking day for South-West creative firms
BUSINESSES from the South-West's creative and cultural sector are invited to a free day of networking, workshops and presentations later this month.
South-West voluntary sector economy boost
THE voluntary sector in the South-West employs 66,000 people and injects £2.7billion into the economy, new research by the UK's leading umbrella body for voluntary organisations has revealed.
New jobs hope for sustainable energy industry
THE South-West sustainable energy industry could help create new jobs for the region according to sustainable energy chief Merlin Hyman.
New space for the Institute of Directors
BUSINESS people in the South-West will be enjoying a new work space and meeting facility courtesy of the Institute of Directors.
Sky News' Dermot Murnaghan Cycles the South West
IN the spirit of Norman Tebbit's call to get 'on yer bike' in 1981, Sky News Presenter Dermot Murnaghan will now get on his bike to embark on a three-day 'Economic Cycle' - a cycling tour of the South West of England, starting on March 16.
Stockbroking company opens in Truro despite recession
Celebrations took place in Truro when the Mayor, Councillor Susan Callen opened the townâ EURO [TM]s first stockbroking and financial services advisory business.
Auction centre nears final phase
THE £6million Sedgemoor Auction Centre near Bridgwater has let nearly all its units - little more than a year after opening.
South West firms at risk from fraud
A REPORT by an accountants and business advisory firm has revealed that nearly one third of businesses in the South have discovered fraud in the last two years.
Business spirit will see the South-West through
THE South-West's entrepreneurial spirit will go far in helping it through the recession. That's the message that members of the Institute of Directors will hear from some of the most innovative and exciting entrepreneurs from across the region at a glittering event held in Bristol this month.
Somerset is the place to do business
SOMERSET is a great place to do business - and people are being lured here by the quality of schools.
Earn As You Learn in Somerset
PEOPLE in Somerset can earn money while learning new skills thanks to the county council.
Apprentices can benefit businesses
Cornwall College Business is the South West's leading provider of apprenticeships, and has seen over the years how apprentices can be vital to a business's success, they are part of a bespoke, enthusiastic workforce that can help make a business more resilient and prepared for business growth when the economy turns around.
New company should lead to more jobs
Martin Brooks has been appointed as the first Chair of the Cornwall Development Company (CDC).
Dragon Deborah backs Somerset
SOMERSET-BORN 'dragon' Deborah Meaden is backing the county as a prime location to do business.
Third of Somerset businesses unaffected by the recession, says survey
ONE in three businesses in Somerset has been unaffected by the recession, a new survey has revealed.
Hospital recruitment day proves a success
MORE than 200 people attended a special one stop shop recruitment day at a Somerset hospital.
New bottling plant for Cornish brewery
Work has started on a major £700,000 project to build a new in-house bottling line at Cornwall's biggest brewer - St Austell Brewery.
More jobs created at Cornwall's largest supermarket
A multi-million pound expansion to the Penryn Asda store is under way bringing more choice to shoppers and more jobs to the area.
NEW LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT GUIDE OUTLINES JOB OPPORTUNITIES
JOBSEEKERS, students, employers, school leavers, local authorities and employment and careers advisers can benefit from an advice pack from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Boost for green businesses in the South West
NEW jobs, a reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and an increase in the value of the region's renewable energy sector are just some of the potential benefits of the government's 'heat and energy saving strategy', announced today, according to the South West's sustainable energy agency.
Training help for police officers
POLICE in Taunton, Wellington and West Somerset are being offered the chance to improve their career and future prospects.
Bosses told to appreciate staff
BOSSES are being advised to recognise the value of their staff as they plan to survive the economic downturn.
Cornish business is optimistic
One of the best-known figures in the Cornish business world is celebrating his company's 21st anniversary with an optimistic assessment of the county's economic prospects, rating Cornwall as one of the areas best-equipped to resist the recession.
Pasty makers plan to beat credit crunch
Members of the Cornish Pasty Association (CPA) are predicting a remarkable summer season as the credit crunch is likely to make more British people holiday at home.
Bid to collar new business
AN eyesore in Somerset will be turned into a facility aimed at boosting start-up businesses if £2million plans are approved.
No such thing as a job for life
THERES no such thing as a job for life, according to a report from finance firm Friends Provident.
Cornwall company kicks off year with good news
Cornwall design agency Gendall, based in Falmouth, is beating the downturn by kicking off 2009 with a volley of good news.
Train to retain!
WITH new research revealing that almost half of the British workforce is considering a new job for the new year, employers in Somerset are being urged to motivate and invest in their staff.
Cornish Food Company Defies National Trend
Callington-based food company, Ginsters, known for its pastys, has reported a positive sales performance and more jobs for local residents, despite the current economic gloom in the UK.
Gaining skills for employment
GETTING unemployed people in Somerset into work is the aim of a new project set up by a skills provider.
Mayor opens news store
A new store has opened in Redruth in time for Christmas.
Redruth welcomes new store and more than 60 new jobs
Wilkinson, will open the doors to its new store in Redruth this month and so provide more jobs in the town. Despite consumer confidence taking a hit at the moment, the family owned retailer is bucking the trend and continuing with its rapid expansion plans of opening 500 stores by 2012 and is celebrating the arrival of the store on Fore Street in Redruth.
Innovation centre for Cornwall university site
Plans have been approved for a 12 million high-tech, low carbon business innovation centre next to the Tremough Campus of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) near Falmouth.
Safeguarding the future generation of entrepreneurs
The Learning and Skills Council is urging young people to take part in the many events that will be running across the South West as part of Enterprise Week, in a bid to ensure not to lose out on the next generation of entrepreneurs.
AWARD-WINNING NETWORK SIGNS UP 20 NEW ASSESSORS
Hot on the heels of its success at the regional finals of this years National Training Awards scheme, Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) has announced it will be expanding its training provision with the appointment of 20 new workplace assessors.
Construction at university will bring more jobs to Cornwall
Midas Construction has started work on the third phase of the student accommodation at the Tremough Campus in Penryn.
Potential for 1,000 jobs
A DEVELOPER is spending millions of Pounds on building a new business park that aims to create space for 1,000 new jobs in Somerset.
Marketing conference that made a difference
Cornwall College Business (CCB) was very pleased to host the first, Marketing that makes a difference conference with marketing speaker Geoff Ramm.
Business gets the key to innovation
THE new multi-million-pound Innovation Centre in Yeovil is soon to open for business following a momentous key handover ceremony to the projects partners.
Business Link team ready for action!
BUSINESSES in the Taunton area can now benefit from a new team of specialist advisers.
Development could provide 2,000 jobs
Work will start next month on a £5 million project aimed at bringing thousands of high quality jobs, workspace, community facilities and new homes to Pool in West Cornwall.
Cornwall's marine industry on the up
The body behind a major revival of training opportunities for Cornwall's marine industry has been recognised as one of the best in Britain.

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