The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 33: Oct/Nov 2017 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS BECOME A YOUNG PERSONS BUSINESS MENTOR A new mentoring scheme has been launched in schools across Swindon and Wiltshire. The Mentoring Programme funded by The Careers and Enterprise Company and coordinated by CSW Group will support young people aged 13 – 15 who have been identifi ed as being able to benefi t from the support of a business mentor. A network of mentors is being recruited from the world of business and industry and has already attracted volunteers from The Nationwide Building Society and the Armed forces. Their skills will be matched to individual students so that they can help these young people, many of who will be disadvantaged, to fulfi l their potential and gain a brighter future. Project lead Yvonne Paddon of CSW Group said: “Disadvantage is not a choice for young people so it shouldn’t be allowed to impact on them, this initiative is all about nurturing talent and creating opportunities,” adding, “CSW Group have spent over 20 years building bridges; connecting students to training and education, enabling them to fl ourish and broaden their horizons. The mentors involved in this project will do just that.” Paddy Bradley, director of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLE P), said, “The SWLEP is delighted to endorse this partnership between the schools and businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire. Connecting our students with experiences from business very early on will make a huge impact on their learning and help them make more informed career choices later on in life.” The project has also received important matched funding from both Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council to support this initiative. Phil Whalley, portfolio holder for education and skills at Wiltshire Council said: “This provides an excellent opportunity for young people to have the support of a mentor at some of the critical times in their lives when they are making key decisions on study and future careers. I wish the project every success.” Potential mentors may be currently in business or recently retired and only need to offer as little as one hour per month. CSW Group will offer any training and support that they may require, carry out a DBS check and match them to appropriate students. If you feel you could help contact Sheena Awdry: [email protected] PIB appointed as exclusive insurance advisor to recruitment industry Regional insurance broker PIB has announced its appointment as the exclusive insurance broker to members of The British Institute of Recruiters. The British Institute of Recruiters represents the highest standard mark in British recruitment, providing unrivalled services and innovation to its membership for recruitment best practice, education and training. The PIB team has a considerable amount of experience, and specialist knowledge of building tailored insurance packages for recruitment businesses across the UK. They currently support a significant number of recruitment businesses of all sizes with their day to day insurance requirements and have the experience to provide members of The British Institute of Recruiters with access to a broad range of insurance products and solutions from office insurance and liability to employee benefit packages and workplace pensions. Brendan McManus, CEO PIB Group, said: “The recruitment sector is an important growth area for us so the endorsement of The British Institute of Recruiters and a strategic working relationship with the institute is an incredibly exciting development for PIB.” PIB is based in Bristol and works with businesses across the South West region. For more info: www.pib-insurance.com | www.ior.org Conference highlights World Mental Health Day World Mental Health Day takes place on October 10 every year and the Swindon Mindful Employer Network is encouraging local employers to get involved this year. The network is to stage its 2017 conference the day before at the Swindon Marriott on Monday October 9, and is keen remind businesses that World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to get a positive message out to everyone that healthy workplaces can help make businesses more successful. The Swindon Mindful Employer Network has announced its line-up of guest speakers for their big event which includes former Global Vice-President of HR for Unilever Geoff McDonald, top international organisational psychologist Professor Sir Cary Cooper and Olympian and business coach Doctor David Hemery CBE. Also taking part is Cormac MacMahon who is Heart FM news editor in the region and the event is being chaired by Melanie Richens of the UK College of Personal Development. Guests of honour include the Mayor of Swindon and Dr Donna Lovell of Swindon Mind will also address delegates. Frances Mayes of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council which has funded the network since its formation in 2008 said:“I have been heartened by the enthusiasm shown by local employers for this network which indicates the high level of interest in mental wellbeing in the workplace. The demand for places at this conference is considerable and my thanks go to partnership organisations and individuals who have made this happen. “If your company hasn’t been to our events in the past, I would encourage you to book on to one of our future sessions. Not only are they very useful, but also a wonderful networking opportunity in sharing best practice on mental wellbeing and resilience at work. World Mental Health Day is also a great opportunity to encourage employees to be more aware of their mental health at work and to form an open environment to discuss these issues without fear or prejudice.” This Swindon network is funded by Public Health at Swindon Borough Council. To fi nd out more email: [email protected] Build your energy ef cient healthy home 6th - 8th October 2017 MORE INFO & FREE TICKETS AT WWW.NSBRC.CO.UK OR £12 PER PERSON ON THE DAY OF EVENT NSBRC_Bus_Ex_Quarter_Page_Ad_BGHS.indd 1 The Big Green Home Show The home of Self Build Custom Build & Renovation National Self Build & Renovation Centre 14/07/2017 14:54:00 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 5