Building for the future: Recruitment partnership helps youngsters secure jobs

Award-winning builder and developer Seddon has employed five new trainees as part of a successful recruitment partnership.

The family-run business, which is headquartered in Bolton, has hired three apprentices and two former work experience candidates under the sector-based work academy (SBWA) scheme. The apprentices, aged between 16 and 25, beat 700 applicants to land the coveted roles at one of the North West’s biggest employers in the construction industry. A further two joined Seddon, which scooped the Bolton and Bury Apprenticeship Award last year for its commitment to helping unemployed young people secure work, in administrative positions following successful work experience placements.

Kat Healey, training manager at Seddon, said:

“Seddon’s commitment to training the next generation of construction workers is a strong as ever. “The sector is coming out of a recession and it is our dedication to apprenticeships that has put us ahead of our competitors – allowing us to build our teams and ensure against the skills shortage.”

The SBWA initiative, which is run in conjunction with Seddon, Jobcentre Plus and Salford City College, is part of a drive to deliver on-site training and support to unemployed young people across the UK.

Candidates who successfully complete a two-week training course and work experience placement are guaranteed a job interview.

Suzanne Cross, employer resource manager at Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are extremely proud of the relationship we have developed with Seddon. The company has delivered successful apprenticeship programmes, which have helped many young people to secure work and establish careers in their chosen fields.

“It’s an invaluable step into working life and the company gives apprentices the chance to progress.”

Allan Milne, assistant director of apprenticeships at Salford City College, added: “Salford City College is incredibly proud to support Seddon in a wide range of training initiates and apprenticeship programmes. “The sector-based work academies offer a real chance for individuals to better themselves and develop careers in construction, working for a great organisation like Seddon.”

Mark Wright and Lord Sugar have recently opened a new office in Manchester and will be speaking at next month’s North West Business Expo (Thursday 23rd November 9.30am – 3pm @ Etihad Stadium.

Chamber members are invited to be inspired by the entrepreneurial success of Mark Wright (one of Lord Sugar’s his most successful previous winners to the new candidates). Mark is the BBC Apprentice Winner and Lord Sugar’s Business Partner at next month’s North West Business Expo.

Limited tickets – register free here. 

Mark Wright is an influential entrepreneur and self-taught digital marketing specialist. After winning The Apprentice 2014, Mark founded and developed one of the UK’s fastest growing digital marketing agencies, Climb Online, in partnership with Lord Sugar.

Having turned over an impressive £1.7 million in its first year of trading alone, Climb Online now boasts a national presence and works with over 230 businesses from across the UK and overseas, including renowned brands Groupon, Be Wiser Insurance and Imagine Cruising. By the close of 2016 the agency is set to double its first year turnover, making it the most successful business founded by an Apprentice winner to date.

The winner of The Apprentice 2014, Mark Wright is the CEO of digital marketing agency, Climb Online, which he launched with Lord Alan Sugar’s backing after winning The Apprentice in 2014, will be bringing his business wisdom to Great British Expo’s, revealing all about his Apprentice experience and the secrets of digital marketing.

Hear first-hand about Mark’s journey to entrepreneurial success – from winning The Apprentice to turning over £1.7 million in his first year of trading.

Having recently entered its second year of trading, Climb Online employs more than 30 staff members across two office locations, and has secured more than 230 clients. Wright will discuss how he has achieved such growth in less than two years, and how he has managed life at the helm of a growing start-up with a renowned public and business figure as mentor.

During his keynote speech, Wright will provide advice for securing funding and investment, as well as address how great digital marketing coupled with an amazing online presence can hugely transform events and business. Famed for his determination and personable nature, Wright’s keynote is not one to be missed.

Why Not Exhibit Your Business?

This mega regional business expo attracts businesses throughout the North West and is held annually in Manchester. For the past two years the event has attracted over 1800 delegates and 250+ exhibitors making it the biggest SME Business Expo within the region.

This regional event is part of Great British Expo’s Ltd who have gained the reputation across the UK as being the best provider of regional SME business shows. Our passion is supporting regional business growth and development. So far we have had 1140 Exhibitors and attracted just under 10,000 delegates to our events.

Call 0843 289 4634 or email alec@northwestexpo.co.uk for more information.

View Exhibitor Packages here.

Greater Manchester Chamber joined forces with Liverpool Chamber and West & North Yorkshire Chamber at the eCommerce Show North expo this week.

Building on the huge success of other events such as Prolific North Live and The Northern Digital Awards, eCommerce Show North attracted over 2,400 attendees and 106 exhibitors and sponsors.

The Show, which took place across two days at EventCity on 11^th & 12^th October, featured the biggest names in the industry with seminars, expert speakers, networking rooms, workshops, demos and more.

Unrivalled as a networking opportunity for buyers and suppliers, as well as potential clients, the free event was the biggest ever eCommerce gathering outside of London.

Located next to the Trafford Centre, Event City is the second largest exhibition space outside of London, and eCommerce Show North was spread across 6000m2 at the venue. All stands and seminars were in one huge, easy to navigate space, including networking and coffee areas.

Creams Café, a popular London-based dessert franchise, has expanded by opening two stores in Manchester with help of a £580,000 commercial loan from HSBC.

The gelato and dessert café, which has become hugely popular in London, sold a franchise to Manchester-based business SB Group. The funding from HSBC was used to purchase two sites in the heart of Manchester which will enhance the city’s presence in the north. Creams Café opened its first 1,550 sq ft café in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens area earlier this year along with its second 3,000 sq ft café in Cheetham Hill which officially opened its doors last month. SB Group expects to see a predicted turnover of £1.5 million in the first year.

The opening of the two new stores has helped create twenty new jobs for the local economy and will lead to a projected 4,500 customers per week.

The café offers customers a combination of new and extravagant desserts, including a variety of ‘freakshakes’ and deluxe waffles.

Speaking about the expansion plans, Store Manager, Poz Bal said: “The franchise offers the ability to create our own stamp on the North and we see great potential for further expansion across the north-west with the help of this funding.”

Sam Roden, HSBC’s Area Director for Greater Manchester, said: “The Creams Café franchise is a great example of a business taking advantage of a growing trend. SB Group saw the opportunity for a fantastic investment and took it and we are delighted to be able to support them on this exciting venture.”

The deal was completed by Darren Martin, HSBC’s Commercial Relationship Manager, who is based at HSBC’s Commercial Centre in Spinningfields, Manchester.

The six-figure funding package was secured through HSBC’s recently launched £10bn SME fund.