Star Business of the Month – Teaching Support – July 2015

Teaching Support recruiting specialist support staff for schoolsTeaching Support are specialists in the recruitment of experienced teaching assistants. We are the only agency who specifically recruit teaching assistants rather than teachers and general education professionals.  I set up the business as I recognised there was a gap in the market for an agency who could supply quality support staff to special needs schools and to mainstream schools who have SEN (special educational needs) pupils that require specialist support.

At Teaching Support we all genuinely care about the schools that we work with and getting the right candidate to work with each child every time.  We build very strong relationships with the schools we work with. Unlike other agencies we will work in the schools every term so we can be sure that we are recruiting the right people for them.  This is really important as we work with the schools PRUs (Pupil Referral Units) catering for children with significant emotional and  behavioural difficulties.  The children have often been permanently excluded from one or more of their previous schools.  They are often very challenging, have huge barriers to learning and may also be both physically and verbally abusive.  It is vital we find the right staff especially when working with specialist support schools for children with profound and multiple disabilities including those who are physically disabled as well as often being non-verbal.  The type of person and the skill set that you are looking for when recruiting for these schools is very different. That is why it’s so fundamental that we work in the schools and have regular meetings to ensure we understand the school’s needs.

Sophie Timms on running Teaching Support…

I set up Teaching Support nearly 4 years ago after working for another company who also recruit for schools.  I was 26 at the time and I wanted to offer a really personal and caring service to schools, something that was people focused rather than target focused.

Teaching Support - Recruiting Specialist Staff for SchoolsThe area of development that I have had to work on the most is my ability as a manager.  I have 3 permanent members of staff and I recognised management does not come easily to me!  I initially found it very difficult to explain to people what I wanted from them and raising queries with them if I felt they were doing something wrong.  It’s obviously essential to the growth of any business that everyone is working towards a common goal. I realised that by shying away from telling people what I wanted was actually detrimental to the business.  You can’t expect people to understand what you want if you haven’t told them.  I have had situations (specifically the use of mobile phones) which I have found very difficult to tackle.  I used to worry that it would cause friction in the office – I think I wanted to be everyone’s friend rather than their manager.  As I have mentioned before I have a fantastic team and I learnt people would much rather that you tell them how you are feeling.  If you lay down ground rules and explain your reasons behind them, then people will respect you. As long as you are reasonable I have found it creates a better environment for people to work in.

The business has grown year on year.  I started working at home on my own and now having an office with a team of 4.  I was a runner up in The Kent Business Woman of the Year awards which was really exciting, especially as I was 9 months pregnant at the time.  That was a huge honour for me and the team – not to mention a particularly good send off for my maternity leave!  As a business Teaching Support has grown over 300% this year alone which is something that we are all very proud of.  We have maintained integrity and worked really hard as a team to build the business, it just shows all the hard work has paid off.

Business Tip:

“I think that one of the key things to building up any business is to accept help from others and to ask for help from those around you.  People on the whole are really keen to support young men and women in business so accept their advice and take help from wherever you can!”

KEiBA 2015 – Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Kent Excellence in Business Awards

Click to see the 2015 winners!

 

 

The evening of the Kent Excellence in Business Awards is a date that has concreted itself in to the calendars of many Kent businesses – and who can blame them. It’s an occasion solely dedicated to them and celebrating their success in business.

We would like to congratulate all the businesses that received recognition through the awards this year both as Winners and Finalists.

KEiBA:Young Entrepreneur of the Year

WINNER:

Becky Campbell – Reflect Digital

Reflect Digital was established and setup to offer high-quality digital web solutions to companies across the UK. On offer is a complete mix of digital marketing services including SEO, PPC, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing and print. They spread their passion for the power of the internet by speaking at relevant events to educate other businesses on the power of digital marketing. Visit the website…


Finalists

Ben Towers – Towers Design

Towers Design is a multi-award winning Kent based full serviced digital agency offering design, printing, website development and hosting services to clients based all around Kent and London. They work with a multitude of clients ranging from start-ups to SMEs who all share the same vision of succeeding online. Our mission is to provide an excellent service whilst maintaining an affordable prices. Visit the website…

Bal Sandher – Hectic Lifestyles

Hectic Lifestyles Ltd is a multi-channel, online health and supplement retailer and distributor. They sell over 120 different nutritional products to consumers in 150 countries. Their aim is to cater to the ever growing demand of customers who work long hours in their jobs and have very little time to go to the gym or exercise. The products are aimed to assist and maximise their efforts. Rather than selling the products of other companies, their products are exclusively produced and branded. This provides incredible flexibility with innovative formulas, as well as the ability to market the brand with complete control. Visit the website…

KEiBA 2015

 

Charity Golf Day Boosts the future of Kent’s young people

Golf DayA charity golf day sponsored and hosted by by SLA Partnership and Woodfall Wealth Consultancy raised vital funds to boost the future career prospects of Kent’s young people. The event held on 2nd June to raise funds and awareness for Kent Foundation and Medway Youth Trust saw a mass of positive golfers and fundraisers brave the wet and windy weather at the prestigious London Golf Club.

Why young people?

Sarah Landry, Managing Director of SLA Partnership, Trustee Director at Medway Youth Trust and Volunteer Business Mentor for Kent Foundation enthusiastically addressed the audience about her involvement with both charities:

Kent Charity Golf Day 3“Charity pays a large part in my life, I understand how difficult forming a career or building a business can be and I genuinely believe that all young people should be given a helping hand to reach their full potential. Today has not just been about golf, but about your generosity and engagement with the aims of these two charities who deliver indispensable support services to young people to give them the support, belief and encouragement to succeed.”

James Woodfall, Managing Director of Woodfall Wealth Consultancy and headline sponsor was quoted:

“Kent’s young business owners play a huge part in the development of the future economy of the County. They are the business leaders of the future who will create future employment and business opportunities. Business success comes when we provide the correct support to help those young businesses to realise their potential. ”

A chat with the charities…

Two prominent Kent youth charities Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs and Medway Youth Trust were the beneficiaries of the awareness and fundraising event. Here’s what they had to say about the importance of their work.

Paul Barron, Director of Kent Foundation a business support charity whose flagship service is Business Mentoring said:

Kent Charity Golf Day 2“We meet with a wide range of young people, all with one thing in common – they want to start a business. They come to us with their enthusiasm to bring those ideas to life. One way in which we do this is through our flagship Business Mentoring Service. Our network of trained Volunteer Business Mentors support young business owners by creating a platform for them to make informed decisions about the future of their business. Having someone to listen, respond and engage to their ideas on a regular basis has been proven to increase the chances of business success.”

Graham Clewes CEO of Medway Youth Trust which delivers specialist employment, young carer and parent support:

“Picture in your minds a cliff much as we have along the Kent coast. Now imagine young people falling over the edge. Too many children and young people are making this fall in their lives and in the UK we tend seem to prefer to build services and institutions – for example prisons and hospitals – to treat them when they land at the bottom. But what we need are more fences at the top to prevent them from falling in the first place; they are cheaper and prevent long term difficulties. Our work at Medway Youth Trust is designed to build those metaphorical fences through early intervention, support, information and guidance, study programmes and encouraging young people to undertake social action. Today, as participants in our golf event, you have helped us to build more of these necessary fences for young people”

The day was polished off with a 3 course meal, a charity auction to win some incredible prizes and an inspiring yet humorous Q&A session in to the world of Rugby with ex Welsh Rugby legend Steve Moore.

The weather may not have been quite up to scratch however this did not deter from the positivity of the day with many asking us how they can book their place for next year. It couldn’t be easier, just press below…

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Print SLA Partnership

Canterbury Folk Festival – 27/28 June 2015

Canterbury Folk Festival (2)Canterbury Folk Festival 2015 is a FREE event hosted by Canterbury based young entrepreneur Petko Kolev. The Festival takes place in the Dane John Gardens on 27-28th June. Come along and enjoy this weekend music festival in the heart of Canterbury, there’s something for everyone!

– Local and national bands from the New Canterbury Scene
– Morris dancers
– Artisan food stalls
– Bar with local ales
– Art and craft makers and retailers
– Kids area with activities

Play your part…

Volunteers are an essential part of the festival, so here’s your chance to get involved. As a volunteer steward there are plenty of opportunities including site set up and break down, traffic control, venue management, artists’ reception, keeping it clean and many more.

To get involved or for further information contact: petko@canterburyfolkfestival.co.uk

Website      Facebook      Twitter

Star Business of the Month – Podplus – June 2015

Podplus - Specialist sports footwear, clothing and injury clinic including podiatry, chiropody and physiotherapy.We caught up with Kate Austen joint owner of Podplus with her brother Tom to find out just why they started a business:

What is Podplus?

Podplus is a Sports Shop & Injury Clinic based in Ashford. The business offers a shoe fitting service to all customers so that they can get appropriate advice on what will suit their foot position & activity to prevent injury keeping you comfortable whilst being active.

The business also offers clinics via appointment for Podiatry (lower limb and foot problems), Physiotherapy and Deep Tissue Massage to treat any injuries, or provide maintenance for sports and non sports people of all ages.

Why did you take on the entrepreneurial challenge?

I was 22 when I started Podplus, I felt I had nothing to lose by giving entrepreneurship a go – I needed a job that I enjoyed and was able to create one with this opportunity.

The initial idea wasn’t mine, I took the challenge on which was suggested by my brother Tom. He was practising as a Podiatrist for the NHS and felt there was a lack of advice and products to help people manage very common foot and lower limb problems. He was right! Podplus now provides specialist products and services that were not previously available across Kent and East Sussex. Our customers happily travel to our base in Ashford from a wide reaching radius to take advantage of our services.

Podplus - Specialist sports footwear, clothing and injury clinic including podiatry, chiropody and physiotherapy.What makes you different?

The products we stock are designed for activity and not found on the high street – they are unique and of high quality to ensure they look good and feel great. One of our strongest aspects is the consistency in our customer service. Before selecting a product every member of our team provides advice and guidance to the customer by listening to them and taking their best interests to heart. This ensures the right product is selected to meet the needs of the customer. A couple of our top selling items are:

Brooks Adrenaline Walker – A discrete everyday walking shoe designed to support and cushion your body from the impact of walking.

Vasyli Supportive Insole – One of the best insoles and only sold via health professionals, they can support your feet to help treat common arch & heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

Happy 10th Birthday! What continues to drive you after 10 years?

Pod Plus 10th birthdayPodplus is now a team, as an owner of the business I have a duty to every member of my team to give my best. The business still fills a void in the market, every customer deserves the best service too! Everyone should have the opportunity to be active and comfortable, we aim to provide this every step of the way.

Thanks to all those who joined us in celebrating and have made the business what it is today – We clinked glasses of Chapel Down bubbles (courtesy of former Institute of Directors Chairman Frazer Thompson) with Ashford Mayor John Link, Peter Davidson former chair of Julie Rose Stadium Trust, Paul Barron from the Kent Foundation who support young business, Joyce & Don Rose plus plenty of staff & customers past present and future for a fun day of celebration. THANK YOU!

What is your top business tip?

“Only recently I added a permanent bookkeeper/finance member to our team – it really helped to focus the ‘business’ needs rather than continuing to keep afloat and being bogged down in the daily needs, decisions can be made with an overarching goal in mind.”

Get in Touch with Podplus:

Podplus Company Website

 

Podplus Shopping Website

 

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