Simon Collyer
Waterlust - A Video to Cheer Us Up
With the nights drawing in, and a dank, dark, grey rainy day outside; here at the ABC HQ, we felt you might need some cheering up.
We just love the Waterlust videos and we hope this one might hit the spot
Warerlust - in their own words: Blending science, art and sport, we publish film, photography and art online that explore how people interact with water and will hopefully get you thinking
Enjoy
Northern Powerhouse Facts & Figures
The Northern Powerhouse is an abstract concept to grap but the figures below are anything but abstract - they show clearly the difference between the economic position of those that work in the North compared to those who live and work in the South. London incomes compared to the plight of the North for example.
The Northern Powerhouse contains 4.5 million jobs, accounting for 16 per cent of all Britain’s jobs. These jobs are not evenly spread across the region; 27 per cent of all jobs within the Northern Powerhouse are in Manchester City Region, and 22 per cent in West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Source: IPPR
The attatched Northern Powerhouse Fact Sheet should interest those who want to learn more about the region.
HMRC Tax Offices to Close in Wales
News that all tax offices in Wales outside Cardiff are to close by 2021 is a damning indictment of Tory priorities and will lead to huge job losses in Wrexham, Swansea and Porthmadog, according to Plaid Cymru AM Rhun ap Iorwerth.
The closures of HMRC tax offices in Wrexham, Porthmadog and Swansea will leave just the Cardiff office serving Wales, with much of the work for the north being carried out in Liverpool or Telford. The Wrexham office employs about 350 staff, Swansea 300 and the Porthmadog office, which houses HMRC's Welsh-language call centre, about 20 workers.
Plaid Cymru's Shadow Economy Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, said:
"These HMRC closures will mean huge numbers of job losses and will be a major blow to Wales' economy and especially to those hundreds of workers and families directly affected directly by the closures.
“Successive UK Governments over the past decade have been intent on closing tax offices and these latest plans show the complete disregard this Tory government has for Wales.
"These workers in Wrexham, Swansea and Porthmadog cannot be expected to relocate to Cardiff, or move over the border to Telford or Liverpool. Not only will hundreds of people lose their jobs and livelihoods but HMRC's only Welsh language centre will close. These job losses would also be devastating for local businesses who rely on these workers to spend their wages in the local area.
"This is a damning indictment of Tory priorities – closing tax offices, cutting jobs, when big corporations continue to play the tax system."
HMRC job losses 'a damning indictment of Tory priorities', says Plaid Cymru
Freedom of Movement & the Welfare State.
Welfare should give everyone the chance of decent work and ensure those who have contributed to the system are rewarded for doing so. So says the IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research). In this report on Freedom of Movement in the EU and the Welfare State, the IPPR sets out their ideas. IPPR (formerly the Institute for Public Policy Research) writes: “A different approach to reforming EU migrants’ access to welfare could address the concerns of the British public, be more likely to win over European partners and be fairer to EU migrants … [It would] restrict out-of-work rather than in-work benefits and ensures migrants’ home countries pay their unemployment benefits for longer.”
The IPPR in their own words:
IPPR is the UK's leading progressive thinktank. We are an independent registered charity with more than 40 staff members, paid interns and visiting fellows. Our main office is in London, with IPPR North, IPPR's dedicated thinktank for the North of England, operating out of offices in Newcastle and Manchester, and IPPR Scotland, IPPR’s dedicated thinktank for Scotland, operating out of offices in Edinburgh..
Our purpose is to conduct and publish research into, and promote public education in, the economic, social and political sciences, and in science and technology; including the effect of moral, social, political and scientific factors on public policy and on the living standards of all sections of the community.
The report can be downloaded here:
Employment Data under the Microscope
The Resolution Foundation - the UK's current top think-tank, have generously agreed to share their thinking with the ABC. Here is what the Resolution Foundation have to say about the latest labour market economic data, just released from the ONS.
Record employment but summer slowdown in pay recovery
Pick-up in productivity should help to boost wage in coming months
The UK’s headline employment rate hit another historic high, but real wage growth slowed over the summer. A pick-up in productivity and further falls in unemployment should support upward pay pressure in the coming months, the Resolution Foundation said today (Wednesday) in response to the latest ONS labour market figures.
Real average weekly earnings grew by 2.5 per cent in the three month to September, down from 2.8 per cent on the previous quarter.
Productivity picked up again in the last quarter, rising by an implied 1.4 per cent year-on-year, though the Foundation notes that it remains well below its pre-crisis average of 2.4 per cent a year.
Employment in London has grown fastest since mid-2008 (+2.7 per cent), while Northern Ireland, Scotland and the South East are yet to return to pre-crash employment levels.
Matt Whittaker, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:
“It is encouraging to see employment rising again after a bumpy few months. But the slowdown in the pace of the UK’s pay recovery may signal that the rebound enjoyed during much of 2015 has eased.
“The good news is that signs of a return to productivity growth should generate more upward pay pressure. That will be particularly important once inflation starts to rise.
“Despite the positive jobs figures, there is still plenty of scope for further growth. But getting there – and becoming a genuine world leader on employment – will require renewed policy action.”
Latest News on the Job Front
The Office of National Statistics figues show a generally improving picture. For a detailed analysis of the figures please review the following article.
The Business Show Olympia
The Business Show is one of the UK’s top shows. It's a free business exhibition to attend and offers a wealth of opportunity, advice and information crucial for ongoing business growth within a challenging economy.
The event welcomes businesses from a cross-section of industries, and remains more committed than ever in providing you with everything needed to improve, evolve and expand your business.
VISITING THE SHOW
Show Opening Times
Thursday 3rd December: 10am – 6pm
Friday 4th December: 10am – 5pm
Location
Olympia London
Hammersmith Road
London
W14 8UX
This is a show cataloge
http://issuu.com/prysmgroupltd/docs/tbs_sg_olympia15_digitalsg?e=6346174/31036853
New Start Scotland Exhibition
The New Start Scotland Exhibition is about to start. It will be held this week on the 12th & 13th November at the SECC, Glasgow.
You might want to attend this fantastic event hosting a wealth of information, assistance and encouragement.
There are 150+ market leaders exhibiting, receive guidance from some of the most revered Scottish Entrepreneurs and network with over 10,000+ like-minded visitors. We gather there will be Sir Tom Farmer and a whole host of other seminar speakers and exhibitors at New Start Scotland.
New Start Scotland also runs alongside the Scottish Business Exhibition, making up part of Scotland's largest business event. If you are thinking of starting a business this is a great place to get information and ideas.
Click here for the show guide:
http://issuu.com/newstartexhibitions/docs/nss_showguidefinal__2_?e=19744883/31127795
Fit Note Guidance
The sick note has been replaced by the Fit note which is the informal name for the Statement of Fitness for Work. Your doctor will assess you and if he or she decides that your health affects your fitness for work, they can issue a fit note and advise that: you are "not fit for work" you "may be fit for work taking into account the following advice"
We have found this PDF that is worth having if you need to understand the new system.
‘Framing’ is a term used in the field of propaganda. This is where the name of something is changed to make things sound better. Swamps therefore become Wetlands. Friendly Fire is a better term for shot by your own side, despite it being very a very unfriendly experience one might imagine?
Work Coaches - does not seemed to have caught on with the public? A term, a shade too American sounding perhaps? Welfare makes people sound more dependant, and it detracts from the idea that Social Security is actually benefit that you the public, have actually paid for as an insurance pay-out. I am not sure that calling a Sick note a Fit note is going to get people back to work any quicker? No doubt Ian Duncan Smith and his team at the DWP have a different view.
You can download this usdeful PDF Fit Note Guidance below.
National Engineering & Construction Recruitment Exhibition
Coming up on the calendar is the National Engineering & Construction Recruitment Exhibition.
The exhibition dates are: Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham
Whether you’re looking for your next step up the ladder or to kick start your engineering career, the National Engineering & Construction Recruitment Exhibition offers a vast array of opportunities for all engineering and construction professionals and graduates. Entry is free. You can register here: www.engineerjobs.co.uk/my-engineer-jobs/step1
If you have experience in the construction field, polish up the CV this could be well worth a visit
Executives
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Simon Collyer
Position: Founder & Director
Simon Collyer hails from Brightlingsea in Essex, a small town on the coast between Colchester & Clacton. Simon worked very successfully in the leisure marine industry in the UK and in Australia. Later in London Simon worked in the web development and publishing fields, founding a below-the-line sales promotion agency in the early nineties and then later a software company Red Banner in South Africa (2002-06). Here in South Africa, Simon became interested in the Third Sector and starting his own organisation.
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Christopher Johnson
Position: Bookkeeping and Administration
Chris lived in Oxford for twenty years, having been educated at Magdalen College School. Chris sought a career with British Rail and spent twenty years in railway retail management ending with Virgin Trains at Euston Station. Christopher retrained in bookkeeping and accounts in 2000 and now works for Chelmsford Community Transport.
A strong, enthusiastic team player with a meticulous eye for detail, Christopher brings a range of skills to the ABC.
Team
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Frances Rimmer
Position: Researcher
When not charming snakes Frances is a Modern History student at the University of Essex, focusing specifically on social history. The lives and experiences of the ordinary person rather than on politics or the military. Outside of her studies, Frances enjoys film and writing. As a keen roller skater who plays roller derby with the Kent Roller Girls, Frances secret wish would be to become a skating instructor and open her own rink, as she has always wanted to help people in some way, and feels it would be great to do so while also sharing her passion with like-minded people.
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Stuart Meyers
Position: Researcher
Stuart Meyer, is a final year American Studies student at the University of Essex. Stuart focussed his academic life on global justice and the rights of migrants. Additionally Stuart has a passion for writing, both creatively and with the aim of providing accessible information to those who need it most Stuart has made a great contribution to our library of Advice Guides demonstrating his versatility by writing intelligently on a wide range of topics.
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Louis Jones
Position: Film Maker
Louis is a 19 year old TV and film student studying at Colchester Institute. Along with hand-picked fellow students, Louis made the ‘Membership’ video that can be seen on the ABC website. Louis volunteers at, Hospital Radio Colchester, as a football commentator. A true fan of the ‘Great Game’ Louis insights have been sought after on occasions by key local media, the Colchester Daily Gazette & even BBC Essex.
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Marcus Pierpont
Position: Film Director
Talented student film maker, Marcus Pierpoint, directed the ABC 'Membership' film which can be seen on the organizations website. Marcus has recently graduated from a BTEC course, studying Creative Media Production at Colchester Institute and he claims a true passion for films and filmmaking. Marcus also enjoys radio work and volunteers at the local hospital radio station, producing and presenting his own show. Marcus is enrolled at the University of Greenwich, and dreams of a career in the media industry.
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Shane Mitchell
Position: Film Maker
Shane Mitchell, is another Colchester Institute Film and TV student that aspirers to be a Director of Photography in the future. Shane was the camera operator for the ABC Membership video, fun to make says Shane but it is also work he is very proud of. Shane loves all things ‘film’ and he makes videos even in his spare time.
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Joe Corlett
Position: Film Director
Ex-student script writer/director, Joe Corlett, directed the ABC's corporate video (About Us) which is now viewable on the main website. Joe graduated from the Colchester Institute with a BTEC diploma in the field of media. Joe is passionate towards film making and hopes to continue making more that are constructed form his own material. On the side he's loves being out jogging in all terrains and when not out side he's writing scripts for future projects. Joe is now out in the world ready to start his life goal of working in the Media industry.
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Jon Taylor
Position: Film Maker
Jonathan Taylor has been working in the media sector for 3 years and for our filming projects he worked as the production manager. John worked on graphical elements of our film, About Us for example, rendering images and making them look good on screen.
Jon is also experienced in animation and he made the logo and animation sequences in the ABC corporate videos.
Part of Jon’s brief was to also organise the administration side of filming, known collectively to admin experts the world over as ‘the paperwork’.
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Thomas Hearn
Position: Film Maker
Thomas Hearn, has been involved in media, for about three years. Tom likes to work a lot at a computer, particularly the editing suite. For the ABC project, Tom worked on the edit itself; created and pieced together both the footage and the music, Tom created the visual elements of the ABC ‘About Us’ video and put most of the visual effects on the video.
I think we can agree that along with the rest of our youthful student team; Tom has done a very fine job indeed.
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Max Gillard
Position: Film Maker
The last of our film team Max Gillard has recently finished college studying Creative Media Level 3 and Max hopes to continue the course on to University to someday gain a job in the media industry.
We wish Max the best of luck.
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Harry
Position: Film Maker
My name is Harry Genge and I am an aspiring film maker. I have skills in the majority of film orientated jobs, though I am most interested in the creative roles such: Directing, Director of Photography and Writing. In my spare time I make short films, write, read, draw/paint and take the dog out for long walks.
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Ned
Position: Producers
My name is Ned Woodcraft and I’m an aspiring Producer. As well as completing a diploma in media production I have also had a number of jobs in the professional market. I’m also a keen sailor and water sport enthusiast.
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Brandon
Position: Producer
My name is Brandon and I’m an aspiring producer and actor. I enjoy bringing a production together with planning and preparations to create a great finished product. My hobbies also include street magic and bass playing.
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Callum
Position: Writer and Director
My name is Callum Olive and I’m an aspiring writer and director. I’m always looking for a new project and love writing new stories and screenplays at home and on the move. My hobbies include playing the piano and street magic.
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Joanie DeMuro
Joanie joined ABC team in early 2017. She was one of six student volunteers from the University of Essex in that cohort. The student team focused on a range of projects, including creation of Wikipedia page,‘training manual’ and most importantly, researching and adding entries to the website directory of organisations that assist the unwaged, or those on low incomes. “This placement was very helpful - thanks for the opportunity Simon.”
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Cherry Lam
Cherry Lam has been volunteering for ABC for one month. Although it is a short period of time, she knows a lot more about the running of a charity organisation. Cherry is responsible for adding directories to the organisation website according to categories. Joining this placement helped her improving skills and gaining new experiences. Cherry says is extremely appreciative of the support she has received from ABC which allowed her to improve skills.
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