58 communications Client Blogs

One of the questions we will be asking at this year’s West Midlands School Leaders Conference is: “What keeps you awake at night? What challenges are you experiencing/can you see developing? We look forward to hearing a wide range of issues that head teachers and school managers face on a daily basis. One of the key issues, which we feel sure everyone will agree on, is funding and the government’s planned introduction of a new National Funding Formula. School funding is hardly out of the headlines lately, with education specialists highlighting that school funding cuts are being made to the detriment of children, and many worrying that teachers’ jobs will be lost or subjects will be ditched. Head teachers face increased pressure in respect of continually worsening financial situations and schools are considering larger classes or even a four-day week. Furthermore, cuts to social care and sources of government funded youth support mean that schools are expected...

The MAKUP Academy for Film & Media Makeup offers exceptional yet affordable training in all aspects of hair and makeup design for film and TV. All students receive personal attention from Veronica McAleer, the internationally-acclaimed, twice Oscar nominated, Emmy and RTS award-winning founder. Veronica trained in makeup and hair design at BBC Pebble Mill in 1984, and began working in the film industry in 1990. She has worked on over 40 films and countless television programmes. Veronica has designed hair and makeup for 26 feature films working with actors such as Dame Judi Dench, Michael Caine, Keira Knightly, Colin Firth and Jennifer Connolly. Furthermore, she worked on the Oscar-nominated movie ‘Shakespeare in Love’, and big budget films such as ‘The Da Vinci Code’, ‘The Tourist’ and ‘Assassins Creed’. Most recently Veronica was in America working with Paul Bettany on the hair and makeup design for his next TV series, ‘Manhunt: The Unabomber’. Last year ...

Concord BGW, specialist provider of building, refurbishment and interior fit out services, is combining good commercial practice with their environmental objectives and corporate social responsibilities. They are now employing Jericho Recycling to collect and recycle all unused hard and softwoods produced on their latest redevelopment on Maney Corner in Sutton Coldfield. The Jericho Recycling social enterprise provides sustainable solutions for commercial and office waste. Services encompass the collection, reclaiming, reuse and recycling of wood into timber, wooden furniture and gifts and kindling. At the same time, Jericho helps 16-24 year old young people struggling to find work, by offering useful apprenticeships. All apprenticeships involve 30 hours of work paid at the national apprenticeship wage. During the apprenticeship youngsters also work with a Jericho partner college to complete a recognised qualification. Karl Stanway, Concord BGW Site Manager, said “we are del...

A recent report by a cross-party group of MPs states that the school holidays leave 3 million children at risk of hunger. The report gave evidence of children in poorer families surviving on a holiday diet of crisps, or alternatively existing on stodgy, unhealthy diets of cheap food bought in bulk to fill them up. Furthermore, studies have shown that children experiencing extreme hunger are vulnerable to malnutrition which will undermines their ability to receive an education and ultimately lead a healthy, positive life. Moreover, the report confirmed there was a significant negative impact on children who had gone hungry over the holidays. They frequently return to class malnourished, sluggish and dreary and completely unprepared to learn. This means that these children start the new term significantly behind their more fortunate peers who have enjoyed a holiday of activity and a more wholesome diet. The children at risk include over 1 million receiving free school me...

The overarching aim of the Teaching Schools Council is to play a key role in ensuring that every child and young person, in every part of the country, has access to a place in a great school.   Put simply there are three commitments that the Teaching Schools Council seeks to ensure, that every school in England: is entitled to relevant and timely support is prepared to be a giver of support is in an effective partnership   This year’s West Midlands School Leaders Conference will take place on Wednesday 17 th  May. Over 200 delegates are expected to attend including leaders from hundreds of schools. Our expert panel will deliver a range of inspirational talks on the crucial issues currently facing education managers.   Consequently, the Conference will focus on how the educational landscape is evolving through system leadership. Effective leadership involves raising the bar and closing the gap for all children.  While pupil background rema...

Seymours Solicitors recently moved into new, prestigious offices in Leamington and Coventry. In order to reflect these upgraded facilities, they decided to overhaul their website at the same time. So as part of this revamp, Gina Dixon (Director) asked a friend, Kevin Ward, to take some photos to capture the unique nature of the local area. Kevin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010 and was inevitably shocked, as he had always been fit and active and still remains a keen competitor at 5 a side football, 7 years later. Having been initially shaken he was then stirred into resisting the rigors of Parkinson’s and decided to go trekking in the Himalayas with his wife, Ruth. This adventure provided the inspiration for Kevin to put his longstanding interest in photography to good use and raise funds for the Parkinson’s UK charity. Therefore, on his return from Nepal, Kevin produced a 2014 photographic calendar, which was sold to raise funds for the charity.  Kevin...

Veronica commenced her illustrious career in the film and TV industry by training at BBC Pebble Mill in 1984. One thing Veronica has become particulary aware of over the last few years is the dearth of male hair and makeup artists, especially from diverse ethnic backgrounds. As a BBC trainee Veronica witnessed an influx of men into the TV industry which in turn fed into the already male-populated film industry. However, since then very few males have entered the profession and even less from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Veronica does not know of any Asian or black male film makeup artists. The usual male route is SFX/prosthetic makeup, as opposed to the more stereotypical female pathway of general makeup, hair and wigs. Veronica wonders whether this gender bias is because people don’t understand the technical skills the job actually entails. There may be a misconception that “its just a bit of make-up which anyone can do” – and constant posting of everyday makeup tutorials on...

The Jericho Foundation, established in 1993, helps people to become fulfilled, skilled and employed. One of the disadvantaged groups we support is people who have been victims of modern slavery. Human trafficking appears to be on the increase and it is estimated that there were 13,000 victims in slavery in the UK in 2015. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) provides these survivors with up to 45 days in a safe house. Their statistics show there were 3,266 individuals who were rescued and referred, a 40% increase from 2014 and 74% higher than 2013. In the West Midlands there was a 127% increase in NRM referrals from 2014 to 2015, making it the second highest location of potential victims. Fewer than 105 of those enslaved go to the police. Jericho is currently the only organisation in Birmingham (and possibly the UK) with the experience, expertise and resources to deliver a programme of work experience, training and tailored support, to enable survivors of human trafficking ...

If you have decided to pursue a healthier approach to the new year, Smethwick based Community Interest Company Complete Kidz is here to help! They are kicking off the new year with a range of enjoyable, friendly, affordable classes for the entire family. Booty Camp Ladies Fitness Classes are a low-cost way for ladies in the Black Country to get in shape. Classes include a food discussion, help to change the way you feel about food and a different type of low-impact exercise every week. Moms are welcome to bring along their little ones too! Furthermore, Complete Kidz also runs regular Clubbercise and Boogie Bounce classes in Sandwell which are funky ways to exercise and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Physical activity reduces your risk of major illness, boosts self-esteem and mood and gives you extra energy.  Finally, encourage your children to be involved in healthy activities with Complete Kidz classes, including Boogie Bounce, Cheerleading, Gymnastics...