Unsworth Sugden Group

"Computer says no" - the response that many mortgage applicants often receive

In the robotic world of finance where sometimes mortgage applications can be made by a computer, client the Earl Shilton Building Society understands the importance of being treated like an individual and prefers to take the human perspective with its customers.

Indeed recently Audrey Green, Business Development Director at the Society commented, “Here at the Earl Shilton we strongly believe that every mortgage application is different and should be dealt with individually, rather than a computer declining it simply because it doesn’t meet strict criteria. Therefore our friendly mortgage team is on hand to talk to customers face to face and provides a human perspective on their requirements.”

One such case was Claire Lenthall, a first-time buyer from Leicester who has been able to get onto the property ladder thanks to the Earl Shilton. Disillusioned with the high street mortgage lenders, Claire instead opted for a mortgage product from the local building society and was full of praise for their service. You can read more about her experiences in THIS ARTICLE, featured in the Leicester Mercury property supplement this weekend.

Claire - full of praise for the Earl Shilton Building Society

Issy Dunmore

I MUST admit I never anticipated finding writing about property interesting when choosing to study as a print journalist at Nottingham Trent University.

But since undergoing a two-week work placement at Unsworth Sugden, I have been doing just that.

On my first meeting with Hannah, director of PR, I had to confess I wasn’t really sure exactly what PR entailed. So it was reassuring to hear her reply, “That is a very good question, and one I think many people don’t know the answer to.”

By speaking to some of the agency’s happy buyers and researching their clients developments it has given me a taste of the kind of work that goes on in a PR office.

As a trainee journalist, I am constantly told you need to have a good basing in everything, and after going to planning committee meetings while working at a local weekly paper outside of term time, I liked writing about NIMBY issues but never really considered the hard work PR teams put into representing their clients and getting their stories in the news.

By just watching what goes in to issuing a single press release, it is far from a simple click of the mouse, but I can see the end result is a satisfying one.

PR has always intrigued me and was something I wanted to consider and explore.

These two weeks have given me a glimpse of that and I’m very grateful to the agency for having me.

During my time here everyone has been so welcoming and helpful - despite how busy they are.

I have enjoyed getting my teeth into drafting a few press releases, creating some website blogs and giving my thoughts on how social media is shaping the future of PR and the media in general. While it may only have been a short few weeks, already I can understand why the world of PR is so attractive and I want to thank everyone at Unsworth Sugden for taking me onboard.

Client Earl Shilton Building Society is pleased to announce two new appointments.

The Society says goodbye to one valued Chief Executive and welcomes another from the Market Harborough Building Society. The Society has also appointed a new director to join its team.

New director Audrey Green and Chief Executive Paul Tilley will take up their new roles with nearly 40 years experience between them.

Paul (46) from Desborough will leave his post as Head of Business Services and Compliance at Market Harborough Building Society to take over as Chief Executive from Neville Thompson, following Neville’s retirement after 21-years of service with the Society.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the team at such a well-respected Society as the Earl Shilton, which has a great reputation for delivering outstanding personal service focused on the needs of its members and is also in excellent financial health.” Paul commented.

“I hope to bring an energy and enthusiasm to take the business through its next stage of development in the interests of our members.”

Paul is also a Magistrate in his spare time and has two children with his wife Amanda.

Ready to take on his new role, Chief Exec, Paul Tilley

Audrey will take up her new title of Business Development Director to become the eighth member on the board. She will also have to take on extra responsibilities as required by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

She said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed director here at the Society. Over the years my job has changed quite substantially from on-the-road sales to a more operational role with increased responsibility for the day-to-day running of our two branches, particularly as the ever growing demands of the FSA has meant more work for the chief executive and the finance director.

“Whilst I will also now be more involved with this work, I look forward to my time on the board and putting a different point of view across as we continue to take the Society forward.”

New Director - Audrey Green

Having the chance to tackle a national first is an exciting prospect for the PR team and one which we’re really excited about working on.

From a grassroots project to a landmark community-owned co-operative, Woolhope Woodheat is paving the way in carbon reduction thanks to a £60,000 Government grant, cash pledged from the local people it was founded by and support from the not-for-profit organisation Sharenergy.

Woolhope Woodheat will be using the cash for a Big Society-style project, which will install woodchip boilers in local schools, organisations and businesses to help them swap their fossil fuel dependence for a greener alternative.

As the first project of its kind in the country, Woolhope Woodheat is already becoming quite a talking point and after tackling the media local to the Herefordshire-based scheme, achieving coverage in the Hereford Times, which you can read HERE, and a four-minute clip on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, we’re going national.

bbc-radio-hereford-worcester-190112-0606

The story has already been picked up by BioEnergy News and we’re confident we’ll be bringing you more updates on this on-going PR project soon.

If you want your show home opening to go with a bang, inviting a special guest is a guaranteed way to get people talking.

As redevelopment specialists Urban Rhythm – owned by client Hazelton Homes – geared up to unveil their latest show home at the Wheatsheaf Works in Leicester last weekend, Unsworth Sugden were enlisted to shout about it.

Revealing the first phase of an exciting £20 million redevelopment project needs a special something, so none other than Sir Peter Soulsby was invited to come along to perform the exciting ribbon cutting duties, much to our delight.

After successfully liaising with the mayor’s office, we had a nice quote from Sir Peter himself to include in our press release, which attracted interest from the Leicester Mercury and Insider Media.

Sir Peter said: “The Wheatsheaf Works is one of Leicester’s landmark buildings and it’s wonderful to see it being brought back into use in such an imaginative way.”

The Leicester city mayor was joined by Richard and Tom Hazelton of Hazelton Homes, Justin Fox of JSP Architecture and a number of council members for the big reveal, which took place on Friday 10^th February.

Following a speech from Tom Hazelton, the new Shakespeare show home was declared open, just one of 31 brand new properties that will eventually stand on the 4.2-acre site which also encompasses the Grade II listed former shoe factory Wheatsheaf Works.

Photographer, Jerry Wesley, was our man on the ground, capturing all the action as it happened, which thankfully didn’t include any snow despite the forecasts.

See the Leicester Mercury’s take on the event HERE and coverage from Insider Media HERE.

Spacious modern family homes from David Wilson at Farndon Fields

The PR team was delighted to secure a feature on BBC Breakfast this week for client David Wilson Homes.  The piece featured a family from Market Harborough and their beautiful new home at Farndon Fields.  Watch the story for yourself HERE.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Unsworth Sugden have been showcasing the talents of some of our clients’ up-and-coming apprentices.

The week, which took place from February 6^th to February 10^th, focused all eyes on apprenticeships across the country, raising the profile among employers, individuals, teachers, the media and parents.

One young apprentice who has been setting the mark for everyone else is 20-year-old Scott Walker from Sutton Coldfield.

Currently studying towards his NVQ Level 3 in carpentry at South Birmingham College while working as a carpenter at Barratt Homes’ Horizon development, Scott has already scooped two prestigious awards including being named as Apprentice of the Year 2011. Alan Sugar cast your eyes this way.

Scott, who has been an apprentice with Barratt West Midlands for nearly two years, commented: “I’ve been working as a carpenter at Horizon but have also been able to work on other trades such as roofing.

“The variety of jobs is great and I have a really good working relationship with my Site Manager Mike Farrell.

“Winning two awards during my two years at Barratt West Midlands has been amazing. I was stunned when I found out.”

Scott Walker (20) named Apprentice of the Year 2011

Barratt Homes is currently looking for new trade apprentices starting in September 2012 across the country. For more information visit www.buildingcareerstogether.co.uk/graduates-and-apprentices and maybe you could be their next apprentice.

Horizon is situated in the Canal side Quarter of Wolverhampton - a newly emerging urban village located in the centre of the city. The development is a unique architectural landmark capturing the spirit of innovation, a great place for any apprentice to start their career.

Anniversaries are an excellent time to celebrate and promote our clients to a wider audience. They provide the PR team with an opportunity to show customers that little bit more about our clients and how well established they are in their region.

Milestones convey a company’s ability to come out on top even when times may be tough financially – and that has certainly been the case over the past two years.

However the recessions of past have not put a stop to staff and guests at Newby Castleman enjoying a celebratory dinner commemorating the firm’s 60^th anniversary.

Managing partner, Chris Castleman, commented: “We are delighted to have celebrated the firm’s 60 years with this anniversary dinner among employees and friends.

“Since it was established the firm has certainly developed a solid pedigree within the region which is something we look to build on.

“We have strived to retain the caring and personal touch, not just among our clients but also our employees. This is clearly reflected in the long service provided by so many members of staff, some of whom have been with the firm for over forty years.”

The event held at The Case saw employees and their guests join the partners of the firm to toast 60 years past and the next 60 to come.

“While looking back at these 60 years with pride we will continue to move forward with confidence and there’s no reason why Newby Castleman won’t be here in another 60 years.” Chris added.

Here at Unsworth Sugden we hope to continue to celebrate each and every milestone and tell the world all about our clients’ achievements.

Happy Anniversary to Newby Castleman!

CLIENT Newby Castleman is extending the deadline for youngsters to sign up to their apprenticeship scheme and have a gleaming future in accountancy ahead of them due to the amount of applications they have received.

With the rise in tuition fees coming in to effect this year, it is undoubtedly a daunting prospect for the majority of 18-year-olds applying for university.

That is why Leicester firm Newby Castleman is extending their offer to one lucky year 12 A level student for a fast track opportunity with their apprentice-style role.

But students need to act fast if they are to meet the new February 29^th deadline.

The contract will offer training for an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification, which the student will train for while working for the firm and have a guaranteed employed position at the end of their two years as an apprentice.

Every year hundreds of applicants, including school leavers and university graduates, contact Newby Castleman in an attempt to scoop one of its annual trainee positions, but this competition is the only opportunity that guarantees a place within the company and a fast-track route into the accountancy profession.

To enter students must be from Beauchamp College, Leicester Grammar or Loughborough Grammar.

Students need to submit a two-page application letter, instead of a CV, explaining why they are interested in the role and why a career in accountancy would suit them.

Shortlisted pupils will then gain a first-hand glimpse of accountancy during a week of work experience at Easter, before the winner is announced prior to the start of Year 13 and their final year of studies.

More information about the training contract competition is available by contacting the Leicester office on 0116 254 9262 or emailing info@newbyc.co.uk. Visit Newby Castleman for more details.

Pink and shiny, Valentine's Day summed up in a sweet wrapper

Today is the day to show your other half how much they mean to you. Or politely disincline if you are fed up of seeing couples frolicking around with little floating hearts surrounding them.

But here at Unsworth Sugden it is a great chance to show clients that little bit extra TLC and make the most of the one day of the year where everything seems to turn red and pink.

Across the country star struck people will be celebrating love in one way or another with the usual cards, chocolates and grand gestures, and the PR team are no exception working hard on promoting what special offers are available from our clients.

The David Wilson Homes South Midlands team have been busy playing cupid by not only matching buyers to their dream homes but also by helping them to make that leap of faith up the aisle as well.

The team made a one-off offer to pay for a good proportion of the cost towards buyers wedding day (£5,000 in fact) when purchasing with them - and you can bet that couples all over Cambridgeshire were scrambling among one another to beat last weekend’s deadline of reserving their dream homes to start their lives together.

However if you did miss the boat, no need to panic because there are plenty more offers available to help make the Valentine’s Day loved-up feeling last longer.

Barratt West Midlands and David Wilson Mercia still have £500 up for grabs towards a romantic getaway with your loved one when you reserve a property between now and February 26^th and legally complete the sale before June 22^nd. Just quote ‘Cupid01′ to your sales advisor when enquiring.

These are just a few of the ways the PR team try to use seasonal events to generate a news hook and grab buyer’s interest for our clients.

But fear not if you don’t have a special someone to celebrate today with, here is a small reassuring fact to take away with you for those of us who wonder if they are the only single person left on the planet. In South Korea it is a tradition for single people to get together on a designated day of their own and unite over black noodles called Jajangmyeon, and mourn their single lives two months after Valentine’s Day on April 14.

It’s not a tradition I can see catching on in the UK but who knows, it’s always an option for those not lucky enough to be in love and looking for property.