This month, client Barratt North Midlands has been promoting a ‘New Year New You’ mantra with a health and fitness themed launch event at its Nottingham based development, The Fairways.

Visitors were treated to a healthy selection of food and refreshments, as well as some excersize and dietary help from a health and fitness adviser from local leisure centre Chilwell Olympia.

We commissioned a photographer from Page One to cover the event and he gave us this great shot of Sales Adviser Andrew Handslip getting some advice on his New Year fitness regime! 

“So what will you actually be doing?” My father asked, with a critical look on his face. It’s not his fault, he’s a mechanic you see and sometimes he finds it difficult to appreciate written work, especially if you can’t see the results immediately. 

It was even tougher to explain to my Nan, who abruptly announced, “What’s PR then? I thought you were going to be a news reader like on the telly.” Hmm, this was never going to be easy. 

 I’m sure I’m not alone in this scenario or be the first to say it, but trying to explain what PR is can be tricky, especially to an 81-year-old lady who is from another world entirely. 

So I tried to explain it in a way she’d understand, ‘Well Nan I write news stories directed at newspapers but they don’t necessarily have to use it.’ No luck with that so I continued, ‘well it’s a bit like advertising, because it publicises companies but unlike advertising you don’t have to pay to use the space.’ If I sat with her all night I’m sure she still wouldn’t understand, fortunately my father did after we discussed it over dinner.

The Unsworth Sugden team are a whole lot more helpful and so far I’ve had a look inside the company toolbox, (as I’ve carefully explained to my mechanic of a father).

And at the moment I’m perfecting changing the tyres to keep the vehicle moving (writing press releases) before I can move onto tuning up the engine  – aka suggesting new ideas to clients. And I’m pleased to be in the surroundings of a dedicated team that I don’t have to use constant metaphorical descriptions with all the time. 

The team made me feel right at home from the word go and I was especially pleased when I met Bethan, who did exactly the same university course as me- phew! I wasn’t the only journo who now practices the dark arts. I can now safely report that PR is not nearly half as evil as my lecturers lead me to believe.

During my time studying broadcast journalism I read articles on the internet like “Why PR gives you cancer,” and other blogs designed to scare you away from the industry. But I couldn’t be moved in my ambition and so I immersed myself in all things PR -which I believe made a real difference to my success in getting the job.

With youth/graduate unemployment at it’s highest ever level, I do realise that I’m lucky to have a job in one of the most competitive industries, although I cannot deny I tried my hardest to get it.

It’s never been easier to promote yourself online and because I tackled some of the big sites like twitter and youtube this enabled me to do my own PR and I was now evidently creative to the company. It turns out that my youtube channel worked wonders on the chairman of the company, Steve Sugden, who agreed with Director of PR Hannah Elwell that I would be a suitable candidate, judging by my work. 

My advice to unemployed graduates would be to become the person you want to be and to showcase your talent in as many ways as possible, shout from the rooftops if you need to - and you might just get noticed…

It’s been all systems go for the PR team this week, in preparation for a special event at Derby Westfield this weekend.

As client, Compendium Living, gets set to reveal exciting plans for a £100m redevelopment today, maximising media attention has been the utmost priority – with great success online, in print and on the air.

The regeneration of the Castleward area of Derby city is Compendium Living’s biggest project to date and will see 30 acres of land linking Derby Midland Station and Westfield shopping centre undergo a complete transformation.

Compendium Living, part of Morgan Sindall PLC, is unveiling its plans for the first time at an information event, with the public invited to come and offer their views on the evolution of Castleward.

To generate public interest and ensure maximum coverage prior to the showcase, we teamed up with another leading marketing agency, Aylesworth Fleming, who is also a property specialist.

Having drawn huge interest from the local media, we’re delighted to have achieved a front page splash in the Derby Telegraph, coverage on Business East Midlands magazine and made it to BBC Derby online.

As well as getting into print, we took over the airwaves after lining up two interviews with BBC Radio Derby, where Compendium Living Managing Director, Dave Bullock, was given the opportunity to encourage the public to visit Westfield this weekend to see exactly what the redevelopment specialist has in store.

Take a listen for yourself here:

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Leicester residents were out in force on Saturday morning to witness the toppling of one of Belgrave’s most distinctive landmarks, at the hands of a former factory apprentice.

Hundreds looked on as 62-year-old Tom Keville pushed the button, bringing the 115-foot disused chimney crashing to the ground at Ross Walk, making way for a brand new development of 72 properties from Westleigh New Homes.

Mr Keville, who worked at the site 47 years ago, paid £1,700 to detonate the chimney – once part of the former British United Shoe Machinery (BUSM) works – after placing the winning bid in a charity auction for local good causes.

Alongside the residents, the local media were also keen to capture the action as the chimney toppled. You can read the Leicester Mercury’s coverage and see step by step images of the demolition HERE.

You can also see and hear the exciting moment Mr Keville brought the chimney down by following these links:

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The former BUSM site is undergoing development in four phases as part of the Abbey Meadows regeneration area project. The project comes as the result of a partnership between Westleigh, Leicester City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and landowners Trafalgar Global Ltd, who are working together to regenerate the area.

As the dust settles on the site, the Whetstone-based housebuilder will begin work on 72 modern three-, four- and five-bedroom properties, with the first 14 expected to be ready this summer. For further information about Belgrave Riverside log on to www.westleighnewhomes.co.uk

Newby Castleman Managing Partner Chris Castleman

As the latest unemployment figures reveal a worrying leap in the number of young people looking for work, a Leicester firm are looking to buck the trend by offering one lucky candidate a bright future in accountancy.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the number of 16 to 24-year-olds now out of work stands at the dizzying height of 1.04 million - a rate of 22.3% - but accountancy specialists and client Newby Castleman has a fast-track opportunity guaranteeing training and employment for one Year 12 pupil from a local school.

The Regent Road-based company are running an exciting competition which will see one A Level student selected for an apprentice-style role, but as the 31^st January deadline looms, those with a head for numbers are being urged to enter or avoid missing out.

The training contract competition will provide one young person from Beauchamp College, Leicester Grammar or Loughborough Grammar with training for an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification, which they will train for while working for the firm.

Training will take place over two years, while the chosen candidate enjoys the added comfort of job security, as Newby Castleman guarantees a role within the company upon completion of their qualification and the possibility of further training in the future.

With more than one in five young people now seeking work and soaring costs of university education putting many off higher education, Newby Castleman believes this exciting opportunity will make a huge difference to the life of one A Level pupil.

Chris Castleman, Managing Partner at the firm, which also has a branch in Loughborough, comments: “We’re delighted to be able to offer one student a place at the firm on completion of their A Level studies – an opportunity that guarantees both training and employment. Spiralling tuition fees and the high levels of debt that accompany the university experience are putting many young people off higher education, so it’s not surprising they’re seeking other ways to get ahead. We’ve already had a huge response from young people who are keen to grasp this exciting opportunity, but I would urge anyone who hasn’t submitted their application to do so before the deadline, as this really is your last chance to enter.”

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, pupils need to submit a two-page application letter, rather than a CV, explaining why they are interested in the role and why a career in accountancy may suit them by 31^st January. 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, simply call the Leicester office on 0116 254 9262 or email info@newbyc.co.uk. Visit Newby Castleman for more details.

Sarah Ross joins PR team

“So, you’re joining the other side then?” My friends commented when I announced I would be swapping the dependable deadlines of a weekly magazine for the unpredictable nature of PR.

After studying journalism at university and working as a features writer for two and a half years, I’ve decided it’s time for a change. I’m intrigued to discover how PR works and the surprises it might throw at me, and I’m looking forward to a few new challenges along the way too.

Following a guided tour from Director of PR, Hannah, and a warm welcome from my new colleagues, my first challenge for Monday morning was to get my head around the number of Steves there are here, before getting stuck into something productive.

During my first week I happily tackled writing brochure and website copy for David Wilson Homes and interviewing a Harron Homes happy buyer, before writing their press release. When I said unpredictable, I wasn’t quite expecting to be photographed in my new role on my second day in the job. Thankfully, the panic in my eyes can’t quite be seen in this image and it was a really nice opportunity to get acquainted with one of our freelance photographers, Toby Savage.

I find tight deadlines are the real test and are always good for keeping you on your toes, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to get my teeth into an urgent job that came in for The Tile Association Awards towards the end of my first week. I’m pleased to report that I successfully compiled an entry for Tile Fixer of the Year that both nominee and client were really happy with – result! Since then, I’ve enjoyed writing non-stop, have issued my first press release and written my first blog entry.

Despite the madness the run-up to Christmas brings, I’ve found it’s the perfect time of year to join a new company; I’ve been wined and dined, joined in the office Secret Santa and been spoilt with a whole lot of chocolate. It’s certainly the warmest welcome I’ve ever had as a new starter.

After a whirlwind few weeks, I’m now settling comfortably into the role and I’m looking forward to celebrating the New Year with a toast to my new career.

Andrew, Glynn and Stuart with their handy work

Staff at client Schlüter-Systems have downed tools and picked up their frying pans during a recent charity breakfast at its Coalville head office.

The leading UK provider of tile solutions, which has already donated nearly £5,500 to charity in 2011 raised a total of £170 for Coalville Hospital during this event, which is in its fifth consecutive year.

Business Development Managers Stuart Ross and Glynn Davies donned their aprons and acted as head chefs during the event, aided by Andrew Curry as head waiter, they served 25 employees with both full English and continental options.

Keen cook Stuart comments, “Our charity breakfast has become an annual event and we are delighted to once again be donating the proceeds to Coalville Hospital. It is important to remember that whilst many have enjoyed the festive celebrations there are others for whom this time of the year hasn’t been so enjoyable and we believe this donation really reflects the true meaning of Christmas.”

This is just one of a number of charitable donations that Schlüter-Systems has made throughout the past 12 months as we support various good causes across the country, either directly or through sponsorship of our customers and partners. Other contributions have been made to Rainbows Children Hospice in Loughborough and Children Today, the chosen charity of The Tile Association.

Thanks to Steve Baker for the great photography.

Snow patrol - The Raynsway team is ready for winter

With last year’s poor weather conditions forcing many companies to stop working, client Raysway Properties has invested £35,000 in brand new snow equipment ranging from grit spreaders to high visibility clothing. The new gear will be used at Bridge Business Park and Pinfold Industrial Park in Thurmaston and also at Watermead Business Park in Syston. This will help all staff and occupiers enter the business parks safely and help businesses run as normal during the winter period.

Thank you to Steve Baker for the photography.

Winner Amy with her cubist portrait

After visiting York’s art gallery the pupils of Whitely and Eggborough Primary School were given the opportunity to use their artistic knowledge to create pieces that would be displayed at client Harron Homes’ Woodberry Grange development. The competition allowed the pupils’ skill to shine through with their fantastic take on modern art ranging from Pop Art to Realism. The overall winner was 10 year old Amy Parnell who designed a cubism portrait of herself, which will be displayed at Woodberry Grange from December 2011. 

Thank you to PageOne for the photography.