End of CPSBATTERIES.CO.UK

Just a quick blog to let people know that we are shortly going to close down this website for the time being . We decided that we wanted to redesign it from scratch , move it from its current home and re install it on our own dedicated server . We will let you all know when we are ready for the relaunch. Our existing portfolio of websites are also undergoing a revamp , but these changes are being made on a daily basis .

CELL PACK SOLUTIONS

Read a really good article today about a new service that was launched by one of the long established battery manufacturers . They have called it CELLPAC PLUS . Love the name , it reminded me of why over 10 years ago I called my company CELL PACK SOLUTIONS .

I bought cells from the major battery battery maufacturers , and then set about looking for problems to solve , to create custom battery packs and provide solutions for my customers . The advantage that we could and still offer is that we can provide quick turnarounds on small production runs . It is often the case that in the very early days of a new product design , fast responses are required and as was quite rightly intimated by the reporter in the article, product designers often leave the choice of battery until late into the design process which can sometimes be a costly mistake.

We often act as an intermediary between our Partner Manufacturers and the end customer and come up with the optimum design . I know from experience that not every application will reach 10000 units , but there is great satisfaction to be had in being involved at the start a project , even those that never take off to the expected volumes .

E LEGACY AWARDS FINALIST

We sent John down to London to the Lavish Lunch in the middle of London to see whether we were fortunate enough to have been a winner. Alas the answer was no -- Thanks anyway to those of you that took the time to vote . It was always going to a difficult proposition for us ,some of the bigger companies obviously have a bigger network of customers . Well done to the winners of each category.

As a way of a thank you the company donated some batteries and wind up torches to some friends who are on a 10 trip to Nepal on a humitarian mission.

If you are interested in seeing what are entry was about then click A TO Z of BATTERY REFURBISHMENT

TWITTER FEED

This is a test blog to see if the TWITTER FEED works

Are Graduates being sold down the river

Watched a report on TV tonight about youth unemployment . It had some resonance with me because it featured Morrisons Supermarket and its search for a person to work in one of its Bakery Departments . They had 250 applicants , and for the sake of the program they whittled it down to 3 young guys to interview . One was a graduate in animation and was probably highly skilled in this field , but such was his desperation he was after any job he could get to pay off his student loan . Apparently there were a number of graduates that had applied and were unsuccesful .

I spent 3 years working at Morrisons when I was in sixth form . They used to employ lots of schoolkids and had the great advantage of being able to watch for new talent to emerge to put onto their management trainee schemes . In those days there was a lot more flexibility in hiring and firing .

On the programme tonight , some high profile entrepreneurs LORD ( Sir ) Alan Sugar amongst them gave some advice . Have the right attitude , be enthusiastic and be persistant .

I have thought for a long time that the government have spent too much time and effort into making every type of college into a University. Every course seems to end up with people getting degrees and having graduation ceremonies . As an employer it can be difficult to distinguish between them all. Graduates usually arrive with massive student loans and for some jobs they are too over qualified and are expecting too high a salary .

I have recently taken on two graduates and have really high hopes for both of them . What I did find heart breaking was to let down the other 4 that I had shortlisted . One had graduated 2 years ago and although was working , they were doing a totally unrelated job to that of their qualification .

I was really impressed by the girl on the program who worked for nothing to gain some experience and finally came to the conclusion that the route of self employment was her way out .

My own bit of advice -- Prepare for interviews , research the company , try to find out who is going to interview you and do more research . You have to come across as really really enthusiastic . You need to stand out against the other applicants.

There are other routes to getting a degree , be flexible in your approach.

COTTAM BRUSH HEAD TO HEAD

Was great to see both David and Ben Cottam attend the STBN monthly business meeting and give us all a great insight into the workings of their 158 year family business COTTAM BRUSH. This was the second in a series of insights by local business people and itseemed that all the members and guests left being thoroughly entertained. The network meets on the second wednesday of every month and for only £75 per year has to be one of the most beneficial events a new or existing business can join .It offers a very informal and no pressure way of meeting up with fellow business people in South Tyneside.

Visit to Cambridge

Had the good fortune to get the opportunity to visit Cambridge , taking my offspring down to have a look around the various colleges . Have to say that I wish that I had stuck in at school. They are truly inspirational , the only shame is that the competition to get into any of the colleges is so very very tough. It is hard enough to even get to the interview stage . Fingers are crossed and the hard work continues and I will have to stick with the batteries .