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 .

BLUE VENTURE

Spent a couple of hours of my birthday helping out a friend who had been let down . I had to speak in front of a a about 100 or so year 10s at WHITBURN SCHOOL. Basically had to give them 5 minutes on how started off my voyage into self employment and try to inspire some of them to realise how important education is right now . It really difficult to fit everything in to such a short time . There were 6 other people on the bill , luckily none of us had to follow Ray Spencer ( Tommy the Trumpeter ) . He had them all in stitches as is his way . He is truly one of the most inspirational characters in the Borough of South Tyneside , for his achievements at the Customs House and the way he has turned around it around . It is the duty of all South Tynesiders to visit this lovely building , take in a show , visit the cinema or go for a coffee there at any and every opportunity , take your friends.

OKTOBERFEST EXHIBITION

County Durham Oktoberfest 2009


Last week we took the opportunity to attend the Northern Manufacturing Exhibition at the RAINTON EXBITION CENTRE . It was one of those events that you could not really afford to miss . The cost to exhibit was minimal , so really it was a no brainer. We picked up a few contacts and to top a really great day , Kris picked up second prize in a free draw and won himself a laptop computer . Happy Days .

The Exhibition was opened by Margaret Fay OBE, Chairman, One North East, and Nicki Clark, Assistant CEO, Business & Enterprise North East. Enterprise North East.