Thurrock International Celebration of Culture

To mark this year's Celebration of International Culture the Thurrock Learning Shop will be hosting an event on Saturday 16th July between 1000hrs and 1400hrs.

Activities available on the day include;

International arts and crafts
Careers guidance
Help with your CV

Additionally, between 1000hrs and 1200hrs there will be a Skype workshop. Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice and video calls and chats over the internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile telephones can be made for a fee at a much reduced rate.

Skype is a cost effective and easy to use way of keeping in touch with friends and family from all corners of the globe. The free workshop is aimed at beginners and improvers and will be delivered in our fully equipped training room. To reserve your space call Chloe direct on 01375 485490.

Free Business Event

Business Link, Low Carbon Business Programme, and Thurrock Council have come together to bring you a business breakfast and two follow up workshops on the subject of procurement. They have been designed specifically, although not exclusively, for Thurrock businesses.
The breakfast is a free networking opportunity where you can find out about the procurement procedures and initiatives of Thurrock Council, how you can build your green credentials and what CSR means for small business, and how to win Olympic contracts.
The two follow up workshops are also free and will go into more detail about Public Procurement and Tendering, and Resource Efficiency and Green Procurement. With both workshops we will provide you with enough information and advice so you can apply it straight into your business.
Thu 30th June - Business Link Breakfast - Public Procurement and Energy Efficiency
Time: 0745-1000
Venue: Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex. RH16 3HS
To book: http://www.bookevents.org/
Two follow up half day workshops are also on offer;
Wed 13th July - Half Day Workshop - Public Procurement and Tendering
Time: 0930-1230
Venue: Thurrock Learning Shop, 17 George Street, Thurrock RM17 6LY
To book: http://www.bookevents.org/
Tue 19th July - Half Day Workshop - Resource Efficiency and Green Procurement
Time: 0930-1230
Venue: Thurrock Learning Shop, 17 George Street, Thurrock. RM17 6LY.
To book: http://www.bookevents.org/

Social Enterprise Seminars

As this blog has mentioned before, Social Enterprise is the biggest growing business model across Europe. There are many different definitions of what constitutes a Social Enterprise but basically they are businesses with social aims at their heart, that reinvest their profit back into the community. Examples can include companies limited by guarantee, registered charities, community interest companies and much more.

Taking place in the coming weeks are a number of seminars which may help anybody who is considering taking the next-step in setting-up there own Social Enterprise. The dates are;

• Start-up Basics Seminar - Social aims, earning profit, starting-up, governance and marketing Monday 23rd May, 6pm - 9pm



• Neighbourhood and community groups and forums - Generating revenue from assets, asset transfer, appropriate legal structures Monday 6th June, 6pm - 9pm



• Voluntary groups providing services for residents - Competing for contracts, Community Interest Companies, what are trading subsidiary companies, the benefits of trading Monday 13th June 6pm - 9pm

All of the events are taking place at The Beehive Centre in West Street and to book your place, call 01375 389893 now.

Potato Cup

It seems to have come around so quickly but the warm weather and the hint of summer on the air heralds the start of the annual Thurrock Great Potato Growing Competition. Competitors include last year's winners, TRUP who have displayed the cup proudly and who are hoping to make it twice-in-a-row. Hoping to improve on last year's poor performance is IKEA, leading the Thurrock Learning Shop we have Debbie and Chloe, and this year's new entrants are Lifestyle Choice and Solutions and The Royal Opera House.

Due to public sector cuts, the number of seed potatoes has been reduced by 20% to 4 but again as with last year, the green-fingered teams will be growing the Maris Peer variety which are second -croppers and make a marvellous potato salad.

Further updates to follow but competition sponsor, Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates wishes every team the best of luck

Shrove Tuesday & Birthday Celebrations

Competitive as always, on Shrove Tuesday we challenged our neighbours with whom we share the former Post-Office building to a pancake race. The event took place outside on George Street and involved two teams, each with three members in a relay around the monument and back along the side of the State Cinema. As you can see from the picture, the TLS team included our Student Ambassador Receptionist Kaitlyn along with Chloe, our newest recruit on the right.

Chloe, who first came to the shop as a member of the Next Top Boss cohort, has joined as the new Apprentice Receptionist and will be working both at the TLS and our big sister, the Barking Learning Centre. As Chloe lives locally, she'll hopefully also be taking on the responsibility of watering this year's potato crop on the weekends; a strategy which we think will bring the Thurrock Potato Growing Challenge Cup back to it's rightful home.

Next Thursday morning is the 1st Birthday of the Thurrock Network Group at the TLS. Organised by Louise of Dotty Hippo Design in conjunction with Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates and the Federation of Small Businesses the network has been organised by local businesses for local businesses. Research into Innovation and SMEs shows that good networking is a key to growth, referral sales and also offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share experiences, intel and challenges. Local MP Stephen Metcalfe will be coming along and further details are available at http://essexfsbthurrocknetworkgroup.eventbrite.com/

Get On 2 Get On

For the last couple of weeks, the Thurrock Learning Shop has been sharing the High Street with the Get On 2 Get On bus which provides basic computer training and guidance to the local community. The bus is kitted out with ten work stations, two data projection plasma screens, a coffee machine and unlike the TLS, two fully-functioning printers. The on-board tutor provides straight-foward computer courses and taster sessions including word-processing and internet surfing and thanks to the bus' mobility, it's able to reach all corners of Thurrock.

The Headlines Today

......in breaking news today the mystery of the Old Post Office Ghost has been resolved. After just over a year of head-scratching, speculation and scientific investigation it turns out that the Thurrock Learning Shop does not indeed have a ghost. It remained unexplained just how the air-conditioning could magically turn itself on in two of the control panels and not the third. Overnight internal CCTV footage has been systematically reviewed for proof of the phantom presence and more recently a trap involving a strategically placed piece of A4 paper on the floor uncovered no evidence. In an unexpected twist today, it was revealed that the air conditioning units had been secretly programmed on a timer.

.......and in entertainment news the shock revelation that the Gray's Town Centre Pan-Pipe Player has been miming through his full repertoire of 5 songs. Local worker Mrs Brisco said "It was such a shock as he was playing his Pan-Pipes quite happily into the microphone with the backing track as normal. A dog barked at him and he ran away but magically it was still possible to hear the sweet rendition of Celine Dion's award-winning and haunting Titanic song." In a statement released by the Pan Pipe Player's PR Manager it was stated that "many current artistes such as Brittney Spears and Cheryl Cole mime sections of their songs in order to compliment and enhance rigorous dance performances. We can offer assurance however, that when he sits down with his accordion his renditions of ABBA classics are live and genuine performances."

Thurrock's Next Top Boss

Last night Debbie, Ray and I attended the Thurrock Next Top Boss award ceremony at the Thameside Theatre. Over the summer many of the competitors used the Thurrock Learning Shop as a base, pulling together their research, brain-storming ideas to resolve challenges or even attending balloon art workshops. From the start of the summer there was clear development in many of the individuals taking part and there was something really special about seeing some of the perhaps more "energetic" or "cheeky" little scamps hold their own on a stage in front a crowd. Above all else, they all seemed really grateful to have been a part of the process, voiced their thanks and genuinely looked proud. It's good when good things happen.

New Year's Resolutions at the Thurrock Learning Shop

For many people, the beginning of January is an opportunity to take stock of the previous 12 months and make plans for the coming 12. There are plenty of statistics that indicate that making resolutions is a waste of time, that making them is setting yourself up to fail but really if you don't make them now, when will you make them? Of course, sometimes it helps to have some support so below we've listed a few popular resolutions and ways in which the Thurrock Learning Shop can help you achieve them...

1. 2011 is going to be the year when I get a great job

There are a number of events taking place at the Learning Shop to help you achieve this resolution so whether you are looking for a fresh challenge or to pick-up a part-time job around school hours it might be time to brush up your CV and job search techniques. Daphne is holding interactive workshops on both these topics on January 11th and even if you are not looking for a job straight-away, it's always good to be up-to-date.

Not content with sharing her top-tips for making an outstanding application, Daphne is then holding an Interview Techniques workshop on January 25th. Detailing her confidence-boosting strategies, hints on positive body language and techniques for making a good first-impression this workshop will help you achieve your goal.

2. 2011 is going to be the year that I give something back to the community

Making new friends, donating your time to improve the lives of others or simply changing your routine are all benefits of volunteering. It's also a way to demonstrate to a future employer that you are keen, adaptable and prepared to take-on new challenges and looks good on your CV too. If you would like to know more, sign-up for the "What is Volunteering?" workshop taking place on January 26th.

3. 2011 is going to be the year that I rediscover my artistic skills

It's always good to use the other half of your brain so if the last time that you picked-up a paint brush, stuck your fingers in some clay or made a seasonal table decoration was at school then it's time to sign up for one of our Arts & Crafts sessions. Taking place throughout the year, the next one at the Thurrock Learning Shop is February 1st and places are limited.

4. 2011 is going to be the year that I find out more about the way the country is run

Why is there a toll on the Dartford Bridge? How do I influence a decision that my local MP votes on in Westminster? What exactly does the Speaker of the House do? If you've wanted to know more about the way the country is run, sign up for the "Understanding Parliament" seminar on February 16th.

As for resolutions at the Learning Shop itself, I think we have a few ideas;

We are going to strive to achieve our Bronze Award from UEL's Energy and Environment Team.

We are going to win the Great Potato Growing Challenge and bring the cup back to it's rightful home.

We are going to grow some more of our own lunches.

We are going to work with more of our academic colleagues to apply knowledge to local issues.

In the meantime Happy New Year.

Thurrock Network Group

One of the monthly events that the Thurrock Learning Shop is proud to host is the Thurrock Network Group. Organised by Louise of Dotty Hippo Design in conjunction with the FSB, the open group gets together on the third Thursday of every month. Tea, coffee and a light breakfast is provided by Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates and of course, the event is free.

The benefits for local businesses to attend are that they get to meet a network of local peers, that they can promote their business, investigate support opportunities and learn of potential new customers. Many new business owners find issues of isolation so the meeting also provides an excellent opportunity to have a chat and find some new friends.

The next meeting will take place at 8am on the 16th December and in celebration of the season will include a free gift for attendees. If you'd like some more information, or indeed to attend, please call Richard on 07500 802 311.

Blogging, an introduction

I think Blogging is similar to keeping a diary; the difference comes in that generally diaries are kept for personal thoughts and personal use whereas blogs are out in the public space and mostly available on the web. For this reason, they can be an excellent communication channel; a great way to let your stakeholders know what you've been up to; to offer advice & share experiences; or to keep people informed of upcoming events and activities.

There are many different types of blogs for many different audiences but according to the most recent data, Universal McCann have identified that 77% of Internet users read blogs. Of course, statistics vary from site to site and there may not be quite so many visitors to the Campanology Wales blog as Belle de Jour but each could be effective in reaching it's audience, just in it's own way.

If you are new to blogging, are thinking about creating one or are wondering how it could be part of your communication plan, Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates in collaboration with Business Link, the University of East London and The Blogmistress are pleased to be hosting seminars on 10th December 2010.

The first seminar is aimed at business owners and managers, Marketing Executives and Sales Directors and will cover;

• What blogging is and what it isn't
• What blogging can do for your business
• How to incorporate blogging into your marketing mix
• WordPress basics
• Useful resources to get on with it

There are a few places left on the morning session which can be booked at http://www.bookevents.org/

There is also an afternoon session aimed at community groups, clubs, support networks and members of the local community which will offer a more kitchen-table approach to the art of blogging. Places on the afternoon session can be booked direct with the Thurrock Learning Shop on 01375 485490.

Public Relations and the Ethical Question

This morning the Thurrock Learning Shop welcomed 22 local business people to the Easy Steps into PR seminar hosted by Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates. Delivered by UEL's own Marketing Guru Ian Bathgate, the course was both challenging and insightful and raised several question of an ethical nature.

Not so long ago Lady Gaga caused controversy by sporting a meat dress to the Video Music Awards. Overnight, she had caused yet another media sensation and made herself more than half the planet's collective focus. Much has been made as to whether it was a comment on ageing and decay, a feminist statement, an anti-fashion statement or merely a platform to highlight the now-defunct "don't ask don't tell" American military recruitment policy. Whatever it was, it's amazing to think that something that occurred 6-weeks ago on the West Coast of the US was discussed and critiqued by a group of business people on a chilly October Friday morning in Thurrock. Surely, that's a PR success? Ethical? Well, that may be another question.

So back to the Learning Shop and we're thinking about our own PR. December 15th will be our 1st Birthday and having already welcomed over 5000 members of the local community through the door, we are thinking about ways in which we can engage with 5000 more. Whilst Thurrock's Friday market boasts a meat van and students from our Fun with Fabrics workshop might be able to run up a bacon frock, the thing with PR is that once it's been done, it's been done.

Monkeying around with social media

If you've been reading the tweets, following the blogs, trying to fathom facebook and wondering how social media is going to work for your business, chances are that you've been frustrated by a lack of human support. Sure, if you have a question you can post it on a forum, send a message to a "contact us" page or trawl through pages of faqs that don't quite cover the answer that you need. This Friday help is at hand at the Thurrock Learning Shop as two of the South East's biggest social media brains are hosting the second Lunch and Laptop session which aims to support South Essex Thames Gateway businesses.

Hosting the event is Barbara Saul, Internet Marketing Strategist ably assisted by Sarah Arrow who is without doubt one of the leading social media big-brains in the country. What's more both ladies are thoroughly good eggs, have a wealth of experience in the small and medium sized business sector and are able to deliver information, support and advice in a completely engaging manner.

Thanks to Barbara & Sarah donating their time and Debbie at the Thurrock Learning Shop donating the training room facility and coffee the event is free but delegates will need to bring their own lunch and laptop. This session's focus will be on Facebook and after Barbara has given her presentation, there is an opportunity to fire-up your laptop and put the theory into practical use. So if you want to stop monkeying around with Facebook and raise your profile on the interweb then don't delay, book today http://www.eventbrite.com/event/865461619/estwbreg

Easy Steps to Getting Started in PR

Now that the summer holiday are drawing to an end, it's a great time to think about how you are going to raise the profile of your business, remain engaged with your existing customers and identify and attract new clients. To help you, Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates are hosting an "Easy Steps to Getting Started in Public Relations" seminar on the 22nd October between 0830 - 1100hrs. The free interactive workshop is aimed at Business Owners and Managers, Marketing Executives and Social Entrepreneurs.

Delivered by the University of East London's own marketing and communication guru, Ian Bathgate, the session will include information on the components of a successful PR campaign, strategies that can help you connect with differing client groups and how this information can be employed to raise your business profile.

If you would like to reserve a place, please book online at http://www.rbsiseast.org.uk/EventMatching/Search/Details.aspx?e=22591 or call 0845 601 1000.

Back to School

For many of us, the start of September has signalled the end of the summer and the start of the new academic year, the return of our business clients from their holidays and a general gear-shift towards a busier period. At the Thurrock Learning Shop we've kept busy over the sunnier months hosting seminars helping members of the local community access employment and study opportunities, balloon-art events for the Thurrock Next Top Boss challenge and, as the top photograph shows, a Fun with Fabrics workshop where participants made their own bang-on-trend maxi-dress.

The first of this season's business events took place this morning with a session on Green IT and Cloud Computing for SMEs led by UEL's own Gaurav Malik from the School of Computing, Information Technology and Engineering. Due to accidents occurring on both directions of the A13 this morning, not all delegates could make it through the resulting traffic-jams but those that did come, featured in the bottom photo, enjoyed a lively session and learnt new ways to increase profitability through more efficient IT resource use.

In addition to the traffic-jams that also delayed Gaurav, today's event was challenged by a power cut at the Thurrock Learning Shop which saw fit to knock-out the coffee machine and the data-projector - surely the two most important elements of any training session. Luckily, and with the true Dunkirk Spirit that is embodied by Team TLS, water was boiled in another part of the building and an emergency electric extension cord was purchased to power the projector. Leaks, floods, IT fails and false burglar alarms are what make working at the TLS that bit more interesting and at a push, I reckon that Team TLS could deliver babies. Lots of them.

Looking for a job this Autumn?

Maybe you've just upgraded your skills, maybe you are thinking about returning to work or maybe you are just thinking about refreshing your curriculum vitae; either way the Thurrock Learning Shop has a series of workshops which could inspire you this Autumn. Delivered by either Daphne or Kiren from our Information and Guidance Team, each workshop will last for a maximum of 2 1/2 hours and will take place in our newly refurbished training room at the Thurrock Learning Shop. Best of all, they are completely free. Dates for October include

• 19/10/10 - Computerised CV workshop
• 19/10/10 - Jobsearch techniques
• 26/10/10 - Composing your own Personal Statement
• 29/10/10 - Interview Techniques

Don't delay, book today! Call the Thurrock Learning Shop on 01375 485490 or drop into Reception Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to reserve your place or ask a question.

Cloud Computing and Green IT

At the Thurrock Learning Shop we are always keen on embracing new technologies - particularly when they save us money. One of the biggest developments in business IT of recent years has been the move away from mainframe computers towards a Cloud Computing environment which is Internet-based.

It's major benefit is the reduced capital expenditure required for businesses as billing works similar to a household utility system where you are only charged for what you use. There are many other benefits for business too and to explain them, Gaurav Malik from the University of East London will be hosting a free seminar on Thursday 9th September.

The interactive workshop will include

• an introduction to Cloud Computing and Green IT
• risks, threats and security in cloud based solutions
• getting the best out of the cloud
• empowering your users and customers
• taking the first steps in cloud computing deployment
• saving up for a rainy day
• funded support offered to small and medium sized businesses

The event is aimed at owners of small and medium sized businesses, Operations Managers, Sales Managers and Technical Officers and a complimentary breakfast bap and refreshments will be provided during the 2-hour session.

If you would like further information about the session or to reserve a free place, please contact me at r.a.snell@uel.ac.uk and I shall responsd as soon as I return to the office.

We Was Robbed

As the title suggests at yesterday's weigh-in of the Thurrock Potato Growing Challenge, victory was snatched from the Thurrock Learning Shop by TRUP. The 105-day competition reached the winning-line at the Second Generation headquarters located in the modernist landscape of the formed Bata Shoe Factory site in East Tilbury.

For Team TLS it had been a long journey and began with planting the seed potatoes back in early April in a compost including Brixham seaweed and chicken manure. Hopes were high due to the sunny location at the rear of The Old Post Office, the regular vitamin boost in the form of the tomato feed and Debbie's weekly pep-talks. Before long the growbag was being top-dressed and despite ignoring the moon-phase planting plan, the green-shoots appeared to be mapping Baroness Vadera's New Year prophecy.

The results of the competition were;

1st Place - TRUP - 7 kilos
2nd Place - Thurrock Learning Shop - 6 kilos
3rd Place - Thurrock Council Waste Team - 2.25 kilos

Of course, with a yield of such considerable weight produced by TRUP, allegations of compost spiking were levelled and the vague whiff of the 1988 Summer Olympics 100m looked set to descend amongst competitors. Standing strong however, Judge Lettie McKie of the Royal Opera House declared fair-play and allegations of clandestine Furazabol-abuse were dismissed.

The photograph above shows our 2nd-placed newly harvested potatoes after the competition - a great crop from the original 5 seed potatoes and a great way to introduce "growing your own" at work; at the TLS we now have chives, parsley, basil and next year we plan to have a whole lot more. As for the potatoes, this weekend sees them beginning the second part of their journey as they transform (in Debbie's garage) into Casa Correo's inaugural bottles of wine.

Capacity Building for Social Entrepreneurs

Social Enterprise (SE) is the largest growing business model across Europe and with membership including John Lewis and Cafedirect, it is clear to see why. With this type of business, the profits from trading are reinvested within the organisation to further achieve its social aims or diverted towards a good cause.

Clearly, to be a good social entrepreneur you've to be passionate about what you do but you've also to have a handle on the business side of things and more importantly have the vision to plan the future. This strategic level is vital, especially with social enterprises as it ensures that the venture is sustainable.

Not every Social Entrepreneur comes from a corporate background and not every social enterprise Trustee has had experience of making the types of decisions that will affect an organisation's acitivity for years to come. To meet these challenges, the Thurrock Learning Shop is offering a free "Capacity Building for Social Enterprises and their Trustees" workshop on Friday 16th July. It an ideal opportunity for anybody involved with SE to start thinking about the future, to take stock of the present and to learn from the past. Delivered by Andy Brady, Director of Social Enterprise East of England it's also an opportunity to meet with other Social Entrepreneurs and share experiences. For more information, please contact Richard on 07500 802 311 or email r.a.snell@uel.ac.uk

International Export Opportunities for Local Businesses

With the Chinese authorities announcement this weekend that it is going to be more flexible in it's management of it's exchange rate, Asian stock markets rose this weekend. China has been under increased international pressure as many felt that they kept the value of the yuan artificially low to aid it's exporting businesses. Coupled with the fact that the euro has fallen 17% against the dollar - and in effect the yuan - since the European debt crisis began in December, China's exports have become less attractive.

So what does this mean for our local businesses in the South Thames Gateway? What does it mean for sterling and has it made overseas trading more attractive? What's more, how does a firm learn about the joys and pitfalls of exporting, decide if it is going to export to Dublin or Dubai or understand what the effect of the Chinese yuan is going to have on future profitability?

In conjunction with Business Link East and UK Trade & Investment, Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates is hosting a free event on Wednesday 21st July. This interactive workshop will be aimed at owner/managers who want to expand their customer base across Europe and beyond. Entitled "International Export Opportunities for Local Businesses" subjects covered will include market entry strategies and modes, help available from the UK government & other business support initiatives and tips for researching new markets.

If you would like some more information about this event, please call Richard on 07500 802 311 or email at r.a.snell@uel.ac.uk