The Exeter Daily - Business

Employment Hubs: supporting local communities across Devon

News Desk — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:37:58 +0000

Devon County Council is set to expand its network of Youth and Adult Employment Hubs across the county to support people into employment and training.

Working in partnership with four district councils (East Devon, Exeter City, Mid Devon and North Devon), the County Council already has a number of Hubs in operation at Barnstaple Library, Cullompton Library, Exeter Library, and at the Beehive Community Centre in Honiton. Now, two more Hubs are set to open at the Family Hub in Ilfracombe and the Old Heathcoat School Community Centre in Tiverton.

What are Youth and Adult Employment Hubs?
The Youth and Adult Employment Hubs provide one-to-one skills and employment support to individuals aged 16 and over who need help to enter work and prepare for the future. The service is joint funded by Devon County Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, Mid Devon District Council and North Devon Council, largely through the Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Hubs have a 'one front door' approach, providing a fixed location where different partners, County Council services, community projects, employer and business support can interact with local communities.

The aim of every Hub is to act as a local resource where those who are seeking support, employment or training can access information and guidance. All Hubs will help those who face barriers to work due to disability, health condition or other reasons.

The Hubs are open to the public, both online and in-person (Barnstaple, Cullompton, Exeter, Honiton, Ilfracombe and Tiverton).

Hubs can also support employers and businesses, working to help organisations meet their skills and workforce goals through a variety of programmes that are available to develop organisational and employee skills.

What support is available?
Each Hub is staffed by advisers who can offer one-to-one guidance to those in need of help. They provide an informal environment to support the journey into employment and further education.

The team provides a triage service, directing people to the most appropriate route and where appropriate act as caseload officers, continuing to support the individual until they achieve their goals. The Hubs offer a range of services, such as:

• Career guidance and advice
• CV and interview skills
• Training and qualifications
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Supported employment
• Employer and business support

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “It’s excellent news that our network of Employment Hubs is growing and more communities will be able to benefit from the services they offer. Each Hub will act as a central place of support, especially for those in harder to reach communities.”

District Councils involved are fully supportive of the hubs in their area, providing funding and local information to ensure each service is linked into available community support.

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Clayton, said: “We are delighted to see the expansion of the Employment Hub network into Ilfracombe, providing support to our residents who are looking for employment and training opportunities in addition to the hub in Barnstaple. We are committed to working with Devon County Council and other partners to ensure everyone in the community has the chance to develop and learn new skills.”

Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said: “In our UKSPF Investment Plan, we made a firm commitment to strengthen local employment and skills provision to grow the local economy. I’m delighted to see our plans are now being realised. If you’re an East Devon resident wanting to know more about local employment options, retraining or getting back to work, I urge you to access this free one to one support.”

Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “The Exeter Hub is a lifeline for anyone who needs help finding employment, careers advice, training or volunteer opportunities. The Hub is an invaluable asset for Exeter and it’s wonderful to have so much knowledge and expertise right on your doorstep.”

For more information about the Hubs, visit: www.devon.cc/skills or email: employmenthub@devon.gov.uk

Architectural practice supports employees to complete studies

News Desk — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:55:23 +0000

A Westcountry architectural practice is supporting two members of staff to complete their architectural studies whilst working for the company, bucking the national trend which forces many would-be-architects to take unpaid leave in order to further their studies.

According to Poynton Bradbury Architects, the architectural industry in the UK faces several challenges, including a skills shortage and the rapid evolution of design and construction methodologies. Poynton Bradbury, who has offices in St Ives and Exeter, says architectural practices should encourage ongoing education to ensure a steady influx of skilled professionals capable of meeting these challenges.

But despite the obvious benefits of supporting further education, Poynton Bradbury says not enough practices offer a high level of support to their employees with many practices only offering unpaid leave as an option.

Director Laura Highton said: “Trained architects are better equipped to tackle complex problems, drive sustainability initiatives, and embrace digital transformation. Continuous learning is vital for the industry to stay competitive and innovative.”

She continued: “Working towards becoming an architect is very demanding for a full-time student, let alone for someone who is also working full-time. If you add the financial and time pressures into the mix, then it becomes unsustainable.”

Poynton Bradbury, who have offices in St Ives and Exeter, supported Justina Naruseviciute and Caroline Richardson to complete their architectural studies whilst working as part of the team.

Justina, a former conservation grade framer and gallery employee and Caroline, a former timber frame designer and cocktail bar manager, say the financial and wellbeing support they have received has been second to none.

Caroline has just gained her Certificate in Architecture part 1 and has been nominated for the Royal Institute of British Architect’s bronze medal award for her final year project. She explained: “Poynton Bradbury Architects said they would support me through my studies. They offered me the job there and then and said they would pay for my tuition as part of my salary package. They have allowed me time off to study and also provided me with a mentor.”

She added: “I know first-hand that Poynton Bradbury are at the opposite end of the spectrum to most other architectural practices – it’s so rare to find a company that offers this level of support in this industry.”

Justina has just gained her Diploma in Architecture RB part 2. She said: “Having the team there to explore both the practical and theoretical side of things was really helpful. We also brought back new technologies introduced to us at university to the practice.”

Poynton Bradbury Architect’s say supporting designers to continue their architectural studies whilst working at architectural practices is crucial for the future of the industry, as well as for individual growth.

Alternative Marketing Strategies Your Business Needs to Try

Ellie Green — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 13:04:10 +0000

In our online world, it’s hard to come up with a marketing strategy or campaign that doesn’t smack of ‘been there, done that’, and often you run the risk of being a copycat in what is undoubtedly a competitive market, whatever industry you’re in. While you might not be able to do something original, you can at least make your marketing efforts unique to your brand, by employing a range of the tactics we’re going to talk about in this article.

By the end, you may have a seed of an idea that could bloom into an avenue of marketing that your brand may not have tried before.

Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing does what it says on the tin - uses influential figures to market a business. By harnessing the power of a following that one person has organically grown on social media platforms such TikTok and Instagram, brands can target particular demographics by paying the influencer a fee for featuring their product or service.

Content marketing

Providing value to users online gives you a fighting chance of converting them into customers, by earning trust, and demonstrating expertise, getting the word out there amongst your target audience.

By creating useful content for platforms that your ideal customers hang out on, you can win them over without a big sell. This includes:

Blogging and guest posts: Yes, blogging is still a thing, and by providing value that users can refer back to will make you synonymous with trustworthy advice, whether it’s on your own platform, or one managed by a reputable and popular figure in your industry.

Video content: Video is King right now, and if you’re not creating engaging video content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, you’re missing out. Marketing app Dash recently reported that 88% of marketers say video is an important part of their marketing strategy. Use it to inform, entertain, and inspire, getting your name out there in the process.

Webinars and online workshops: It’s time to channel your inner TED talk: hosting webinars can really help position your business as an industry leader. Easy to attend and packed full of useful tidbits if you approach it properly, and your brand could make a name for itself as an authority to trust.

Experiential marketing

Experiential marketing involves creating an experience for your customer, or potential customer, without getting up in their face about your products and/or services. This could be through pop-up stores, or virtual or in-person events; basically, anything that creates a positive memory for anyone that gets to ‘experience’ what you’re offering.

Examples of experiential marketing campaigns that have gone down a storm in the past include the IKEA sleepover, where IKEA organized a sleepover event for 100 fans in their Essex showroom, Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, where Coca-Cola replaced its iconic logo with 250 of the most common names on its bottles, and Heineken's ‘Departure Roulette’ where, at JFK Airport, Heineken offered travellers a chance to drop their plans and fly to a surprise destination.

Promotional branded products

Ads are a flash in the pan, but a branded promotional product can far outlast them; as a marketing tool, the likes of mugs, t-shirts, tote bags, and eco-friendly promotional products like reusable drinks bottles, notebooks, and bamboo items are very effective. A branded hoody, for example, could be seen by hundreds during a week of commuting - talk about cost effective!

The best way to distribute promotional branded products are through giveaways, staff rewards, or corporate gifting, and ensuring that the products themselves are desirable, top quality, and in line with your brand ethos.

Social media challenges and contests

It’s hard to believe that the use of social media for marketing is no longer considered new and innovative. However, it is still considered highly effective, and if you’re looking to boost your organic engagement, it is still possible, even in the world of paid-for ads that appear on your feed. By working on some exciting challenges and contests, you can promote the sharing of your posts, encouraging that coveted brand awareness. Just make sure the prizes are worth entering for!

To conclude

No two brand’s marketing strategies will be quite the same; it all depends on your budget, your ethos, and your target customer. Much of it will be trial and error, but that’s all part of the fun. The key, however, is to ensure that you track progress through tools such as Google Analytics, to prevent you from working blind and wasting money in the process.

Old and New Marketing Avenues to Take Advantage of

Liv Butler — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:06:27 +0000

With more brands vying for attention than ever before, it’s never been so important to be on top of your marketing to stay ahead of the competition.

What more and more businesses are finding is that a blend of traditional and modern marketing is often required to be heard above the rest, so just how can you utilise various marketing techniques to reach your audience? In this article, we’ll be sharing some areas of marketing you could explore…

Traditional marketing avenues

Let’s cover some of the more old-school methods first; don’t write them off until you’ve tried them, particularly if you’re targeting customers within a particular area. The main aspects to consider are as follows:

Print advertising

The effectiveness of newspapers, magazines, and billboards are not to be underestimated; they’re a tangible way to lodge yourself into the awareness of your potential customers, particularly if you’re interested in targeting locally. Think about your audience, and whether they’re all likely to find you online; if not, you may want to consider finding them in the big wide world in places they’re often looking.

Brochure printing

A properly printed brochure can be a tactile representation of the quality of your brand; something to peruse at leisure, away from the constant demands of phones and social media. With clear messaging and an eye catching design, brochures can reach far and wide, and last a long time, meaning there’s room for brochure printing in the marketing strategies of many businesses.

Direct mail

Postcards, catalogues, and personalised letters can make for a welcome break in a world of Facebook campaigns and YouTube ads. Personalised direct mail is most effective when used in conjunction with compelling offers.

Digital marketing avenues

Now we move onto the marketing techniques that we’ve seen explode over the past 10 years. You can hardly scroll or click without being presented with an opportunity to buy; here are some of the most effective digital marketing methods:

Social media marketing

Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn hold a captive audience, and if your target customers are using them on a regular basis, you’d be a fool not to consider using social media to get in front of them. Meta, who owns Facebook and Instagram, make it particularly easy to run ad campaigns, allowing you to target demographics to maximise success. The performance of your ads is trackable too, so you know exactly what ROI you’re looking at.

Don’t get sidetracked with ads only though - engaging organic content creation is also key, to ensure the human element of your brand shines through.

Email marketing

In the same way direct mail has an impact, think of email marketing like the doormat of the future; landing in the inboxes of your customers is a great way to market your products or services. Building a quality email list through incentives and existing customer databases (in line with GDPR), as well as creating engaging content and A/B testing to discover what works, are all keys to email marketing success. Tools such as Mailchimp make this marketing channel so much easier.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

It’s every business’ dream to be found by people who are actively searching for what they do; search engine optimisation is the only way to make that dream a reality.

There are several pillars to master when it comes to coming top of the Google search results for keywords that apply to your brand, including on-page optimisation (such as improving page loading speeds), keyword research, creating helpful content for your users, and generating quality links back to that content from other reputable websites. Nail it, though, and you’re looking at Google’s top spots for the taking!

Integrating old and new marketing strategies

If your audience is broad, you may be particularly interested in combining both print and digital marketing strategies; think of it as covering all your bases. One way to do this is to ‘cross-promote’ your business both with quality printed materials, perhaps mailed directly to customers’, and driving online engagement through top quality content, and sponsored ads.

The key to success in this area is a cohesive brand image across channels, which includes your visual assets like logos and colour schemes, as well as messaging, and the tone of voice you use in all your written material, both online and in print.

Emerging marketing trends

Of course, everything we’ve mentioned above isn’t all there is, and the marketing trends of the future are emerging and thriving right now. Going forward, expect the following to form a huge part of major brand’s marketing strategies; you’d do well to take some notes…

Influencer marketing

People will buy from those they know, trust, and admire, wanting to emulate their lifestyles for themselves. With social media, brands are harnessing this, working with popular individuals who are followed by thousands in order to reach their target audience.

Content marketing

Demonstrating value is a huge part of getting people to part with their hard-earned money, so showing and explaining via blogs, videos, podcasts, infographics is a way to create valuable content that earns the trust of the user. This has been a ‘thing’ for a while, but in a world where TikTok is taking over, it’s only going to grow.

Personalisation and AI

Don’t get us wrong - we’re not talking about taking the human element out of your marketing, but with AI here to stay, there are ways you can use it as a tool. AI-driven strategies can help you truly target your advertising, as well as improving your customer experience to a point where word of mouth will help your business market itself. Clever huh!

Corporate Event Management: Crafting a Memorable Event Experience

Ellie Green — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 20:11:02 +0000

In today's dynamic corporate landscape, a company's success is often reflected in the quality of its events. Corporate event management is not merely about organising a gathering but creating a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.

Understanding Corporate Events

Corporate events are gatherings organised by businesses for various purposes, including networking, training, marketing, and celebrating achievements. These events range from small meetings and workshops to large conferences and trade shows. The primary goals of corporate events are to foster relationships, enhance communication, and promote the company's brand and objectives.

Corporate events come in many forms, such as:

Conferences: Focused on knowledge sharing and professional development.
Product Launches: Introducing new products or services to the market.
Team-Building Activities: Strengthening team cohesion and morale.
Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Showcasing products and services to a broader audience.

Company Milestones and Celebrations: Marking significant achievements and anniversaries.

The corporate events sector in the UK is a thriving industry, contributing approximately £42.3 billion to the economy annually. This significant investment highlights the importance businesses place on these gatherings. Furthermore, 76% of UK businesses believe in-person events are essential to their marketing strategy, with many reporting a substantial return on investment from event marketing activities.

The Benefits of Corporate Events

Corporate events offer numerous benefits that can significantly impact a company's success. These benefits include:

Brand Visibility and Promotion:

Events provide a platform to showcase your brand, products, and services to a targeted audience. They offer an opportunity to reinforce your brand message and values through various touchpoints, such as presentations, displays, and promotional materials.

Networking Opportunities:

Corporate events bring together industry professionals, potential clients, and partners, creating valuable connections. Networking sessions facilitate the exchange of ideas, collaboration opportunities, and developing long-term business relationships.

Employee Engagement and Motivation:

Well-organised corporate events can boost employee morale and motivation. Team-building activities and recognition ceremonies enhance a sense of belonging and appreciation, increasing productivity and job satisfaction. Employee engagement programs, including corporate events, have increased productivity by up to 22%.

Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development:

Conferences, seminars, and workshops provide a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development. Attendees gain insights from industry experts, learn about the latest trends, and acquire new skills that can be applied to their roles.

Lead Generation and Sales Opportunities:

Trade shows and product launches offer direct access to potential customers. These events provide a setting to demonstrate products, answer questions, and build relationships that can lead to future sales.

Reinforcing Company Culture:

Corporate events reflect and reinforce a company's culture. Celebrating milestones, recognising achievements, and hosting social events contribute to a positive organisational culture and employee unity.

Develop a Unique Event Theme That Resonates with Your Audience

The foundation of a memorable corporate event lies in its theme. A well-thought-out theme can set the tone and create a cohesive experience that resonates with your audience. Start by understanding the demographics and interests of your attendees. Consider current industry trends, company values, and the event's objectives. Whether it's a futuristic tech conference, a retro concert, or an eco-friendly conference, ensure that the theme aligns with the message you wish to convey and captivates your audience from the moment they receive the invitation.

Design Engaging Content Formats

Content is the cornerstone of any corporate event. To keep your audience engaged, diversify your content formats. Traditional presentations can be effective, but consider integrating workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions to encourage participation and knowledge sharing. Utilise technology to your advantage—virtual reality demonstrations, live polls, and Q&A sessions via mobile apps can significantly enhance engagement. Tailor content to address your audience's needs and interests, ensuring it is informative and entertaining.

Plan Engaging Entertainment Elements

Entertainment plays a crucial role in maintaining energy levels and preventing attendee fatigue. Start with an energising opening act to set a lively tone. Incorporate entertainment elements that align with your theme and audience preferences, such as live music, comedy acts, or motivational speakers. Interactive activities like team-building exercises or hands-on demos can also provide refreshing breaks between sessions. Thoughtfully integrating entertainment ensures attendees remain engaged and enthusiastic throughout the event.

Prioritise Logistics and Seamless Execution

Logistics are the backbone of any successful event. A seamless execution requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Secure a suitable venue with the necessary infrastructure and accessibility features to accommodate all attendees comfortably. Consider factors such as location, transportation, and on-site amenities. Develop a comprehensive event schedule and coordinate with vendors to ensure all elements, from catering to audiovisual equipment, are in place. Employ experienced event staff to handle on-the-day coordination, allowing you to focus on interacting with your guests.

Incorporate Networking Opportunities

Networking is a critical aspect of corporate events, offering attendees the chance to build valuable connections. Design your event to facilitate networking through dedicated sessions, such as cocktail hours, roundtable discussions, and speed networking. Create comfortable and inviting spaces where attendees can converse and exchange ideas. Additionally, it provides digital platforms or apps that allow participants to schedule meetings and connect with others before, during, and after the event.

Provide Personalised Experiences

Personalisation can significantly enhance the attendee experience. Use data and technology to understand your audience's preferences and needs. Offer personalised agendas, content tracks, and communication. Consider incorporating interactive elements like personalised welcome messages, custom swag bags, and unique badges. Personal touches create value and appreciation, making attendees feel unique and more engaged.

Encourage Social Media Engagement

In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for extending the reach of your event and engaging with a broader audience. Create event-specific hashtags and encourage attendees to share their experiences online. Live-stream key sessions and provide social media-friendly content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and highlights. Running social media contests and offering incentives for online engagement can also boost participation and visibility. Engaging with attendees on social media before, during, and after the event helps maintain excitement amongst the community.

Utilise Interactive Technology

Leveraging interactive technology can significantly enhance engagement and participation. Use event apps that offer features such as real-time updates, personalised schedules, and interactive maps. Incorporate gamification elements to create a fun and competitive environment where attendees earn points and rewards for participating in activities, attending sessions, and networking. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences can also provide unique and immersive interactions that captivate your audience.

Gather and Act on Feedback

Post-event feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. Implement a system to gather feedback from attendees, speakers, and vendors. Use surveys, feedback forms, and social media interactions to collect insights on what worked well and areas for improvement. Analysing this feedback allows you to refine your event strategy and make data-driven decisions for future events. Demonstrating that you value and act on feedback also helps build trust and loyalty among your audience.

Final Thoughts from Premier Events

Corporate event management is an intricate art that blends creativity, planning, and execution. By understanding the nature and benefits of corporate events, developing a unique theme, designing engaging content formats, planning captivating entertainment, prioritising logistics, incorporating networking opportunities, providing personalised experiences, encouraging social media engagement, utilising interactive technology, and gathering feedback, you can craft an event that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of your attendees. A memorable event experience can strengthen brand loyalty, foster meaningful connections, and ultimately drive your company's success.

Solus opens new vehicle repair centre in Exeter

News Desk — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:56:59 +0000

Solus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of insurer, Aviva, is opening a new vehicle damage repair centre in Exeter.

The new centre is the first in the South West, complementing the existing network of repair centres across the UK. The opening of Exeter Solus is a continuation of Aviva’s strategy to support its motor insurance customers by increasing the number of motor claims managed from start to finish.

Located at Sowton Industrial Estate, the 20,000 ft2 site will create 24 jobs, ranging from vehicle technicians and consultants to customer care roles.

Solus - the nationwide network of vehicle damage repair centres - repairs and manages the loss of vehicles after a driving accident or incident, managing over a third of Aviva’s overall motor damage claims.

Solus is also opening new repair centres in Sunderland and Sheffield to complement the existing 22 Solus sites across the UK.

The Solus Exeter site will incorporate the latest vehicle technology and be fitted with solar panels.

The repair centre is expected to be open and operational later in the year.

Simon Smith, Managing Director at Solus, comments: “It’s an exciting time for our business and we are extremely proud to open our new branch in Exeter. By opening this centre, we can continue delivering great outcomes for our customers, helping them to get back behind the wheel as quickly and as safely as possible.”

More information about job vacancies at Solus Exeter, and how to apply, can be found at Careers - Solus (solusarc.co.uk).