Monthly Newsletter

Corporate Responsibility - Do you measure up?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants, North West Region, is hosting a conference on the 3rd July on one of today’s hottest topics - Corporate Responsibility.

The event will take place at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and will be attended by many members of the Institute, both from practice and business, along with representatives of many of the major companies and stakeholders in the North West.

In recent years we have seen an enormous shift towards greater corporate responsibility. Businesses that have adopted sustainable business methods have increasingly maximised their shareholder value and those that have not are being left behind.

The main theme of the event is to inform delegates of the latest developments in this important area and to answer three questions;

• What is Corporate Responsibility?
• How does it affect my business?
• How do I measure it?

The conference provides the opportunity to hear from business leaders as they share insights, answer questions and lead discussions on the challenges that shape a company’s position in the marketplace. The latest legal requirements and new legislation being introduced will also be discussed. It is designed for directors, senior managers, entrepreneurs and all those interested in responsible business practice.

The event is heavily subsidised by the ICAEW as we see this as an important area where all our members need to be informed. The total cost of £45.00 including vat and includes all refreshments and lunch.

For further information on the ICAEW Corporate Responsibility programme, please visit www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=127637.

In the event of a query, or for additional information please contact the North West Regional Office on 01925 661828 or e-mail: astrid.leather@icaew.com.

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The English Language Study and Work Experience Programme

The English Language Study and Work Experience Programme provides intensive courses in English for young Japanese students followed by short-term unpaid work placements. The innovative Programme has proved attractive and beneficial both to Japanese students and to North West host organisations, who attest to the ‘value-added’ contribution of their Japanese interns. The success of the programme can be judged by the growing number of organisations that wish to participate, and the number of ‘repeat orders’ from those who have experienced its benefits.

Manchester United Study Support Centre is one such repeat client. Neil Bradburn, Centre Manager states: "It has been a wonderful experience for both the staff and the pupils to have Japanese students engaged on work experience at the Study Support Centre."

The Last Drop Village Hotel in Bolton is another longstanding repeat client, whose Conference Manager, Pauline Griffiths, feels: "Japanese students are all very polite, well-mannered, quick to learn and reliable."

The Wordsworth Trust in Cumbria, which preserves Dove Cottage and a huge literary collection, is a new recruit to the scheme. Their Assistant Curator, Michelle Oskoui, states: “It is wonderful to have cultural exchange, and Japanese interns are always bright, cheerful and model volunteers.”

The Japan Centre North West is currently seeking host organisations, that would be interested in hosting a Japanese student for 4 or 8 weeks commencing in March, June, October and November each year. We welcome applications from organisations of any size and in any sector, including tourism, the arts, education, manufacturing, media, charities and local government. We also seek homestay providers, currently paid at the rate of £95 a week.

For further information about the English Language Study and Work Experience Programme, contact Barbara Cousins, Development Executive on tel: 0161 275 6097 or email: barbara.cousins@manchester.ac.uk.

Website Address: www.manchester.ac.uk/japancentre/

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The LEAD Programme

An innovative programme for developing leadership in SMEs

The LEAD programme concentrates on two areas, the business itself and the personal development of the owner-manager. The programme has been designed to advance owner managers and their businesses, by focusing on leadership to develop each individual and their organisation. The programme is specifically designed for small companies, providing a framework in which to increase profitability and grow the business.

This innovative programme integrates active teaching with practice, encouraging participants to relate what they are learning to their own situations, and supporting them through coaching, mentoring and action learning to apply their learning to their own businesses. Additionally, it builds on the personal experiences and knowledge of participants enabling them to build a valuable peer support network and learn from one another.

Who is LEAD for?

Delegates on LEAD come from a variety of sectors across the North West. A number of social enterprises have also completed the programme. Companies must have a minimum of four employees. Delegates should have the ability / influence to implement change in the organisation. As such, LEAD is open to owner-managers or directors.

Commitment

This is an intensive development programme and requires significant commitment from participants. It is essential that participants attend the entire course, it is not a mix and match programme. On average delegates must commit to 2 to 3 days per month for 10 months.

Preview Days

We are running preview sessions to give you more information on how LEAD can develop and grow your business. The preview days consist of a taster masterclass including lunch with current LEAD cohort (9.30am-1pm) followed by preview session (1pm – 2pm). Taster days will be held on 12th June and 3rd July at Lancaster University Management School’s Leadership Centre.

If you would like to attend a taster day, or would like further information please contact Michelle Atkins on:

T: 01524 510703
F: 01524 510758
E: lead@lancaster.ac.uk
W: www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/Departments/Entrep/Projects/lead

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And Don't Forget...

• celebr8 (don't discrimin8), the annual regional festival demonstrating and celebrating how equality and diversity benefits our region, takes place 4 - 11 June 2007. For more information, please visit www.celebr8.org or call the celebr8 hotline on 0161 817 6608.
• ACAS have places available at a number of their courses taking place in June and July 2007. For more information and to view the current course list, please visit their website at www.acas.org.uk.
  

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See you in July.

the North West Events and Information Team