Coventry & Warwickshire in business
Area Focus: Coventry - Mid Warks - North Warks - South Warks - Rugby
Restart Scheme making a difference Those on PET-Xi’s Restart Scheme are given support to improve their CVs, refine their interview techniques, as well as helping them understand their skills and interests to find jobs that are most suitable for each individual. Fleur Sexton, CEO and Co-Founder of PET-Xi, said: “In terms of securing future jobs for participants, the Restart Scheme in Leamington is one of the most successful, and it was great to have Cllr Wilkins visit the office to see for himself all the work we’re doing. “I think PET-Xi’s attention to detail when it comes to working with each person one-on-one, especially when it comes to understanding their skills, is a big part of that. “For example, those who struggle with their maths can take part in the Multiply Programme, and its partnership with WCG means participants can be referred to their courses too. From left: Fleur Sexton, Cllr Nick Wilkins and Leia Welland, Head of Skills at PET-XI, at PET-Xi’s office at Royal Leamington Spa College
A highly successful scheme to help unemployed people across Warwickshire get back into meaningful work received a visit from Leamington’s mayor – who had struggled with unemployment himself before his life in politics. Cllr Nick Wilkins, Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, visited training provider PET-Xi’s office at Royal Leamington Spa College – part of college group WCG – which was opened in 2021 to deliver the government’s Restart Scheme for unemployed people in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth. The Restart Scheme provides tailored support to individuals who have been claiming Universal Credit for nine months. It gives participants the tools, technology, and coaching they need to jump-start personal development and succeed in finding employment. And Cllr Wilkins met with those on the scheme at the office, who were updating CVs and applying for jobs, as well as improving their numeracy through the
government’s ‘Multiply’ Programme which is also been delivered by PET-Xi Training across the region. He said: “It was fantastic to meet people on the Restart Scheme in Leamington and see how much difference it is making to their lives. “When I was younger, I had to sofa-surf for a while, which meant I found it difficult to find permanent work. Most of my time was spent volunteering, which gave me focus. Luckily, I was able to turn things around. “So seeing first-hand the hard work PET-Xi is putting in to help so many people in the area find work is incredibly pleasing. I hope plenty more people are able to take advantage of this fantastic scheme to secure a meaningful job.”
“And having the office here at the college makes a real difference as many of our participants can access it far more easily.” PET-Xi is an official delivery partner of Jobs 22, for the delivery of the Restart Scheme, that forms part of the government’s Plan for Jobs. Russell Baker, Contracts and Projects Officer at Jobs 22, added: “PET-Xi has done incredibly well with the Restart Scheme in Leamington. “The job market has changed in recent months with vacancies becoming harder to fill, so the support PET-Xi provides to people looking for work is invaluable.”
For more information about any of PET-Xi’s free training courses email cjones@pet-xi.co.uk
“So seeing first-hand the hard work PET-Xi is putting in to help so many people in the area find work is incredibly pleasing. I hope plenty more people are able to take advantage of this fantastic scheme to secure a meaningful job.”
Pink Connect Supports Education Revolution with Commitment to DfE Funding Scheme Pink Connect, a leading provider of smart communication solutions, is proud to announce its commitment to the Department for Education funding scheme, Connect the Classroom. This initiative aims to revolutionise education by bridging the digital divide and equipping schools with the technology they need to empower the next generation of learners, wherever they are. Connect the Classroom recognises the vital role technology plays in modern education. It seeks to address the disparity in digital infrastructure across schools, ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality learning environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Pink Connect, renowned for its expertise in communication solutions, has engaged with the DfE to contribute to this transformative programme. Through Connect the Classroom, Pink Connect will provide schools with cutting-edge IT networks and infrastructure, enabling seamless wireless connectivity and access to digital resources for students and teachers. "We are honoured to be part of the Connect the Classroom scheme," said Gisela Pink, MD of Pink Connect. "We firmly believe that every student
Local Business Networking Group Scoops Award at Regional Event!
deserves equal opportunities in education,
Members of the Rugby based BNI ‘Web Ellis’ networking group are celebrating after scooping a top award at the annual regional awards and charity dinner for BNI groups across Warwickshire, Birmingham and the Black Country.
award for efforts made in strengthening the fantastic networking group in Rugby. This award would not be possible without the help of all BNI Webb Ellis members. Thanks to everyone who has helped make doing business a fun and supportive environment.”
infrastructure they need to thrive in the
Malcolm Freeman, current VicePresident of the group and owner of Rugby town centre-based web-designers ‘Oxygen Graphics’, was presented with a ‘Rising Star’ award in recognition of his achievements in leading the chapter and the increasing business it shared amongst its growing membership during his year as President (2022-2023).
Linda Lowne, Rugby First Business and Stakeholder Manager, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to say a big well done to Malcolm and all the BNI Webb Ellis members! This is the latest of several wins for the breakfast club and Malcolm individually who has also amassed a cabinet full of awards over the last year for successes in business, networking and passing business to other group members.”
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Wireless connectivity
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Indoor and outdoor access points
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Switches and cabling
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Licencing and training
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Full installation
Malcolm speaking on receiving his award said: “I feel extremely proud to be given this
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
and technology is a crucial enabler in achieving that. Our commitment to this initiative reflects our dedication to empowering the education sector by equipping schools with the wireless digital age." With Pink Connect's involvement in Connect the Classroom, schools will benefit from:
For more information, visit https://www.pinkconnect.com/services/itnetworks/connect-the-classroom/ or email connecttheclassroom@pinkconnect.com.
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