MEMBER NEWS
A great laugh for an even greater cause with Agile Comms
Agile Comms brought something new to the local calendar with the launch of their inaugural Comedy, Conversations and Canapes event. The start-up business telecoms company’s informal networking-comedy-fundraiser was supported by over 70 representatives from the local business community and raised over £1,200 for their charity partner Young Devon. Three fantastic comedians
- David Arnold, Tom Glover and Christian Russel-Pollock from 1st Edition Comedy - took to the stage at The Loft on Sutton Harbour to entertain the audience, who were left in stitches! There was also a raffle which saw winners take home a fantastic range of prizes, generously donated by friends and clients of Agile Comms, including signed memorabilia from Plymouth Argyle, Exeter Chiefs, Plymouth Albion and
Plymouth City Patriots. Post-comedy drinks were kindly sponsored by Triangle Networks, which allowed the conversation and laughs to continue flowing late into the evening. Ollie Jackman, Director of Agile Comms said: “It’s great to help our business community connect and have some fun, and we’ve been touched by the support of our friends and network in putting on this event. The response to the event has been fantastic so we’re looking to do the next one in November when we’ll also be celebrating our first anniversary in business.” Andy Moreman, CEO of Young Devon added: “Huge thanks to Ollie and James Fisher at Agile for allowing us to explain the essential work that Young Devon does. Over the past year we’ve helped over 2,000
young people with services such as wellbeing support, homelessness prevention and skills development as well as promoting the voice of young people across our region.” If you wish to make an additional donation for this fundraiser or join the mailing list for the next one, please get in touch with Ollie Jackman at ollie@agile-comms.co.uk
Marjon’s research makes an international impact Plymouth Marjon University’s research status took a great step forward as results from the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 showed 89% of the University’s research is recognised as internationally significant. The REF is a national process for assessing the quality of research in UK universities, which takes place every six to seven years. The results determine how national research funding is distributed, and so can dramatically transform a university’s research capability. These results are particularly impressive given this is the first time Marjon has entered the REF, which previously took place in 2014. The recognition will mean that Marjon’s burgeoning research capability will be given a huge boost with additional national funding.
South West businesses need better access to skilled staff Businesses in the South West need urgent help to fill widening skills gaps, after latest figures show mounting pressure on firms struggling to recruit staff remains at record high levels. British Chambers of Commerce South West (BCCSW) – which represents thousands of firms in the region – says businesses need “concrete help accessing skilled staff” if they are to continue to bounce back from the impact of Covid-19. Stuart Elford, Chair of BCCSW, said: “We have been working with further and higher education institutions across the region to help businesses access the next generation of skilled employees. But the labour pool is still too small and business and education can only do so much alone. “More funding for retraining opportunities and temporary visas to fill urgent skill gaps would be two short and long-term measures that would begin to alleviate an issue that threatens to undermine our chances of a strong recovery post-pandemic.”
Buckfast Abbey appoints two experts to expand corporate hospitality offer Buckfast Abbey in South Devon has strengthened its unique corporate hospitality offer with the appointment of two experts to spearhead an expansion of its services for businesses and organisations. The Abbey’s two new senior managers, Sharon Cheshire and Sam Stern, will be instrumental in bringing a number of new initiatives to the Abbey’s conference and accommodation offer. The team will launch an exciting, new suite of corporate packages combining the benefits and facilities of the Abbey’s newly-renovated Conference Centre – including the stunning Schiller Hall – with on-site accommodation at the Northgate House Hotel and Grangehurst House.
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Summer 2022 Chamber Profile
