Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 88 The Business Newsletter of South Ribble Borough Council Council’s Shining Star Apprentice A council apprentice is celebrating scooping a top award. Jack Walker, 18, was named Runshaw College’s Young Apprentice of the Year at a special event held in the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospice. The Level 4 Business Administration student is one of ten new apprentices to be hired by the council as part of a brand new scheme. Jack, from Leyland, was nominated after demonstrating star quality. In the nomination, he was described as taking to his role ‘like a duck to water’. Council Leader said: “Jack is a very diligent and extremely keen young man. All of the council’s values of excellence, integrity, positive attitude and team work are found in abundance in him. “We are extremely proud of Jack and it is even more special that he has won this award in the first year of our new scheme.” To find out more about Apprenticeships with South Ribble Borough Council, visit: www.southribble.gov.uk/jobs Pickard Design Secures First Business Grant An interior design firm specialising in commercial spaces has become the first business to receive a grant through the Coastal Communities Fund. Business mentors, Orvia Group, identified Longton-based Pickard Design as a potential candidate for the scheme after helping owner, Sarah, develop a marketing strategy. Sarah received £500 in match-funding to pay for a HND (Higher National Diploma) in Interior Design. The qualification will enable Sarah to achieve Registered Interior Designer status with the British Institute of Interior Design, giving her a USP and competitive advantage over other designers on procured contracts. For further information on the business support project, contact 01772 625567 or email info@businessinsouthribble.com. Waitrose Dishes up NVQs Staff at Waitrose’s Regional Distribution Centre in Leyland have completed Level 2 NVQs in Warehousing & Storage Skills and Catering, with help from Runshaw Business Centre. IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN SOUTH RIBBLE Jack Walker with his award Supporting South Ribble Businesses Jennifer Clough (Economic Development) would like to work with your business to make sure that we and our partners provide the services and conditions that you need to thrive. In order to help businesses, South Ribble Borough Council offers a range of help free of charge. LOCATION A great place to do business VALUE Fantastic value for money for investors CHOICE A great choice of highly accessible business premises SKILLS Access to a range of specialist skills to meet your business needs TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT OUR ENTERPRISE TEAM T: 01772 625567 E: info@businessinsouthribble.com W: businessinsouthribble.com Councillor Phil Smith and Sarah Pickard L-R Warehouse Partners, Milan Sumegi, Darren Fry, Roy Hale and Brian Smith with Elaine Robb (centre) of Runshaw Business Centre