CHAMBER PATRONS BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER’S LEADING SUPPORTERS Record figures
of employment Birmingham-headquartered IT services business SCC is cementing its position as the region’s biggest private employer with employment figures soaring in key service areas. SCC is Europe’s largest
independent technology solutions provider and has been based in the city since being founded in 1975. The company has invested heavily in Data Centre & cloud services over the last five years, and the return is now being realised
with revenues up and new job
opportunities created to help boost employment in the Midlands. One area in particular that has
grown exponentially since its launch in 2012 is SCC’s multi award- winning secure cloud service for the public sector, Sentinel by SCC. Sentinel by SCC is the first Pan-
Government accredited cloud platform of its kind and keeps data secure to Official/Official Sensitive (previously IL2 & 3) standards.
‘The forecast is further growth and we will continue to expand’
Since the service was launched with a small team three years ago it has grown to employ more than 50 dedicated staff, with further expansion already underway set to attract another 40-50 jobs within Birmingham. Practice Manager for Sentinel by
SCC Kelvin Ayre (pictured above) said: “UK businesses are looking to SCC to deliver secure remote access and innovation when protecting sensitive data. “Sentinel by SCC has enabled us
to do that and the business is in excellent shape. The strategic investment in Sentinel by SCC has returned substantial growth and in turn created new jobs for the Midlands region. “As a Birmingham-headquartered
company proud of its roots, we’re delighted to be supporting the local economy and creating so many new jobs for home-grown talent. The forecast is further growth and we will continue to expand – it’s an exciting time for SCC and prospective employees alike.”
• See pages 42 to 45 for executive search and recruitment features.
18 CHAMBERLINK MARCH 2016
Aston University students can look forward to a ‘clean sweep’ in 2016 – thanks to a long-running business link-up. Sutton Coldfield-based Cleaning Force UK Ltd has
confirmed its ongoing relationship with facilities management firm Derwent FM is to continue into its seventh year. Rob Bassett, Operations Director of Cleaning
Force UK, said: “Cleaning the student accommodation at Aston University Campus is a demanding undertaking but over the years, working closely with Derwent FM, we have developed an excellent working relationship and ensure they get
CONTACT: Stephanie Wall T: 0121 607 1783
University enjoys spring clean
the first-class results they expect.” Sharon Hughes, Derwent FM’s National Soft
Services Manager – who is responsible for Aston University together with many other university campuses across the UK – said: “Cleaning Force UK are professional, reliable and deliver consistently high standards. I am delighted that they are continuing to provide us with their services.” Established 11 years ago, Cleaning Force UK offers
specialist carpet and upholstery cleaning services aimed solely at the commercial sector, covering the entire Midlands region and beyond. Its client base includes hotels, offices and conference venues.
Funding for the future from National Express
Y
oungsters across the West Midlands could benefit from thousands of pounds of extra
funding from the National Express
Foundation. Since its launch in 2012, the
Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds which has helped over 8,000 young people enjoy exciting activities and to continue with their education. To build on the success of the
charity’s support for local young people over the last four years, the amount of funding available for 2016 has now been increased by 50 per cent to a total of £150,000. The Foundation provides grants of
£2,500 or £5,000 to support local community groups in deprived areas. Community groups are not the
Just the ticket: Anthony Vigor (centre), chairman of the National Express Foundation, with colleagues in Birmingham
only ones to benefit from Foundation funding, as local colleges and universities can also apply for grants of £10,000 per year towards innovative bursary schemes which help students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue in further or higher education. To be eligible, groups or educational institutions must
‘The project was a huge success and the take up of young people was more than we originally anticipated’
be based within the West Midlands. Full guidelines on how to apply and application forms can be found at
www.nationalexpressgroup.com/foundation Applications for funding must be received by midday
on Friday 18 March. Disability Resource Centre is a group that was
established to empower disabled people to seek ways in which they can reduce disabling barriers which prevent them from achieving their full potential. They received a £2,500 National Express Foundation grant last year, which supported ten workshops to raise awareness about bullying and harassment. Peter Millington, from Disability Resource Centre, said:
“This has been a very successful project with over 170 young people taking part. We must thank our funder, the National Express Foundation, for supporting us.” Handsworth Carers Group is a small voluntary multi-
cultural organisation that provides support to young unpaid carers. They used a £2,500 grant to fund their New Generation project which engaged young carers aged 15-25 at risk of long-term unemployment. Elona Williams, from Handsworth Carers Group, said:
“The project was a huge success and the take up of young people was more than we originally anticipated, showing that there is a high demand for support. We were able to help many young people take part in a variety of skills-based training and career pathway development workshops, and to maintain a positive approach to working life and career developments.” Anthony Vigor, Chairman of the National Express
Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that over the last four years the National Express Foundation has been able to support over 8,000 youngsters. This year we’re really pleased to announce that we have increased funding available so I would urge all local educational institutions and community groups to put in an application for funding.”
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