Month: November 2021

Leith’s Wee Blue Coo ‘moo-ves’ to employee ownership!

A PRINT and design firm based in Leith has rewarded its employees with the keys to the business following their hard work during the global pandemic.

Launched from the living room of couple Bob and Joelle Kirkpatrick in the middle of the 2008 financial crash; Wee Blue Coo Ltd has established itself as a successful business, dispatching thousands of products globally each week and selling its products on multiple online marketplaces.

Bob and Joelle were both made redundant from their jobs in 2006 before setting up their business, creating posters from public domain images to retail on eBay. Fast forward 15 years, they now have a strong team of 30 members of staff – some of which have been employed for more than 10 years – and have an annual revenue of more than £2 million. 

Having previously gifted a 10% shareholding to long term employee Allan Gray for his hard work and dedication, the three shareholders agreed that the move to employee ownership was in line with the company’s values by safeguarding the future of the business for the benefit of its employees.

The entrepreneurs began exploring the succession model in 2019 before enlisting the help of David Morrison of EQ Accountants. The owners began the process of transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust at the start of 2021 with the move being facilitated by expert Carole Leslie from Ownership Associates as well as the teams at EQ Accountants and Anderson Strathearn.

Bob Kirkpatrick said: “There are perhaps more well-known ways to make an exit from a business, however, this was the only real option to ensure we safeguarded the futures of those who have contributed to our company’s success.

“The Employee Ownership Trust seems like a perfect and logical way to structure any business.”

Joelle Kirkpatrick added: “Being a people led business has always been the very essence of who we are, which is why becoming an Employee-Owned business was the only option that was seriously considered.

“Running our business this way has ensured we have a motivated and dedicated team who feel valued. That has always been more important to us than the bottom line. Relaying this news to our team has, without a doubt, been the highlight of my career so far.”

Bob and Joelle have always sought to take care of their staff with perks such as flexible working and providing private healthcare to all employees with more than one years’ service.

Naturally the couple felt this was the next step for their business. The team were shocked and delighted at the news and are very excited at being given the opportunity to shape the future of Wee Blue Coo Ltd.

Graeme Slater, Warehouse Manager, said: “Now that we are an employee-owned company it means that we all have a say in the direction the company takes in the future.

“This is a great opportunity to help us to grow as a company and offers us the chance to enjoy a more secure and prosperous future.”

David Morrison, Partner at EQ Accountants, said: “Having advised Bob, Joelle and the team for many years, it is great to see them safeguard the future of their business by handing control to their dedicated workforce.

“This is great example of using an EOT as a solution to succession, whilst ensuring that employees are rewarded for their hard work. We look forward to continuing to support Wee Blue Coo as they thrive as an employee-owned business.”

The Employee Ownership Trust was introduced in the 2014 Finance Act to encourage business owners to consider a sale to employees as a feasible succession solution.

Founder of Ownership Associates, Carole Leslie, who has worked on the transitions of more than 80 private businesses to the succession model, said: “We are continuing to see increased interest from a variety of different businesses across contrasting sectors in making the move to employee ownership.

“It is inspiring to see two entrepreneurs succeed in their business throughout the difficulties of redundancy and a global financial crash. It is testament to their hard work that they have reached this momentous milestone.

“Bob and Joelle have always looked to put their staff first, and this transition is another chapter for the couple and the business. I would like to congratulate Wee Blue Coo Ltd, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Ownership Associates works exclusively within the employee-owned sector, supporting companies on their move to employee ownership and working with established employee owned businesses enabling them to maximise the ownership advantage.

For more information on Wee Blue Coo Ltd, please visit: https://weehappybox.com/

For more information on Ownership Associates: https://ownershipassociates.co.uk/

Eight-year-olds symbolise shocking EIGHT YEAR WAIT for endometriosis diagnosis in menstrual health campaign

Powerful film released by INTIMINA sees children give a voice to people that waited eight years or more for an endometriosis diagnosis

  • One in 10 women have endometriosis, but it takes an average of eight years to get a diagnosis.
  • Groundbreaking new film ‘The Wait’ sees eight-year-old children use their age to symbolise the eight-year delay and to tell the stories of British women who had the disease, yet felt like they were not being heard.
  • The film includes the story of Aisha Belsaria who suffered in pain for 15 years before she was correctly diagnosed.
  • Campaign created by INTIMINA to empower and inform people experiencing similar painful symptoms, who also feel unheard or ignored.

One in 10 women worldwide have endometriosis1, yet despite the seriousness of this disease, it takes an average of eight years just to get a diagnosis2. That’s eight long years of enduring terrible pain and the feeling of not being heard.

Today, to give a voice to those suffering from the condition, intimate wellness brand INTIMINA has released a powerful film that features eight-year-old children whose age symbolises the damning eight-year wait statistic – with each of the youngsters having been alive for as long as it takes to be diagnosed with endometriosis*.

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. 

What’s more, with this devastating disease commonly starting in adolescence (and sometimes before) any of the eight-year-olds in the film – and across the world – could develop endometriosis in the near future and face the eight year delay themselves if nothing is done to shorten the time to a diagnosis.

In the film, the children speak the actual words of real adult women who spent years of their lives waiting and fighting for an endometriosis diagnosis. While the average wait for a diagnosis is eight years, several of the women that shared their stories experienced delays of much longer.

In one instance, it took a shocking 30 years for a woman to finally be told she had endometriosis. 

The film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Rz9A6EyG8

Selected cases from UK-based women that faced ‘the wait’ and whose accounts are spoken by eight-year-old children in the film:

  • Katie Beales (waited nine years) “Waiting years for a diagnosis made me question my own sanity. At points, I started to believe that it was all in my head. I had so much ambition and this condition took so much away from me. The pain was so bad I couldn’t leave my bed, I would vomit and I couldn’t eat. I became a shell of myself. Endometriosis is lonely. It changed my identity.”
  • Nadine Lewis (waited 12 years): It took me five years to get my stage four diagnosis and a further seven years to be diagnosed with thoracic endometriosis. I often feel trapped inside my body which is constantly under attack. I have had countless A&E admissions, investigations and surgeries and been medically gaslighted. I had three diagnostic laparoscopies with no endometriosis removed. Endometriosis has affected my mental health, fertility, bowel and respiratory health. No one should have to go through this. It should not take this long to be taken seriously.”
  • Aisha Balesaria (waited 15 years): At 15 I had started experiencing dreadful pain during menstruation – pain which grew worse as the years went on. It was tremendously difficult waking up in pain and going to bed in pain and doing the same thing all over again the next day. The pain was so intense, it left me confined to my bed. At some points I felt I couldn’t carry on living with the excruciating pain. The pain I was experiencing was dismissed as ‘bad periods’. I felt completely helpless and hopeless. It was extremely challenging waiting for someone to believe me and over time my symptoms worsened. It would be many years later before I’d receive the correct diagnosis. I felt there was little empathy towards my suffering during the years I tried to get help, and my symptoms were downplayed nearly all of the time.”

INTIMINA created ‘The Wait’ film as part of its ongoing Seen + Heard period positivity campaign. 

Seen + Heard aims to increase the visibility of menstrual wellbeing across the world, normalise conversations about menstrual health, tackle stigma and bias and raise awareness of conditions like endometriosis – which see millions of people suffering in pain while their voices go unheard. 

The Wait follows ‘Period’: a collaboration in 2020 between INTIMINA and Pantone that saw the creation of a shade of red emblematic of a healthy menstrual flow.

Marcella Zanchi, Spokesperson for INTIMINA, commented: “We hope this film, in which the age of the eight-year-olds symbolises the eight-year wait for a diagnosis, can create much-needed conversations about endometriosis and inspire change. Because it is unacceptable that people have to wait eight years just to get help. And it’s important to remember that is only an average: some people wait many more years, even decades of their lives in pain.

Ms Zanchi continued: “Endometriosis isn’t a rare disease – it affects one in every 10 women. That’s hundreds of millions of people across the world potentially suffering for years. The fact the eight-year statistic hasn’t changed in over a decade is further proof, if it were needed, that we must end the wait for those with endometriosis.

“As a global society we have to be more aware of endometriosis, more sympathetic towards those that have it, to speak up and do everything in our collective power to close the gender health gap and to break the taboos and biases that are not just attached to endometriosis, but to menstrual wellbeing in general.”

A UK All Party Parliamentary Group Endometriosis inquiry into the disease surveyed over 10,000 people with endometriosis and found that over half (58%) visited their GP more than 10 times after presenting symptoms, but still no diagnosis was made3.



Further commenting on reasons behind the eight-year wait, INTIMINA UK Expert Gynaecologist Dr Shree Datta said: “Healthcare professionals may assume painful periods are normal, if they are unclear on its severity and whether pain relief is required. 

“What’s more, it can be especially difficult examining young teenagers for endometriosis as the findings are not specific and the disease presents differently from person-to-person.

“As such it may take longer to refer people to the correct specialist for further investigation and treatment. From a patient perspective it can also be uncomfortable taking that first step and speaking to a doctor about issues such as pain during sex – or challenging to describe the symptoms they have.”

Shree continued: “The reasons behind the delay are wide-ranging, but nevertheless every possible action needs to be taken to drive down the wait time for people suffering with endometriosis, and education and awareness is vital to make a commitment to ensure this happens.”

To help people experiencing symptoms of endometriosis get the help they need sooner, Dr Shree Datta shares her advice. More information and resources can be found here: 

https://www.intimina.com/blog/talk-about-endometriosis/

  • It can be difficult to describe all of your symptoms and diagnose endometriosis as the symptoms vary, so keep a pain and symptom diary before you see your GP. Specifically, note down when you experience symptoms in relation to your periods, whether they are getting worse and how they affect your daily activities.
  • A referral to a Gynaecologist may also help explore your symptoms further – by requesting an ultrasound, for example. With this information, discussing the risks and benefits of medication and an operation may help you to decide what’s right to you. 
  • It may be worth trying to treat your symptoms initially with simple measures such as heat, gentle exercise, pain relief or hormonal medication, before considering more invasive options such as surgery.
  • Common symptoms which suggest endometriosis include cyclical pelvic pain, pain on intercourse or pain leading up to and during your periods. You may also experience a change in bowel habits, tiredness and difficulty conceiving, so seek medical advice early. 
  • Think about your diet – there is some evidence which suggests that drinking lots of alcohol and eating lots of red meat can increase some of the symptoms of endometriosis, such as painful periods. Fish oil supplements and Vitamin B12 can help endometriosis associated pain. A healthy balanced lifestyle with regular sleep patterns may also influence your symptoms.
  • If you’re thinking about getting pregnant and you are known to have endometriosis, consult a Gynaecologist early. Start taking pregnancy supplements three months before you wish to conceive and make sure you have sex regularly when trying to conceive. Most people have no problems conceiving, but it’s worth seeking expert help early. 

For those looking to find out more about endometriosis or get support, please visit:

www.endometriosis-uk.org. 

Scotland to boost climate funding

COP26: First Minister calls on leaders to step up and secure successful outcome

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the Scottish Government will increase its fund for climate justice by a further 50% on top of the previous commitment to double the fund as part of Scotland’s response and contribution to the ongoing negotiations at COP26.

The doubling of the Climate Justice Fund was first announced on 21 September.

Calling on larger countries with more resources to recognise their moral responsibility and adopt a “can-do” attitude for the final days of COP26 to secure a successful outcome, the First Minister said: “It is clear that fair climate finance is the key to making real progress at COP26. 

“Every vulnerable or developing country I have spoken with has big ambitions for meeting the climate crisis but they do not have the funding for adaptation, for mitigation, or for tackling the loss and damage that is needed to deliver. 

“Twelve years on from the commitment by developed nations to provide funding of 100 billion dollars a year, that is simply not good enough. 

“It is time for leaders of developed countries, large and small, to do what is needed to bridge the remaining gap, and put on the table now the money that is needed to make good on past commitments and unlock progress in other areas. 

“Scotland is a relatively small country of just five million people, and we do not have substantial powers of borrowing. That means our contribution will always be relatively small in a global context. However, we can still lead by example and there has never been a more vital time to do so. 

“All of my conversations with delegates from the global south over these two weeks – and the obvious need to increase the overall ambition of the draft cover text published yesterday – have convinced me that rich countries must do more on finance in the final hours of COP if we are to secure the best possible outcome. That is not charity, it is our obligation.

“Accordingly, the Scottish Government – having already committed to doubling our climate justice fund to £24 million in this Parliament – has now decided to increase it by a further £12 million. That means since the fund opened in 2012, we will have trebled Scotland’s contribution to Climate Justice.

“This increased funding will also build on our ground breaking contribution to loss and damage, by doubling our contribution to addressing loss and damage to £2 million.

“My message today is simple. If Scotland can up its contribution, there is no good reason why the larger, developed countries around the negotiating table cannot do so too.

“I call on all leaders to step up and secure the outcome from this Glasgow COP that our planet needs.”

Scottish Government: planning to reach net zero

Creating more town centre homes and local services to help fight climate change

Planning applications will have to show how they help meet Scotland’s ambitious targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2045 to get approval under new proposals.

Applications that create more town centre homes or help reuse vacant and derelict land will be more likely to succeed, under the draft fourth National Planning Framework which has been published for consultation today.

These proposals promote the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods, where services are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, across cities and towns. Tighter restrictions will be imposed on out-of-town retail development.

The Framework will support developments which contribute to nature restoration, drive population growth in rural Scotland, create more homes to meet local needs and encourage green investment.

Proposals for renewable energy, including increasing the power of existing wind farms, will be supported by planners – helping make Scotland an energy exporter.

It proposes 18 national developments including:

  • a national walking, wheeling and cycling network promoting active travel
  • mass and rapid transit networks for cities to significantly reduce congestion and reliance on the car
  • sustainable drainage and water management solutions to protect cities from future flood risk
  • master planned regeneration and investment along the Clyde and waterfronts in Dundee, Edinburgh and Stranraer
  • supporting transition of key industrial sites to net zero as well as helping to sustain rural and island communities in transitioning to a net zero society
  • pumped hydroelectric storage, large scale renewable energy generation and investment in the electricity grid.

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said yesterday: “As COP26 delegates debate the future of our planet, we are proudly publishing our new draft National Planning Framework that proposes planners will have to consider the impact of applications on climate change and our natural environment.

“This plan for Scotland in 2045 aims to transform places so more of us live in well-designed and energy efficient homes, located within walking distance of local services and green space, and puts planning at the heart of delivering green, inclusive and long‑term sustainable development.

“This is a turning point for planning in Scotland. Our proposals will help us achieve our just transition to net zero emissions by helping to deliver more renewable energy, protecting our natural environment and creating better, healthier places to live.”

Today’s theme at COP26 is Cities, Regions and the Built Environment. 

Prime Minister at COP26: “Still a huge amount to do”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a press conference at COP26 yesterday:

Before heading back to London last week, I warned of the need to guard against false optimism and to not allow ourselves to think that the progress we need would be easy.

And today, having spoken with the Secretary-General, and having met negotiating teams, heads of delegations and others here at COP, it’s clear that after the surge of really positive, game-changing announcements last week on methane, on finance, on forests in particular, we are now firmly in the hard yards, the nuts and bolts of international climate diplomacy.

And the negotiations are getting tough.

And with just a few days remaining, there is still a huge amount to do.

We’ve made a difference, we hope, for our planet and our people.

We’ve moved the ball a long way down the pitch.

But now we’re stuck in a bit of a rolling maul to mix my football and rugby metaphors.

The line is in sight, but if we’re going to get there, we need a determined push to get us there.

We need to be more ambitious with better, more credible plans for implementation.

We have to bridge the gap between where we are and where we need to be if we’re going to cut emissions in half by 2030.

And we need to pull out all the stops if we’re going to do what we came here to do and that’s keep 1.5 alive and make Paris the success the world needs it to be.

Because while that 2016 agreement was a significant moment in the fight against climate change, it was ultimately a pledge of action still to come.

And it is very frustrating to see countries that have spent six years conspicuously patting themselves on the back for signing that promissory note in Paris quietly edging towards default now that vulnerable nations and future generations are demanding payment here in Glasgow.

And there really is no excuse because we know what is at stake here. We’ve been hearing it all week.

We heard it from the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr, who told me he spent five days travelling seven and a half thousand miles across nine time zones to make sure the voice of his people was heard.

The least we can do is pay attention when he says that if the big economies don’t do more we “might as well bomb” his islands.

We heard it from Simon Kofe, from the government of Tuvalu, who spoke to us not from a podium in a cosy conference room but knee-deep in a steadily rising Pacific Ocean.

And we heard it from Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados who so moved the opening ceremony when she warned that we are digging our own graves and asked when are the leaders finally going to lead.

And if you stood and applauded her, then you cannot now sit on your hands as the world asks you to act.

Because the world knows the mess our planet is in. The world has heard leaders from every country, every continent stand here and acknowledge the need for action. And the world will find it absolutely incomprehensible if we fail to deliver that.

The backlash from our people will be immense and it will be long-lasting. And frankly, we will deserve their criticism and opprobrium.

Because we know what needs to be done. We agree on what needs to be done. We just need the courage to get on and do it.

So this is the time for everyone to come together and show the determination needed to power on through the blockages.

To look at the science with dispassionate eyes and think about how we can compromise, how we can be flexible to meet the needs of the planet.

And for world leaders who are back in their capitals to pick up the phone to their teams here and give them the negotiating margin, give them the space they need in which to manoeuvre so we can get this done.

Here in Glasgow, the world is closer than it has ever been to signalling the beginning of the end of anthropogenic climate change.

It’s the greatest gift we can possibly bestow on our children and grandchildren and generations unborn.

It’s now within reach, at COP26 in these final days, we just need to reach out together and grasp it.

And so my question for my fellow world leaders this afternoon as we enter the last hours of COP is will you help us do that? Will you help us grasp that opportunity or will you stand in the way?

FIRST MINISTER Nicola Sturgeon has clearly enjoyed rubbing shoulders with world leaders on the international stage during COP26.

It’s quite possible there may be some new global ambasadorial role when she decides it’s time to move on, but in the meantime Ms Sturgeon is urging world leaders to go further.

Responding to the publication of the first draft agreement at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The draft cover text is a start, but it must be the floor – not the ceiling. The imperative for leaders now – on climate finance and the pathway to 1.5 degrees – is to negotiate the ambition significantly upwards.

“It must not be watered down. It is vital that the world emerges from COP 26 with 1.5 degrees well and truly alive, and closing the finance gap is key to that. It is also a moral obligation developed countries owe to those less developed and most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s return to Glasgow today, and urge him to stay for as long as necessary until a deal is done. As has been the case all along, I will do everything I can to assist and support these efforts.

“This is a moment that future generations will judge. Either we will be judged to have failed in the face of climate catastrophe or, alternatively, to have taken a decisive step towards sustainability for our planet.

“It must be the latter. In the words of a Marshall Islands minister I met yesterday – “for countries like mine, we don’t have many COPs left – the time to act is now.””

Gyle Centre break-in update

Detectives investigating a break-in at The Gyle Centre in Edinburgh, that took place around 2.50am on Wednesday, 10 November, are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of another vehicle involved.

The two suspects tried to force entry to a shop using a silver Suzuki Celerio.  That car was left at the scene and the two men made off in a silver Audi A5 or S5 model.

Both men involved are described as being of slim build and wearing dark clothing with a hood up and face covered.

Detective Inspector George Calder said: “Our investigation is progressing and we believe that the car may be a silver Audi S5, five-door model that was reported stolen from the Drylaw area of Edinbugh around 8pm on Friday, 5 November.

“We are carrying out enquiries to trace the movements of this car since it was stolen, and indeed where the car is at the present time.  The information we receive from the public is vital in assisting our investigation and we would appreciate any information you hold. 

“If you have seen a car matching this description since last Friday, or know where it may be parked then please contact us.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage which could help our investigation.”

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 0246 of 10 November, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Edinburgh letting agency Clan Gordon strike gold

Edinburgh letting agency Clan Gordon is celebrating winning the 2020/2021 Best Estate Agent Guide Gold Award at the EA Masters 

A person and person holding signs in front of a city Description automatically generated with low confidence

The Best Estate Agent Guide Gold award was presented on 3 November at the EA Masters, Estate Agency of the Year event, at Evolution Live in London and confirms Clan Gordon’s position as one of the top  agencies in the UK. 

The EA Masters celebrates the best estate agents and letting agents and the leading property industry suppliers and is regarded as the equivalent of an Oscar for a film, a Michelin Star for a restaurant or a gold medal at the Olympics.

Each year EA Masters assess the UK’s 25,000 estate and letting agency branches and highlight the top performers in the Best Estate Agent Guide. Only 5% of agencies across the UK are recognised with the prestigious gold award.

Susie McOwan, EA Masters, told Clan Gordon: “You’ve clearly worked extremely hard during this most testing period and have come through  as one of the very best agencies in the country, congratulations, now it’s time to celebrate all your effort.”

Jonathan Gordon, Managing Director of Edinburgh letting agent Clan Gordon, said: “The team at Clan Gordon is delighted that our agency has been recognised with the prestigious  EA Masters Gold award.

“It is the only award that is judged using real data from Rightmove about how good our property marketing is, how our  agency performs with letting properties and tests our customer service though mystery shopping.

“To receive this industry recognition of our letting service after having to adjust to the huge challenges we all faced during the pandemic, is a most welcome reward for the team’s hard work and dedication.

“As restrictions lift and we see confidence in the property market returning to the capital Clan Gordon is proud it’s services have been underscored with gold and we look forward to working with both existing and new clients and landlords across Edinburgh in the future.”

Clan Gordon has also been shortlisted for the allAgents awards which will be announced next week and hopes to add this prize to its growing trophy cabinet.

To discover more about the complete letting service that Clan Gordon offers visit:

www.clangordon.co.uk 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car announces 239 new graduate jobs in Scotland

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Announces Nearly 2000 New Graduate Jobs Across the UK

  • Management fast-track opportunities available at 450 locations across the UK
  • Open to all graduates from every university, regardless of subject studied and degree attained
  • Long-term career prospect with Enterprise’s ‘promote from within’ policy

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the world’s largest car rental company, is offering a boost to the job prospects of university graduates by announcing today that a bumper roster of almost 2000 new graduate positions will be made available over the course of the next year.

The new positions are for the company’s prestigious and award-winning Management Training Programme. Graduates can choose to start their training at any of Enterprise’s 450 branches across the country and with the opportunity to be promoted quickly, reaching branch manager level within only two or three years.

Enterprise’s newly appointed Head of European Operations, Khaled Shahbo, is an example of this, beginning his career at Enterprise on the Training Programme.

Enterprise’s enhanced graduate positions provide a shot in the arm for 2021 graduates, who saw their chances of securing a suitable job fall by a third amid competition with last year’s graduates.

The Enterprise programme offers bespoke on-the-job training and many opportunities for early advancement from one of the UK’s award-winning graduate employers.

 Enterprise Graduate Jobs Across the UK
LocationNumber of graduate jobs
Southeast501
Southwest256
Midlands280
Northeast250
Northwest250
Scotland239
Northern Ireland20
Wales70

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an inclusive employer and committed to a diverse and equitable workforce.

The company has been one of the Times’ Top 50 Employers for Women for 16 consecutive years and has previously been named Graduate Employer of the Year by Target Jobs.

Enterprise is also is a sponsor of Business in the Community’s Race at Work programme and was recently named Organisation of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards.

The company places a strong emphasis on attracting a diverse graduate talent pool, actively recruiting from more than 100 universities while also creating a transparent recruitment and progression process where everyone has the best opportunity to succeed.

High performing graduates can progress to assistant manager within just eight to 12 months of joining. At this point employees become responsible for contributing to the successful running of the branch. It becomes a business that they run entrepreneurially and receive pay based on branch performance on top of their base salary. 

Enterprise is at the forefront of helping to develop new integrated transport options by playing a leading role in innovative projects such as the UK’s largest Mobility as a Service programme in Scotland and a ground-breaking mobility credit scheme in Coventry.

Nadia Javaid, Area Manager was promoted five times within a few years before arriving in her current role. She said: “When I joined Enterprise in 2012 I had a very ‘traditional’ career path initially starting the Management Training Programme in Glasgow.

“I had five promotions within my first few years eventually being promoted to area manager. I am now responsible for seven branches across Glasgow and the West of Scotland, none of this could have been possible without joining the Graduate Management Training Programme.”

Ashley Hever, Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s Talent Acquisition Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer a bumper roster of almost 2000 graduates the opportunity to start their career with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

“With 1,600 roles currently available and plans to add a further 400 later this year, more than ever we are looking for talented and motivated individuals who want to progress quickly, are open to new opportunities, and who enjoy teamwork and looking after customers. As we promote from within for most roles, people can rise to the top.”

 Those wishing to apply or find out more about a potential career with Enterprise Rent-A-Car can head to Enterprise’s careers website:

www.careers.enterprise.co.uk/graduate-management-trainee-jobs 

Streetwork at Simon Community boosted by local Amazon team

Streetwork, a service provided by Simon Community Scotland, has received £2,000 from Amazon Development Centre Scotland. 

Streetwork has been offering care and guidance to those who are experiencing homeless or at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh for 25 years. 

The charity provides expert advice and compassionate support, working to connect people to the services they need. The mission of the charity is to enable a life off the streets, showing dignity and respect to everyone.

The charity works with City of Edinburgh Council, so staff have direct links to accommodation that is available immediately. The charity also offers a 24-hour freephone line that provides information for anyone who needs it. 

Amazon has made several donations to this charity in the past.

Commenting on the donation, Graeme Smith, Managing Director at Amazon Development Centre Scotland, said: “Streetwork at Simon Community Scotland provides a vital service for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh.

“We have supported the charity since 2017 and we’re pleased to give the staff and volunteers another boost with this donation to help them to continue the fantastic work that they do in our community.”

Murray Easton from Simon Community Scotland added: “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with the team at Development Centre Scotland over the last few years and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done.

“We are progressing with some very exciting projects in Edinburgh and this support will make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.” 

Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson said: “Streetwork and the work the Simon Community Scotland do is vital for helping tackle homelessness and connected issues in Scotland.

“I am pleased to see this donation from Amazon which will help provide crucial advice and care of those experiencing homelessness.”

Amazon Development Centre Scotland has been based in Edinburgh since 2004 and is responsible for devising and growing innovations that bring new levels of choice and convenience to hundreds of millions of customers around the world. 

It houses teams of leading engineers, scientists, designers and product managers who work on everything from interactive user interface design to large-scale distributed systems and machine learning. 

Community donations are one of a number of ways in which Amazon is supporting communities across the UK during COVID-19. 

Throughout the pandemic Amazon has provided disadvantaged students with online STEM courses and supported virtual classrooms with no-cost resources from AWS and Amazon Future Engineer. The company has also teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than four million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas around the UK. 

For more information on how Amazon is supporting the UK during COVID-19, click:

https://blog.aboutamazon.co.uk/amazons-actions-to-help-employees-communities-and-customers-affected-by-covid-19