Minimum Wage Increases set for October 2015

There has been good news for some of us as the Government recently announce a rise in the minimum wage.  But one area in particular that I was happy to hear was the 21% increase of the minimum pay for apprentices.

As a company CSM support apprenticeships and are delighted to have some very promising individuals on our team.

I personally feel that apprentices are really important to businesses, and apprenticeship schemes should be embraced by as many companies as possible.  It’s unfortunate that not all talented people are in a position to access further education or attend University for one reason or another.  So for some to have an opportunity to earn at the same time as study for a qualification and learn a trade first hand in a real workplace is a really important thing and should be championed by as many as possible.

I’m a firm believer that if you are shown how to do something you are better equipped to do that task, than someone who knows the theory behind why it should be done a certain way, so in the long run surely an apprentice would be at an advantage a few steps further down their career road.

If anyone needs persuading about apprenticeship schemes they need look no further than Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, where he recruited 15 young apprentices to work with 25 professional chefs and mentors, with the view of opening a reputable restaurant.  This was in 2002, twelve years on and it is continues not only to thrive, but to train and mentor more young individuals.

I hope the financial increase for apprentices entice more people down the path, it could open so many opportunities for young people.

Possitive Parking Changes to be Introduced

Did you hear the news last week that drivers will soon be given 10 minutes grace on their car parking before a fine is issued?  What great news for shoppers and hopefully it will help our high streets too!

Occasionally we all lose track of time, or have an unexpected hold up, so this new allowance comes as a welcomed lenience.

Did you know that this is not the only change that’s being introduced? 

Soon CCTV systems designed to record your entry and exit of a car park, which are used to issue automated parking tickets are to be banned.  So there will be no more blanket parking tickets being issued.

Another measure being introduced are new powers for parking adjudicators which should give drivers protection against parking fines being issued when there are issues such as poor signage in council run car parks.  Also councils will not be able to issue parking fines at metres that are out-of-order when there is no alternative method to pay for the parking.

There is even a new right coming in that will allow residents and local businesses to demand that the council reviews the parking in a certain area.  This right enables people to challenge parking charges and even the use of yellow lines.

For a change it feels like measures are being introduced to help the public rather than penalise them, surely this can only be a positive thing!

Smoking Ban in Cars Carrying Children

The UK Government have recently released their second-hand smoke campaign to draw attention to the dangers that second-hand smoke in vehicles and homes can cause to children’s health.

This campaign was launched at the same time as new laws were announced stating it will be illegal to smoke in private vehicles whilst carrying passengers under the age of 18 will be banned.  This law will be enforced from 1^st October 2015.

There is no questioning that these new laws will protect children from the health risks associated with passive smoking, but perhaps this will offer a further incentive for those looking to stop smoking too.

The NHS have a widely known ‘Smokefree’ service (www.nhs.uk/smokefree), which comprises of a range of free support and advice on quitting smoking.  But in addition to these there are other alternative methods to stop smoking, such as hypnosis or acupuncture.

How Adventurous are Your Pancakes?

I love Pancake Day!  But how adventurous are you when it comes to the filling?

We ran a quick CSM poll of pancake favourites and it would seem we are a traditional lot here, with the classic lemon and sugar being a firm favourite with the vast majority, with only two differences being lemon and honey and blackcurrant jam.

It was really interesting to hear that all the answers came back with sweet toppings, but I quite like to make a meal of the day, quite literally!

I think little beats a savoury pancake!  How about these as a few ideas?

Savoury Pancake Favourites

Ratatouille and Cheese – think roasted courgettes, peppers, aubergine and soften onions in a rich slightly herbed tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese all wrapped up in a delicious pancake bundle.

Or how does garlic mushrooms and gruyere cheese sound?  There is something quite special about this combination; I think it’s the sweet slightly nutty flavour of the cheese that makes this work so well.

A great option for children is baked bean and grated cheddar cheese, ok not just for children, it’s a winner at any age!

Care to try a ham, cheese and pesto pancake, you can spread a thin layer of pesto on the pancake and top with cheese and ham, wrap it into a little parcel and you’re away.

Sweet Pancake Options

Here are some alternatives for our sweet toothed CSM staff, how about…

Chocolate spread and sliced banana, this is a quick easy options, and goes a treat with a spoon of ice-cream.

One firm favourite sweet pancake filling for me has to be apple and cinnamon, softened apples in a sweet maple syrup sauce with the warming favour of cinnamon.

Who has mini marshmallows in the cupboard?  How about a twist on a hot chocolate with marshmallows.  Why not try a chocolate buttons and marshmallow pancake, make sure you melt the chocolate and marshmallows until they are gloriously gooey before you eat it.

Right that’s it, I hope I’ve given you a few ideas, but now I must go and get the frying pan out!

Martyn Joseph Up Close and Amazing!

I was lucky enough to be a face in an intimate crowd listening to the thought provoking words of Martyn Joseph last night.

The gig was held in a village hall in Wiltshire, where Martyn gave a captivating performance.  In such a venue there is no place to hide, and it was incredible to see such a talented guitar player up so close.  It’s certainly an experience that will stay with me for some time to come.

I hold my hands up and admit that I wasn’t too familiar with his work before the performance, but my eyes are open to the strong messages he projects and the points he raises, with such power and feeling it was an awesome thing to witness, although I must say that I have rather a soft spot for the light-hearted number he played on the ukulele!

But that’s not where it ends, it is profoundly heart-warming to hear that Martyn has set up a charitable organisation called Let Yourself Trust (www.letyourself.net) where he brings awareness to “some very beautiful and life giving projects” in the UK and abroad.  He spoke passionately about the of the works of Project Somos (www.projectsomos.org) in Guatemala which his organisation has recently supported and raised a considerable amount towards.  The trust will now be working towards raising awareness and funds for Zac’s Place (www.zacsplace.org), a largely volunteer led organisation who offer a safe haven for vulnerable rough sleepers in Swansea.   

It’s not every day you come into contact with someone who promotes such compassion, but this man did, and I felt humbled as well as thoroughly entertained.

Thank you Martyn, you’re an inspiration.

Source of Image - www.martynjoseph.net/media/

Safe Urban Driving Awareness

As a business we are continually looking at ways to improve, we frequently look at streamlining our services, adding new options and features for customers, but that’s not where it ends.  We also look at ways of promoting a positive and safe way of working, and as such we are in the process of raising our driver’s road safety awareness through training.

Our drivers will soon be taking part in the Transport for London’s Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) ‘Safe Urban Driving’.  This is a course that is designed to bring awareness to the best practices that should be used when around venerable road uses, such as pedestrians, cyclist and motorcyclists.

Part of the course is designed to give drivers a cyclists’ perspective of riding on busy roads, which I would imaging, would stay in the memory especially for those who do not cycle.

The course is run by a not for profit workers’ co-operation called Cycle Training UK – www.cycletraining.co.uk who also offer a wide range of training for both cyclists of varying abilities as well as for schools and organisations.