News and events for local businesses - 8 May 2015

Plymouth Manufacturers' Group (PMG) newsletter

May 2015 e-newsletter

The May edition of PMG’s e-newsletter is now available.

Included in this month’s edition are the following items:

• a new feature giving a full page profile to one of PMG's network members commencing with Andy Wills from Mouldtech Solutions who joined PMG in May 2009 (p7)
• lots of budding recruits under the ‘Talent Retention & Recruitment section’ (p9 - 10) including news of 20 international trade internships available with the University of Exeter – all fully funded
• six pages of events and courses (p11 - 16)
• the local Employment & Skills Board would like to urge employers to complete their skills survey for Plymouth and its travel to work area – and in so doing you’ll be entered in a draw to win one of 5 iPad minis (p18)
• plus the usual links to more than a dozen other newsletters, videos and other articles (p19 - 20)

Click here to download. 

Connectivity voucher event

Date: Tuesday 12 May 2015
Time: 12.30 - 1.30pm
Venue: Plymouth Science Park, Davy Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BX
Cost: FREE

Acronyms is an accredited supplier of Broadband Connection Vouchers of up to £3000.

The event is aimed at SMEs and will cover:

• what the voucher means for businesses
• how to get up to £3,000 voucher to improve internet connectivity
• how improved connectivity can benefit your business
• cost savings through improved connectivity
• the SIMPLE process of using the voucher scheme

Sheldon Ryan Economic Development Officer at Plymouth City Council, Christian Jenkins Director of Operations at Plymouth Science Park and Leigh Cossey-Haggar ICT Analyst from Plymouth Science Park will be in attendance.

Light refreshments will be provided and you will benefit from a Q&A session and the opportunity to network with other attendees.

Click here to book your place. 

'Trading in the Cloud' breakfast seminar

Date: Wednesday 13 May 2015
Time: 8am to 10am
Venue: Baylis Suite, Plymouth Science Park, Davy Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BX
Cost: FREE

This seminar will cover the meaning of 'cloud' and how using cloud based solutions can improve your business processes, reduce costs, drive profitability and increase productivity among your workforce.

Phil Beavan from world leading cloud based solution Xero and Lee Curtis from Plymouth based Bromhead Chartered Accountants will be speaking at the event.

If you would like to attend contact Merika Kindlon, PSP Commercial Executive at mkindlon@plymouthsciencepark.com or call 01752 764436. Alternatively, click here to book your place online.

Cyber Security Masterclass

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2015
Time: 12 noon to 2pm
Venue: Baylis Suite, Plymouth Science Park, Davy Road, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BX
Cost: FREE

Masterclass in Cyber Security led by Professor Kevin Jones, PhD, MSc, BSc

Kevin has an extensive career within the technology and academic sectors ranging from Chief Scientist of California based Green Plug, Head of Computer Science at City University to his current role as Executive Dean of Science & Technology at Plymouth University.

As our reliance on technology continues, cyber security becomes an increasing challenge affecting everybody from nation states to SMEs.

Cyber security is an ongoing battle as hackers and security experts continue to outsmart each other. Join Kevin to hear his insights and predictions on cyber security. 

RSVP Merika Kindlon by email at mkindlon@plymouthsciencepark.com or call 01752 764436. Alternatively, click here to book your place online.

Sky Ride Plymouth

Date: Sunday 31 May 2015
Time: 9.30am to 1.30pm
Venue: Saltram House, Plymouth
Cost: FREE

A sea of cyclists will fill the city's roads as the popular Sky Ride returns to Plymouth for a fourth year. On Sunday 31 May the roads will be closed to traffic to make way for the thousands of people hopping on their bikes. The event celebrates all things cycling and brings together everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals.

More than 13,000 cyclists have taken to the streets of Plymouth as part of Sky Ride big bike events, and in just six years the number of people jumping on their bikes has increased by 90 per cent.

Sky Ride is not the only chance to get cycling this summer - a packed schedule of guided rides, including Sky Ride Local rides, led by British Cycling-trained ride leaders, plus women-only Breeze rides are making jumping on a bike accessible to everyone.

Halfords are offering a free bike safety check to everyone who registers for Sky Ride Plymouth, and they will also be there on the day to help out with any last-minute problems. Registering is free and only takes a few minutes.

Click here for more information.

Plymouth Drake Foundation fundraising event

Plymouth Drake Foundation's purpose is to develop wealthy, healthy and lively communities in Plymouth. It aims to achieve this by providing grants to Plymouth’s voluntary and community sector, funding charities, community groups and social enterprises.

It has already given over £22,000 worth of grant funding to over 20 organisations in Plymouth this year.  

That money will go on to help over 1200 people in Plymouth.

To help them continue supporting Plymouth's voluntary and community sector, it is hosting an evening with Michael Campari and his 7 piece swing band, a unique fundraising event for Plymouth Drake Foundation ....

A great evening of swing classics in a brilliant venue that will include a hog roast, a drink on arrival, bar and a great DJ to finish the night off.

Date: Friday 5th June
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Abbey Hall, R/O St Andrews Church, Royal Parade, Plymouth
Cost: £18 per person

Click here to join the Facebook events page to be kept up to date about what is happening.

Ticket enquiries can be made through fundraising@plymouthdrakefoundation.co.uk

Creating a successful crowdfunding campaign

Date: Tuesday 16 and Tuesday 23 June 2015
Time: 5.30 to 7.30pm
Venue: Formation Zone, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
Cost: FREE

Join Plymouth University's Crowdfunder in Residence, Heather Forster, and discover how you can create a successful crowdfunding campaign.

At the workshop you will learn:

• how crowdfunding works on Crowdfunder.co.uk
• how to build your campaign
• what you need to do to be successful.

Following the session Heather will be available to offer 1:1 coaching.

The first five projects raising over £500 will receive £100 matchfunding towards their project.

Please register your attendance by selecting the appropriate date below to book via Eventbrite. All workshops take place at Plymouth University. 

All workshops take place from 5.30pm-7.30pm.

Workshop - Introduction to Crowdfunding

• 16 June: Room 105, Formation Zone, Roland Levinsky Building.

Workshop: How to create a successful Crowdfunding campaign

• 23 June: Room 105, Formation Zone, Roland Levinsky Building.

Click here for more information.

Disability Confident campaign: free business networking event

Date: Friday 19 June 2015
Time: 7.45 - 9.45am
Venue: National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF
Cost: FREE - includes breakfast and tour of the aquarium

The Disability Confident campaign encourages employers to be positive about the skills that people of all abilities bring to business.

Attend the event to find out more about the business benefits and support available.

• Hear the views and experiences from partner employers
• Explore effective strategies for recruitment and in-work support of employees
• Share good practice and learn what works

Free exhibition space available.

Click here for more information.

RSVP to 01752 680011 or by email at plymouth@pluss.org.uk.