Newlands Local Enterprise News

Simplified Intellectual Property

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:36:42 GMT

Last month the British Library launched an innovative and comprehensive distance learning website that will allow anyone interested in learning about intellectual property to do so without a headache.

"Intellectual Property � How to Protect and Develop Your Idea", is designed to give users the confidence to learn the IP fundamentals that no-one setting up a business or launching an innovation can afford to ignore.

The website incorporates much of the invaluable information provided by the courses available at the British Library's Business & IP Centre and brings it to the fingertips of budding entrepreneurs and innovators based anywhere in the UK or the world.

Find out more at http://www.bl-elearning.com/.

InKind Direct - Low Cost Surplus Equipment

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:19:08 GMT

If you're a charity or not for profit organisation, you may be eligible to sign up to InKind Direct.

InKind Direct are a group who distribute surplus equipment from private businesses throughout the UK for a small administration fee.

Since being founded in 1996 they have received over �50 million worth of donated goods covering pretty much anything you can think of:

Cleaning supplies,
Cookware,
Office supplies,
Toiletries,
DIY tools,
Toys,
Arts and crafts,
Clothing and shoes

You don't need to register to look through the online catalogue, however registration is free and you will receive email updates with the latest donations.

www.inkinddirect.org

It's Official, They've Been Certified!

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:39:54 GMT

Anita Bolland, 51, Project Manager, receives her Certificate in Project Management from the Chair of Newlands Local Enterprise Ltd.

"It may seem a bit late in the day� says Anita "to be getting my certificate when I have been doing it for nearly 20 years. But it was a really valuable training course. It reinforced to me that I have actually being doing it right after all these years. You are never too old to learn and I picked up some useful management tools. It�s also good to keep up with current methods and feel that you can still compete in the job market".

Julie Dawson, Business Admin Co-ordinator receives her certificate for Project Management together with her certificate for Introduction to First Line Management.

The First Line Management was a 'women' only course and took part over 5 full days and it was fantastic. The dynamic of the group was wonderful and it became a journey of self-discovery as well as the journey to the end qualification! The Project Management course took five weeks to complete with homework after each session (big sigh) but it was well worth it.

I would like to say a BIG THANKS to NLEL for the support and encouragement given to me in this training � much appreciated :D

NLEL Now Named As Approved Supplier By Professional Services

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:56:05 GMT

Newlands Local Enterprise have recently been successful in their bid to be part of the Professional Services 'Approved Suppliers' Register (part of the larger Kickstart programme currently in operation throughout the district). Through Business Advisors, the scheme aims to provide free professional support to new and growing businesses. NLEL have been given the 'approved supplier' status for all matters regarding Administration and ICT.

NLEL have been helping small businesses to develop and grow for many years. We also support individuals who want to be self-employed, and social enterprises which operate for the benefit of our community. Examples of the administration support we offer include reception cover, data entry, digital archiving, event support, faxing, filing, photocopying, invoicing, Microsoft office support, spreadsheets, database, power-point, mail merging, minute taking, petty cash, recruitment and research. ICT support includes full system reviews, advice on hardware, software and networks.

If you are interested in receiving any of these services please contact the Kickstart Helpline in the first instance on 0800 853 9503 and they will put you in touch with your local advisor.

Charity Donation

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:15:15 GMT

Staff and directors have set themselves a challenge at Christmas each year by making a donation to charity. Some years ago the staff felt it was unnecessary to buy each other gifts and believed that the money would be better spent on a charity. (I am sure this was spurred on by naff slippers). The directors loved the idea as well and now each year the staff and directors make personal donations to a chosen charity in lieu of cards and presents.

As Christmas looms our Chair, Christine Watts, busies herself knitting Christmas decorations, baking cakes and selling them on to raise money for our chosen charity. At a board meeting just before Christmas we all write our favourite charity on a slip of paper and put it in a hat. The selected charity then receives the money.

At Christmas 2007, cancer was the chosen charity. With 3 of our directors having direct experience of cancer, they elected Ward 15 of Bradford Royal Infirmary, to receive the cash.

E-mails were sent wishing people a happy Christmas and explaining that we weren�t sending cards but rather making a donation to Ward 15. A former staff member replied to let me know that she had lost her father to cancer in July 2007. He had been a patient on ward 15. 3 other members of her family had passed away that year with cancer related illnesses. She was very moved by our donation.

Another former member of staff told us that his wife had been treated some7 years earlier on Ward 15, before she lost her battle with cancer. He endorsed the decision to give money to ward 15.

Many other stories have moved us and we are pleased that such a simple gesture can affect so many people.

Christmas 2007 - A donation from the staff and Directors of Newlands Local Enterprise Limited of �100 was presented to Ward 15 of Bradford Royal Infirmary.