In This Issue

GSB Success
Award Ceremony
Congratulations
The Oaks
Team Leading Success
IIP Recognition
Working in Partnership - We Mean Business!!!!
Healthy Options
Staff News
Christmas Charity Gift
CIEH Courses for 2007
New for 2007 - Sage
Leadership & Management Workshops
How to Conquer your Key Skills
Spring Offer
Training Calendar
Our Survey Says

GSB Success

General Support for Business (GSB) is an initiative that is 100% funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
SMEs participating in the GSB initiative can take advantage of the opportunity to receive free expert advice, guidance and support from Qualtech’s team of approved consultants.

Every business has its own individual requirements and through GSB Qualtech is able to help organisations address a wide range of issues relating to the running of a company and its activities, including:

• Financial systems & financial packaging
• Business & strategic planning
• Human resources including employment & training
• Operations & production
• Identifying quality standards
• Identifying & developing new markets
• Marketing
• Management skills

Companies that are eligible for GSB will either have potential for growth, or have a need to safeguard the business and/or jobs that may be at risk. Following participation companies may have the opportunity to access up to £10,000 of funding towards the cost of implementing training plans.

The companies featured in this article took advantage of this invaluable opportunity and just take a look what they've managed to achieve!…

Picture Perfect at Unique Photography Services

In 2003 Steven Ruddock decided to follow in his family's footsteps and start a business in photography. Based in Hengoed, South Wales, Steven began by selling personalised gifts, transferring customers' images and personal messages onto a range of products. He later branched out into portraiture, digital re-mastering of images and wedding photography. He worked from home and had a mobile studio for work on location.

Realising his business had greater potential, in January 2006 Steven signed up to the GSB initiative through Qualtech. With the advice, support and guidance from his GSB Advisor, Bob Knapp , he accomplished a great deal including the Master Photographers Association qualification and design and production of new marketing literature. He also took the major step of opening his first studio and shop in September 2006 with the Mayor of Tredegar on hand to cut the ribbon! (Pictured above)

When asked about his experiences with Qualtech Steven said,

"Qualtech provided me with the help and guidance I needed to enable me to turn my hobby into a business. They provided me with that push in the right direction that I was looking for".

"Bob Knapp, my Advisor, was really friendly and supportive. He was so helpful and always gave me constructive advice. Bob helped me to look at the bigger picture before jumping in feet first!"

A "Fairy Godmother" for Little Stars Nursery

Emma Pryer and Marie Ellis-Jones both started their careers as Early Years Teachers, however, in January 2003 they took the decision to open Little Stars Nursery in Pontypool. Since then they have successfully managed the day-to-day running of the nursery, including business planning , human resourcing and staff training, financial management and accounts, health & safety and much more.

Wishing to further develop their business, and having worked with Qualtech on other projects, they decided to take advantage of the advice and support available from Jackie Lewis through the GSB initiative. Participation in the project has enabled them to develop and implement clear, practical planning and monitoring procedures and they have gained invaluable knowledge, sound financial forecasting and budgeting skills, and are now able to motivate their staff more effectively. They are now looking to develop the business even further.

Emma and Marie commented,

"We would definitely recommend that others take part in the GSB initiative; it has had a huge impact on our business. It has benefited our personal development and also enhanced our business skills."

"Qualtech has given us practical advice and a professional service which has provided us with visible results."

"We call Jackie our "Fairy Godmother"! We respect and value the contribution she has made to the growth and success of our business. She is very professional and friendly with an outstanding knowledge of our industry and always gives us practical business advice."

The General Support for Business programme is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union and is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks (DEIN). Limited places available - contact us for more details.

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Award Ceremony

We would like to thank all our staff and candidates for making our award ceremony in December a very rewarding and enjoyable one! We were delighted to receive over 100 guests who attended to celebrate their achievements following their successful participation in training programmes or consultancy projects with Qualtech.

We were honoured to have both David Phillips , Chief Executive of Wales Quality Centre, and Trevor Dougherty , Regional Operations Manager for Landmarc Support Services Ltd, as our guest speakers for this event.

Mr Phillips spoke about the importance of training and how, in his experience, the more investment you put into your people the greater success you achieve.

Mr Dougherty reiterated this message, paying particular attention to the importance of NVQs. Whilst serving in the army he realised that although he had a wealth of experience, he didn't have any formal qualifications to back this up. NVQs provided the stepping stone he needed to transfer his skills and knowledge into mainstream employment when he left.

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Congratulations

Many congratulations to Paul Evans & Co from Pontypridd and St Aubin's Little People in Cardiff for achieving Investors in People recognition.

Well done to the following people who have all successfully completed their full European Computer Driving Licences:

• Helen Aldridge
• Alison Bassey
• Russell Holley
• Patricia Meek
• Linda Morgan
• Karen Phillips
• Samantha Taylor
• Gareth Tugby
• Eleri Quan

We would also like to offer our congratulations to the following candidates who have completed their Modern Apprenticeship or Foundation Modern Apprenticeship frameworks which are part-financed by the European Social Fund via the Welsh Assembly Government. :

• Hellena Beale , Yuasa Europe
• Debbie Berrow , Tillery Valley Foods
• Louise Bowen , JJ Maintenance
• Alison Cole , Tillery Valley Foods
• Tina Cook , Hills Industries
• Jane D'Angeli , Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
• Hannah Davies , TAYLORSetc
• Matthew Donaldson , Tillery Valley Foods
• Toni Evans , Welsh Blood Service
• Diana Foulkes , Williams Medical Supplies plc
• Ian Gibson , Groundwork Wales
• Haulwen Hagerty , Williams Medical Supplies plc
• Rachel Haines , Link Financial
• Robert Ham , Assessment & Training Company Ltd
• Heather Harry , Howells Coaches Ltd
• Lance Higgon-Young , Landmarc Support Services Ltd
• Carlla Hillier , Global Laser Technology
• Deborah Howells , Tillery Valley Foods
• Lauren P Jones , Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
• Kelly Kibble , Drive
• Tracey Kinsella , Penn Pharmaceutical Services
• Tatiana Kiritze-Topor , Cresswell Foods Ltd
• Clare J Lewis , National Probation Service
• Mark Lewis , Ensinger Ltd
• Michael Miles , Williams Medical Supplies plc
• Craig Morgan , Tillery Valley Foods
• Kristian Morgan , Link Financial
• Danielle Morris , Frontier Plastics
• David Nicholls , Tillery Valley Foods
• Elaine Nicholls , Tillery Valley Foods
• Louise Page , Barry Plastics Sports & Leisure Co Ltd
• Darryl Paull , Orion Storage Solutions Ltd
• Shelley Penfold , Welsh Assembly Government
• Hannah Rees , Hugh James Solicitors
• Lisa Richards , Drive
• Kevin Roach , Hills Industries
• Lee C Russell , Pack-IT
• Erica Smith , County Borough Supplies
• Kirsty Smith , Frontier Multigate
• Kristen Stallard , Conemasters Ltd
• Sian Thomas , Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council
• Kelly Vaughan , Assessment & Training Company Ltd
• Laura Watcham , Link Financial
• Norina Williams , Vision Products

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The Oaks

The Oaks

The perfect venue to hold your exhibition!

Our fully air-conditioned facilities, extensive free parking and professional, attentive service makes The Oaks the perfect setting for your exhibition.

Plus Free use of our Treforest lounge!

To make a booking, or for more information, please contact Tracey O'Neill on 01443 824155.

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Team Leading Success

Thought Team Leaders only existed in industries such as Production? …You'd be wrong!
Take a look at how the Level 2 Team Leading NVQ has helped people in these different walks of life…

The people featured in this article have all successfully completed a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) framework in Team Leading which was part-financed by the European Social Fund via the Welsh Assembly Government. This has entailed completing the following qualifications:

Level 2 Team Leading NVQ - this is a programme for today's team leaders or indeed anyone who has responsibility for the work of others. It aims to enhance your ability to lead a team, effectively allocate and check work, encourage innovation and achieve agreed outputs. Skills gained are relevant to a wide variety of business settings.

Key Skills - These are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education and training, work and life in general.

•  Application of Number

This Key Skill is designed to develop a person's ability to interpret numerical information, make calculations and present the findings accurately. It is aims to help delegates apply maths to real-life, practical situations.

•  Communication

The Communication Key Skill focuses on developing effective speaking, listening, reading and writing techniques. It covers issues ranging from form filling to influencing people.

Technical Certificate in Team Leading - which is designed to give additional technical knowledge and understanding of the job role to support the NVQ being undertaken .

Kristian Morgan - Link Financial

Kristian Morgan was working as an Account Officer for Link Financial when he completed his Team Leading FMA. As a result of achieving his qualifications he has now been promoted and is currently responsible for Quality Assurance.

"The Team Leading NVQ is something I always wanted to do. When I learnt that I could do it through work I jumped at the chance. It has enabled me to progress within the company and led to me getting the job I really wanted," said Kristian.

"Qualtech were very supportive. Vince Board was my advisor and he was really helpful and always available to point me in the right direction."

Hayley Williams and Michelle Brown - Genesis Nursery

The Genesis Project was set up to help parents with childcare whilst they access a learning or training opportunity. The Tylorstown Nursery has been open for the last 4 years and Hayley and Michelle are both Deputy Supervisors at the nursery. They have both just completed their Team Leading FMAs.

Hayley said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed completing my FMA in Team Leading. It has built up my confidence and helped me to carry out my job role more effectively."

"Qualtech were always on hand to help when I needed them, and my Advisor Sarah Bryan has been great - so friendly and patient."

Michelle commented, "The FMA went really well. I feel that it's been beneficial in helping me to carry out the day-to-day tasks required of my job role. I have recommended the course to some of my colleagues and as a result they are now beginning their FMAs with Sarah. I'm really looking forward to starting my next course with Qualtech - Level 3 NVQ in Management."

"Sarah has been terrific, really helpful and supportive. She is a very reliable and accommodating person who always gives you enough time to complete tasks and has a lovely personality. She's brilliant!"

Laura Watcham - Link Financial

Laura Watcham is another Link Financial employee. She currently works as a Litigation Specialist with a team of 8 people. She has also successfully completed a Team Leading FMA.

She said, "I was frequently being required to deputise for my Manager and felt that the Team Leader qualification would help me to do this more effectively. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and now feel more organised and able to cope better with my every-day workload. I feel that the course has been really beneficial and has enabled me to carry out my job role more efficiently."

"My advisor, Vince Board , was very patient. He would sit with me until I totally understood the matter at hand. I would thoroughly recommend Vince to anyone."

Laura Watcham - Link Financial

Laura Watcham is another Link Financial employee. She currently works as a Litigation Specialist with a team of 8 people. She has also successfully completed a Team Leading FMA.

She said, "I was frequently being required to deputise for my Manager and felt that the Team Leader qualification would help me to do this more effectively. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and now feel more organised and able to cope better with my every-day workload. I feel that the course has been really beneficial and has enabled me to carry out my job role more efficiently."

"My advisor, Vince Board , was very patient. He would sit with me until I totally understood the matter at hand. I would thoroughly recommend Vince to anyone."

Barrie Evans - Glamorgan Pharmaceuticals

Glamorgan Pharmaceuticals, based in Pontyclun, specialises in the distribution of medication ranging from aspirin to controlled drugs. Barrie Evans started working at this company over five years ago as a driver. He has since progressed to become a manager. Following the successful completion of his FMA in Team Leading, which he achieved with the help of his Qualtech Advisor Sarah Bryan , he is now working towards achievement of a Management NVQ at Level 3 and an ILM Introductory Certificate in First Line Management.

Barrie said, "I would definitely recommend others to do the Team Leading FMA. It's a really worthwhile course which has increased my confidence and improved my time management skills immensely. Looking back 18 months, prior to me starting the course, I can see how much I have improved at managing my workforce. It's the best course I've ever been on."

"Qualtech have been really supportive. Sarah was so helpful and she gave me excellent advice. She was able to provide me with invaluable knowledge and guidance which was drawn from her own experiences."

For more information on Team Leading FMAs contact Marketing on 01443 841405

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IIP Recognition

In 1991 Qualtech was the first company in Wales within the field of training and consultancy to gain the prestigious Investors in People Award. We are extremely proud to report that we have once again been re-recognised as an Investor in People making this the sixth consecutive occasion we have received this award.

Our IIP Assessor, Julie Lewis , said in her report:

"I am delighted to confirm that Qualtech Services Ltd has maintained its recognition against the Investors in People standard."

"The quality service they offer clients is what distinguishes them from their competitors and is the key to their continuing success and growth."

Lorraine Matthews, Director of Qualtech, said, " We are delighted to once again be recognised as an Investor in People. We believe we must be one of the first company's in Wales to achieve this accolade for the sixth time. My thanks go to our IIP Assessor for her kind words and special thanks to the whole of our team at Qualtech - without them the business would not be such a success."

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Working in Partnership - We Mean Business!!!!  

Are you interested in studying for a higher level NVQ but don't know if you could meet the cost?
Would you like to learn in a professional and supportive environment?

If this sounds like you then read on! Qualtech is working together with the University of Glamorgan Business School to provide subsidised NVQ programmes in the following subjects: •  Administration •  Management •  Learning & Development If you wish to study for an NVQ at level 4 or 5 in one of these subjects then financial support may be available through this initiative.

Up to £500 of financial assistance may be on offer to anyone residing in Wales who is working for an organisation of any size whether in the private or public sector.

Candidates who enrol on these NVQ programmes with Qualtech will have access to University facilities, including library and online access to thousands of publications. In addition to these resources Qualtech's professional team of Training & Development Advisors are on hand to provide advice and support and will help you achieve your NVQ. On successful completion you will be awarded credits which can be used towards an undergraduate qualification and you will even be invited to attend the University's graduation ceremony to collect your certificate!

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Healthy Options

*****

Crudities & Dip (V)

Marinated Chicken

Savoury and Vegetarian Medley (V)

Assorted Filled Wraps

A Selection of Wholemeal &

White Sandwiches

Cheese & Fresh Fruit Platter (V)

Crisps

*****

(V) Vegetarian selection

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Staff News

A number of changes have taken place within the Qualtech team over the past few months. Whilst we had to bid a fond farewell to Louise Mitchell we would like to extend a warm welcome to some of our new members of staff. We have two new Training & Development Advisors, Emma Bennett and Sarah Parsons (pictured right).

In addition Hayley Thomas has taken the position of Quality Admin Assistant and Kelly Rands has joined us as a Customer Liaison Officer.

Congratulations are also extended to Bob Knapp and Hazel Brophy on their recent promotion to Assistant Training Managers - we hope they settle in well to their new roles!

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Christmas Charity Gift

We are sure you will all be pleased to hear that at the end of 2006 Qualtech once again made a donation to a charity rather than sending business Christmas cards. Our charity of choice was Oxfam and we made a donation to help train six teachers in poor communities in modern teaching methods and techniques. They'll learn to manage classes in a fun and effective way, making it easier for children to learn .

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CIEH Courses for 2007

LEVEL 2 AWARD IN HEALTHIER FOOD AND SPECIAL DIETS

Consumers are rapidly becoming more aware of the effects of a poor diet. This is resulting in a need for food manufacturing, preparation and retail businesses to understand the links between diet and health in order to meet these changing customer demands.

If you want to be ahead of the game, then we suggest you enrol on our Level 2 Award in Healthier Food and Special Diets which is brand new for 2007. This contemporary one-day course has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and promotes the benefits of a well-balanced diet. It demonstrates the impact diet and nutrition can have on health, and the need to cater for a variety of dietary requirements. Delegates will receive all the information and advice they need to prepare nutritious food, develop healthier recipes and respond to customer concerns and questions.

Its content has been tailored to meet the needs of delegates from a diverse range of backgrounds. It would be beneficial to those involved in the selection of menus, recipes and ingredients, for example, school caterers, those working in the care sector, restaurants, hotels, etc. and works canteen staff, or employees from other catering-related companies such as food manufacturers.

Level 3 Award in Implementing Food Safety Management Procedures

The CIEH Level 3 Award in Implementing Food Safety Management Procedures examines HACCP and tools such as Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) and will be invaluable for managers or proprietors of any food business in the UK.

This informative one-day course has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and, combined with the expert tuition provided by Qualtech, will help companies to address HACCP requirements and implement a system that meets their business needs. By attending this course participants will gain an understanding of the effects of poor hygiene and also the knowledge of how to implement good hygiene practices in the workplace.

Manual Handling

If you take part in any manual handling activities in the workplace then this is the course for you. This one-day workshop is designed to introduce participants to the hazards, risks and controls associated with manual handling and will give you practical techniques for safe manual handling.

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New for 2007 - Sage

Need to learn how to use SAGE or brush up your existing skills?
Are you maximising the potential of your SAGE software?

W e are delighted to announce that this year Qualtech will be offering a brand new IT course - Introduction to Sage .

During this one-day workshop new or inexperienced users of Sage will have the opportunity to get to grips with this market-leading accounts software package.

This course has been designed to help you work comfortably and efficiently with the system and will enable you to make the most of your Sage software investment. An increased knowledge of Sage could help your business run more effectively, help you to gain greater insight into your business activities and provide you with lasting benefits by automating business processes.

Delegates will learn how to carry out day-to-day procedures and understand the practical aspects of the software under the supportive instruction of one of our friendly and professional IT Trainers. Please note: delegates need to be familiar with the Windows environment before attending this course.

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Leadership & Management Workshops

The Leadership and Management workshops are a series of short, enlightening and focused training workshops dedicated to helping you and your managers sharpen their leadership skills. They offer three levels of management development to meet the needs of your business, and cover the development needs of team leaders, line managers, middle managers and senior managers.

The training provided can help managers to:

• improve productivity and profitability
• create successful teams
• plan and handle strategies for success
• improve performance and job satisfaction
• increase motivation and loyalty

The Welsh Assembly Government will subsidise up to 70% of the cost of these workshops for businesses with less than 250 employees and up to 50% funding is now available for larger companies . Considering the benefits they can bring to the way you run your business they represent excellent value for money and a worthwhile investment in time.

Workshops can be accessed by any manager, supervisor or team leader regardless of employer size or sector, but the employer must be based in South East Wales.

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How to Conquer your Key Skills

Justin Poole is nearing completion of his Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) in Performing Manufacturing Operations. As part of his framework of qualifications he participated in a Communication Key Skills workshop, during which he decided to make a presentation on The Sealed Knot. He is a member of this organisation which re-enacts historical events from the English Civil War and raises money for charity whilst doing so. Justin helped to illustrate his presentation by dressing in a costume which was typical of a soldier in the Seventeenth Century!

Justin said, "I really enjoyed giving the talk. It has helped me with my communication skills and increased my confidence and ability to stand up in front of people and give a presentation."

"I have gained a great deal from my FMA including improved IT, numeracy and communication skills."

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Spring Offer

Reserve any of the rooms in our conference centre before the end of March for dates between February and June and you will receive a 10% discount on the cost of the room hire .

Also, free fresh fruit platter with this offer for any booking of the Oaks or Cedars.

(Quote reference Spr07)

Contact Tracey O'Neill on 01443 824155 for details

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Training Calendar

Click here to go to our Training Calendar.

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Our Survey Says

Click here to go to our Our Survey Says.

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