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By Dani Saveker, October 21, 2009 11:18 am

It’s not a new idea, it’s obvious…schools and businesses working together…

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Schools, and Peter Mandelson, Business Secretary, last week  joined leading business and education experts to launch the Education and Employers Taskforce.

This is intended to be a drive to increase education–employer partnerships, giving more young people the opportunity to gain skills and experience for the workplace. It makes perfect sense for businesses and schools to work together. Educational institutes are helping to develop tomorrow’s employees so surely businesses need to play a role in this?

I know as an employer that I dreaded applications from  school and university leavers – poor communication skills, lacking in drive or enthusiasm and yet with exceptional renumeration expectations. I’m proud that I started my career at the bottom – sweeping the floor and making the tea… I did whatever I could as I started out but that approach seems to have disappeared and along with it, the lessons and benefits.

 Lord Mandelson, Business Secretary:

 ‘“it’s important that schools and businesses come together in this way to help our young people strengthen their skills, gain experience of the workplace and improve their employability. These partnerships between schools, colleges and universities are vital if we are to equip young people with what they need to get on.”

 Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families:

 “These partnerships make a real difference to young people, offering them the crucial skills and experience they need to prepare for the world of work. Employers also have a lot to gain; they will be helping to build a skilled future workforce that is interested and trained in their industries.”

I’m working with a fabulous organistion called HTI (Heads, Teachers and Industry) who help to provide the vital link between education and business. They can even place secondees from schools into businesses so that senior teaching staff get real life experiences  which can benefit their school and pupils immensely.  HTI have a full range of diverse and flexible programmes to support ‘working together’ .

Please contact me directly for more information and how you can get involved, either as a school (college or university) or business and start building for the future!

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By Dani Saveker, October 14, 2009 4:28 pm

When I was choosing my degree I wanted something that would allow me to exercise my creative side while ensuring it was linked to reality and the world of business. I eventually found a suitable course – albeit in Middlesbrough and one that would mean I was the only female on it!

Product Design & Marketing…

My life seems to be coming full circle now. After working within shopfitting and manufacturing metalwork and joinery for retail for over 15 years I now understand a lot more about what’s really needed.

For a long time I thought the metal we manufactured and that held clothes up for sale was most important …”check out the beautiful weld and finish of the wall system”… but no, that’s not what customers are buying. 

Clients are buying into increased sales and less headaches, no one cared about the metal or the joinery. How can shopfitters specify fittings if they don’t understand this? If they don’t understand the brand? If they do’t understand the business model?

And so here I am. I am loving working with clients to provide the links within their business. The same applies to the leisure industry, retail and any other business. We need to understand the whole concept and be willing to support the client. I aim to add value throughout the business and deliver something that a client really needs. I recognised it when choosing my degree and I understand it now… you can’t have just creativity or just business you need the whole package.

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By Dani Saveker, October 9, 2009 8:59 am

Just wanted to share what a great evening I had last night. I was at a women’s networking event run by Jo Cameron (who was on their Apprentice) and Lisa Ibbotson. This was one of the many events that the two run as part of their Women on their Way organisation.

Last night was held at Harvey Nichols  in the Mailbox, Birmingham and was based on four workshop sessions including ‘personal branding’ and ‘how to look good in photos’. By having the ladies split into 4 groups to rotate through the workshops it allowed an easy and comfortable networking environment and the quality of contacts there was superb. We even got a glimpse of Sharon Osbourne checking out new handbags!

Wonderful night and fabulous hosts – and many new friends and contacts.

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By Dani Saveker, October 8, 2009 8:31 am

One of my very best friends is about to feature on GMTV Lorraine Kelly’s morning programme today.

Deborah Mitchell has been a great friend of mine since first stumbling across her beauty products and treatments while at Hoar Cross Hall about 7 years ago. Heaven Health & Beauty has been the forerunner in organic skin care with out parabens, sold world wide the award winning, heaven skin care company has been trading, for over 20 years, many celebrities have bought heaven products, designed by Deborah.

Deborah boasts many celebrity clients including Dannii and Kylie Minogue, Victoria Beckham, Katie Price , Emmila Fox and many more including royalty. LIA therapy, designed by Deborah, is the signature anti aging treatment and having experienced LIA therapy myself I can confirm that not only does skin benefit from it but it is so relaxing that you feel fabulous afterwards.

Not wanting to exclude men, Deborah designed a range specifically called Heaven 4 Men.

I can’t say enough about Debbie,  the treatments and products – simply ‘heavenly’!!! You simply have to try for yourself!

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By Dani Saveker, October 7, 2009 8:28 am

During many conversations recently with business colleagues I have heard about the stresses and strains on relationships and ever escaping time. It seems that none of us seem to know the answer to both partners working long and stressful hours, trying to look after the house, trying to bring up children, spend time as a family, nurture friendships, take time out as a couple and try to take a bit of personal time too.

Life swollows up time and we end up juggling relationships – and certainly speaking as  a woman I would say we spend the majority of that time constantly feeling guilty. We feel guilty at neglecting relationships – with friends, family, kids and partners. We simply can’t fit everything in and so we beat ourselves up. It’s tough and at times I look to my parents generation when expectations were more reasonable. Where will it end?

I hate holidays… love the travelling and places and spending time with family but I can’t stop stressing and relaxation is so difficult. When you live at 100mph it’s very difficult to slam on the breaks for a weeks holiday.

I guess we just have to try our best and prioritise – but if anyone finds the answer please drop me a line!