Archive for May, 2008

Connecting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities with social enterprise - 9th July

May 30th, 2008 by Phil

The Social Enterprise Coalition will host an all-day event designed to inspire, empower and promote Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) social enterprises. This is aimed at both experienced BAME social entrepreneurs and those new to the sector, the day will offer:

  • A diverse range of speakers from successful social enterprises, the Government, and the financial sector
  • Constructive workshops on the benefits of the social enterprise business model; the ways to attract and sustain investment; and the opportunities ahead in the 2012 Olympics
  • A fantastic chance to network, make connections and exchange ideas.

The Clippykit Challenge heats up!

May 29th, 2008 by Emma

As the entries start to pour in, Clippykit creator and Make Your Mark ambassador Calypso Rose has recorded a little video to tell us more about the Clippykit Challenge and to welcome the challengers:

You can find out more about the Clippykit Challenge at: www.makeyourmark.org.uk/get_involved/pocket_the_problem.

You can also have a read of Calypso’s blog.

Plus… I know I can’t win but I couldn’t resist designing my own Clippykit bag:

…hmmmm, I don’t think Anya Hindmarsh will be losing any sleep!

The Den is Open Again!

May 29th, 2008 by henry

I’ve noticed that the BBC’s Dragons’ Den is now looking for new entries for the next season, so if anyone out there has a new product or business idea that will slay the Dragons, check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/ and sign up now!

Wanted: The best people!!!

May 29th, 2008 by vanessa_j

As we turn the corner of a new era, we need new people to help us continue with our enterprise message - As the new HR manager I am excited to have some great opportunities available to continue the enterprise message through our people. We are looking for people ready for new challenges and passionate about what we do - whether you are a self confessed enterprise junkie or want to embark on an amazing new journey you might just be in with a chance - so who’s in?

Vanessa

Enterprise Junkie - and - Make Your Mark HR Manager

The Happiness at Work puzzle

May 28th, 2008 by hbourne

According to an article on careershifters.org there are six pieces to the ‘Happiness at Work’ puzzle. These are:

Purpose - If you’re trying to work this out for yourself then ask questions such as what would you like to be remembered for?

Passion - What activities or causes excite you? These may be work based or may currently be a hobby.

Personality - You can do a quick test at www.personalitypage.com (NB I haven’t tested this one - there are lots of tests online in different places). Remember that not everything that is written about a particular personality profile is necessarily relevant to you so just pick what resonates the most.

Carrie’d away with Eurovision

May 27th, 2008 by Emma

Was good to see Make Your Mark ambassador Carrie Grant on Eurovision on saturday reading out the UK vote.

Carrie is also a judge in the Girls! Make Your Mark Awards, which we have recently launched with handbag.com.

You can find out more about the lovely Carrie in her inspiring story.

Not so good to see - the UK limping into last place with a lowly 14 points…a pop travesty?!

Entrepreneurs revealed on BBC tomorrow

May 23rd, 2008 by hbourne

There’s a new programme within the Switch slot on Saturdays - it’s called Revealed and tomorrow they have a feature on entrepreneurs. From the trailer I see that Ben Way, Giles from Diabetic Hampers and Peter Jones all appear. They’re all interesting characters and hopefully will shed some light on what it’s like to make your idea happen and earn some money from it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/switch/revealed/episodes/millionaire.shtml

Business Booster for your company

May 23rd, 2008 by jacqui

The Liverpool Daily Post Business Hub have launched a Business Booster competition open to people living in Merseyside, West Lancs and Cheshire.

All you need to do is register at www.ldpbusinesshub.co.uk and you could be in with the chance of winning marketing support, free web hosting and IT support, accountancy services and business coaching and mentoring.

The winner will be announced at the LDP Business Hub event 17th and 18th June at ACC Echo Arena in Liverpool and Make Your Mark will be there running the Speednetworking Zone. The event will also feature live business debates, seminars and exhibitions so a great opportunity to come along and make some new contacts.

Social Enterprise in Schools Award

May 22nd, 2008 by Phil

The Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC) have just launched the annual Enterprising Solutions Award for the most immaginative, entreprenuerial and sustainable businesses that are passionate about social change - that’s social enterprise to you and me!

This year for the first time as well there is a Social Enterprise in Schools award with £1,000 up for grabs, exclusive mentoring from last year’s winner, Divine Chocolate and hopefully a big bag of lovely chocs!

Visit http://www.enterprisingsolutions.org for more information.

Phil

Vote for Make Your Mark Ambassador

May 21st, 2008 by jacqui

Make Your Mark Ambassador Adrienne Taylor is nominated as Best Newcomer for the Daily Post & Echo Women in Business Awards. Adrienne’s company www.goodfoodstore.co.uk was set up last year and sources local produce from across the North West striving to be ethically and environmentally friendly.

Please vote for Adrienne at the link below

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-life-features/women-of-the-year-08/2008/05/15/daily-post-women-of-the-year-cast-your-vote-64375-20914566/

Shine - celebrating the talent in everyone

May 20th, 2008 by caitlin

Do you help young people to Shine? Then don’t miss out! Schools and organisations working with young people are invited to join Shine - the first national celebration of all talent in all young people in England. Showcase young people’s talents during Shine week from 30 June – 4 July and build your year-round online wall of talent. Join in online now at www.shineweek.co.uk and receive a FREE Creative Kit to help your events and young people Shine.

Why not showcase your existing work with young people on the Shine website by uploading photos of a performance or exhibition? Or you could plan a week bursting with activity: it’s up to you!

SHED’S BLOG 2 - “This Time It’s Personal”

May 19th, 2008 by shed

Hi, Shed here… Great to be with you.

This month, I’ve got two new ideas for you…

1) THE p-Pod - the next big thing in MP3 players?

Forget apple! The next big thing is PEAS. I am very proud to show you my latest idea for a new mp3 player - ‘The p-Pod’:

If you’re a model-maker, graphic designer or manufacturer and you’d like to help me get this idea off the ground and into the shops, please get in touch through my personal site.

2) THE AMAZING ‘DRY CLEANING’ ADVENTURE (never thought I’d write that sentence)

Spare Room Start Up?

May 16th, 2008 by hbourne

Last night I went to the launch of ‘Spare Room Start Up’ - a book from Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation which might be the refreshing business read we’ve all been waiting for. It’s easy to digest and has nice pictures (apparently a rather good one of her Dad on page 67…) and has some fab top tips and advice. One person in the book is Nula from Noolibird who sells fabrics and stamps for children’s bedrooms. I’m loving the Farmyard one myself. I hope the book inspires more people to set up business from home, its a lower risk way to do it and can be hugely rewarding.

Lorraine Kelly backs young entrepreneur - and you can too!

May 14th, 2008 by hbourne

The Sun and Walkers are running a competition where you can vote for your favourite talented youngster. Today they’re profiling Make Your Mark ambassador Fraser Doherty (Lorraine Kelly’s favourite) and I’m definately going to vote for him right now!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1150145.ece

Here’s why Lorraine Kelly reckons Fraser Doherty should win the Walkers Young Achievement Award.

Nineteen year old Fraser Doherty is the kind of young man who would hope your daughter would bring home for tea.

Not just because he would bring some of his fantastic superjam to slather on the scones, but because he is such a decent, hardworking, and clever young man.

Females more likely to do ‘good stuff’ with their money

May 12th, 2008 by hbourne

Women entrepreneurs are more likely than men to use their wealth in charitable ways, according to the author of The Sunday Times Rich List 2008.

“Women are much more likely to see their wealth as something they can do good with than to go out and buy toys - boats, fast cars, jets and so on,” Philip Beresford told Third Sector.

Twelve women are mentioned, eight as part of a couple, in this year’s 100-strong Sunday Times Giving List, an offshoot of the Rich List. According to Beresford, the trend for female entrepreneurs to give is set to continue.