Just 44% of eligible younger voters took part in the 2010 general election. This is significantly lower than the turnout for the middle-aged and elderly.* I’d like to think I’m preaching to the converted here but just in case here’s a few top reasons why you should make sure you cast your vote on the 7th May.
1. It’s free! All you have to do is register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and then follow the instructions on your polling card. Don’t forget the last day you can register to vote is 20th April.
2. It’s your right. Not every country in the world is democratic and there are a lot of people who would jump at the chance to be given the vote.
3. If more young people vote then politicians will make policies that benefit us. The politicians see the voting statistics and make policies that will help them get votes. If they know they’re more likely to get votes from the older generations then those are the people they’ll tailor their policies to.
4. You can help your local community. Our local MPs can take issues to parliament for us and local Councillors have an effect on important local issues like planning, schools, libraries and bin collections!
5. Blank ballots. Even if you remain cynical and decide that none of the parties are up to scratch, going along and leaving your ballot blank is better than not turning up at all.
6. Being registered to vote improves your credit rating. Very important when going for a mortgage, new car or a shiny new credit card.
7. If you don’t vote you can’t complain.
8. Money matters. The elected government will be deciding how much of your money is taken away in tax. They’ll also have an effect on job creation and unemployment.
9. Safe seats. Even if you live in a safe seat constituency your vote is still vital. If you give up then things definitely won’t change. If lots more people come along and vote then that safe seat might not be so safe anymore.
10. It’s so convenient. Polling stations are everywhere and are open from 7am to 10pm. Alternatively you can even apply for a postal vote.
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
From: Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay), South Africa
Carl has been the Chair of Coventry & Warwickshire First Young Professionals for the past twelve months and is the subject of our second ‘Spotlight on’ interview.
Q:So what does your job involve?
I work in the Corporate Services department and manage a portfolio of ambitious SME’s and not for profit organisations as well as providing support to senior management. I’m out of the office a lot, auditing and providing clients with business advice which means I get to travel and meet lots of people as well.
It is my job to review the financial performance, position, and the business processes of companies in order to decide whether the information they have presented is accurate and whether there are any issues within the business. I report my findings to key stakeholders.
Q:What’s been the best thing or most challenging thing about being the Chair of Young Professionals?
Representing Coventry and Warwickshire Young Professionals has been a privilege and the best part is meeting all the people and having the opportunity to address current issues that young professionals are facing. I’ve also been lucky in that I have had a great team to work with!
Q:What advice would you give to someone who’s currently training to be an accountant?
Accountancy is a fantastic career to get into and is probably the best career if you’re interested in learning about businesses and how they work. We do a lot more than just number crunching! It’s great for learning skills that are adaptable to any business anywhere.
I would say to anyone starting out, do some research and decide which career path you would like to take, then look for businesses that you would like to work for and contact them.
Q: Who do you look up to in the local area and why?
I wouldn’t say I look up to any individual in particular, but individuals collectively. I like to draw on characteristics from various people whom I have met. I am a great admirer of people who are innovative and creative.
Q:What’s the best way to start a conversation with you?
Just say hi. I enjoy talking to people, especially people who are passionate about something. It can be anything!
Q:Tell us something we don’t know about you.
My first job was a DJ because of my passion for music. I have a varied taste from Foo Fighters and Oasis to Bruno Mars to House Music. My guilty pleasure is 80’s rock bands such as Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi and Meatloaf.
Q: Wow, that’s a bit of a career change! Finally, what are your hobbies?
My recent thing is property developing and learning about different trades. I love food and enjoy cooking Mediterranean, Chinese and Thai. I therefore have to keep active by playing sports with friends and going to the gym! I also enjoy the occasional adrenaline thrill with the most terrifying being one of the world’s highest bungee jumps.
So that’s Carl for you. He’s always happy to chat so make sure you speak to him at our next event or email him here.
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
Coventry and Warwickshire’s future business leaders can now accelerate their personal development through Coventry & Warwickshire First’s new Mentoring Scheme.
With the leading professional and financial services firms amongst its members, Coventry & Warwickshire First recognises the importance of developing the next generation of the sub-region’s business leaders. The Mentoring Scheme does exactly that, putting the focus firmly on the real learning needs of the mentee at a specific and personal level.
The initiative is being led by chair of Coventry & Warwickshire First’s Young Professionals Carl Malcolm (Dafferns) and board members, Andrew Smith (Shakespeares) and Martyn Howard (Drake Howard Property).
Carl Malcolm explained the value of the new Mentoring Scheme. “For a number of years I have been mentored by Andrew Smith and have really benefited from his input and perspective. Our meetings have given me the opportunity to test out ideas, explore issues and get valuable feedback.
“Our intention is that mentors and mentees will find the mentoring relationship rewarding and so we have designed it with input from both.”
Martyn Howard continued: “The two-way mentoring relationship i benefits the mentor at the same time as providing guidance and encouragement to the mentee. It is refreshing to hear and learn from the perspectives a talented young professional and I certainly left some of our sessions with new and unexpected insights.”
The Scheme has been structured so mentees are matched with mentors employed in a different professional discipline and according to information provided in a short questionnaire. This approach means mentors can offer a new perspective and an insight into another professional discipline while mentees can discuss issues openly and frankly without any constraints consequent on the mentor being a competitor.
To find out more about the Mentoring Scheme, whether a potential mentor or mentee, email Coventry & Warwickshire First.
The advantages of being involved in a mentoring relationship include:
Increased confidence;
A sounding board to test ideas;
Being able to draw on a fellow professional’s experience;
Access to support, encouragement and guidance;
A channel for constructive criticism and help in sizing up situations;
Discovery of new perspectives; and
Opportunities for enhanced career visibility through expanded networks of professional contacts.
Myton Hospice is the Young Professionals nominated charity for the next twelve months. They’re a local charity with a presence across Warwickshire. The Myton team provide high quality, specialist care to people whose condition no longer responds to curative treatment, from diagnosis to death. All their services are provided free of charge and are available to all patients depending on need. They help both patients and their families deal with their symptoms and any emotional distress. Myton needs to raise £8 million every year in order to keep up their fantastic offering and we hope to play our small part in this.
We’re really keen for as many young professionals as possible to get involved. We hope that you will want to support this and give something back to the local community, whilst also making new connections and having some fun.
We’ve already introduced the Thirsty Thursday raffle which has had prizes such as tickets to a Coventry Blaze game and tickets to see Coventry City FC, and we’ve been delighted with the amount of support this has had.
We also have Myton’s ‘Glow in the City’ event on coming up on Saturday 25th April. This is a 5km route around Coventry. The short distance means that you won’t need to train and you can even walk it in under an hour. There’s also the added benefit of an after-glow party where you can enjoy a well-earned drink, enjoy live music and socialise with fellow young professionals. And you can do all of this whilst helping a great local charity! Registration costs just £25 including your own glow pack and T-shirt to help you light up the night and raise money for a great cause. If you’d like to get involved email our Charities Officer, Paige Howitt, at Paige.Howitt@sfb.uk.com as soon as possible.
There’ll be plenty more activities to come this year so look out for details both here and through our young professionals mailing list. If you’re not on the mailing list and would like to join email me now and I’ll add you.
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
This time last year Martin Vickery of Coventry City Council was named Young Professional of the Year and FirstPro 2014. Here he explains why you should enter!
“If you’re not sure about entering, just do it; if you think someone deserves to be recognised fill in the form and nominate them now,” says Martin Vickery of Coventry City Council.
“Never doubt yourself or your ability,” continued Martin. “As well as being able to take a moment to reflect on your achievements taking part means you meet great, like-minded people and build really useful networks amongst the region’s best and brightest.”
Speaking about his win Martin said: “Hearing my name read as the winner was a fantastic feeling. I’m passionate about Coventry and being recognised by my peers in this way, within my own city, was really rewarding.
“The personal recognition was of course incredible but it’s important to remember it’s also a reflection on the wider team I work with in the Council.
“The judges really put us through our paces and I felt the Young Professional category was particularly strong last year, with all the candidates delivering brilliant work. So I was incredibly proud they selected me as the winner.”
Martin is leading a programme that is fundamentally changing the face of Coventry. It incorporates everything from road and junction improvements, regeneration, job creation, economic growth and organizational change.
This month’s Thirsty Thursday was held at Altoria in Leamington.
We’re pleased to announce that Michelle Vincent of HCB won the champagne draw, which this month was sponsored by Cranfield Business Recovery and Insolvency. We also held another raffle for Myton Hospice. This month’s fabulous prize was tickets to see our very own Coventry City FC in action. Katherine Burge of Lodders was lucky enough to win the tickets and we hope she enjoys the game. Massive thanks should go to committee member Paige Howitt for managing to source all the raffle prizes.
We had a new attendee this month, Henry from Aldermore. Henry – it was great to meet you and we hope to see you again at the next event. We also had some great news from one of our regular attendees, Tom from Cranfield. He’s recently passed his first three ACCA exams and we wish him every success with the next ones. Keep us updated!
Following on from last month’s post about Richard Ganley and his fireplace we had Jade Spencer, also from SGD, in attendance this month. It looks like renovations are all the rage in that neck of the woods as Jade is completing a two storey extension on her house – and most of it DIY!
Lastly we found out that Adam from Cranfield is going to Belgium in August to take part in a 100km 24 hour hike. This will be a great personal achievement for Adam (although slightly crazy!) so we look forward to hearing how he does.
Next month we’re hoping to hold a joint event with the main Coventry & Warwickshire First group where we can meet the nominees for the FirstPro Awards. Look out for an email from us with more details or, if you’re not yet on our mailing list, drop me a line and I’ll add you.
See you soon,
Chrissie
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry & Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
Role at Young Professionals: Joint Charities Officer
Age: 28
From: Coventry
Dan is our newest committee member and has been a great addition to the team so we decided to make him the subject of our first ‘Spotlight on’ interview.
Q: So what does your job involve?
BRI Business Recovery and Insolvency is a firm of independent insolvency practitioners committed to finding the right solutions for businesses and individuals in financial difficulties. I assist and advise a wide range of business owners and individuals on how to best navigate through their troubles, whether that be via a formal insolvency process or a more bespoke informal restructuring/ rearrangement of debt. I also assist in the controlled closure of solvent companies to enable shareholders to extract their investment in a tax-efficient manner.
Q: How did you get into insolvency?
Whilst studying for a degree in Accounting and Finance, I was exposed to a small amount of insolvency law and this piqued my interest in the subject. Between the second and third years of my degree, I spent a sandwich year working in the insolvency division of a Top 10 accountancy practice. I was responsible for assisting a manager in ensuring that long term referral arrangements were maintained and I was also able to experience the extremely varied day to day work of an insolvency practitioner first hand. When my studies were complete, I was invited back to the same firm to train an as insolvency administrator and, during my four and a half years with that firm, I successfully obtained my Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency. I then made the move to BRI.
Q: And what’s your next step?
My next big career goal is to complete the Joint Insolvency Examination Board exams. These exams are often referring to the licence exams for the reason that upon successful completion of these exams an individual can then go on to become a licensed insolvency practitioner. I could then accept formal appointments in my own name.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to go into your profession?
I would have no hesitation in suggesting that anyone thinking of a career in my profession should go for it. The work is extremely varied and no two days are the same. We interact with the complete spectrum of professionals in the work that we do. There is a sense of satisfaction and of a ‘job well done’ when we can help to extract a business or individual from their financial difficulties and they can look forward to the future with the burden lifted.
Q: What inspired you to get involved with Young Professionals?
I‘m a big fan of the YP group as I think it’s extremely important that local professionals, whatever level they’re at within their respective firms, feel that they’re able to start and grow their own business relationships (which are essential for long term prosperity) with like-minded people, and that they have a forum to share their thoughts and ideas and develop career opportunities. I joined the committee to be more hands-on in this process and I am proud to be part of the positive work that the YP group does.
Q: Tell us something interesting or unusual about yourself.
Even though I’m sometimes a bit hesitant to admit to this, I’m quite a big fan of country music (not all of it I must add, some of it is terrible!). A recent trip to Nashville is evidence of my enjoyment of this type of music!
Q: There’s nothing wrong with a bit of country Dan! Finally, what are your hobbies?
I play golf fairly regularly (badly, most of the time) and I’ve been a member of Coventry Hearsall GC for several years. The trip to Nashville has reignited my interest in playing the guitar, which I started playing when I was 8 years old but have not played for many years until recently. I also enjoy meals out and discovering new restaurants.
So that’s Dan for you. Next time you see him at a YP event you’ll have plenty of conversation starters, and if you’d like any more advice on working in insolvency just send him an email at dsmith@briuk.co.uk.
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
Thirsty Thursday was back in Coventry this month at The Open Arms in Cheylesmore where we launched this year’s charity campaign with a raffle for two tickets to see Coventry Blaze. Daniel Vaughan of Handelsbanken won the tickets. Well done Daniel, we hope you enjoy the game.
We raised around £50 which will be donated to Myton Hospice. Thanks to everyone who attended for your generosity. Hopefully you’ll win a prize later in the year. Paige has managed to source some great raffle prizes for future events, and she and Dan are looking into a charity event we can get going with soon. Look out for more info!
Adam Carvell of SFB won the champagne draw, which was sponsored by Dafferns so well done to him also. If anyone wants to sponsor a future champagne draw just let one of the committee know.
We were really pleased to find out that Adam Hiscox is returning to Warwickshire, after working for a couple of years in Birmingham. He’ll be joining Wright Hassall next month and we look forward to seeing him back at more of our events. However, we were sad to find out that Emma Von Pahlen (McCartney) of Wright Hassall is on the move to Bristol so will no longer be able to be a part of Coventry & Warwickshire First. Thanks for your help over the past year Emma and we wish you the best of luck for the future.
In other news our former Treasurer, Richard Ganley of Spencer Gardner Dickins, finally fitted his fireplace (it had been a LONG time coming).
Don’t forget to save the date for our next Thirsty Thursday, which will be held in Leamington on Thursday 5 March. Look out for an email from us with more details or, if you’re not yet on our mailing list, drop me a line and I’ll add you.
See you soon,
Chrissie
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
I’m Chrissie from the YP committee and I take care of all things marketing so I’ll be the main contributor to this blog.
We’ll be posting about a variety of relevant hot topics based on five main categories:
– Our events
– CPD and skills
– ‘Spotlight on’ interviews with both young and more senior (I’m trying to avoid saying older!) professionals to give you an insight into how they got where they are, and to help you get to know some of the faces you’ll see when you join us at one of our events
– News
– Topics requested by you
We hope the new blog will help you to get to know us and what we’re about, so you feel more comfortable coming along to one of our events for the first time. And if you’re already a veteran member, then we hope this blog will help you keep up-to-date, see photos from events you’ve attended and add some extra value to your association with Coventry & Warwickshire First Young Professionals.
It’d be great if you want to leave comments or even add to any of the posts we write. Two-way communications are definitely encouraged! If you’d rather contact us privately, then feel free to email me at C.A.Duxson@warwick.ac.uk or you can contact any of the other committee members and let us know if there’s anything you’d like us to post about.
I’ll finish off with a few memories from two of our most popular events from 2014 – the bowling social and the Christmas party. We hold socials roughly every quarter, which provide a great opportunity to make friends, in addition to the usual business networking. I’ve been involved with the YPs for about 3 years now and have been really surprised just how many people from the group I would now call friends as well as colleagues.
See you again soon,
Chrissie
The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry & Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.
