In brief: Sainsburys, Dunlop and Helping Hands

SAINSBURY’S created 22 new jobs with the opening of a new convenience store in Birmingham. The store, in Navigation Street, has been working closely with disabled employment specialists Remploy and Changing Faces, a charity supporting people with physical disfigurements. 

They have worked with Sainsbury’s to employ five people at the store. Among them is the store’s new baker, John Hollins, who had been unemployed for two years despite several qualifications. The store has also chosen Changing Faces as its local charity partner for the next 12 months.

In addition, it will also be building links with schools in the area, starting with a donation of £250 worth of Active Kids sports equipment to a nearby school. Pictured at the opening of the new store are, from left: Emily Burton, store manager, Colin Darling and Debbie Hanson, both of Changing Faces, and  John Houghton, Sainsbury’s area manager.

Dunlop apprentice recognised for his work

AN APPRENTICE at Birmingham based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has been highly commended for his work at the EEF’s Future Manufacturing Awards. Adam Cox, 23, was named runner-up in the EEF’s Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice Award for his work in the design of aircraft tyres for some of the world’s newest civil and military aeroplanes.  Mr Cox, left, said: “I’m thrilled to have come second out of more than 100 applicants. The judges were particularly impressed with my determination to develop a career in engineering.  I have had fantastic support from Dunlop Aircraft Tyres during my apprenticeship, including the opportunity to travel to Canada, Japan and the United States to attend meetings and conferences.” Reporting directly to DAT’s technical director Martin Pye, Adam has worked on the development of new tyres for aircraft including the new Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jet

Pat on the back for Helping Hands

Helping Hands, the Alcester-based provider of live-in care and support across England and Wales, won the Care Employer Award at this year’s Great West Midlands Care Awards. Lindsey Edgehill, Marketing Director of Helping Hands said; “As a family owned and run company we are particularly delighted that our achievements as an employer have been recognized by these prestigious industry awards.” Judges said they were impressed with Helping Hands’ engagement of its staff: “Infectious enthusiasm from the Helping Hands team was underpinned by fantastic examples of creative ways they train and engage their carers, maintaining a supportive family feel to their successful growing business,” they said.