1. Chef Excellence Master classes

There are still some spaces available on the Chef Excellence Master Classes in Cheese Making, Butchery and Bakery. This is a real opportunity to see experts in their field produce real quality produce as well as giving advice which will add to the day to day working of chefs. The dates are Monday 7 April for Cheese Making, Thursday 17 April for Butchery and Monday 21 April for Bakery. All classes cost £30 per delegate. For further information and booking please visit http://glos.tsnsw.org.uk/Chefexcellence

2. Welcome All - 22 April

Welcome All recognises that it is the environment which causes problems for many people with mobility or sensory disabilities. The programme provides participants with practical advice and cost–effective ideas to enhance service quality for customers with disabilities and specific needs.

The course will cover:
the benefits of an accessible service
key provisions from the Disability Discrimination Act
practical advice on how to provide the best service
how to communicate effectively
how to improve accessibility
guidance on a range of sensory, mobility and learning disabilities

The course will run at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex, Gloucester on Tuesday 22 April at a subsidised rate of £25 per delegate. To book your place visit http://glos.tsnsw.org.uk/traininganddev

3. Welcome Host - 28 April

Welcome Host helps participants to acquire new customer service and communication skills as well as improving their knowledge of local facilities and services.

The course will show them how to:
improve communication skills
create a positive impression
deal effectively with difficult situations
exceed customer expectations
build repeat business and word of mouth recommendations

The course runs on Monday 28 April at WWT Slimbridge at a subsidised rate of £25 per delegate. To book your place visit http://glos.tsnsw.org.uk/traininganddev

4. Restaurant Marketing - 12 May

This course will provide delegates with an overview of how to use marketing techniques to improve restaurant sales and to encourage their customers to spend more. The course includes:

Blueprint for an effective marketing plan
Customer segmenting techniques that work for you and your business
Maximising the sales potential of your menu
Tips and techniques for engaging with your customers (including public relations, direct mail and advertising)
Taking the mystery out of e marketing and tips for better website optimisation.

The course runs on Monday 12 May from 9.30 - 13.00 at the Royal Oak Prestbury at a subsidised rate of £15 per delegate. To book your place visit http://glos.tsnsw.org.uk/traininganddev

5. Familiarisation visits

How well do you know the county's attractions? We have several visits booked in to local attractions, which will give you the opportunity to take a look around, ask questions and then network with other tourism businesses from around the area. Visits include Dunkirk Mill, Dick Whittington Countryside Centre and Kelmscott Manor to name a few. Further details can be found at http://glos.tsnsw.org.uk/fam

6. Invitation to a Focus Group on Leadership and Management

Are you:
• Looking for ways to develop your business or organisation?
• A manager responsible for resources and people?
• Keen to explore your organisation’s leadership and management development needs?

Answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, and you’re invited you to take part in a focus group being organised by Sector Skills Councils. This highly participative ‘action learning’ seminar will give you the opportunity to network with other managers and discuss future business needs. Action learning is a powerful way for business leaders to learn from each other and explore new ideas.

These half day events are free, include refreshments and an opportunity to network. This event will be held on Tuesday 22nd April from 1pm to 5pm, at Engineers House, Bristol. To book your place please contact Sally Howard: S.A.Howard@exeter.ac.uk
01392 269231. Please note that reservations for the event will be on a first come first served basis.

7. Are you looking for summer staff?

Jo Evans is the coordinator for the JobShop at the University of Gloucestershire. The JobShop is a service provided by the Students’ Union presenting employers with access to the flexible, enthusiastic, intelligent student workforce.

In our recent survey 93% of University of Gloucestershire students stated they will be looking for local full time work over the summer. Due to changes in the academic year students now have a longer summer break from early June to late September.

They are offering the opportunity for you to advertise for summer staff on their Summer Jobs web page. This page is part of our very successful JobShop website (www.yourstudentsunion.com/thejobshop) accessed by students looking for jobs.

For the small fee of £30+VAT they will put your vacancy/vacancies up from the date you send it until the positions are filled (ending 06.06.08). If you are interested in receiving a booking form please email Jo Evans at jobshop@glos.ac.uk