Saving public sector employees money and supporting local businesses.
Keyworkers Direct is a free service for public sector employees, working in partnership with organisations including Essex County Council as part of their staff benefit scheme.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist & Small Business of the Year Finalists

For more information please contact us on: 0845 309 6353

Or visit our website: http://www.keyworkersdirect.co.uk/essexcountycouncil

We have rolled out the scheme with; Basildon and Southend Borough Councils and Essex County Council.

For more information please contact us on: 0845 309 6353

Or visit our website: http://www.keyworkersdirect.co.uk/essexcountycouncil

Essex County Council (Intranet)

Essex County Council has partnered with Keyworkers Direct to make available to all employees further access to trusted, and discounted, goods and services. This is a free service to help public sector workers to access special offers, promotions and a level of service which also supports local businesses.

Keyworkers Direct is a public sector employee benefit and reward scheme which offiers unique opportunities for local businesses to become 'preferred suppliers'.

We have rolled out the scheme with; Basildon and Southend Borough Councils and Essex County Council.

For more information please contact us on: 0845 309 6353

Or visit our website: http://www.keyworkersdirect.co.uk/essexcountycouncil

Essex Federation of Small Businesses Regional Chairman talking about partnership and 'Keeping Trade Local'.

Iain Wicks talking about the partnership with Keyworkers Direct and benefits of shopping locally and the local business economy.

Keyworkers Direct is a public sector employee benefit and reward scheme which offiers unique opportunities for local businesses to become 'preferred suppliers'.

We have rolled out the scheme with; Basildon and Southend Borough Councils and Essex County Council.

Or visit our website: http://www.keyworkersdirect.co.uk/

FSB hails victory for small business procurement opportunities

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to overhaul the way that small businesses will be able to compete for public sector contracts, through cutting red tape and being more open and transparent.

Essex FSB Chairman, Iain Wicks, said: “Public sector procurement has long been an issue for small businesses, with 70 per cent of SMEs rarely bidding for public sector contracts due to a lack of awareness of the opportunities that are available and the red tape surrounding the application process.

“For many small firms, access to public sector contracts comes through local government – with 27 per cent of FSB members supplying this sector. The FSB has long campaigned that local government is more transparent in the contracts that it has available, in the same way central government is, and the commitment to do this is a welcome step.

“!Recent research into small firms’ access to public procurement markets across the EU places the UK 24th out of 27 member states, with only 24 per cent of contracts going to small firms, compared to 44 per cent in France.

“Small and micro businesses do particularly badly in the UK, with only an estimated 11 per cent of the total value of contracts being awarded to businesses of that size. This is despite the fact that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 49 per cent of the UK’s turnover.

“The FSB is pleased that the Government has recognised that these barriers exist and has committed to making the process simpler. The initiatives, such as the reform of the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) process and more transparency through a new contracts website, as well as providing a dedicated voice for small firms’ views to be heard, will mean more small businesses having the potential to access work.”

John Walker, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“The FSB has worked hard to ensure that small firms have the same access to public sector contracts as big businesses. The measures outlined today, which look to remove red tape and open up more transparent channels of communication, are most welcomed.

“These measures will now need to be accompanied by a genuine cultural change within Government procurement in terms of its approach to dealing with small businesses.

“Removing the need to fill in a PQQ for smaller contracts is a bold move but it is vital that something more bureaucratic or confusing does not emerge in its place. We hope the promise of a dedicated voice for small suppliers within Government will help to prevent this.

“The good thing is that the Government is going to publish figures on the amount of contracts going to SME’s so we will be able to measure its success and hold the Government to account if it is not working.  That type of measurement and transparency is something we’d like to see adopted more widely across the public sector.”

Keyworkers Direct is a public sector employee benefit and reward scheme which offiers unique opportunities for local businesses to become 'preferred suppliers'.

Congratulations to all who have interacted with us by referring local businesses, not only have they benefited from £20 in shopping vouchers, they have enabled more businesses to support public sector employees with discounts.

A big congratulations goes to one registered public sector member from Southend borough council. She referred a local business and was picked at random and won a bonus prize of two tickets for the London Eye.

Below is a picture of Bradlee Nelson, Head of Operations awarding the bonus prize winner with a certificate, voucher and tickets.

Click here for more info: http://www.keyworkersdirect.co.uk/

The Simon Jordan Marketing Consultancy

 business and marketing consultants

 “If you want great marketing results

without all the B.S, Simon is your man”

Simon has spent the last 23 years in marketing and advertising, working with clients such as Sky TV, Virgin, Nike, BMW, Porsche, BBC, Wilkinson Sword, ICI and B&Q to name but a few.  In 2007 Simon setup his own consultancy to work with small to medium size companies and solo professionals.He says, “Working with business owners and helping their businesses grow is a real passion of mine.”  Simon regularly hosts live marketing events for business owners showing them how to attract more clients to their business.

Simon is also the founder and host of the Marketing Mastermind Group which is a business building group. Twice per month he hosts a live teleseminar and teaches the members how to effectively market their businesses.  He was also the brainchild behind The UK Business Seminar – backed by HSBC bank www.ukbusinessseminar.co.uk where over a weekend in March this year himself and 6 other presenters taught the 7 key skills to business building.

Here’s what they are saying about him:

“I recommend you work with Simon, whether you work with him on a marketing basis, to grow your business or whether you choose to have him speak at your event he gets a thumbs up from me”  Carrie Wilkerson – The Barefoot Executive™

“Simon Jordan is a fantastic marketeer who walks his talk and truly delivers. He is a brilliant and engaging presenter who always ensures his audience go home with real, practical information that they can actually apply to their businesses to get real results. If you get the opportunity to work with him, I wholeheartedly recommend you do so.”

Shaa Wasmund – CEO Smart.com

“Simon Jordan has turned my business around from a financial struggle to a profitable pleasure.” John Stacks - Business Trainer, London

Want to see more?

Visit the online TV channel www.simonjordan.tv

Or Simon’s weekly online radio show www.simonjordanradioshow.com

Marketing House 1 The Leas Wadhurst TN5 6EST: 01892 785 554 E: info@simonjordanmarketing.com www.simonjordanmarketing.com

Download FREE excerpts from thesoon to be released book How to SkyRocket your business in any climate.

Go to www.gathermoreclients.com

Featured blog by: Vicky Kelly from 'Butterfly Effect Coaching'

There are lots of great Forces Resettlement magazines offering lots of advice on the options which are available to soldiers after they leave the forces and join the civilian ranks. The magazines are a great resource and I would highly recommend reading them.  The likes of Civvystreet, Quest etc.  Many employers are interested in the skills that can be transferred into their company, so will advertise directly to these individuals, and rightly so.  The Army, Navy and Air force all equip their recruits with many excellent skills, including communication, problem solving and leadership.  So when you leave the Army you do feel that there are lots of options available to you.  But do you know which one is right for you?  And do you have the confidence to pursue that option, to believe that you are capable of that type of work, or of fitting in within a business?

 I believe that you should.  Self Confidence doesn't come naturally to many people.  Often those that you look at and assume are really confident, deep down have a lot of self doubt.  If you've been part of an institution for a very long time, I can imagine that it would be very easy to feel a bit lost and like you are floundering, without the kind of certainty you have been used to living with.  Fortunately Self Confidence can be developed (both in your decisions, and your abilities).  It is something that you can learn to develop on your own, or you could tackle with the help of a Life Coach, like myself.  A Life Coach can also help you to consider which pathway is right for you.  Or maybe there is a hidden desire, something that deep down you have always dreamed about doing, but have never thought was a realistic option.  Well a Life Coach can help you to see how realistic that dream actually is.  As Tom Ford once famously said "Whether you believe that you can, or believe that you can't; either way you are right".

Helping  public sector workers get through the day to day stresses and strains.

This New Year is already off to a flying start, and I’m feeling really positive about all goals I am working towards this year.  Sometimes the start of a new year can be a bit unsettling though, if there is some uncertainty over what the future holds.  In particular with this blog I’d like to draw attention to the government spending cuts and how they may affect the Key Workers of the country.  It is inevitable that there are going to be job cuts, some are much safer than others and already know that their job will continue.  Great news!  Unfortunately for some, the future in their current job may be looking bleak and for some in this situation, the job they are doing is all they have ever done and all they think they know how to do.  Potentially a very daunting prospect to be facing.  I am here to shine a light on the situation and suggest that it might actually be a really positive thing.  While a lot of people may hate the expression “Everything happens for a reason”, there is something to be said for it.  Perhaps it is time to push yourself for that promotion that you’ve been thinking about and telling yourself you are not ready for, or maybe it’s time for a total change.  Retrain and do something different, start your own business.  I’m sure that the majority of you if told that you could start all over again and do anything you want, would be able to say what you would do differently.  For some reason, once we’ve started on the career ladder we push down all our past thoughts and dreams, thinking that it is too late to pursue them.  Well maybe a possible upcoming change in your work circumstances is the push that you need to pursue that thing that deep down you’ve always really wanted to do?

Scary?  Maybe, and that’s where I can help.  You don’t need to go it alone; you could benefit from coaching, someone to help partner you, and get you over those obstacles, so you can see the really bright future ahead of you.  There are lots of different coaching options available, so why not have a look at the options page of my website and see what feels right for you, if anything. http://www.butterflyeffectcoaching.co.uk/pages/5/Butterfly_Effect_Coaching/Coaching_Options

Or go to my homepage to sign up for free coaching, starting with one to help boost your confidence.

www.butterflyeffectcoaching.co.uk

If you are a Key Worker and haven’t done already then you must check outwww.keyworkersdirect.co.uk a directory offering discounts on local services direct to the Key Worker.  Simply register for free to be eligible for the benefits!

In my blog next week I’ll be focussing on the options for army resettlement.  Until then, make sure 2011 is a happy year for you.  Ask yourself each morning what you can do to bring yourself that extra little bit of happiness…

Keyworkers Direct would like to thank Vicky Kelly from 'Butterfly Effect Coaching' for this blog.

If you would like to write a blog for blog page please drop us a line or email:

0845 309 6353

b.nelson@keyworkersdirect.co.uk

Our poster has had a few amendments.

Please print off this poster, put it up in your staff common rooms at work and share with colleagues.

An exciting way to save money locally and help support local high street businesses and 'Keep Trade Local' campaign (Federation of Small Businesses).

Click here to download:

PublicSector_POSTER2.pdf (1.28 MB)

(download)

Click here to download:

PublicSector_POSTER2.pdf (1.28 MB)

We have rolled out the scheme with; Basildon and Southend Borough Councils and Essex County Council.

For more information please contact us on: 0845 309 6353

Poster designed by:i am emily

Featured on the Essex Chambers of Commerce 'e-zine' Novemeber 2010

Giving local businesses an opportunity to become 'preferred suppliers' to local public sector workers. 

http://www.keyworkersdirect.co.uk/

Steve Clarke - Eureka Sales Solutions

Excellent marketing advice and solutions from Steve Clarke. Steve has been hand picked to form an elite team of business mentors which James Caan (BBC's Dragons' Den), has put together to make sure The Entrepreneurs Business Academy (The-EBA) serves and enables business owners to ramp up their personal and business effectiveness.

Steve Clarke talking about the work we do with local businesses and the public sector:

Please contact Steve for more information on his seminars and workshops:

http://www.eurekasales.co.uk/events/

Southend-On-Sea 'Echo' newspaper article 18th November 2010 (page 18)

James and Steve from Colclough Electrical Contractors Ltd really do care about helping people. I am pleased to say that they are working with us 'Keyworkers Direct' to help support our key workers and also help local businesses too.

Baiju Solanki talking about Performance Coaching and Training with Bradlee Nelson of Keyworkers Direct.

Performance Coaching and Training is about creating the results you want through personal growth and maximisation of performance.The key to high performance is the emotional state you are in at any given moment. This state will have a direct impact on your results and the level at which you are performing.

Managing director Jill Poet talking about The Organisation for Responsible Businesses with Bradlee Nelson of Keyworkers Direct.  

The Organisation for Responsible Businesses is a business membership organisation specifically for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) - from a sole proprietor to a medium sized company with many employees. No business is too small to get involved. Similarly, large businesses are welcome to join if they meet the membership criteria. ORB is a totally independent private company, although we work closely with public sector organisations, NGOs and various business sectors.

Essex Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Denise Rossiter says

A day in the life of Vicky Kelly; Life Coach, Hypnotherapy Practitioner and Dog Listener.

I wouldn't say this was a typical day in my working life, but then again, I'm not sure that there is such a thing. Today started at 7am, getting myself up and ready, doing a few household chores and then preparing for my clients. This preparation requires a review of notes from previous sessions, and preparation of hypnotherapy scripts. Once I had done this, I sat down to write this blog. My first client of the day will be having a hypnotherapy session to help her overcome her phobia of wasps. Phobias are an interesting phenomenon. Most people will have a fear of something, but a phobia is quite a different animal, and results in a quite involuntary and (by the admission of the clients) illogical reaction! It's not something that you can talk yourself into believing that it is okay, because you already know that. It's the flight or fight adrenalin rush, controlled by the subconscious mind that takes over. Hypnotherapy will work with the subconscious mind to get it back into sync with the conscious mind which, in this case, knows that a wasp will do you no real harm.

My second client of the day is a teacher, who is having some coaching to help with confidence issues both at work and outside of work. This will be his second session, and I already feel that some significant breakthroughs were made in our first session. I gave him a number of different tasks to be working on over the past week, so I am looking forward to hearing how this has gone, and then building on that. Coaching can be done on it's own for an hour, or hypnotherapy can be included within that hours session, if it is beneficially in that situation. And of course if the client wants it, as not everyone is keen on the idea of hypnotherapy, generally due to a lack of understand of what it is (but I'll save that for another day). You can have a look on my coaching and hypnotherapy website, which is www.butterflyeffectcoaching.co.uk

After this, I have a meeting with a Business Advisor and my colleague Abbie Norbury. Abbie is a Yoga Therapist and a Nutritional Advisor, and together we put on Blossom Days which is a day of wellness, to de-stress, build confidence, establish healthy eating patterns, and generally help our clients to Blossom! You can get more information on www.blossomdays.co.uk . Abbie and I are having a meeting to discuss a new direction we are considering taking our joint venture. Quite exciting really!

After lunch I will be doing a bit of admin, and then I'll be on my way to Brentwood to see a Dog Listening client. Whatever is Dog Listening?! I hear you cry. The easiest way to describe it is that it is a kind alternative to traditional dog training. However I would go further to say that it is the way to handle your dog. Have a look at my website, www.adogs-life.co.uk .

My job is to teach owners how to establish clear leadership in a way that makes sense to the dog, so the dog can just relax and has no need for all the behaviour it had been doing thinking it was charge. In this particular case, the dog's main problem is separation anxiety. She is whining and doing her business when she cannot get to her owners, as she thinks it is her responsibility to keep them safe, so is very worried about them when they are not there, so whines out of stress, and to call them back, and goes to the toilet, as she thinks this will help them to find her again, as they will follow their noses to where she has marked her scent. I am very confident that this problem can be resolved, as long as I can get commitment from her owners to take that leadership role on.

After that I'll be going for a meal with my family to celebrate my brother's birthday, then I'll be collapsing into bed for a well deserved sleep!

Blog post courtesy of Vicky Kelly of www.butterflyeffectcoaching.co.uk

I first contacted keyworkers direct when my marriage of 26yrs failed. Left with debt, a mortgage to pay and no knowledge at all about the legalities of divorce, I did not know which way to turn first. 
I felt that keeping a roof over my head was the first priority and had read on one of the notice boards at work about housing schemes for keyworkers. 
I googled keyworkers and found a telephone number for keyworkers direct. I called and spoke to a very friendly guy called Bradlee. I soon realized that keyworkers direct could offer me far more than simply advice on housing. I was able to get free financial advice – the adviser has been extremely helpful signposting me to various places for further advice and always following up on my progress. I have been able to source free legal advice. I have also realised that Keyworkers direct can help with many other things like sourcing trust worthy businesses that can give discounts to keyworkers such as builders, electricians, plumbers, gardeners and I can find out recommended restaurants and lots lots more. I registered with the site and am finding out new things every time that I access it. 
Bradlee has been very friendly and helpful and I am pleased that I stumbled across Keyworkers direct maybe you could be helped by this site too.

Staff Nurse
Peterborough and Stamford Trust