We used our visit to the House of Commons (to pick up our silver Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice) as an opportunity to lobby our Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson about the Agency Workers’ Directive - again.

We are heavily involved with our industry body the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to ensure the introduction of the new legislation – now due in October 2011 - is managed in the most efficient way possible for agencies, clients and workers.

We have been speaking to Mr Jackson on a regular basis, discussing our concerns about the legislation and the effect it may have on the economy and unemployment.
He has visited our offices - but this time we saw him on his own turf in the House of Commons.

He has previously told us he agreed the directive appeared ‘unworkable’ and he seems to agree with our belief that while the principle of protecting ‘vulnerable’ agency workers remains admirable the effect on all agency workers and those who use them could prove disastrous.

He listened to our thoughts and assured us it was something he would continue to take an interest in.

We look forward to seeing some direct action from him on this as the new session of Parliament progresses.

Green Apple Awards

We were delighted to find ourselves on the international stage at the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice and Sustainable Development.

Our paperless office project saw us pick up a silver award in the Services Industry category. With over 500 entries this year to be one of just 80 companies receiving awards made us rather proud of ourselves!

Our paperless office project has been a huge undertaking and although we can’t verify we’re the first business in the country to operate virtually paper free we haven’t come across any who have converted to an electronic office to such an extent.

And that was endorsed by our award which we were presented with by former Bond girl, actress Alexandra Bastedo in front of companies, public sector organisations and VIPs from as far afield as Brazil,Eritrea and India – at the Houses of Parliament no less.

Our blue print is going to be used by the awards organisers to encourage others to follow our example and at least take steps towards a more environmentally friendly way of running an office – which we’ve found to also be cost effective and more efficient.

We’re doing a bit of trailblazing ourselves – talking to clients about little things they can do to follow our lead.

We’re happy to share our thoughts if you want to get in touch.

Santa Claus is coming to town – in force!

Last year the mud and frost left us all looking far worse than Santa ever looks even after dropping down endless chimneys! But we were rather pleased with ourselves after the three mile ‘run’ round Burghley Park which helped us raise well over £500 for the Peterborough branch of the NSPCC.

We entered a team in the Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley’s Santa Fun Run which saw 10 of us, dressed as Santas, taking part in the event.

And I must say – it was funny! Seeing around 300 Santas of all shapes and sizes running, walking and sliding, in some cases, around Burghley Park certainly helped drum up some Christmas spirit!

So, this year, we’re taking part again. And once again we’re sponsoring the refreshments, giving out mince pies, mulled wine and hot chocolate to the finishers.
Overall, the 26 teams in last year’s event raised a colossal £15,000 for charity – what a positive way to head into the season of goodwill.

If you feel able to give a donation please go to our justgiving page. And if you are up for a bit of a giggle do come and cheer us on at Burghley Park. We start at 11am on Sunday, December 13.

I’ll let you know how we get on.