Devolution to drive economy

Novembers meeting was sponsored by Nexus Fostering, a private agency that places children with foster carers. It was set up in 2002 and is part of BSN Social Care. Nexus Fostering provides support for carers on a 24/7 basis and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

In the first presentation, Megan Ingram of Nexus Fostering gave an inside view of fostering from the points of view of foster carers and children. Foster carers look after children who need a loving and stable home because they can no longer live with their birth family for a variety of reasons. Over 57,000 children live with foster families in the UK, and there is a large demand for new foster carers. When children were asked what they were looking for in a foster carer, the top answer was laughs and jokes!

In addition to loving and caring, foster carers also help children to develop their identity, culture and religion and reach their full potential, making fostering a rewarding and fulfilling experience for adults and children. Foster carers are also part of a professional team and take part in both initial and ongoing training. Several types of fostering roles are available, including therapeutic, long and short term, parent and child, and respite. The main requirements for fostering are being a UK resident over the age of 21 with a spare room, and single people or couples with or without children are welcome to apply. The application process takes 4-6 months.

Charity Of THE Quarter

As part of Newark Business Club’s Charity of the Quarter initiative, three local charities gave five-minute presentations about the wonderful work they carry out in the community. Malcolm Ellison of the Mary Elizabeth Siebel Charity spoke about how the charity helps residents aged over 60 to continue to live independently in their own homes by providing grants for mobility aids such as stairlifts and electric scooters, special beds, electrical appliances and other needs. The charity was set up through the will of Miss Florence Siebel, who was a teacher at the Lilley and Stone School in Newark. The charity is named in memory of her mother.

Phil Stephenson gave an update on the Bomber County Gateway Trust’s project to build a giant sculpture of a Lancaster Bomber to commemorate the 617 squadron, known as ‘The Dambusters,’ who flew out of airfields in Nottinghamshire. Foundations for the statue have been laid close to the A46 near Norton Disney and a steel tripod has been erected. When completed, the statue will be 29 metres high and will have a wingspan of 31 metres, making it taller and larger than the Angel of the North! The unveiling of the statue is scheduled for late 2024 or early 2025.

Newark Women’s Aid helps women and children to rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence. The refuge provides secure accommodation for seven families and assists women with finding employment, enrolling on educational courses, and applying for benefits.

Following a vote by all attendees, Newark Business Club’s Charity of the Quarter was announced. Bomber County Gateway Trust will receive a total donation of £600 from the club and Newark Round Table to help its Lancaster Bomber statue become a striking local landmark. If you would like to nominate a local charity for the Charity of the Quarter initiative, send an email to chairman@newarkbusinessclub.co.uk

In the final presentation, Cllr Ben Bradley MP, the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, provided an update on the East Midlands Devolution programme. In August 2022, a £1.14 billion devolution deal was agreed with the government, providing funding of £38 million per year over 30 years. All this funding will be under local control so projects in the region will no longer have to be approved by the national government. Legislation on the devolution deal was passed in the last week of October and the next steps include the election of a regional mayor in May 2024.

Key areas of the East Midlands Devolution Programme include transport, skills, economic development, and business growth. Eight new East Midlands investment zones will be created to attract business investment. Transport projects will include rolling out demand-responsive bus services and integrating ticketing across all public transport in the region, as well as extending the train line from Nottingham to Newark Northgate to connect with the East Coast main line.

.

In the dynamic landscape of business, effective leadership is the cornerstone of success. Get the Edge Training and Consultancy Ltd, based right here in the Newark area, is your partner in achieving that competitive edge. Let’s delve into how our leadership programmes, rooted in social and emotional intelligence competencies, can transform your business.

Why Social and Emotional Intelligence Matters

Understanding Self and Others:

1. Social intelligence enables leaders to navigate complex interpersonal relationships.
2. Emotional intelligence empowers them to recognise and manage their own emotions and those of their team.

Enhanced Decision-Making:

1. Leaders with high emotional intelligence make informed decisions, considering both facts and feelings.
2. Social intelligence helps them gather diverse perspectives, leading to better choices.

Building Resilience:

1. Emotional intelligence fosters resilience, allowing leaders to bounce back from setbacks.
2. Social intelligence helps create a supportive work environment, reducing stress.

Get the Edge Leadership Programmes

1. Emotional Mastery for Leaders

• Develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy.
• Learn techniques to handle stress and maintain composure.
• Understand how emotions impact decision-making.

2. Social Influence and Collaboration

• Strengthen interpersonal skills, active listening, and conflict resolution.
• Cultivate a collaborative mindset.
• Harness the power of effective communication.

3. Leading with Authenticity

• Discover your leadership style and align it with your values.
• Build trust and credibility.
• Inspire others through genuine connection.

Contact Get the Edge today at www.gettheedgeuk.co.uk to explore how our programmes can elevate your leadership game.