Pictured above: (Back row) Fleur Pitts, Shampers Hair Salon, From l to r: Jo Sharp, Premier Medical, Cate Wallington, Helena Lane Day Centre and Marie Watton, Vision Homes

On Monday 23 November five southern Shropshire businesses took part in a brand new initiative called 'The Step-up Club' which works towards supporting their local communities.

The 'Step-up Club' has been developed through the Southern Shropshire Partnership and is lead by Shropshire Council's County Training team.

The demographics of rural south Shropshire mean that businesses may not always be aware of the support available from local organisations and services, which could help to improve their profitability and growth. Step-up Club aims to overcome this by holding workshops in rural areas to demonstrate how valuable such organisations are to the prosperity of the county.

Businesses operating in southern Shropshire were invited to take part in a series of free workshops delivered by Shropshire training consultant Mark Ellis, which looked at employment legislation, recruitment techniques, writing job descriptions and interview processes. 

Hendra Healthcare Ltd, Vision Homes, Helena Lane Day Centre, Shamper's Hair Salon and Premier Medical were all present at the first workshop, which was held at County Training's Ludlow Learning Centre. This was followed by a second session where they were provided with the opportunity to practice interview skills and gain feedback. 

This second workshop worked in pairing unemployed individuals with the interviewers in order to also help them develop their interview techniques and communication skills. 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure at Shropshire Council comments; "It is excellent to see businesses taking part in this innovative project. Step-up helps employers broaden their awareness of recruitment techniques and accessibility to potential employees, whilst helping individuals improve their employability when seeking work."

All five businesses are now recognised as official 'Step-up Club' Supporters, demonstrating their commitment to looking for new and innovative ways to develop their recruitment processes and also showing their support towards helping southern Shropshire communities increase employment levels, which will have a positive effect on the local economy.

Following on from its success in Ludlow, the Step-up Workshops are also due to run in Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer and Bishop's Castle during 2010. To find out more or to become involved please contact County Training on 01743 255191