Staffordshire Housing Association commended as best newcomer for environmental action

Staffordshire Housing Association received a special commendation for its efforts to provide environmentally friendly housing and practices. The Stoke-on-Trent based association took the Highest Performing Newcomer prize at the Sustainable Homes Index for Tomorrow (SHIFT) awards. SHA achieved Silver status in its first appearance in the SHIFT index for 2012. The award recognised SHA projects, including its solar panel installation …

Seminar will urge companies to plan ahead for radical changes in the pension rules

Staffordshire businesses are to get the chance to find out more about radical changes in the pension rules.  The new Auto-Enrolment system affects all limited companies from major industries to a company where there is one worker.  Emily Jacobs, Director of Newcastle-under-Lyme based Richard Jacobs Pension and Trustee Services Ltd, will brief North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce members of Auto-Enrolment …

Find A Better Way announces major breakthrough in quest to clear landmines

A major technological breakthrough, which could help to save thousands of lives in war torn countries, has been announced by Cheshire based Landmines research charity, Find A Better Way.  The charity, founded by 1966 World Cup hero Sir Bobby Charlton, has been financially supporting research by engineering technologists in Barrow-in-Furness.  Now a hi-tech prototype probe which could significantly improve the …

Local mobile phone dealer becomes an accredited EE 4G partner

Leading local mobile phone specialist, m-viron has been appointed as one of a select number of independent Mainline dealers across the UK to become an accredited EE 4G partner.  Mainline, the UK’s leading distributor of EE mobile phones to independent dealers, has specifically selected Stone based m-viron for its product knowledge, experience and its outstanding customer service.  “EE customers should …

Campaign set to bring Christmas cheer to Burslem

Burslem is set to light up for Christmas on Friday after residents and business owners came together to raise funds.  The town faced being left in the dark after Stoke-on-Trent City Council cut the budget for Christmas lights outside the city centre.  The council says the lack of festive spirit is a direct result of Government curs which have left …

Awards hat trick for Staffordshire Housing Association recognises excellence in service and customer care.

A housing association has won a hat trick of awards in recognition of outstanding service and the way it values its staff.  In less than two months, Staffordshire Housing Association has been recognised for its quality standards by Investors in Excellence, Investors in Diversity (Level Two) and has achieved Gold accreditation from Investors in People.  Diane Lea, Chief Executive, said: …

Don’t get caught out by tax avoidance scheme

Workers have been warned that they may face Inland Revenue sanctions because of a tax avoidance scheme affecting scores of low paid temporary staff.  HM Revenue and Customs is concerned that some recruitment agencies are indulging in complex tax avoidance schemes.  HMRC rules say that neither an agency, or the temporary worker they place in a job, need pay national …

Brewery head calls on MPs to save the Great British Pub

A Staffordshire brewer is calling on the county’s MPs to back a British tradition during a debate in beer prices in Parliament this week.  Keith Bott, Managing Director of Titanic Brewery, has written to five MPs in North and Mid Staffordshire urging them to speak and vote in the Beer Tax Escalator debate to be held in the House of …