News

Congratulations to People United

July 25, 2012

People United Win a National Award

The winners of the first Better Places National Awards were announced at a ceremony in Manchester on 3 July.

The awards were organised by New Start – the UK’s leading magazine about making places better. They were searching for projects and programmes that demonstrated innovation and a commitment to inclusive approaches and wanted to celebrate initiatives that have gone that extra mile, reaching out to all sections of society and blazing a trail for others to follow.

People United won the Social Enterprise Award for their We All Do Good Things project in Herne Bay, Kent. The project was launched in 2009, collecting stories of kindness and love from the local community. Artists worked across the town to uncover and celebrate positive stories from bingo halls, schools, residential homes and hairdressing salons.

The project culminated in an exhibition and giant picnic for the community attracting more than 1,000 local people. Overall, the project involved around a sixth of the town’s population.

A research team at the University of Kent is now analysing its wider impact and We All Do Good Things has already inspired similar projects elsewhere. Its success hasn’t gone unnoticed in government. David Anderson, cohesion guidance and cross-government liaison at the Department for Communities and Local Government, says of the initiative:

 “Every now and again I hear about a local project which is both exceptional and inspiring, making me want to tell others about it. The work that People United have done falls into that category.

 It shows how a positive focus on what people have in common can help tackle difficult social issues. And like all great ideas, it is simple enough for others to copy, but also highly original.”

 The judges said: “The exciting thing about this initiative is that while it’s already demonstrated success, it’s also acting as a catalyst – and it can clearly be replicated elsewhere.”

 People United are delighted with the award as it recognises a project that harnessed the power of the arts to make a positive difference. We also won the Community Award presented by Canterbury City Council at the Culture Awards in 2011 for the same project.

Attached image – Sarah Fox, Project Manager at the Better Places National Awards Ceremony

Job Vacancies at CIC

July 18, 2012

We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Centre Manager here at the Canterbury Innovation Centre.  If you are interested please call Jo Clark on 01227 811700 for an application form and job description.  Be quick – closing date is 25th July 2012!!

Hello Caroline!

June 13, 2012

The Canterbury Innovation Centre welcomes its new receptionist today – Caroline O’Donnell.

Welcome to the mad house Caroline!

Fond farewell …………

May 28, 2012

to the wonderful Lizzy who spends her last day with us today.  Everyone here at the Canterbury Innovation Centre wish her the very best of luck in her new job.  You’ll be missed Lizzy.

All that remains …………….

March 5, 2012

Units currently available are:

Unit 74 – 206 sq ft

Units 27 & 28 (Interlinking) – 600 sq ft in total

For prices and to organise a viewing please contact either Jo or Tracy on 01227 811700.

Congratulations to Nova IT Solutions

January 30, 2012

A Canterbury Innovations Centre business, Nova IT Solutions had more than one reason to celebrate the start of 2012 in January. In addition to moving a to a larger office at their Canterbury site in Kent, Roland Nowak received exciting news from the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, who confirmed he has been upgraded from a Professional Member (MBCS) to the significant status of Fellow (FBCS) http://wam.bcs.org/wam/memberdirectory.aspx?letter=N&grade=FBCS

‘The grade of Fellowship comprises the most senior and respected professionals in the field of IT’ and reflects the up-to-date expertise, knowledge and training skills that Roland brings on a daily basis to Nova IT Solutions clients and staff, as well as a consultant to schools and charities.

Roland had to meet stringent criteria covering Eminence (recognition and acknowledgement in the IT field), Authority (recognised and respected for knowledge and expertise) and Seniority prerequisite. Support of the award by two other acknowledged IT professionals was also a necessary requirement. Passing these criteria then led to an invitation to attend an intense interview held with two distinguished Chartered Fellow members covering additional technical and IT related management questions, before being achieving the honor of being awarded Fellowship.

For those who may not know, The Institute fosters links between experts from industry, academia and business to promote new thinking, education and knowledge sharing.  The Institute collaborates with government, industry and relevant bodies to establish good working practices, codes of conduct, skills frameworks and common standards. It also offers a range of consultancy services to employers to help them adopt best practice. To be awarded a Fellowship recognises an industry expert and promotes shared knowledge both within and outside an organisation.

More information on the BCS can be found at: http://www.bcs.org/category/5651

Roland Nowak (FBCS): 0800 019 4525 (Free phone 24/7) www.nova-itsolutions.com