Below are some of the fantastic case studies for Designated Associates.

Name of Case Study Business: Wirral Chamber of Commerce
Name of Client: Enterprise Club

The Feedback

"Just wanted to say a big thank you, once again, for speaking at our Enterprise Club last night and making it such a great success. The feedback I got on the night was extremely positive, with many people remarking that they were looking forward to hearing you again in November. From the evaluation forms completed, almost 100% rated the overall impression of the event as excellent".
Julie Knights, WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

Name of Case Study Business: Claire Weetman
Name of Client: Claire Weetman

“I'm a freelance visual artist and often have to apply for short term projects. Some of my ideas can be a bit difficult to get across, especially when they are all tied up in my head. I've been attending group mentoring sessions run by Designated Associates, and at this session on presentation skills I had an interview looming. This opportunity to practice my presentation to the board was invaluable as it showed up where my presentation was lacking - the feedback from the rest of the group made me realise that I needed to be clearer when describing what will actually happen, and as a visual artist that I should produce some more relevant visuals as that would have aided their understanding. This insight meant that I was clearer describing how I would deliver the project, produced some visual cues and was ultimately successful at interview. The project will be with Cheshire East Council's Arts services as part of the Big Draw celebrations in their leisure centres this October."

See claireweetman.blogspot.com for updates on the project or follow me on twitter @claireweetman.

Name of Case Study Business: Vision+Media
Name of Client: Vision+Media

THE CHALLENGE

Mentor training workshop for Creative Apprenticeship Mentors.  To developing individuals through Mentor training Vision+Media supporters participating organisations and the Apprentices, both of whom benefit from the acquired skills.

THE OUTCOME

The Mentor training was designed & delivered by Elaine Owen.  The training was structured to provide a definite model of structure [GROW] for Mentor sessions that will support the Mentors in their delivery and implementation of Mentor sessions and offer the Apprentices a fully informed level of support

The participants now have the skills necessary to support their Apprentice and offer structured Mentor sessions and found the training to be of benefit and suited to their requirements.

THE FEEDBACK

Some of the feedback received from the participants:

“I will use skills to mentor apprentice with confidence“
“Take the knowledge & training gained back to my organisations to develop a clear strategy“
“I will use my new skills to set up a mentor framework within my company “
“Elaine has a lot of knowledge and she delivered this well in a relaxed and friendly way”
“The course has supported me in gaining confidence in my ability as a mentor”
“I will use this course to continue to develop my mentoring skills and learn more about being a mentor“

Elaine Owen MD Designated Associates, said;

“It’s visionary if you pardon the pun that mentor training has been supplied to Creative Apprenticeships mentors. This was a really great mix of people – all new to mentoring but all committed to giving their best to their creative apprentices”

"I have worked with Elaine for 5 years and have nothing but praise, both for her and the tireless work she has has done for women in business regionally and nationally. Her business talents rise above many other providers and the professionalism and passion that she puts into supporting local companies has had a profound effect, that has created growth and job opportunities.

Elaine is extremely proficient in her key skill areas of marketing and ICT support and her work with the Mentoring Programme (that she has run so well) has allowed businesses to share her knowledge to better themselves.

I would recommend Elaine and her business to any company that is looking for genuine and honest support to lead them forward and upward."

Name of Case Study Business: Wirral Borough Council
Name of Client: Wirral Borough Council

THE CHALLENGE

Wirral Council had launched a new project. The initial project team of 14 people were brought on board from both within the council and externally and were required to come together and function effectively as a team start delivering from Day 1.

THE OUTCOME

Designated Associates were invited to deliver team building that enhanced team effectiveness and its ability to deliver the desired results. Designated Associates designed a day which shaped the vision and created a picture of success that worked for the whole team, defined how the team would work together and its values and helped the team understand each other’s motivations and personalities

By the end of the day the vision and values had been developed and a plan for communication established, and everyone was engaged and bought into the way forward. Everyone had personal actions for which they were accountable to make the team thrive and was aware of the different characters and personalities within the team and how they could best work with each other. They also created and took away and a copy of a highly entertaining and creative promotional video they had design, created and filmed during the day.

THE FEEDBACK

The team were delighted with the day and comments included:
“fun and informative, fab quality training, very helpful in planning and responsive to our requirements, provided a structured and supportive environment to discuss issues and strategies, friendly down to earth, engaging, well organised and produced positive results, a fantastic way to develop a successful team and project.”

Manager Melanie Campbell said of working with Designated Associates:
“Highly recommended – excellent quality training in a friendly, informal but focused environment. This has helped the team to become more cohesive, more understanding of each other and has left a lasting impression. I would definitely consider further sessions with Designated Associates.”

Designated Associates - Employee Case Study

Laura Upton, Age 20

Sales Apprentice Background

Laura has been working for Designated Associates for the past 9 months as a Sales Apprentice. Before starting her current role with Designated, Laura already had an interest in working within the sector and completed an NVQ3 in Business Administration as she wanted to pursue a career in business. She is now working in a Sales role which she really enjoys. Laura benefits from her previous experience as she still carries out administration duties on a day to day basis.

The Job

Laura is currently completing an apprenticeship, working towards a level 3 Diploma in Sales. It is interacting with clients and customers and closing sales that she enjoys the most about her job. A typical day for Laura involves calling clients, ensuring the office runs smoothly, raising invoices, purchase orders, updating the company webpage and database, dealing with external emails and telephone calls and searching for potential clients. In order to complete her apprenticeship Laura has a sales tutor from her learning provider that visits her on the job, once a month to cover all the units that are required, adding evidence to her portfolio and completing Maths and English tests. Laura also receives in house training from Designated Associates including Health and Safety in the workplace and Telesales, which she found extremely beneficial. Laura feels she is learning and growing everyday in her role and her goal is to achieve maximum sales profit and gain as much experience as possible.

Laura says…. ‘I can see myself growing and learning each day, there is a lot of room for me to grow and fulfil my sales role.’ ‘I think its very important for future applicants who truly want to pursue a career in business to know that it’s a great role to be involved in but its challenging at times. There is a lot to learn in the industry and to be successful you must be work focused and willing to learn.’

Source: http://www.connexionslive.com/YoungPeople/JobsandCareers/JobsForTomorrow/CaseStudies.aspx