Reading Archive for August, 2008

Reading, Berkshire ~ Business Services
Dedicated to maximising people potential either on an individual basis or as part of a team.

About us:

A down-to-earth Human Resources and Learning Consultancy, based in West Berkshire, dedicated to maximising people potential either on an individual basis or as part of a team. We understand that you are all very busy people and want a timely and practical solution for your needs. Whether you are an individual starting work for the first time, returning to work after a career break, looking for a career change or wanting to update your skills; whether you are a sole trader looking to start or expand your business; or whether you are a new or established small- to medium-size enterprise looking for some dedicated Human Resources or learning support, then Brightstart UK Limited can offer a range of Services to meet your needs. As part of its ongoing passion for people development, Brightstart UK Limited is working on a number of initiatives aimed at making lifelong learning more accessible in the local community.

Aptitude Testing and Profiling

Brightstart Human Resources are a Thomas International licenced user of profiling tools.

Understanding the aptitudes and working style preferences of yourself or your individual employees, and how this can impact on team performance is a fascinating area……..often tension and conflict within or between teams can be explained because of mismatches in aptitude and working style.

The tools are particularly useful for individuals wishing to discover their own aptitudes or working style preferences or ascertaining a suitable career choice based on their aptitudes and working style preferences.

Aptitude tests and profiling tools are invaluable at all stages of the employee life-cycle, from recruitment through to employee development through to outplacement.

The service can be offered on an e-mail basis, a combination of e-mail and face-to-face basis or a purely face-to-face basis, dependant on the package chosen.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

The value of developing employees cannot be underestimated. It can be a key factor in employee retention, whether you are inducting new employees or developing the skills and experiences of existing employees. There are a range of CPD solutions on offer, some of which are on offer through Brightstart Learning. These cover both a range of soft skills and more specifically training in Human Resource issues for non-Human Resource employees. These are typically delivered at the clients’ site. See Events.

Day-to-day Administration

There can be a lot of administration associated with employing people. Timely help is at hand, whether you are bringing on board new employees, dealing with day-to-day requests from existing employees, dealing with leavers or ex-employees. Working within the law is as important when dealing with administration as any other part of the ‘employing people’ process. Brightstart can provide a specific on-site HR Administrator service at a competitive rate.

Employment Documentation

Legally up-to-date offer letters, contracts of employment, employee handbooks and policies and procedures are essential. You need to ensure your company is working within the law - whether you are employing people for the first time, or whether your existing documentation needs an overhaul. There are a range of standard or tailor-made solutions on offer. These will be available to purchase from the online shop, coming very soon.

Human Resources Manager/ Human Resources Consultant Service

Whether you need Human Resources support one day a month or a few days a week, the Human Resources Manager Service is for you. If you need specific help on a particular project or advice/help dealing with a complex issue, then the Human Resources Consultant Service is for you. Both of these services are typically delivered at the client site. This can be tailored to your company’s specific needs and can typically include a range of support (see the other services on offer). The service is a cost-effective way of managing your employment issues over time.

Legal Compliance

A range of legal compliance audits can be undertaken to ensure your company meets the essential requirements of data protection; health, safety and well-being; and equal pay. You are advised on shortfalls, given an action plan, and given advice on the most effective way to meet compliance needs.

Projects

Whatever employment issues you are faced with, in addition to the services already listed, a helping hand can be given on:

· Absence

· Computerised Human Resource Information Systems

· Disciplinary and Grievance

· Employee Benefits

· Identifying and developing high-flyers

· Performance Management (individuals and teams)

· Right-sizing

· Salary Surveys

· Setting up an in-house training function

· Skills Audit.

Recruitment and Selection

Advertising, short listing, interviewing, selection and document/reference checking for potential employees (UK and International assignments).

Contact Details:

Brightstart UK
4 Alder Glade
Burghfield Common
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 3HW

Telephone: 0118 983 5328

Reading, Berkshire ~ Photographic
Wedding and bridal photography in and around Berkshire

About us:

Affordable wedding photography in the Wokingham and Reading areas of Berkshire! We are based in Woodley mid way between Wokingham and Reading and with easy access to the M4 and South Oxfordshire.

Unlike some studios, I am the photographer and as such, photograph every wedding personally, so when you see my work you know that you’ll receive the same quality at your own wedding. We will provide you with a very personal service, and endeavour to spoil you for choice with a diverse range of images of the highest standard to record your very special day.

While wedding and bridal photography around Reading and Wokingham area of Berkshire accounts for the majority of our work, we also photograph weddings in the nearby areas of Hampshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire.

Contact Details:

Artography Weddings
Kingfisher Drive
Woodley
Reading
Berkshire
RG5 3LG

Telephone: 0118 961 7591

Our Website

Reading, Berkshire ~ Pets
Guinea pig rescue and rehoming in the Reading and Oxon area.

About us:

We usually have boars and sows of all ages and a variety of colours that are waiting for their Forever Homes. Often they are just unwanted pets that children have grown out of. Occasionaly we take in cases of severe neglect.

We match humans to guinea pigs and do guinea pig bonding (see the forum attached to our website). If you have a GP for rehoming please let us know ASAP so that we can arrange for space to be available for them to come in. We are often full and space may not be ready at once but we will try and help put you in touch with someone who can.

We work closely with the RSPCA and are Animal Welfare Act compliant.

Contact Details:

Reading Guinea Pig Rescue
11 Ringwood Road
Tilehurst
Reading
Berkshire
RG30 6TY

Telephone: 0118 961 5096

Guinea Pigs on Reading Websites

Reading, Berkshire ~ Weddings
We have an extensive range of gowns and outfits to suit all styles of wedding ceremony.

About us:

The Broad Street Mall store is the preferred shopping destination for customers throughout the Thames Valley. Our store is situated in a comfortable indoor shopping centre including air-conditioning, convenient parking and a choice of restaurants and cafes.

Dressing Her

Bridal Gowns

Whatever your type of ceremony, Bride To Be offers a superb choice of carefully selected gowns from award-winning designers to suit your style and your budget. We have gowns suitable for church, hotel, stately home, registry office, overseas, beach and informal and second blessing occasions, with all accessories to compliment them. We stock gowns in-store in sizes 10-24, so all our customers have a good selection to try on when making their choice (but many gowns can be ordered from size 6 up to 30+).Ideally, you should allow six month’s or more to order your gown, but at Bride To Be, we specialise in last-minute requests as well, so it is always worth contacting our helpful and knowledgeable staff, even if the wedding is next week!

Bridesmaid Dresses

Bride To Be carries a wide selection of stylish and modern dresses which have great appeal for today’s bridesmaids. Many styles are available in a choice of more than 40 colours and in your choice of style (full-length, tea-length, strapless, with bolero etc etc).Many ranges include complimentary styles for youngsters and/or flower girl dresses. You can also check matching colours for waistcoats and cravats for the Groom’s party in the adjoining Groom’s Room, during your visit. Again, an appointment is advisable so that we can ensure that a changing room and bridal consultant are available to make your visit as productive as possible.

Flower Girl Dresses

Flower Girl dresses are available for ages 3 to 11/12 and come in colours which match the bridesmaid ranges. BTB will fit and alter your flower girl dresses to the same professional standard as the adult dresses.

First Communion Dresses
We always have a selection of first communion dresses in-store, but for widest possible choice, plan to order your dress 3-4 months ahead of the occasion to allow for delivery and alterations.

Proms Dresses

Proms dresses are available in a wide variety of colours and all styles (ball length, etc). Proms dresses have the same delivery time as bridesmaid dresses, so be sure to place your order well in advance (10 – 18 weeks).

Accessories

* Shoes
* Tiaras
* Veils
* Jewellery
* Garters
* Ring Cushions
* Heirloom Storage Boxes

Dressing Him

* Men’s Formalwear – Hire Or Buy
* Morning Suits (Top Hat ‘N’ Tails)
* Frockcoats – Edwardian/Victorian
* Dinner Suits (Black Tie/White Tie)
* Highlandwear
* Fancy Frock Coats (White/Ivory, Nehru, Brocade Etc)
* Short Jacket/Lounge Suits
* Pageboys/First Communion
* School Proms
* Accessories
* Alterations Service
* Immediate Hire Stock
* Men’s Formalwear – Hire Or Buy

We provide stylish outfits for all occasions to hire or buy. We have a large amount of stock in the shop available to hire, but if you prefer to buy, we can often obtain suits from our suppliers within the week, although for maximum choice, order 10-12 weeks before your occasion.
We can order to buy full morning suits (top hat ‘n’ tails), frockcoats, fancy frockcoats, evening suits, white tuxedos, highlandwear and lounge suits (short jacket). Also we supply all accessories, such as waistcoats, shirts, cravats, ties/bow ties, top hats, patent shoes, braces, cufflinks, cravat pins, and wedding party cufflinks, boxer shorts and socks etc etc.

Morning Suits (Top Hat ‘N’ Tails)

Our classic morning suits come in a choice of colours and weight of cloth.
Traditional herringbone wool tailcoat jackets are available in black, navy blue and green, with coordinating stripe trousers and your choice of waistcoat (top hat optional).

Our lightweight tailcoats are proving extremely popular as the temperatures soar each summer. These suits come with a choice of matching or stripe trousers in mid-grey, navy blue and an extremely modern black suit; we can also supply the traditional ascot grey tailcoat suits, all with your choice of waistcoat.

As well as weddings, these tailcoats suits are eminently suitable for formal day occasions like Ascot races, garden parties, investitures and embassy receptions.

Frockcoats – Edwardian/Victorian

Frockcoats are a popular alternative to tailcoats, especially for weddings. Edwardian frockcoats are straight cut and sit in length on or just above the knee. Victorian frockcoats are straight cut but longer, normally sitting below the knee.

Our edwardian frockcoats compliment the tailcoats and may be worn with matching or stripe trousers. The traditional weight herringbone wool jackets come in black or navy blue. We also offer lightweight alternatives in mid-grey, dark brown, beige and a striking black.

Victorian frockcoats are available in black, navy blue and green.

Dinner Suits (Black Tie/White Tie)

Black Tie occasions are evening events to which guests are invited to wear a formal evening suit and bow tie (which may or may not be black according to the formality of the function). Typical occasions might be sports club dinners, awards dinners, company dinners, masonic events, cruises, proms, balls etc etc.

For Black Tie we have black dinner suits and black dress trousers and all accessories to hire or buy. We can also hire or supply white tuxedos, always popular for summer events and cruises and overseas weddings. Black evening suits are in-stock for IMMEDIATE HIRE.

White Tie occasions are evening events to which guests are invited to wear a black tailcoat suit, white marcella waistcoat and evening dress trousers, with a white bow tie. Typical occasions are opera, embassy receptions, regatta dinners etc etc. We hire full evening dress outfits with all accessories, as required; to ensure we can accommodate your white tie needs, please allow at least 7-days’ notice.

Highlandwear

We hire full highland outfits, including jacket, kilt, hose, ghillie brogues and all accessories, with a choice of some 20 tartans.

We can also have the outfit of your choice made for you to buy, with a choice of over 100 tartans.

We hire highland outfits for adults and boys (age 3+) – please allow at least 7-days’ notice for your highlandwear hire.

Fancy Frock Coats (White/Ivory, Nehru, Brocade Etc)

We have a variety of ‘fancy’ frock coats for hire, mostly edwardian length.
White suits or white jackets which may be worn with your choice of trouser, brocade ‘nehru’ collar (round neck) jackets in ivory, black or oyster, brocade jackets in gold, purple and navy blue, velvet jackets in burgundy red or navy blue, all worn with your choice of waistcoat and trousers.

These suits may be worn to most occasions – wedding, evening, prom etc – as an alternative to the traditional outfit.

Short Jacket/Lounge Suits

An alternative to the longer tailcoat suits and frockcoats for formal morning wear is the short jacket, available to hire in black and worn with stripe trousers, waistcoat and cravat/tie of choice. We also hire black, dark grey and navy blue lounge suits, suitable for weddings and occasions like interviews, funerals, church services (christenings, first communion etc) for adults and boys.

We have a range of extremely stylish continental wedding suits to buy only in a choice of colours, including black, grey, brown, fawn etc and a make-up service with a wide choice of cloths.

Pageboys/First Communion

Most of our standard hire ranges are available for pageboys/guests from age 3+, including black, grey, navy and green tailcoat suits and black, white, navy and grey edwardian jackets and trousers, plus your choice of waistcoat/cravat from the hire range.

We also have to hire short jacket lounge suits in black, navy and grey, plus available to buy only a range of coordinated jacket/waistcoat/trouser 3-piece lounge suits to fit from age 3 to 14 years.

Often, parents find that boys only require a waistcoat and cravat matching the rest of the party and/or shirt and trousers and we hire these items on their own, as required.

Accessories

The Groom’s Room offers a full range of formalwear accessories to hire or buy.

* Shirts – we hire or sell formal shirts, including plain and pleated front dress shirts in standard or wing collar, victorian collar shirts, neru collar shirts, marcella front shirts, black wing collar shirts and many more styles. Shirt sizes start at 10 inch neck for boys through to 23 inches for adults in half inch increments; most adult shirts come in standard length sleeves and extra long sleeves (2 inches extra).
* Shoes – we have black patent shoes to hire or buy, cream and white patent shoes to buy only and Ghillie Brogues for highland outfits. Shoe sizes start at size 7 children through to 13 adult.
* Top Hats – hire top hats come with a 5-inch crown in Grey, Navy Blue, Green or Black; sizes start at 6 inches through to 7 ¾ inch adult. Hats may also be ordered to buy, including 7-inch crown black top hats, bowler hats, trilbys etc.
* Cravats – we have a very wide choice of cravats to hire – ready-tied or self tie, including traditional wedding stocks, scrunchy ties (ruches), silk self-tie etc. which all come with matching top pocket handkerchiefs. We also offer a CMT (cut, make and trim) service to make up cravats/ties from fabric supplied by you, or choose from our extensive fabric swatches.
* Ties - we make standard ties for both adults and boys available to hire or buy. There is also a make-up service to source the colour of your choice to buy, if preferred.
* Bow Ties – ready-tied or self-tie bow ties available to hire or buy.
* Cummerbunds – cummerbund and bow tie sets are in-stock to buy or may be hired with evening suits.
* Handkerchiefs – matching top pocket handkerchiefs for both cravats and ties are available to hire, or can be purchased.
* Belts – we have a range of reversible (black/brown) leather belts available to hire or buy.
* Braces – we hire braces and always carry a selection buy. Sizes to hire/buy for both adult/children.
* Arm Bands – silver arm bands to assist the correct positioning of formal shirt sleeves available to hire or buy.
* Cufflinks – we have a selection of fine quality cufflinks available to hire or buy (choice of gold/silver to hire). Many other styles available to buy, including wedding cufflinks for Groom, Best Man, Father of Bride, Father of Groom, Brother, Grandfather, Usher etc. and crystal cufflink/cravat pin sets in a choice of 16-colours.
* Cravat Pins – We have a choice of cravat pins in a variety of styles/colours.
* Button Covers – we have a choice of button covers (worn over the top button of nehru-collar shirts), including ‘ying/yang’ styles, with matching cufflinks, in gold or silver.
* Shirt Studs – we keep shirt stud sets for marcella evening shirts in stock to buy.
* Gloves – white or grey dress gloves available in stock to buy.
* White scarves – white silk dress scarves available in stock to buy.
* Walking Cane – silver-top walking canes available to buy/hire.
* Fob watches and chain – in gold or silver available to buy.
* Boxer shorts – wedding boxer shorts for Groom, Best Man, Usher etc available to buy.
* Socks – black wedding socks for Groom, Best Man, Usher etc available to buy.

Alterations’ Service

Bride To Be and The Groom’s Room have their own in-house sewing facility. Alterations can be carried out on all wedding gown and bridesmaid dress purchases by our expert bridal-trained seamstresses. (All alterations are quoted extra to the retail price of dresses at the time of first fitting, if required.)

Appointments

For your own convenience, an appointment is advisable to try on any type of dress as we can both reserve a changing room and ensure that one of our friendly and knowledgeable bridal consultants is available to act as your personal shopper during your visit. Otherwise, if you’re in-town, do pop in to see what’s new – anytime - and if you wish to try on, we will do our best to fit you in. Telephone 0118 957 5115 for your appointment

Contact Details:

Bride To Be
107 Broad Stret Mall
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 7QA

Telephone: 0118 957 5115

Reading, Berkshire ~ Employment Agencies
One of the UK’s largest recruitment businesses, specialising in the office and industrial sectors.

About us:

With almost 50 years of experience in matching the right people with the right jobs, we’re ready to work for you wherever or whenever you need us.

* Admin/Secretarial
* Construction
* Customer Service
* Engineering
* Facilities Management
* Finance & Banking
* Hospitality & Catering
* Human Resource
* Industrial
* IT
* Legal
* Leisure & Tourism
* Management & Executive
* Manufacturing
* Marketing & PR
* Recruitment Consultant
* Retail
* Sales
* Transport & Logistics

looking for work?

Job Search for immediate access to our database of vacancies.

Rather than apply for particular jobs, you can register your details with us. A consultant from your local branch will then identify suitable vacancies or potential employers, using their local knowledge to make the match with your skills and needs.

Flexible Employees: If you want to work flexibly or even occasionally, that’s fine. We understand you’ve got a life with other commitments. Flexible working is even more attractive with Blue Arrow.

Blue Arrow Careers: Our size and growth plans continually provide new opportunities for bright, ambitious self starters to work as Branch Managers, Recruitment Consultants, Resourcers and Administrators.

looking for staff?

Blue Arrow provide an extended range of permanent and temporary recruitment services to private and public sector clients in the office and industrial sectors. See our services and our specialisms.

Our priority is to help our clients, candidates and employees to be successful. That’s why we focus on our promise “we work for you”. Recently we’ve changed the way we operate to create an even better experience for everyone we connect with.

knowledge fuelled with passion

Our branch managers and their teams are recruited for their specialist knowledge and enthusiasm for the sector in which they operate. You can be sure that our teams are on your wave length and will go out of their way to get the results you want. They understand your challenges and will work with you to find pragmatic solutions to add even more value to your business.

local people meeting local needs

As the recruitment experts in their geographic markets, our people are empowered with local decision making You can be sure that our teams really know their local market and will be ready to offer you straight forward advice and information about recruiting the key skills you need for growth and success.

expertise and confidence

Our local teams are fully supported by regional and head office business support teams including specialists in systems and processes, legal compliance, HR, training, marketing and IT. Together we work to make a real difference in your business.

Contact Details:

Blue Arrow
42 Station Hill
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 1NF

Telephone: 0118 958 6040

Reading, Berkshire ~ Services
The Foundation is committed to helping you make a lasting impact in your local community.

About us:

Since 1985, the Foundation has been building a Community Capital Fund to provide grants to small voluntary groups that tackle need at the grassroots of our local community, both now and in the future.

Donations from individuals, companies and Charitable Trusts are pooled in the Foundation’s Community Capital Fund from which the Foundation draws income to make its grants. Simple really! This also means that your donation works year after year generating income for grant making year on year on year…

Our main grant making is directed to:

* The elderly
* Children and young people
* People with a long-term illness or disability, and their carers
* People with mental health needs
* Minority ethnic communities
* Those suffering from addiction

The Foundation aims to support the smaller groups who are doing vital work but who have real difficulties in raising funds.

Significant Pockets of Deprivation in Berkshire

The county has two different aspects: rural West Berkshire where the problems are associated with social isolation, with issues such as transport for people without cars.

Those affected are often disadvantaged in other ways – elderly, disabled, young or seeking employment. East Berkshire is the more urbanised area, with pockets of unemployment, deprivation and poor educational attainment and more “inner city” issues.

The Foundation is aware of the detailed issues facing each local authority and uses the research-based Community Needs Survey* as the context for grant making.

We always have to prioritise and make difficult decisions as we have many more applicants than we can fund.

The Foundation is a very flexible instrument for local charitable giving. People give for a wide range of personal reasons and the Foundation is geared to meeting whatever a donor’s wishes are.

The donation can be a single payment, a legacy, or spread over several years and it can also be a Gift of Shares or Property. Whatever the donation is, it can be geared to address a particular issue, such as older people or people with a disability, for a particular geographical locality or left to the Community Foundation to utilise in addressing the priority needs it has identified in its Community Needs Survey. The Foundation can help donors make their decisions and to set up a Named Fund to address the issues they stipulate, with whatever degree of control they wish.

Contact Details:

Berkshire Community Foundation
Arlington Business Park
Theale
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4SA

Telephone: 0118 930 3021