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Events, 2010
Wonder Woman’s Charity Cheque, July 2010
Pictured here is Helen Lacey (MD of Red Berry Recruitment) AKA Wonder Woman! With Teresa Wort, Fund Raising Manager for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice presenting the cheque for £1047. Back in April Helen abseiled down the side of Debenhams retail store in Taunton, she admitted she was more nervous about doing the abseil than she was when she did the Sky Dive also for the hospice a few years back. Helen presented the cheque to Teresa at the Taunton St Margaret’s Hospice and spent an hour visiting the patients dressed in her costume. Helen said “ This is a great charity and I support it 100% though I am not sure what Teresa has in store for me to do next!?”
Glastonbury FM Radio Interview, July 2010
Pictured here is Helen Lacey and Alan Trinder- presenter of GFM (Glastonbury FM) where Helen was asked by the show to come on and talk about her Business. Helen a signed up member of The Best of Wells was put in touch with Alan via Jacquie Priestly The Best of Wells Franchise, so Helen wasted no time in promoting Red Berry! Helen, not one to shy away from the lime light loved being on air and talking about what she loves...shopping and her business!
Yeovil Business Awards, June 2010
Pictured here at the Yeovil Business Awards in May is Helen Lacey and her friend Andrew Norman (Owner of The Valeter, based in Somerton). Helen was nominated as Yeovil Business Person of the Year but sadly was not a winner this time round. However, this has not deterred her as she will soon be opening in Yeovil and hopes to scope the award next year!
Helen at the Brainwave Charity event, June 2010
On June 16th whilst the rest of the Red Berry team were at a quiz at The Thatch Cottage organised by the Shepton Mallet Chamber of Commerce, Helen went to Bridgwater to attend an evening hosted by the Somerset Charity of the Year winner Brainwave. In the picture is Helen Lacey (MD) of Red Berry Recruitment and Christine Cryne- Chief Executive for the charity, plus 2 members of staff and their son. The event was an open evening to those who had supported the charity over the year to show the supporters where the money that they had donated or raised had been spent. Helen said “ It was a very moving experience to hear the stories about the families whose children, suffer from brain injury and what they go through to rehabilitate themselves. As a company, we will certainly be looking at what else we can do to help support this well worthy cause”.
Over the Garden fence, June 2010
On Tuesday 15th Helen, Natalie and Sarah set up their exhibition stand at the “Over the Garden Fence” event which was held at the Cheese and Grain building in Frome. Many businesses exhibited and the event was well attended. Helen said that these events are always good to keep the profile of the company up and meeting new contacts and old faces is always a bonus!
Tanks and Tiara’s, June 2010
Pictured in the centre is Helen Lacey with Charlotte and Gemma the 2 performers at the Tanks and Tiaras charity Ball, organised by Julie Patterson and her daughter Charlotte for the Somerset Community Foundation. The event was held at the property of Chris Watts who runs ACF hospitality. Helen sponsored Charlotte and Gemma off Hoop Char to perform for the guests, in which when they arrived they were greeted by the ladies on stilts and offered champagne Then throughout the evening Charlotte and Gemma performed amazing acts with fire and led hoops. Helen also donated a massive hamper that raised £80 in auction.
Bishop’s Palace, June 2010
Pictured here is Helen and Natalie with their exhibition stand at the Bishops Palace at an event organised by Jacqui Priestly from the Best of Wells website. Helen was one of the guest speakers where she spoke about small businesses, growth during a recession and recruiting staff. Helen and Natalie met lots of interesting companies and were very impressed with the turn out. The next event that Helen will be speaking at for the Best of Wells will be on the 26th July at the Kings Head in Wells.
Strode College Award Breakfast, June 2010
Pictured here is Helen with Ian Bennett the Principal for Strode College, Tessa Munt, Liberal Democrat MP, Graham Knight Business Development Manager of Strode College and Emma Hubbuck of Hubbuck Associates (HR Advice) amongst many others, to celebrate the prestigious Training Award. The Training Quality Standard is an outstanding achievement that can only be attained by the best colleges and providers. The Training Quality Standard mark shows that the organisation is certified and also understands and exceeds employers’ needs. Helen joined a number of businesses that where involved with the college to celebrate this amazing award that has only been achieved by 70 colleges across the country, CONGRATULATIONS STRODE COLLEGE and well done to everyone involved!!
Natalie’s 30th Birthday, June 6th 2010
On Sunday the 6th of June it was our very own Natalie White’s Birthday, however not just any birthday it was her second 21st (+9). Natalie is our very own Office Manager who is known too everyone who has been to the office (and even some who have only passed on by with the windows open) with her always lively personality and friendly approach! So on Friday 4th the office staff threw her a surprise celebration which involved presents, cake and embarrassing pictures. I’m sure everyone else will join us in wishing Natalie a Happy Birthday and hoping she had a great 30th birthday party!
Helen at the Bath and West, June 2010
Pictured here is Helen Lacey, who attend the Bath and West show on Thursday 3rd June to represent the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Helen is the Yeovil and Mendip Vice Chair for the FSB and spent the day giving out leaflets, promoting the Federation of Small Businesses and plugging the Green It Mean It campaign! She is pictured with the Ariel Atom, which is manufactured in Crewkerne, Somerset. £800 was raised for CLIC Sargent, in which a ride in the Atom was the main prize.
Helen at the Bath and West Radio Show
Pictured here is Helen Lacey and BBC Radio Somerset Outside Broadcasting Producer Paul George. Helen was asked by BBC Somerset to go live on air at the Bath and West to discuss First Impressions and how it affects candidates at interview stage for jobs. She was interviewed by Emma Britton (not pictured) who had been informed by their researcher that helen has over 200 pairs of shoes, something which even helen admits is rather an excessive amount!
Wells Fun Run, May 2010
Red Berry Recruitment was recently approached by Mike Brown and Ellie Milln, Organisers of the Wells Fun Run to see if they would like to sponsor a race. Helen then decided to sponsor the Junior and 1km races. With over 150 runners, Charlotte and Helen had their hands full giving out medals to all the deserving children who ran. Pictured here is Helen Lacey (left), MD and Charlotte West (right), Commercial Consultant of Red Berry Recruitment together with Elly Milln and Mike Brown at the back, organisers of the Wells Fun Run. Pictured in the front are Cameron Bazley-Jackson (yellow top), Ella Rose (Pink and black top) and Lillibelle (pink top). Well done to all the runners!
Un-suited and Booted, May 2010
On Friday 21st May, one of the hottest days this year so far, Helen and Natalie dressed causal for the day at an event organised by Rachel Sweet of Sweet Skills, Carly Warren of Thoroughbred Print and Design and Jane Adkins of A Head for PR. They attended seminars and talks by a number of guest speakers including Saira Khan, who was a contestant on the first ever 'The Apprentice' with Alan Sugar! Sairas seminar was excellent, Helen and Natalie thoroughly enjoyed the day and in between clay pigeon shooting and archery spread the word of Red Berry a little further across Somerset!
Westlands Career Day, April 2010
In April Helen and Sarah attended a careers fair at Westlands leisure complex, it was an extremely busy day for the ladies as they interviewed over 47 people in the space of 6 hours! However we did not get off lightly with Helen being out of the office as we had one of the busiest days the office has seen this year!
St. Margaret’s Hospice Abseil, April 2010
On Saturday 24th April Helen Lacey, MD of Red Berry Recruitment donned a Wonder Womens outfit and threw herself backwards off (with a harness) from the top of the Debenhams building in Taunton for St Margaret’s Hospice. Watched by on-lookers, Helen regrettingly wore her lycra outfit, abseiled down the building and raised a total of £800. This amount was due to the enormous generosity of many people she knows, in particular some great clients. Alex, the HR Director at Crown Pets Foods in Castle Cary matched Helens amount raised doubling the sponsored amount! A HUGE thank you to everyone that donated, it really was appreciated! It seems like Helen likes to throw herself out of or down objects for charity, though she has assured us her feet are firmly on the ground for a while. She did however say that if anyone has a bungee rope, she hasn’t done that yet and she would love to give it a go!
Easter Visit to the Royal United Hospital Children’s Ward, March 2010
In 2008 Red Berry Recruitment were pleased to donate over 70 Easter eggs to brighten the smiles at the children’s ward in the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Helen Lacey (Managing Director of Red Berry Recruitment) had such a warm response from the 2008 ‘Easter Egg Appeal’ she thought she would repeat it this year. So during the month of March, Red Berry Recruitment collected Easter Eggs from its clients, candidates and staff, preparing for an even BIGGER Easter donation. So on Wednesday 31st March, Helen Lacey (MD) and Natalie White (Office Manger) of Red Berry Recruitment visited the children’s ward at the Royal United Hospital to donate an enormous 83 Easter Eggs to the delights of the children (and staff!!). Pictured here from left to right is; Jo Powell (Care assistant), Olivia Luscombe, Des McKell, Madison McKell, Helen Lacey and Natalie White of Red Berry Recruitment. Red Berry would like to thank everyone who donated and the children’s ward at the Royal United Hospital for accommodating them.
Helen’s Radio Interview…Mark 2! March 2010
In March Helen Lacey was invited to re-appear on Somervalley FM, home to drive time with Dom Chambers 97.5FM. Helen first appeared on the show back in early 2009 and was recently asked to be the first guest speaker to appear twice on the show. Helen was honoured and delighted to accept and was interviewed about her past year in recruitment, Red Berry’s award success and what it’s like being a woman in business!
Distress or De-Stress? March, 2010
On Tuesday 9th March, Helen together with Nicki Davey (left), Director of Saltbox Training and Events Ltd and Anne-Marie Boyle (Centre) Senior Associate of Nicholas Moore Specialist Employment Lawyer took part of a presentation seminar called “Distress of De-stress?” aimed at stress in the work place. Each of the three ladies delivered a presentation in each of their specialist subjects at the Bishops Palace, Wells, with all profits going to the Somerset Young Careers Network; a charity which provides invaluable support and advice to children and young people who care for a family member. Together the Ladies raised a grand total of £243 for the charity, so many thanks to everyone who turned up, it was a great success!
Candidate of the Year, 2009
Each Month Red Berry Recruitment presents the best candidate with a “Candidate of the Month” award; however at the end of the year, one candidate is singled out to receive the “Candidate of the Year” award for their, representation of Red Berry, their hard work and their commitment throughout the year. Red Berry Recruitment is therefore pleased to give a BIG congratulations to Erica Collenette who was placed permanently at Centaur Services early in 2009. Pictured here is Erica receiving her champagne, together with Helen Lacey (right) MD of Red Berry Recruitment and Nicky Pearson (left) HR Co-ordinator of Centaur Services. Erica was nominated by Nicky Pearson, for her continually fantastic work and her persistently positive attitude. Erica will receive a three course meal up to the value of £50 for 2, donated by The Thatched Cottage Inn in Shepton Mallet, plus a bottle of wine up to the value of £20 courtesy of Red Berry Recruitment. Red Berry Recruitment and Centaur Services would like to say “Thank You” to Erica and hope she enjoy’s her well deserved reward!
Helen Sponsors Norton Radstock College’s Formula 1 Debut - January 2010
A group of engineering students at Norton Radstock College have surprised even themselves by finishing seventh in the South West regional finals of the Formula 1 In Schools technology challenge at the University of the West of England, in Bristol.
Sponsored by Red Berry Recruitment, based in Shepton Mallet, a team of six teenagers, assisted by engineering lecturer Damien Pearce, won a race against time to produce a working miniature Formula 1 racing car.
Helen Lacey, director of Red Berry Recruitment, the team's sponsor, said: "This was a great opportunity for a team of enthusiastic young people, and they've done extremely well. Also, they put together a really great presentation."
Red Berry’s Christmas Collection for Brainwave - January 2010
Every Christmas since Red Berry Recruitment was opened, MD, Helen Lacey decides on a charity to collect donations and gifts on behalf of. This year, after Brainwave won Charity of year at the Somerset Business Awards, Helen decide that Brainwave, ran by Christine Cryne the CEO was going to be their charity of choice for the Christmas appeal. Brainwave works with families to deliver individual home based therapy and exercise programmes that help children with disabilities and development delay to achieve their potential. Pictured here on the Left is Christine Cryne- CEO of Brainwave and Helen Lacey MD of Red Berry Recruitment and on the right of the picture Phil Edge, Head of Therapy and Natalie White- Office Manager at Red Berry Recruitment. Helen and Natalie went to the charities office in Bridgwater to deliver DVD.s, TV’s, clothes, books and other objects that had kindly been donated by their clients and candidates. On behalf of Red Berry Recruitment and Brainwave, Helen and Christine would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has kindly donated. If you would like more information about Red Berry or how you can help Brainwave then you can contact Red Berry on 01749 330630 or visit www.redberryrecruitment.co.uk or Brainwave on 01278 429089 or www.brainwave.org.uk
A Big Breakfast Well Done - January 2010
Winners of the 2009 Somerset Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year Awards” attribute some of their success to membership of a breakfast networking group.
Helen Lacey MD of Red Berry Recruitment and Sandra Pennyfather MD of Driving Ambition both received accolades at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Both business ladies are members of the Wells breakfast networking group BNI and meet every Thursday morning for breakfast with around 20 other local business owners. Helen, whose company won the “Mendip New Business of the Year” award, only started her business three years ago. “Networking is a key part of my business success” says Helen “I go to many networking events and it is a key part of my business strategy. I regularly get introduced to new companies and contacts as part of my networking”. Red Berry retained the “Mendip New Business of the Year” award having also won it in 2008! Red Berry also won “Most Promising New Business for the South West” and went to London for the Nationals Awards at the end of November.
