client news
A4e
A4e continues to strengthen its core business as Britain's largest New Deal provider and its views on how private and voluntary sector providers can play an increased role under the new Flexible New Deal command respect at the highest levels of government. The Group's growth in the delivery of other public services continues to impress. Working with the Treasury, it has been undertaking a pilot for a generic financial information and guidance service as part of the Thoresen review process for tackling financial exclusion in disadvantaged areas. A4e is talking to both the government and the opposition about its proposals for reducing re-offending with a seamless education and employment service for offenders. rgmr advises A4e on its public affairs.
Association of Learning Providers
The Association of Learning Providers (ALP) has lobbied successfully for essential changes to the government’s flagship Train to Gain programme for employers in order to encourage a greater take-up of the scheme. The representative body for work based learning providers has also played a major part in securing provisions in the Education and Skills Bill that schools should offer unbiased information, advice and guidance to their pupils about their post-14 academic and vocational options. ALP believes that this mandatory obligation for schools is crucial if the government wants to achieve its target of 400,000 apprentices in England. The association's views on a closer integration of employment and skills policies are being increasingly reflected in the machinery of government changes being proposed for Whitehall. rgmr handles ALP's media relations and advises it on its lobbying activities. The association receives regular coverage in the education and training sector press.
Hambleside Danelaw
The UK's leading construction magazine 'Building' has showcased Hambleside Danelaw's approach to sustainability. The profile describes how the building products manufacturer has made 'impressive steps' to reduce its carbon footprint and to produce products that can make a major difference to a building's sustainability (www.tinyurl.com/24fepn). Hambleside's Ray Khan will be speaking on the issue at the Think 08 conference in May where other speakers will include the Secretary of State for the Environment. Roy's colleague, Robin Jeffery, went to the House of Lords in December to receive the gold Green Apple award for achieving a sustainable, economical and responsible method of reducing carbon emissions. In March, a report from a select committee of MPs agreed with the company's recommendation that the government that should reform its Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme to encourage the construction of more energy-efficient buildings. Hambleside Danelaw is on track to reduce its landfill waste from its manufacturing processes to 3 tonnes by the end of 2008 – the equivalent to the waste of the average British household. rgmr handles both media and government relations for Hambleside Danelaw. The company's awards successes and innovative new product launches feature regularly in building and architecture publications.
Find out more in an article from a leading education journalist how Aidan Relf of RGMR helped another client overcome a major reputable challenge in 2004-06.