Community News

The latest Lloyds Bank Business and Charity Index reveals that half (51 per cent) of West Midlands SME organisations lack the basic digital skills that could drive growth.

By embracing digital skills, UK businesses could generate an additional £85 billion in turnover according to the report. Yet only 16 per cent of West Midlands businesses are gaining a transactional benefit from trading online domestically, significantly below the UK average of 23 per cent. This figure falls further when it comes to targeting international markets, with just six per cent of West Midlands businesses using online channels to trade overseas.

The report also found that only two per cent use digital channels to search and discover growth opportunities for their business.

Worryingly a third (35 per cent) of West Midlands SMEs have no interest in developing their cyber security capability.

For those businesses embracing advanced technologies including cloud IT, online accounting software and digital training tools there is the opportunity to generate more than £100,000 in extra annual turnover compared to those who have none.

The benefits can go beyond finances too, with 2.5m businesses saving time through digital, more than twice as many compared to 2014. Small businesses and charities with advanced digital capabilities are able to save a day a week according to the report.

Martin Dodd, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for the Midlands, said: “We have a really advanced technology sector here in the West Midlands, contributing £5.4 billion to the local economy, yet many of our SME businesses and charities are lacking the basic digital skills that could help them to grow.

“We know from our work with local businesses that having a strong online presence can attract business both in the UK and internationally, so it’s disappointing that just 16 per cent and six per cent respectively of SME organisations are using their digital channels in this way.

“With almost 3,000 specially trained digital champions in the Midlands, we are helping the region’s businesses and charities develop their skills to facilitate growth, as part of our Helping Britain Prosper plan. Over the coming 12 months we will continue to provide free to access training events for SMEs to help them close the digital skills gap.”

Despite its tropical setting, Mexico's Pacific Coast radiates traditional Christmas character. Throughout December, you'll find brightly decorated streets, festive scenes and restaurants serving up the finest seasonal cuisine. Add Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, with its pristine beaches, crystal waters and cheerful events, and you get two unmissable Christmas destinations.

A Colourful Christmas Month

In Puerto Vallarta, the run-up to Christmas starts 1 December with the Guadalupe processions. Bearing the name of Puerto Vallarta and Mexico's patron saint, this 12-day series of parades is a sight to behold. Expect floats, folk dancers, great music and fireworks to kick off the month with a bang.

12 December marks the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, an important religious and social holiday. Hundreds of people gather in Puerto Vallarta's central plaza to enjoy the region's specialties along with a fireworks display. You can also head to Quimixto, a small south shore community, where a “flotilla” of decorative fishing boats illuminates the coast.

During Christmas Week, 16–24 December, everyone celebrates with gatherings called posadas, re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Then, on Christmas Day, there's a big party full of festive dishes, piñatas and Mexican Christmas traditions.

Sun, Sand and Sea Adventures

On top of the celebrations, beach bums will be glad to hear that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have 250 miles of coastline, as well as an average water temperature of 23°C in December.

December is also one of the best times for whale watching as migrating humpback whales flock to Banderas Bay to give birth. Eco-tours provide the chance to learn about these incredible creatures and see them up close.

If you like to hit the waves, drop by Sayulita in the Riviera Nayarit, a tranquil fishing village that draws surfers from all corners of the world. The Surf Classic is an annual surf event in December that is popular with both locals and international surfers. Bucerías is another great option to catch a wave and wind for those Kitesurfing adrenaline lovers.

Not forgetting Christmas gifts! The stalls in Riviera Nayarit are full of the native Huichol's colourful crafts. These beautiful souvenirs make for unusual presents for your loved ones, bringing a touch of Mexico at Christmas time.

New Year's Eve

In Mexico, the end of the year is celebrated with fiestas in clubs, hotels and restaurants. Live music rings out through the night and parties last well into the morning.

So, if you want a break from the dark and cold in the UK but still want all the festive spirit and colourful traditions, Mexico's Pacific Coast is the place to go. And if you can't make it this time, there's always next year.

Fly Direct

Celebrating the season? Book a direct TUI flight to Puerto Vallarta International Airport from London Gatwick and Manchester, or via AeroMexico to Mexico City from London Heathrow.

Drivers caught speeding outside an Oldbury school have been shamed into slowing down – by being hauled in front of a court of schoolchildren.

Motorists caught in an operation outside Bristnall Hall Academy were given the option of a fine or to face Year 8 pupils asking difficult questions about why they were breaking the speed limit.

Nine motorists were caught speeding near to the school during the operation yesterday (Thursday 8 November) – with the highest speed recorded being 38mph in a 30mph zone.

It’s the first time a Sandwell high school has hosted the Kids Court sessions, which have already been run at several primary schools around the borough.

The campaign is run by the council’s road safety team in partnership with West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service.

The sessions see children educated about the dangers and consequences of speeding. They also design banners urging drivers to slow down outside their school.

One driver caught speeding who ended up being quizzed by the pupils said: "It was very intense and made me feel very vulnerable. Probably like the people I could have hurt."

He added that attending Kids Court had made him feel: "so bad, I'm embarrassed. Speeding affects other people not just me. I will be more aware in the future of my speed."

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for highways and environment Councillor David Hosell said: “These sessions are really valuable – not only for educating the speeding drivers who get stopped, but for the children as well.

“Although road safety has improved hugely in Sandwell over the past decade, we can’t be complacent.

“The impact the Kids Court has on drivers is much greater than a fine. The drivers who end up being spoken to by the children tell us they will never forget the experience and that it makes them more aware of speed limits, especially around schools.”

Pupils said after the session: "I think it definitely will benefit me in the future because I want to change the people who have committed a crime."

"I think we made a difference. People will really think about what we did today."

A light-hearted take on the role food plays during the rituals and traditions of Christmas is the focus of this year's advertising campaign from Waitrose & Partners.

Central to the 'Too Good To Wait' campaign is the idea that Christmas is about enjoying great quality food with the people who matter most. But when it's Waitrose food, you really will do whatever it takes to get to it as quickly as possible.

The retailer will break with tradition this year with a series of six 30 second TV ads rather than just one. Each advert will celebrate the important role food plays in each home at Christmas, and features a familiar festive scenario, in which, families and friends hurry through to get to enjoy their festive fare.

In a first with ITV, to tie in with the idea of 'Too Good To Wait', viewers will see other television ads fast forwarded until we get to the Waitrose & Partners ad during its first airing in the break of the second episode of Coronation Street on ITV on Friday 9th November.

The first advert, 'Christmas Concert', depicts a Christmas concert where a pianist rushes through a rather speedy rendition of Jingle Bells as quickly as possible after learning that Heston from Waitrose Chocolate and Sour Cherry Crumble Mince Pies would be served afterwards.

Also airing on Friday 9th November is the second advert in the series, 'Mistletoe', where we see a couple lingering under the mistletoe to have a romantic first kiss, until a call from the dining room announces the turkey is ready which prompts the woman to rush to the table, leaving her potential partner standing on his own. We then see what has enticed her – the host is carving a succulent Waitrose & Partners Cranberry Burst Turkey Parcel.

Martin George, Customer Director at Waitrose & Partners, says: "Looking forward to the traditions and special moments is what makes Christmas the most wonderful time of year, but there's also another aspect that adults and children alike just can't wait for…the food. As much as we all love our festive activities, enjoying delicious food and drink is a priority, and when it's Waitrose & Partners food, you'll do whatever it takes to get to it as quickly as possible.”

Waitrose & Partners has taken a playful approach to the entire campaign. In the run-up to the first TV advert airing, ITV will be running a number of teasers for the campaign, during which, the continuity announcer will become distracted by some of the retailer's delicious food before remembering to announce the next programme.

The campaign will also be shown in cinemas*, television advert breaks, video on demand platforms/ catch up services, and on social media, as well as additional contextual ads such as those featured on the All4 channel suggesting 'time for a mince pie' when programmes are paused by the viewer.

This year's Waitrose & Partners campaign has been created for Waitrose by adam&eveDDB with media planning by Manning Gottlieb OMD.

Shimmering with seasonal sparkle, follow the mile-long path through the world-famous attraction to discover a winter wonderland full of surprises.

With the real animals tucked up in bed, giant glowing giraffe, larger-than-life lions and flamboyant flamingos will light up the night.

Head into the 40-metre-long Light Vortex and marvel at the canopy of over 100,000 glistening pea-lights above you.

Discover the mythical Christmas Sledge Tree and its 365 individual sledges – one for each day of the year.

As you walk beneath playful ribbons of colour changing lights, listen out for the mesmerising voices of a quartet of 30-metre-tall Singing Trees in the distance, as glowing fountains dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics at the iconic Penguin Pool.

There are hidden surprises too – look out for frosty snowflakes, shimmering stars and gigantic baubles where you least expect them.

Pause for a moment at the historic Mappin Terraces as Magic Mountain springs to life with a splash of colour and playful projections. Don't forget to keep a lookout for Father Christmas and his elves along the way.

Complete your stroll under the stars with mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air.

Soak up the atmosphere with a vintage carousel ride*, and other family rides whilst you enjoy traditional treats, before picking up an irresistible gift or two at ZSL London Zoo's shop.

Created in partnership with Raymond Gubbay Limited and designed by Culture Creative, the team behind 'Christmas at Kew', the trail features more than two miles of LED cabling, over 200 light projections and hundreds of thousands of individual lights.

Liv Garfield, Severn Trent Chief Executive, and Bronagh Kennedy, Company Secretary and General Counsel, have been named on the Women of the Future Programme ’50 Leading Lights’ list.

The aim of the list is to recognise the contribution of kind leaders to business, the economy and society. Others recognised include England manager Gareth Southgate and Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.

Liv said: “It’s wonderful to be recognised in this way, especially as it recognises that there’s more to the world of business than just profits and productivity.

“That fits in perfectly with Severn Trent, where we want to be a socially responsible company which means ensuring we do the right thing for the communities in which we live and for all of our stakeholders.”

“At Severn Trent we pride ourselves on creating a fantastic place for our teams to work while also doing the best possible job for our customers,” added Bronagh.

“By doing both of those things we believe that we can do the right thing for everyone whose lives we touch.”

Among the community initiatives Severn Trent is proposing for the coming years are:

·        Every primary school in the region will have the opportunity to receive a visit from innovative educational roadshow about water;

·        Positive impact on the local environment, including improving up to 2,100km of the region’s rivers; and

·        Community dividend given to local communities through volunteering, donations to the Severn Trent Trust Fund, and a new commitment to use 1% of company profits for community schemes.

Already this year, Severn Trent has helped 50,000 of its most vulnerable customers through a variety of measures and, over the past 12 months, around 40% of its people have volunteered in the communities in which it operates.

After being named on the list, Liv and Bronagh helped open the London Stock Exchange today (TUES).

Nominations for ‘Kindness & Leadership, 50 Leading Lights’ were received between June and August this year from a broad range of companies and organisations, responding to an open call for applications. To select the final 50, a panel made up of representatives from different industry sectors reviewed the entries and agreed the list of 50 leaders.

The list forms part of the Week of Women organised by the Women of the Future Programme, working alongside the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the GREAT Britain Campaign to support a number of initiatives from 12-15 November.

Churches across West Midlands are inviting the local community to come together and celebrate Christingle’s 50^th anniversary to support The Children’s Society and show vulnerable children they are not alone this Christmas. Research from The Children’s Society has found that 200,000* 10 to 17 year olds in the UK are experiencing emotional neglect on a regular basis and some are struggling with other difficulties at home that create far from a picture of a happy Christmas.

A number of Christingle services, including a special service at Birmingham Cathedral, are being held at the end of November, throughout December and beyond. This year, The Children’s Society has created an original song for schoolchildren, congregations or community choirs to include in their Christingle services.

The whole community is welcome to join the festivities and all money raised will go towards helping children dealing with a range of complex issues including violence, abuse and emotional neglect.

Christingle is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, light a candle and enjoy the warmth and joy of this special festive occasion. It is a celebration named after the Christingles given out at the event – these are oranges decorated with red ribbon, sweets or dried fruits on cocktail sticks and a candle, to highlight different parts of the Christian story.

The Children’s Society brought the Christingle tradition to England 50 years ago and in that time the collections at these events have helped the charity to work with more than a million children and young people. With the help of the local people attending this year’s anniversary Christingle event the charity aims to raise even more crucial funds to help children who are facing Christmas alone.

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “We are truly grateful for the huge difference that Christingle services across West Midlands make to vulnerable children, year after year.

“For thousands of children across the country, Christmas is just another time when they feel like no one cares about them at all. This year we want to help even more of the country’s most vulnerable children, and we hope more people than ever come along to celebrate our 50^th anniversary of Christingle and give them the chance to enjoy their first Christmas.”

Support young people by donating to the #Christingle50 campaign or attending a local Christingle Service. The Christingle Song is available to download and listen to or learn for free. For more information, visit www.christingle.org.

The founder of Cadbury, actress Dame Julie Walters and activist Malala Yousafzai have been voted as some of the most inspirational Brummies, following a public vote in celebration of Birmingham City University’s 175 years at the heart of Birmingham life.

After more than 1,500 votes from the public, an initial long-list of 175 ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ has been whittled down to ten, with musicians Ozzy Osbourne and Duran Duran’s John Taylor making the final list alongside ‘Lord of the Rings’ author J. R. R. Tolkien.

Completing the list of ten are Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis OBE, philosopher and chemist Joseph Priestley, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah and historian Carl Chinn.

The ten ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ will be announced at a special concert tonight (Thursday 15 November) at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where some of the most iconic pieces of music created by Birmingham artists will be performed.

One of the ‘Brummies Who Inspire’, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah, said: “When I hear the word Birmingham I feel pride, when I hear the Brummie accent I hear music, and when I see the people of Birmingham I see my family.”

Birmingham City University’s roots date back 175 years to the foundation of Birmingham Government School of Design in 1843, the forerunner to the present day schools of Art and Visual Communication.

In 1884 the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today, Margaret Street still houses the University’s School of Art and is a Grade I Listed Building.

Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “It has been great to see the passion and the debate that this vote has inspired.

“These ten inspirational Birmingham figures come from a variety of professions and walks of life, but are united by their contribution to this astonishing and vibrant city.

“Their creativity, dedication and ingenuity epitomises the spirit of our great city.

“At this special concert we are celebrating both the 175-year history of this university as an institution at the heart of our city and those who have made a positive impact on Birmingham life.”

The celebratory evening of entertainment will be hosted by newsreader and television and radio presenter John Suchet.

Households in the West Midlands need to be more vigilant against the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a survey reveals two thirds of people have not installed a CO alarm to protect themselves, suggesting the very real threat is not being taken seriously.

The warning comes as part of this year’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month (November 2018), a national campaign highlighting the risks of CO poisoning which kills more than 50 people and hospitalises over 4,000 every year.

CO is produced when carbon fuels don’t burn properly and any type of heating system where combustion takes place can potentially give off the odourless, colourless gas. CO poisoning can result in severe long-term health problems, or even death, with younger and older people most at risk. Key symptoms to watch out for are tiredness, dizziness and headaches.

In support of the campaign, OFTEC, the UK trade association for the oil heating industry, is promoting the simple ABC safety checklist which advises households in the West Midlands of the key steps they should take to reduce the risk:

• Alarm – purchase a CO alarm (usually around £20) for every room which has a fuel burning appliance e.g. boiler, woodburner, open fire etc. It is mandatory for private landlords to provide an alarm in rented properties with a solid fuel appliance
• Batteries – regularly ensure all the alarms are functional by holding the ‘test’ button
• Check – have your boiler serviced at least one a year by an OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) or GasSafe (for mains gas) registered technician to check it is working correctly

If the event of a CO alarm going off, the advice is to open the windows and leave the room immediately. You should then contact OFTEC or GasSafe and, if you experience any symptoms of CO poisoning, call 999.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC said: “Carbon monoxide poisoning can have a devasting impact on the lives of the people it affects so the lack of awareness is particularly worrying with many households still oblivious to the dangers. We wouldn’t think twice about having smoke alarms installed and we should take the same approach with CO alarms.

“By supporting Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month we hope to bring more attention to this issue which for too long has been ignored. I would also urge others to get involved and help spread the important safety messages.”

Cats Protection has launched a major new campaign to help more people living in rented housing own a pet cat.

The UK’s largest cat charity is offering free guidance to landlords and letting agents to help ensure that tenancy agreements reflect modern day living.

Issues over finding cat-friendly housing have been one of the top five reasons recorded by Cats Protection for cats being handed into the charity’s adoption centres over the past 12 months. Cats Protection’s research shows that less than half (42%) of private rented housing allows cats in the UK.

In the West Midlands, 43% of private landlords state their tenancy agreements would allow tenants to keep a cat.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, said: “More and more people are renting their homes either by choice or necessity, yet very few rented properties accept cats. This means tenants are missing out on being able to own a cat, while landlords may be losing out on attracting responsible and settled tenants.”

The charity has launched a new website full of guidance for landlords and tenants about allowing cats into their properties and addressing any concerns. The website, at www.cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords includes free, downloadable legal wording for landlords and letting agents to add to their own tenancy agreements, setting out simple conditions on cat ownership to protect and benefit both landlords and tenants.

Jacqui added: “We hear from renters who tell us most adverts state ‘no pets’. Often, the reason for not allowing cats is simply habit, with a third of UK landlords who don’t accept cats saying they didn’t proactively choose to ban cats, but instead followed a standard template or advice from a letting agent.

“The aim of Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign is to transform renting so that responsible cat ownership benefits both landlords and tenants - happy landlords, happy tenants, happy cats.

“Becoming a cat-friendly landlord means advertising properties as ‘pets considered’ which ensures landlords stay in control and can make a decision once they’ve met their potential tenant.

“Our downloadable example cat clauses can then be simply added to existing tenancy agreements and they include tenancy conditions to require cats to be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. This helps to ensure that cats are in the best of health and unlikely to cause any issues.

“We’re also offering advice to help tenants speak to their landlords to ask for permission to own a cat.  Landlords are often willing to be flexible, especially as tenants with pets are likely to stay for longer.”

Private tenants who are able to own cats benefit immensely. Of those that own a cat, 94% report that their cat has a positive effect on their life such as making them happy, providing company and affection, or improving mental health.

Jacqui added: “The reality is that cats very rarely cause problems for landlords. In actual fact, many cat owners tell us that having a cat is what makes their house a home and helps them put down roots and value the home they’re living in.”

Broadcaster, writer and Cats Protection supporter Andrew Collins is backing the Purrfect Landlords campaign.

He said: “Cats are more than just much-loved pets, they’re part of the family and the heart of the home. For me, a home without a cat isn’t a home at all! They’ve got an important role to play in the lives of many people – from helping children understand about caring for others to providing a lifeline to pensioners who may otherwise feel isolated and lonely.

“It’s heart-breaking that so many renters are not able to own a cat but this needn’t be the case. Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign is a major step forward in modernising how cat ownership is viewed in a rental market many people now rely on. By helping landlords see the benefits of happy, settled tenants, we can help more tenants experience the joy of sharing their lives with a feline friend.”

People who struggle to get to sleep in the West Midlands say they are drugging themselves just to drop off – and nearly a fifth say they have had to see their doctor about the problem.

A third (31%) of people in the West Midlands say they have used medication or alcohol to get to sleep and 90% say they struggle to drop off for at least three nights a week.

Nine per cent of those surveyed said they had taken antidepressants and a further four per cent said they had taken anxiety medication just to get to sleep, according to a survey for Gravity Blankets by Atomik Research.

Nine per cent of people in the West Midlands say they take sleeping tablets, while five per cent admit to using narcotics such as codeine, morphine or other opiate painkillers just to get to sleep.

Two-thirds (64%) of all adults in the West Midlands say their worries keep them up at night, tossing and turning over their health, family and money.

Nearly a fifth (17%) of those surveyed in the region said they had been to the doctor about their sleep problems.

The research showed that anxiety and depression play a major part in people’s inability to get some shut-eye.

Two-fifths (33%) of those surveyed said they suffered from anxiety and 28% said they had suffered from depression.

And 29% described themselves as ‘TATT’ – or Tired All The Time.

Most (90%) of people in the West Midlands say they struggle to get to sleep at least three nights a week, with some of the biggest factors being unable to switch off, restlessness and thinking over to-do lists.

Eighty-seven per cent of those surveyed say they drink an average of at least four cups of tea or coffee when they are tired, although six per cent say they have seven cups or more.

People in the West Midlands also say they tuck into more calories when they are feeling tired, with 18% saying they eat extra cakes or sweets, 17% saying they eat extra biscuits and 13% saying they neck more fizzy drinks.

Therapist and Gravity Blankets co-founder Joanna Goliszek said: “Britain’s inability to get a good night’s sleep is a huge cause for concern. Sleep is essential for healing the body and the mind but the demands of modern life mean that we are on the go from dawn till dusk.

“Many of us feel compelled to check work emails before bed or we find ourselves worrying about our families, our health or our money problems in the small hours.

“All of this weighs heavily on our minds and, as our survey shows, this accumulated anxiety or depression affects our ability to get to sleep.

“It is particularly worrying that young people are turning to medication to get off to sleep and, while it is understandable, we would encourage anyone who is having trouble sleeping search out more natural alternatives.”

City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolves FC are teaming up to host a free festive fan park ahead of the club’s home game with Huddersfield on Sunday, November 25.

St Peter’s car park off Wulfruna Street, behind the Civic Centre, will be transformed to provide a host of entertainment for all the family, from noon up to kick-off at 4pm.

There will be face painting, the chance to have your photo taken with the Championship trophy and Wolves mascots Wolfie and Wendy, as well as penalty shoot-outs, free fairground rides and a Wolves Santa’s grotto.

There will also be street food, a bar, undercover seating, music provided by the Signal 107 roadshow, the chance to watch Villa take on Blues in the derby (kick-off noon) on the big screen.

Access to the park will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The summer fan parks were a big hit and we are delighted to have teamed up with the club again to put this family event on ahead of the game with Huddersfield.

“I would urge people to also make the most of the city centre before heading to the fan park for the big-game build up to what will hopefully be a Wolves win.”

The summer fan parks held on the Civic Centre piazza ahead of the games with Villarreal and Everton were attended by hundreds of people.

Wolves Head of Marketing, Russell Jones, added: “The fan park follows the Christmas Lights switch on the day before and the city will be full of festive spirit.

“The fan park is another great way for the Wolves family to come together as we build up the excitement to our Barclays Premier League fixture with Huddersfield.”

This is just one of a host of family friendly events taking place in the city in the countdown to Christmas. Discover more events, activities, special offers, late night shopping hours and parking offers at www.enjoywolverhampton.com.

A daredevil accountant jumped 10,000ft out of a plane despite her fear of heights - all to raise money for a healthcare charity.

Jasmeet Dhaliwal, raised an impressive £540 for Your Trust Charity, which is run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, by undertaking the skydive.

She said: “Initially I was apprehensive as I have a big fear of heights. The parachute doesn’t open until you reach 5,000ft and you’re travelling at speeds of up to 120mph.

“However I overcame this fear as I wanted to raise money for Your Trust Charity. I work at the hospital as a Senior Management Accountant, and had heard about the amazing work the charity does for our patients.”

Brave Jasmeet said of the stunt which took place in Whitchurch, Shropshire: “It was a thrilling experience and it means that the money raised will enhance the journey of our patients, their loved ones, and staff. It was definitely worthwhile.”

“It’s been an amazing. I believe you only live life once and it’s made me realise that you shouldn’t be fearful of anything.

“You can do everything and anything as long as you believe in yourself.”

Seventy nine per cent of people from Birmingham believe school teachers are very or quite influential on the lives of others, second only to parents and friends, according to new research released today.

The research shows that more than a third (34%) of people from Birmingham feel school or university has been one of the biggest influences on their life – tipped only by family life (57%) and equal to work life (34%).

Despite the rise of celebrity influence, well-known faces from popular culture – celebrities (61%) and social media influencers (58%) – are deemed by the general public to have less effect than parents, friends and school teachers.

The national survey of over 3,000 people¹, for the national Get Into Teaching campaign, looks at the public’s perception of influence and influencers, and how this could and should be harnessed.

Spending around 35 hours at school each week, students spend a significant amount of time in the company of their teachers. Fifty nine per cent (59%) said that it was between one and five teachers that helped to influence and shape them into the person they are today, and 44% felt 13-15 years was the age during school life that teachers influenced them most.

More than half (58%) of people from Birmingham said they remembered the name of their favourite teacher and almost two thirds (64%) said they were grateful to a teacher or teachers for the influence they had in shaping the person they are today – demonstrating the lasting impact that a teacher can have.

People from Birmingham feel that the most rewarding kinds of influence are seeing the difference they have made (49%) and inspiring someone to learn more or take action (49%). More than half (52%) felt that being an influencer or influencing people can have a positive impact, and 52% of people feel influencing people can be rewarding.

Craig Smith, a PE teacher at Ark Kings Academy in Birmingham, said:

“As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to guide pupils into the future and be a positive influence on the adult they will become. It takes enthusiasm, dedication and hard work to teach students and keep them interested, but you do this in the knowledge that your positive influence will play a part - however small or large - in their lives forever. As a head of year and PE teacher, there are so many ways that I can make an impact through positivity and believing that every child can and will be successful - this motivates me every day.”

Dr Anna Colton, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, said:

“Good teachers are invaluable. The role of a good teacher is to engage, inspire and nurture their students and the impact they can have on their lives is profound and irreplaceable. Increasingly we live in a society where we are subject to a myriad of influencers – many of whom we have never met and in whom we place trust. Teachers have a significant role in providing a positive, thoughtful and inspiring influence in and amongst this. Teachers spend a huge amount of time with young people, understanding their world view and helping them to fit into it and this is hugely important and meaningful. Teachers with a passion for a subject, endless encouragement for their students and those who instil confidence and curiosity in young people have always been and will continue to be some of the most important influencers of our time.”

When it comes to teachers leaving a positive and lasting influence, almost three quarters (71%) said teachers played a part in their experience and influence from school and over half of people from Birmingham agree that teachers helped to push them further (57%) or believe in their talents (55%).

On the power of influence and how it should be most utilised, almost half (47%) of the respondents in Birmingham said it should be to help others achieve and succeed, 39% said to have a positive impact on society and 42% said in order to nurture and support other people.

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader or Education, said: “Our research underlines how teachers have stood the test of time when it comes to shaping the lives of others. In a world where modern-day social media and celebrity influencers are often in the limelight, it is interesting to see how the public recognise the real and lasting impact teachers have as influencers in their own right. Teachers are essentially the ‘original influencers’ in that they are the individuals, aside from loved ones, that people spend a significant amount of time with, giving people from a young age the confidence and courage to achieve.

“The research also highlights the kind of things people want from individuals influencing others, and this matches up with what teachers do in abundance. Teaching should be a consideration for anyone looking for an opportunity to make this kind of positive and lasting impact as it genuinely is a career that few others can compete with.”

Applications to start teacher training in September 2019 are open. Individuals could get a £26,000 tax-free bursary to train as a teacher in selected subjects including science, computing, geography and languages.