This Thursday, October 12, Birmingham will be able to enjoy splurging out on their favourite brands at discount prices as Grand Central joins the Bullring for the very first time in Student Sessions, with a very special star guest who will meet and greet fans.

Kem Cetinay, the winner of popular 2017 reality television show, Love Island will be welcoming students to Grand Central as they are able to shop ‘til they drop with a range of exclusive discounts and offers from a variety of shops and restaurants in the mall for one day only.

Between 4pm and 10pm, students from all across the city will be able to enjoy exclusive offers on beauty and fashion products, along with great discounts on dining favourites.

Offers include but not limited to: 40% at Crepe Affaire, 50% off main food items at Giraffe, 50% at Fuel Juice, 20% at Cath Kidston, 15% at MAC along with branded goody bags, 20% at Square Pie and 25% at Yaki Nori.

Michaela Moore, General Manager for Bullring and Grand Central, said: “We are really excited to be welcoming Student Sessions to Grand Central for the first time. We have such a great selection of brands and dining outlets, we’re sure that this will be a huge hit with students from all across the city.

With two major shopping centres taking part in the student sessions this year, Birmingham is once again providing even more opportunity for students to enjoy the huge and versatile offering available within the city.”

The event is free but students must register their details for the meet and greet with Kem by visiting: www.grandcentralbirmingham.com/students

Pakistan’s recent census 2017 has revealed a staggering population of 210 million and according to the UN population fund report 63% or 132 million are between the ages of 18 and 33. Out of this 69 million are 15 or under and 58 million between 20 to 24. For Pakistan the need for creating and sustaining employment for its pipeline of millennials is turning into a ticking time bomb.

The rapid adoption of technology by millennials means that they are more familiar with searching for information online, communicating and networking through social media, they want to move on very quickly, in other words their behaviour is very different to past generations who relied upon reading vast amounts of content, face to face conversations, writing by hand and having a job for life.

On the other hand we have employers and their needs. “The discourse at the roundtable in Faisalabad on 25 September is around the 2 groups’ employers and millennials or generation next and whether they are aligned? What are the challenges? What are the opportunities?” Said Shah Muhammad Khan, ACCA Business Development Manager for Faisalabad.

Those organisations that are actively understanding and changing to attract and retain the best millennials are also recognising that customers are also passing through technological changes. The accountancy profession is not any different, it attracts many young people but it’s probably the one sector that has experienced the most profound technological changes, in my own lifetime we have moved away from really back bending cross casting, reconciliations and multiple ticking to automation, cloud services and there are serious chances that the work of accountant will be completely automated by 2030. So how is the profession going to save itself. The good news is that regulations and compliance will continue, risk management, analysis and thinking about the future will still need to be performed by humans.

Why should a young bright person enter the accounting profession if it’s going to be like entering a time tunnel and taking one back to Dickensian days. Certainly in Pakistan the environment not only of some SMPs, SMEs but many larger organisations has still not understood and embraced the technological change and its impact on behaviours and the external environment. When ACCA surveyed 2458 young people under the age of 36 results were in line with global trends. Young Pakistanis choose accounting and finance because (i) want a long term career (ii) they want to develop and broad range of skills. Young Pakistanis do see the sector as prestigious whereas globally this feeling ranked 5th out the 5 factors.

Does the profession offer enough opportunity for mobility?

Arif Masud Mirza, Regional Head of Policy for ACCA said “ACCA Pakistan organised the roundtable discussion with SMP and SME owner managers in Faisalabad, to gather opinion and feedback on (i) What are the key challenges they face in terms of talent attraction, development and retention?(ii) Do they think the same issues which SMPs face also apply for SMEs who are looking to attract, develop and retain staff? And (iii) What do they identify as the specific advantages for 18-36 year olds working in an SMP compared with another finance sector (e.g. larger corporate firms, Big Four etc.)?”

65% have only been in their current roles for 3 years or less. But the chart illustrates and strong mobility trend. Young people in SMEs and SMPs are more likely to see their next move outside the organisation. For a generation who have grown up with significant advances in technology, it is perhaps not surprising they see benefits from the increasing adoption of new technologies in the workplace.

Employers need to harness this passion for technology internally and externally in their B2C and B2B commercial relations. “Savvy employers are aware of young candidates making their own personal brands on social media. CFOs and HR functions will often visit the LinkedIn pages of young people which may provide more insights on their attitude, soft skills and EQ.” said Shah Muhammad Khan, ACCA’s Business Development Manager for Faisalabad.

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in Birmingham has become the 150^th school in the country to partner with an organisation that opens up school facilities for community use.

The grammar school on Lichfield Road has joined forces with School Lettings Solutions (SLS) to become a community leisure venue on evenings and weekends, playing host to activities, such as fitness classes and football and cricket matches.

SLS is one of the fastest growing sport and leisure companies in the country, matching schools that are looking to generate income with community groups that need quality, affordable venues.

Thanks to this new venture, Birmingham-based groups will be able to hire the school’s floodlit astro turf pitch, dance and art studios, IT suites, conference facilities, outdoor cricket centre and multi-use sports hall for regular classes and ad hoc events.

Dominic Robson, headteacher of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, said: “At a time when school budgets are under pressure like never before, it is incumbent on leadership teams to explore every possible opportunity to increase revenue. By working with SLS, we are able to rent out our unused facilities, which will create positive spaces for the local community to take part in fun activities.”

Entrepreneurs Paul Andrews and Scott Warrington founded SLS in 2011 and now employ over 400 staff. The organisation works in partnership with schools across the country to improve access to high quality facilities for over 7,000 sports clubs, performing arts groups and community organisations.

Director of School Letting Solutions, Scott Warrington, said: “We are overjoyed to welcome Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School as our 150^th partnership. This is a major milestone for SLS and we are confident that, with the school’s fantastic facilities, it will be busy on evenings and weekends, with local residents taking part in a range of activities.

“As more schools, colleges and academies across the country are facing greater cuts to their funding, we hope to partner with more schools in the Midlands to help them to increase their revenue during these testing times. At the same time, local communities will gain access to first class facilities that are supported by experienced staff who meet the highest standards in child safeguarding.

“At SLS we are firm believers that children and adults alike should have access to local run activities that allow them to reach their full potential and can help with both their physical and mental health. That is why we are continually developing partnerships with schools across the country to help improve the access local communities have to first class facilities.”

TV presenter, writer and broadcaster Clare Balding proved to be a good sport when she visited Brookvale Primary School today and praised the “fantastic, imaginative and funny” pupils.

The popular personality, whose love of horses has inspired her to write four children’s books, gave a motivational assembly and classroom sessions, to help budding authors with their own literary works.

During the packed assembly – which was also attended by some parents – Clare talked to children about confidence, creativity, and the importance of using their imagination. The animated audience joined in with Clare’s colourful storytelling and took note of the author’s top writing tips.

Clare said: “It was great to meet the children and hear their creative stories and their ambitions in life. I was impressed that so many of them want to become teachers and I credit the excellent teachers at Brookvale for inspiring them.”

Clare met with different year groups to discuss the children’s own stories and to take part in question and answer sessions. The pupils found out that the author’s favourite subject at school was English and that she has presented the Paralympics since 2000. When asked which celebrities she has encountered, Clare’s reply - which name checked David Beckham, Justin Bieber and the Queen - met with gasps of amazement from the star-struck youngsters.

The visit was organised by Harriet Halsey, reading leader at Brookvale, which consistently tops the national primary phonics league table.

Harriet said:“The pupils had a fantastic time and Clare’s visit has left them buzzing with ideas about creating their own stories and develop their writing skills.”

Harriet added that Clare had helped to shape her own life’s course.

“I first met Clare when I was nine and she inspired me to do what I love – working with children – and so I became a teacher,” she added.

During her visit, Clare signed copies of her books and donated a collection to the school library - including her newly published ‘The Racehorse Who Disappeared.’ Children presented their famous guest with equestrian themed cards and Clare was clearly impressed with the handmade gifts. She said: “They’re fantastic, imaginative and funny – I can’t wait to read them all!”

Headteacher Jonathan Smart said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Clare to our school and we thank her for taking the time to meet with and listen to pupils - she’s a natural!

“Brookvale children are aspirational and such visits help them to realise their potential and develop the confidence and creativity to achieve future success.”

A University of Wolverhampton lecturer was presented with an award recently in recognition for her contribution to Sikh studies.

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies in the University’s Faculty of Arts, attended the Pride of India Awards event at the House of Lords in London with two Religious Studies students.

Lord Swraj Paul, Chancellor of the University, presented her with an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sikh Studies Award’ on behalf of the Non Resident Indian (NRI) Institute who organised the event.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted that the NRI Institute has recognised my extensive research work in Sikh Studies by presenting me with the Pride of India Award.   It was an honour to take part in such a great celebration.

“The event also provided an ideal opportunity for two students to network with professionals across a number of areas, including media and medicine.”

Rhiannon Taylor, who graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Religious Studies earlier this month and is studying for a Master’s Degree in Religion and Mental Health, said:  “The NRI World Summit event at the House of Lords was a wonderful opportunity to meet and socialise with highly esteemed people as well as a variety of successful and fascinating guests from a range of occupations such as doctors, researchers, business executives, media personalities and philanthropists.”

Jasber Johal, currently studying for a degree in Religious Studies, said: “I would urge students to get involved in any opportunities that arise as the valuable experience you gain will add to your learning journey during your time at University."

Dr Takhar has worked for the University for eight years as Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies in our School of Humanities.  As well as teaching, she undertakes a variety of research, specialising in subject matter that relates to the Sikh community as well as topics including caste and gender balance.

Engaging with local, regional, national and international community groups and governing bodies, Dr Takhar has raised awareness of issues that affect the Sikh community in the UK and abroad.

Anyone interested in studying Religious Studies should register to visit the next Open Day on Saturday 7^th October 2017.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering schools across the UK the chance to win a unique fun-filled workshop with a BHF-funded researcher to inspire pupils to learn about how their hearts work.

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools, and is simple to enter.  All each school need to do is sign up to one of the BHF’s school fundraisers; AllStar Games, Jump Rope for Heart or Ultimate Dodgeball before midnight on Wednesday 28th February 2018.

By taking part in one of these fundraisers, you will be in with a chance to have one of the BHF’s cutting-edge researchers come into your school and lead a fun-filled, interactive day of activities about what the heart does and how it works.

The BHF runs three school fundraising initiatives which show children and young people how to keep fit and maintain a healthy heart through exercise. The money raised goes towards the BHF’s life saving research, and the school can also keep 20% of the money raised to put towards new equipment and resources to promote a healthy lifestyle for its pupils.

Last year’s winners enjoyed crawling through blood vessel tunnels, learning about blood clots through volleyball, cell activities and playing an operation game.

Schools can choose to take part in any of the following fundraisers:

• AllStar Games: A brand new, high-energy fundraising event for schools that works at any time of the year, indoors or outside. With a range of sporting options ranging from track and field events to egg and spoon, the BHF AllStar Games sets up your class to smash it on the day and raise money to keep hearts beating. Schools receive start and finish lines, wristbands, certificates and everything else you would need to put on a fun children’s sporting event.
• Jump Rope for Heart:  The BHF’s exciting skipping challenge helps to get children more active, alongside fundraising for life saving research. The charity provides participating schools with over £100 worth of free skipping ropes and resources to help raise money for the BHF. Schools also receive an organiser’s pack, with lesson plans to help teachers introduce skipping either through the PE curriculum, the playground at lunchtime or in after school activities.
• Ultimate Dodgeball: The BHF's dodgeball tournament is a fantastic way to get children active and is also great for developing team-building skills and strategic thinking. If you can catch, throw and dodge – then you can play dodgeball. Sign up and receive £30 worth of official UK Dodgeball Association dodgeballs

Jessica Rose, Programme Manager for school fundraisers at the BHF, said: “Our school fundraisers are a great way to get pupils involved in energetic, heart healthy exercise whilst having fun and raising money for life saving research.

“We’re delighted to be offering a school the chance to win a workshop with one of our BHF-funded researchers, who work tirelessly to help fight heart disease. 

“We’re calling on teachers across the country to get involved and sign their school up to AllStar Games, Jump Rope for Hear or Ultimate Dodgeball to receive a free organiser’s pack and lesson plans with everything they’ll need to arrange a successful event.  

“The money raised will go to help support the 7 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease so we can fund more research to keep more families together.”

By signing up to one of these school fundraisers before the end of February 2018 you will automatically be eligible for a chance to win. The winners will be notified by email by no later than Thursday 31st May 2018 and the workshop will be arranged during the Summer Term.