by faithyoung | Jun 11, 2020 | Blog
One of Futureworks NY co-founders, Michelle Padron-Kitching has appeared in a Leaders Council podcast alongside Lord Blunkett.
The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is in the process of talking to leadership figures from across the nation in an attempt to understand this universal trait and what it means in Britain and Northern Ireland today.
Michelle was invited onto an episode of the podcast, which also included an interview with Lord Blunkett. Host Scott Challinor asked both guests a series of questions about leadership and the role it has played in their careers to date.
Scott Challinor commented, ‘Hosting a show like this, where you speak to genuine leaders who have been there and done it, either on a national stage or within a crucial industry sector, is an absolute honour.’
Lord Blunkett, chairman of The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland said, ‘I think the most informative element of each episode is the first part, where Scott Challinor is able to sit down with someone who really gets how their industry works and knows how to make their organisation tick. Someone who’s there day in day out working hard and inspiring others. That’s what leadership is all about.’
You can listen to the podcast in full here: http://www.leaderscouncil.co.uk/members/michelle-padron-kitching
by faithyoung | Mar 30, 2020 | Blog
Parliamentary Review
Futureworks NY is in the latest Parliamentary Review – woo hoo!
The Parliamentary Review, co-chaired by former ministers Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett, has published its latest edition which features Futureworks NY, which is located in The Street, Scarborough. It’s a real feather in our caps!
We are truly honoured to be included and we have now received the hard copy editions. The Review focuses on Education Services and includes a three-page article about Futureworks NY and we’re delighted with finished publication, which is also available online.
Success for businesses of any size does not always come easily, and this year’s edition of The Parliamentary Review is indispensable for anyone who seeks to make a name for themselves in industry. It highlights significant developments and concerns for business leaders up and down the country.
The co-chairman of The Parliamentary Review, Lord Pickles, praised The Review as one of the most comprehensive yet.
Futureworks NY’s article can be viewed here: https://www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/organisations/futureworks-ny
by faithyoung | Feb 11, 2020 | Awards, Blog
We are delighted to see that Michelle and Sarah have been nominated for an award, although voting has now closed.
They’re in the list for the Business Woman of Year category in the Yorkshire Choice Awards.
As we know, this dynamic duo co-founded Futureworks NY, a Community Interest Company in 2012.
Futureworks NY is a not-for-profit organisation that helps local learners from school age upwards, enabling them to acquire life skills, confidence, practical skills and some qualifications in an environment that suits their individual requirements.
Sarah said: “I am thrilled to have been nominated for this fantastic award and feel very honoured to be listed alongside some superb local businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Michelle said: “The Yorkshire Choice Awards have nominations from across Yorkshire, so to be ‘on the list’ is a great achievement!”
The winners will be announced in mid-March 2020.
by faithyoung | Jan 15, 2020 | Blog
Here at Futureworks NY, we’ve just celebrated our 8th birthday!
We can’t quite believe it, either!
We first started out in January 2012 (an Olympic year, which included the incredible Super Saturday).
We’ve also feel like we’ve come a fair distance since our first few months here at Futureworks, all those years ago.
Back then, we secured one small contract and our first member of staff, Helen. We had a small rented office so it was a bit of a squeeze!
Race forward 2020: a new year, a new decade and eight years later … we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved.
- We now have six staff, along with Michelle and Sarah.
- We have a project funded through the Big Lottery.
- We have a project funded through Children in Need.
- We have contracts through the European Social Fund.
- And, most amazingly of all, we have supported nearly 600 young people since we began in 2012.
Of course we have a lot of people to thank, too … those who support us, believe in us and help us get to achieve so much. Thank you, everyone!
So as we’re at the beginning of another Olympic year, we’re hoping to go the distance for another eight years at least. And while there are no medals, seeing so many young people achieve their potential is reward enough!
by faithyoung | Nov 18, 2019 | Blog
Did you know … furniture can be up-cycled, reused and purchased, thanks to Futureworks NY!
We renovate and up-cycle pre-owned furniture at our onsite workshop. Renovated items can be purchased and find forever homes in the borough.
The project is run through the Community Works scheme, funded by the Big Lottery and is unique to the Scarborough area.
Community Works is open to those aged 18 to 25 years of age, and we have small, welcoming groups in which learners acquire new skills and confidence in a supportive environment. One of the key areas of learning is furniture restoration and sometimes the piece that’s being renovated is completely unrecognisable as it’s been totally transformed. Our Community Works team includes Jamie who is never happier than when a paintbrush is in his hand!
As part of our on-going commitment to the Community Works project, we do accept donated furniture items however we do have limited storage space so please contact us for more information.
by faithyoung | Oct 22, 2019 | Blog
So you’ve heard of Kink … what next?
Kink, just in case you don’t know, is an essential member of the Futureworks NY team.
He’s cute, adorable and loves a biscuit or two.
He’s also got four legs, a long waggy tail and won’t say no to a nice long walk.
Yes, he’s our office pooch!
Most visitors, staff and learners tend to say ‘hello’ to Kink before anyone else … so he really is ‘top dog’!
Our office is a busy one with lots going on at all times. So you might think that Kink gets under our feet or we get under his paws.
However, if Kink isn’t around we really notice it. It’s as though there’s a huge woofy-shaped hole if he’s not here. Come back, Kink, all is forgiven!
This made us think of the positive impact a pooch can have on an office … and here are a few overall advantages ..
It’s good for the dog … rather than the dog being left at home with occasional visits, he or she can benefit from having human company and interaction during working day.
It’s good for the humans … even house-trained pooches need a toilet break. Accompanied by a human and a poop scoop means someone gets a break from the desk, phone and artificial lighting!
It’s good for keeping staff happy … often regarded as another member of the office workforce, the office dog can help reduce absenteeism as job satisfaction is improved.
It improves mood … everyone has bad days. Seeing the office dog each day means employees and visitors look forward to that pooch welcome, paws and all!
It can be attractive for future employees … if you are seeking new members of the team, then most folks love a dog to be part of the working environment. However it is worth checking for any allergy sufferers …
It’s good for team building … a shared love of the dog is a shared interest. And it’s a great ice-breaker!
It’s great for working better … a pooch under the desk or lying at your feet can be both relaxing and reassuring. Stress can be reduced and therefore productivity can be increased.
Those of you who’ve met Kink know he’s a very lovable dog with the odd little growl escaping from time to time. He’s a big softie really, and we wouldn’t be without him. Keep it up, Kink … we love you!
