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Skills for London Ambassadors
The Skills for London Ambassador Network brings together a small group of London business and public sector leaders to raise the profile of skills and training as a key part of business survival for the capital’s employers.
The network has been established to enable businesses to see and hear first hand the direct impact that training can have on an organisation. Skills for London Ambassadors are in a position to talk about the issues employers face, especially in a downturn when training can often be one of the first things to suffer.
Ambassadors are helping London’s business community by raising awareness of skills and training issues through events, in the media and through their own business networks. With companies that don’t invest in training more than twice as likely to go out of business as those that do, it’s never been a more important time to train.
The Skills for London Ambassadors are:
Wendy Albutt, Learning and Development Manager, Dollond and Aitchison
Graham Bann, Director of Skills and Talent, Business in the Community
Clive Barker, Managing Director, CSB Logistics
Kay Bedford, Headteacher, Swiss Cottage School
Jonathan Brookes, Community and Development Manager, Lakehouse
Tim Davis, London Regional Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator, The Fire Brigades Union
Tromie Dodd, Appprentice Programme Manager, Fifteen
Terry Eleftheriou, Recycling Operations Administrations Manager, Haringey Council Recycling Centre
Toby Fosh, Lettings Manager, One Stop Estates
John Griffin, Chairman, Addison Lee
George Kessler CBE, Deputy Chairman, Kessler’s International
Sue Kidd, Head of Organisational Development, Natural History Museum
Juliet McGuigan, Director, Coffee Snobs Ltd
Paul Messenger, Director, Coffee Snobs Ltd
Harry Niazi, Business Owner, Olley's Fish Experience
Abim Olabinjo, Chief Executive, Portobello Business Centre
Chris Oliver, AJC Wilson Bodyshop
Sylvie Parcot, HR Manager, Crussh
Claire Parry, Managing Director, Croydon College
Michael Passey, Training Manager, Rail Gourmet UK Ltd
Pauline Puddicombe, Business Manager, New Rush Hall School
Allen Roberts, Training and Development Manager, O2 Arena
Penny Robinson, Union Learning Representative, Barking and Dagenham Council
Dame Ruth Silver, Principal and Chief Executive, Lewisham College
Gabby Smith, Managing Director, Chatsworth Care
Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce
Peter Swordy, HR Director, Wembley National Stadium Ltd
Ben Todd, Director, Arcola Theatre
Cyrus Todiwala, CEO, Café Spice Namasté
Lenford Tulloch, Learning and Development Director, Anbessa
Nick Turner, Partner, Monitor Group
Dave Walsh, Head of Apprenticeships, BT
James Wates, Deputy Chairman, The Wates Group
Lee Wickens, Training Manager, Addison Lee
Colin Wiggins, Director of Technical Training, BAA
The Ambassadors and skills experts from across London participate in the Skills for London discussion group on LinkedIn – please join the group and contribute to the discussion (you will need to register with LinkedIn).
For more information on the Skills for London Ambassador Network, or if you would like an Ambassador to speak at your event, please contact Jane Rogers, Communications Manager, LSC London Region on jane.rogers@lsc.gov.uk
Kay Bedford, Executive Principal, Swiss Cottage Special Educational Needs School
Kay is currently the Executive Principal of Swiss Cottage Special Educational Needs School in Camden. This school caters for 150+ pupils, aged 2–16 years, with a range of complex needs. The school is currently part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, and an expanded Swiss Cottage is due to open on the site in 2012, for 230 pupils aged 2-19 years.
Kay has led the school since 1995 when it opened, following an amalgamation of two special schools on the site.
The school has gone from strength to strength. Some key achievements are:
- More than doubled in size
- Gained Specialist status, to replace Beacon status, and hopes to gain a second specialism shortly
- 100% ‘Outstanding School’ status, following three Ofsted inspections and named in Ofsted’s first ‘Hall of Fame’
- Champion IiP organisation
- Many awards for its practice e.g. ICT; Sportsmark; International School
- Enviable reputation – locally, nationally, internationally.
In addition to her work at SCSS, Kay is a Consultant Leader and she is also employed as a facilitator on the Mentoring-Coaching course at the London Centre for Leadership in Learning (Institute of Education, London University).
For more information visit www.swisscottage.camden.sch.uk
Jonathan Brookes, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Lakehouse
Jonathan Brookes is Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Lakehouse, a building services company working in key sectors such as social housing refurbishment, health and education.
Jonathan joined Lakehouse in early 2007, following his involvement in establishing a legacy demonstration project at the company. His role is broad, covering training, work experience, community development, local labour, sustainable procurement and the environment.
Prior to joining Lakehouse, Jonathan worked in a variety of public and private sector project roles within the social regeneration sector. He recently completed a post graduate diploma in Law.
For more information on Lakehouse visit www.lakehouse.uk.com
Tromie-Lee Dodd, Apprentice Programme Manager, Fifteen Foundation
Tromie-Lee Dodd has been Apprentice Programme Manager at Fifteen Foundation since May 2008. Her role is to oversee and manage all areas of training and development for young people on the Fifteen Apprentice Programme, from initial recruitment and selection through to graduate support.
Fifteen Foundation exists to inspire disadvantaged young people – homeless, unemployed, overcoming drug or alcohol problems - to believe that they can create for themselves great careers in the restaurant industry.
Prior to working for Fifteen, Tromie worked for School-Home Support (UK) from July 2005 as a Service Delivery Manager. She was responsible for delivery across three London boroughs, managing the performance of 25 workers to provide a consistently high quality service for children, young people and families.
Tromie was also a project manager for the implementation of the Department for Children, Schools and Families national Parent Support Adviser project in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
Tromie has worked for Newham College of Further Education as Head of Learning Area, with responsibility for programme planning, delivery, monitoring, evaluation and accreditation. She looked after The Prince’s Trust Team Programmes and specially-commissioned provision for 14 -19 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Tromie has a NEBS Diploma in Management Studies, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a BA (Hons) Humanities degree. She also holds a part-time Youth Workers qualification and TDLB D32/33.
For more information on Fifteen visit www.fifteen.net
Terry Eleftheriou, Recycling Operations Administrations Manager, Haringey Council
Terry is a Recycling Operations Administrations Manager for Haringey Council's Waste Management Recycling team.
Terry has worked in Management for over 10 years spanning Insurance Brokers SBJ Ltd, PricewaterCoopers, and British Gas leading a number of teams that have ranged in size from five to over 100 people.
The relationship with Haringey Adult Learning Service (HALS) resulted in the Recycling Service being nominated and commended for the LSC London, Train to Gain, Employer of the Year 2008 and the only Council short-listed for the award in this category.
Terry and the Recycling teams training achievement's were recognised and celebrated at Haringey Councils Urban Environment Staff Recognition Awards Event at Alexandra Palace in December 2008. The Team won the category of employee and team awards respectively for "Improvement – we strive for excellence". The Recycling Service was recently commended for their work in employee training at the 2009 Government Business Awards.
For more information visit Haringey Council’s website at www.haringey.gov.uk
Paul Messenger, Director, Coffee Snobs
Paul (45) is a Director of Coffee Snobs Ltd, one of Costa Coffee's leading Franchise Partners.
Having established Coffee Snobs with his business partner, Juliet McGuigan in 2004, Coffee Snobs now operate eight stores turning over approximately £3.4 million per annum and employing in excess of 90 staff.
With a Financial Services background, Paul has worked for some of the countries leading Banks and Insurance Companies. Although always very customer service orientated, Coffee Snobs is Paul's first venture into the hospitality industry, which although challenging, he is also finding both rewarding and fun.
Paul and the Coffee Snobs team are committed to the ongoing development of their staff and as a result are continually promoting the benefits of the courses and NVQ training that they have available. In addition to benefitting as an employer from a more motivated and skilled workforce, Coffee Snobs is also able to identify and develop future managers, whilst their teams are benefitting from improved qualifications and as a result the potential for increased future employability.
Paul lives with his family in Northwood in North West London and has an office 10 minutes drive away in Coffee Snobs Head Office above their Costa Store in Ruislip.
For more information visit www.coffeesnobs.co.uk
Abim Olabinjo, Chief Executive, Portobello Business Centre
Abim Olabinjo is Chief Executive of Portobello Business Centre, described as the leading Enterprise Agency in London.
Abim is an awarding winning MBA graduate, being awarded Best of Class in 1996. His career spans over 25 years' experience working in economic and small enterprise development.
He has broad and extensive knowledge of SME development and has organised and delivered many specialist support services, especially for the BAME and disadvantaged communities.
He also has overseas experience, having organised development work in Europe, Japan and Southern Africa.
Abim is a member of various leading management and marketing bodies in the UK. He is a mentor for a number of businesses and has been responsible for delivering specialist training in the fashion, hospitality and creative sectors.
For more information visit www.pbc.co.uk
Chris Oliver, Managing Director, AJC Wilson Bodyshop
Chris Oliver has been Managing Director of AJC Wilson Bodyshop, an award-winning vehicle accident repair centre based in Dagenham, East London, for nearly a decade.
With a turnover approaching £3 million and a staff of 28, the team has won a number of national and regional accolades including UK Bodyshop of the Year at the National Training Awards, and one of the team recently won the prestigious Thames Gateway Young Business Person of the Year.
Chris also serves on and chairs a number of industry-specific bodies tasked with training and developing within the sector. These include working in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Research Centre at Thatcham and the British Standards Institute (BSi).
Having been involved with local government since the mid-nineties, Chris is also Chair of the Barking and Dagenham Enterprise Board - a private sector-led partnership leading on regeneration within the borough. He also chairs the Local Strategic Partnership, Business Jobs and Skills Board with the local authority, Jobcentre Plus, the LSC and other public sector partners.
For more information on AJC Wilson Bodyshop visit www.ajc-bodyshop.com
Claire Parry , Managing Director: Croydon Skills and Enterprise College
Claire Parry has been Managing Director of Croydon Skills and Enterprise College, part of the Croydon College group, since January 2007.
Croydon Skills and Enterprise College focuses on building training supply based on sophisticated market intelligence that meets anticipated and actual demand through the development of a flexible, responsive offer. The offer is defined by the needs of industry and commerce, shaped by the experience of employers and is effective in supplying relevant skills to the regional economy.
Claire works strategically with key partners and stakeholders to engage with employers and individuals, stimulating demand for skills training and development in line with national, regional and local priorities. She works with her teams to identify new opportunities or emerging markets and secure revenue streams that can support the employability training and support needs of Londoners.
The College delivers a wide range of core further education programmes to 14-19 and adult learners, as well as funded and bespoke provision for employers. In addition, it is the largest provider of Apprenticeships in South London, delivered through its recently launched ‘London Apprenticeship Academy’. Within this area it has developed expertise in specialist Apprenticeships in Sporting Excellence, including athletics and motor sport as well as core provision in areas such as construction, hairdressing, business and motor vehicle.
For more information visit www.croydon.ac.uk/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
Michael Passey, Training Manager, Rail Gourmet
Michael Passey is Training Manager at Rail Gourmet UK Ltd, a company specialising in all aspects of rail catering - from detailed logistics and supply chain management to the highly personalised care and attention required to run significant on-board operations.
Michael has extensive experience of the rail industry and is committed to improving training and development opportunities for all individuals. He has a proven track record within Rail Gourmet UK Ltd - he was involved with the piloting of the distance learning programme, Management Essentials, with the BBC/National Extension College and is the driving force behind the Train to Gain NVQ programme, which currently has a company engagement rate of over 60 per cent.
He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; a registered trainer for Food Safety and Health and Safety with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, and holds a degree in Criminology from Middlesex University.
Prior to taking up the position of Training Manager, Michael worked with Rail Gourmet UK Ltd as a Service Centre Manager, managing the day to day logistics and supply chain contract for three centres in the Midlands. Michael joined Rail Gourmet UK Ltd from Gatwick Express Ltd, where he delivered the business product through employees as Customer Service Manager.
For more information on Rail Gourmet UK Ltd visit www.railgourmet.com
Pauline Puddicombe, Business Manager, New Rush Hall Group
Pauline Puddicombe is a Business Manager working for a federation providing education for youngsters with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The federation comprises a special school, outreach service, two Key Stage 4 Pupil Support Centres, a Key Stage 3 Pupil Support Centre, an Early Years Unit and an education provision within a psychiatric setting, in the London Borough of Redbridge.
Working alongside the Head of the Group, John d'Abbro OBE, Pauline has a strategic overview of the group's finance and administrative operations. This includes the management and monitoring of budgets, estate management, human resources and health and safety. She will graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA (Hons) Degree in School Business Management in July 2009.
Pauline has also worked in the mainstream sector and at Local Authority level in education finance. She worked abroad helping a Board of School Directors establish an English-medium school in Gaborone, Botswana giving local youngsters better learning opportunities.
Originating from Zimbabwe, Pauline has lived in the UK since 1995 with her two children.
For more information on New Rush Hall Group visit www.nrhs.redbridge.sch.uk
Peter Swordy, HR Manager, Wembley National Stadium
Peter Swordy is HR Manager at the iconic Wembley Stadium. He moved to Wembley in 1999 following roles in local government and the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC).
At the LDDC, Peter managed a highly successful Career Development Programme and worked on the organisational closure, after which he went to work for Canary Wharf Group as Deputy Personnel Manager.
Since joining Wembley Stadium, Peter has continued to work in HR and also on operational planning for the new building. He was heavily involved in the financial close process for the new stadium and planned for its reopening, including being the Event Owner for the first test event.
Peter is an active member of the event day management team and is now working on integration of the Football Association (The FA), which is the parent company and owner, into the new Stadium.
He is a Governor of the College of North West London and was nominated for HR Director of the Year 2008 by Human Resources Magazine.
For more information on Wembley Stadium visit www.wembleystadium.com
Ben Todd, Executive Director, Arcola Theatre
Ben Todd is the Executive Director of Arcola Theatre in Hackney, one of the most respected arts venues in the UK. London’s largest theatre studio, Arcola has become well known for the variety of its programming – from new writing to classic drama, music and comedy.
Ben’s background is in sustainable technology. He completed his PhD on the Modelling of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Power Generation at Cambridge University Engineering Department. He has worked in research and development, technical and strategy consulting on both commercial and government projects, including Cambridge Consultants, Ti Cycles of India, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems and Synnogy.
At Arcola Theatre, Ben leads a highly innovative programme to become the world’s first carbon neutral theatre, which includes an extensive range of sustainability activities, collectively referred to as Arcola Energy. Arcola is already well on the way to becoming 100 per cent sustainable, with Ben’s expertise enabling fuel cell technology to power main house shows.
As well as managing Arcola Theatre, Ben works as a technology broker for the Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Knowledge Transfer Network run by the UK Technology Strategy Board.
For more information on Arcola Theatre visit www.arcolatheatre.com
Cyrus Todiwala MBE DL, Executive Chef and Proprietor, Café Spice Namasté
Cyrus Todiwala is Executive Chef and Proprietor, along with his wife Pervin, of Café Spice Namasté, renowned for its innovative and fresh approach to Indian cuisine. Along with the award-winning London flagship restaurant, Cyrus and Pervin operate Café ‘t’ at Asia House.
Cyrus has authored three books - International Cuisine: India, Café Spice Namasté - New Wave Indian Cooking, and Indian Summer and has appeared on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, UKTV’s Market Kitchen, Master Chef, and the Big Breakfast.
Cyrus sits on a number of boards, including London Food (part of the London Development Agency), and is regularly involved in programmes aimed at developing the future chefs of Great Britain. In 2000, his efforts where recognised when he was awarded an MBE by the Queen and, most recently, he was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London.
He is a valued ambassador for Investors in People and a great supporter of the ‘Standard’ and in 1998 he became a member of the National Advisory Counsel for Education and Training Targets.
Cyrus is committed to the philosophy of lifelong learning and is dedicated to his involvement in local and sector organisations and to supporting training initiatives. As well as setting up an initiative for Asian restaurants to access NVQs and SVQs, Cyrus has worked with two other restaurants and London East LSC to establish an Asian and Oriental School of Catering.
For more information on Cyrus and his restaurants visit www.cafespice.co.uk
Nick Turner, Partner, Monitor Group
Nick Turner is Co-President of Global Business Network (GBN) and a Partner of the Monitor Group.
Based in London, Nick provides strategic advice to both private and public sector clients, in addition to managing GBN’s global operations.
Nick has extensive experience in leading a diverse range of strategic projects, including using scenario planning to help key stakeholders to challenge their preconceived mental models and formulate strategies for success in an uncertain world.
Prior to GBN, Nick was a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, where he held a series of strategy and marketing executive positions over his 11 years at the company. He was also a client of GBN and had the opportunity to collaborate on a number of important initiatives.
The initial part of Nick’s career was spent in the high-technology industry, both in Europe and California. Nick's experience includes marketing and business development roles at the Xerox Corporation, Visioneer and Keene Communications.
Nick is a member of the Mayor of London’s Skills and Employment Board, helping to develop an employer-led and integrated strategy for the city. He also sits on the board of Working Ventures UK.
Nick holds a BSc in Management Science from the University of Wales.
For more information on the Monitor Group visit www.monitor.com/UK
James Wates, Deputy Chairman, Wates Group
James Wates joined Wates Construction Limited in 1983 and was appointed MD of Wates Integra in 1991. He joined Wates Construction Limited Board as Marketing Director in 1994 and was appointed to Wates Group Board in 1997. He is Chairman of the Nominations Committee, a Remuneration Committee member, a Trustee of Wates Foundation and Chairman of the UK Contractors Group.
James is Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Building, a Member of CITB Construction Skills Board; the CBI Construction Council; the Public Sector Construction Clients Forum and the London Skills and Employment Board. James is also a member of The Prince’s Trust London Regional Council; Honorary Treasurer of the BCO, Governor of Emanuel School and Trustee of Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation.
For more information on Wates Group visit www.wates.co.uk
Dave Walsh, Head of Apprenticeships, BT
Dave Walsh is Head of Apprenticeships at BT, with responsibility for the recruitment and development of circa 1,000 apprentices in Openreach, BT Global Services, BT Operate, BT Retail and BT Fleet.
The scheme was assessed in 2006 as outstanding in the area of learning from the Adult Learning Inspectorate. In 2007, the BT scheme was selected as the national large employer of the year at the LSC Apprenticeship Awards and again in 2008 and 2009 at the LSC London awards.
Dave is a corporate member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a chartered engineer with the Engineering Council. He completed an apprenticeship himself as a maintenance and installation electrician before becoming qualified at degree level in electronics and computer systems, after which he joined BT as a graduate manager.
For more information on BT’s Apprenticeships visit www.btplc.com/careercentre
Colin Wiggins, Apprentice and Technical Training Manager, BAA (Heathrow)
Colin Wiggins joined BAA in October 2006 as Maintenance Team Manager at T5, responsible for recruiting and training the BAA technicians that would maintain the building once complete.
In his current role, which he has held since April 2008, Colin is responsible for all technical training at Heathrow and the Heathrow Apprenticeship Scheme which currently has 80 apprentices across four year groups. He is also responsible for career development of the engineering workforce.
Prior to joining BAA, Colin completed 35 years with British Airways. He started his career as an engineering apprentice and was a Flight Crew Manager when he retired on 30 September 2006.
For more information on BAA visit www.baa.com. Details of their Apprenticeships can be found in the careers section.