NO SLOWDOWN IN SME JOB CUTS

JOB losses in the North West’s SME sector show no real signs of abating over the next 6 months, according to new research. 

The latest quarterly survey from Clifton Asset Management (CAM) which provides specialist financial and strategic advice to SMEs, reveals that 20% of small business owners in the region have been forced to shed jobs this year – down 6% on the previous survey.  But the CAM study also shows that 14%t are planning job cuts in the second half of the year, which is virtually unchanged on last time (15%).

The research comes at a time when unemployment at its highest level since 1994, and with the Coalition Government unveiling wide-ranging public spending cuts.

“The fact that the rate of job cuts among SMEs shows no real sign of falling away reinforces the view of 66% of those who took part in our survey, that a fully-fledged recovery is still at least 12 months away.  Small and medium-sized businesses must return to good health before the UK can pull itself fully out of recession. While it is not the private sector which will bear the brunt of the cuts over the next few years, many SMEs have a strong business relationship on the public sector and will thereby be severely affected.” said CAM director Anthony Carty. 

Schools in Liverpool too good for Ofsted!

EDUCATION inspectors are staying away from Liverpool – because a record number of high-flying primary schools have no need to be re-inspected!

Government watchdog Ofsted has written to 16 schools ranked as ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ to tell them that their impending inspections have been put on hold because they have maintained such high standards since the last time they were visited.

The announcement from Ofsted comes following its interim assessments of schools, a ‘desk-top’, exercise which examines a range of performance information.

Under the new system introduced last September, schools which are found to be performing well in their interim assessments are inspected less often - and the large number of Liverpool schools which fall into this category is a major boost for primary education in the city.

The city council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, Councillor Jane Corbett, said:- “Education in Liverpool continues to make great strides, and this latest vote of confidence from Ofsted is fantastic news for the city. I’d like to congratulate the staff, pupils, governors and parents at all of the schools involved. The fact that Ofsted has deemed re-inspections unnecessary is testament to their hard work and dedication. It bodes very well for the future of our young people.”

The primary schools which have passed their interim assessments with flying colours and are continuing to provide ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ standards are:-

OUTSTANDING:- Bishop Martin Primary, L25; Blackmoor Park Infants, L12;Blessed Sacrament Catholic Infants, L9; Kensington Infants, L7; Mosspits Juniors, L15; Rice Lane Infant and Nursery, L9; St Cecilia’s Infants, L13; St Clare’s Primary, L15; St Cleopas Primary, L8; St Francis de Sales Juniors, L4

GOOD:- Lister Drive Infants, L13; St Mary’s Primary, L12; Gwladys Street Primary and Nursery, L4; St Cecilia’s Juniors, L13; Rudston Infants, L16; Holy Name Primary, L10

The city council’s executive director for children’s services, Stuart Smith, said:- “This is excellent news and testament to the good work going on at our primary schools. To see such a large number of schools maintaining these high standards is very encouraging. It reflects the huge progress being made across the board in education in Liverpool.”

GREEN SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR REVAMPED PARK

ONE of Liverpool’s most beautiful parks has been given a very special birthday present. Almost a year to the day after Stanley Park officially re-opened following a £14m restoration, the 111-acre park has been awarded national recognition for its exceptional high quality – the prestigious Green Flag.

During its two-year regeneration project the 140 year old park, which famously sits between Anfield and Goodison Park football stadiums, was transformed with new landscaping, the original third lake was reinstated, specialist stonemasons restored bridges and intricate ironwork was replaced throughout the park.

And the work saw the transformation of one of the park’s historic gems – the Isla Gladstone Conservatory. The run-down shell was taken down piece-by-piece (5,115 parts in total) and repaired or restored. Using 1,483 panes of glass, the Grade II listed conservatory, which first opened in 1899, was re-glazed and laid onto brand new foundations and now the iconic structure sits proudly at the heart of the park and community, hosting a whole range of events from weddings to match day entertainment.

Stanley Park joins 16 other parks and gardens across the city which have also received the sought-after accolade.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Tim Moore, said:- “This is fantastic news and I’m delighted that all 17 parks we entered for the award scooped the top prize. It’s wonderful that just one year after officially re-opening, Stanley Park can fly the green flag – it’s the perfect birthday present to mark the hard work and commitment of all the team and community involved. The awards are a real credit to everyone involved from the Parks and Greenspaces department, the gardeners from Glendale-Liverpool Ltd, Friends of Groups , right through to local residents and community groups. We want to make sure our parks and gardens are places residents and visitors want to spend time, and knowing that they have received national recognition for their excellence will hopefully encourage even more people to make the most of the green havens on their doorsteps.”

The 17 Green Flag Flying parks are:-

· Anfield Crematorium Memorial Garden
· Belle Vale Park
· Calderstones Park
· Devonfield Garden
· Doric Park
· Everton Park Nature Garden
· Falkner Square Garden
· Greenbank Park
· Larkhill Gardens
· Otterspool Promenade
· Our Lady and St Nicholas Church Garden
· Reynolds Park
· Springwood Crematorium Memorial Gardens
· St John’s Gardens
· Stanley Park
· Woolton Woods and Camphill
· Croxteth Hall and Country Park

The parks and gardens must meet demanding criteria which includes conservation and heritage, community involvement, excellent facilities, good signage, health and safety, security and it must be a welcoming place.

Paul Todd, Manager, Green Flag Award Scheme, said:- “It’s a remarkable achievement that so many Liverpool parks have successfully reached Green Flag Award status this year. The staff running the parks work very hard throughout the year to ensure their facilities are maintained to a high standard and enjoyed by the entire community. As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high-quality, free open spaces is of particular importance.”