Multiply Programme puts numeracy skills into PR

A new course helping improve adults’ confidence around numeracy while also teaching practical life skills was officially launched at Metropolis, Coventry’s only training restaurant.

Local business leaders and funding partners were invited to the launch of the ‘Multiply - Warwickshire Counts’ programme, run by national training provider PET-Xi on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

The government’s Multiply programme is being delivered by PET-Xi to residents across Warwickshire and aims to help a dults who do not have a GCSE at Grade C or equivalent in maths and want to improve their confidence and understanding in the subject.

The cohort of students took part in a live session of the programme’s ‘Cooking Counts’ module which covers the basics of budgeting, working out a basic spend, food prep and planning ingredients out, all of which are designed to put their numeracy skills into practice.

They also took part in a Q&A where they spoke fondly of the difference the course has already made to their confidence in maths, and how much more focused the teaching is compared to their time at school. Attendees also enjoyed a buffet and drinks prepared by the Metropolis team, who themselves are trainees working alongside professionals, learning every aspect of the hospitality industry.

Julie London, maths tutor at PET-Xi, said: “There are a lot of people in the UK who struggled with maths at school and as such have a lot of anxiety around these skills in adult life.

“Most of the time, the issue is down to the teaching they had rather than because of the individual. What Warwickshire Counts aims to do is to break down basic concepts like calculations, fractions, and measures into practical, relatable problems that people can understand.”

Students taking the courses have an initial assessment to determine their ability in maths, before undergoing guided learning with the help of PET-Xi tutors, who tailor the course depending on their skills.

They then take an assessment at the end of the course and earn either a Level 1 or 2 qualification.

Leia Welland, Head of Skills at PET-Xi, said: “Having basic maths skills is so important in most career paths, but there are many adults who are unable to access employment opportunities because they don’t have relevant qualifications.

“Multiply gives people the foundations they need to boost their confidence in numeracy and support them into the career they aspire to.

“We were really proud to promote the benefits of Multiply at Metropolis and seeing our trainees talk so fondly about the course and the impact it has had.”

Claire Williams, Multiply Programme Manager at Warwickshire County Council, added: “The skills gap is something Warwickshire needs to address, and courses like Warwickshire Counts are a brilliant way of doing this.”

Multiply - Warwickshire Counts is available to anyone aged 19 or over and living in Warwickshire who does not have a grade C in maths at GCSE or equivalent. Anyone wishing to apply should contact Kerri Bowers via email at: courses@pet-xi.co.uk

The Canal & River Trust, the charity which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is asking people to take part in a ‘Canalathon’ raising funds as they walk or run the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) along their local canal towpath across the month.

Almost nine million people live less than a mile from one of the Canal & River Trust’s waterways, making them popular and accessible places to exercise. But the West Midlands ageing canals are under threat, with costly repairs required to keep them open for the communities who enjoy them and for the wildlife that depends on them. There are lots of ways to get involved in the Canalathon. Participants can walk or run the 26.2 miles all in one go or in bite-sized chunks, working at a pace that suits them, over the course of a month. The challenge can be completed solo or in a team of family, friends, or colleagues. Participants will receive limited-edition Canalathon shoelaces when they get their first donation and a free branded running vest when they reach £100 on their fundraising page.

Maggie Gardner, fundraising director at Canal & River Trust, said: “Our canals and rivers are on the doorsteps of nine million people, offering somewhere for us to live, relax, get active, spend time together and get close to nature. But these special places, many dating back 250 years, need our support if they are going to survive. Taking part in the Canalathon is a fantastic way to raise important funds to keep our canals free and accessible for us all to use and enjoy and help nature flourish in the hearts of West Midlands towns and cities.”

Paul Steele, ambassador for Canal & River Trust and Canalathon participant, said: “The Canal & River Trust’s vital work repairing centuries-old locks, bridges, tunnels and aqueducts means that millions of people can live healthier lives, with research showing that spending time by water really can make people feel happier and healthier. The Canalathon gives us all the chance to discover the waterways, clear our heads and find our inner calm, as well as raising money so future generations can continue to enjoy these benefits. I’m going to be taking part in the Canalathon and it would be great to see as many people as possible joining me in the challenge.”

People can sign up to the challenge on the Canal & River Trust website canalrivertrust.org.uk/canalathon then create a Just Giving page and track their miles through Strava.

More details about how the Canal & River Trust works to make life better by water can be found at canalrivertrust.org.uk

Coventry event management specialist wins major UK distribution deal

An event management specialist based in Coventry has won a major UK distribution deal for a security measure used to protect high-profile sites ranging from military bases to Premier League stadia.

Stadium has secured the UK distribution rights for Israel-based Mifram Security, with the deal including the leading modular barrier system, MVB 3X, as well as some new innovative products that are about to hit the market.

MVB 3X is used across the world to protect a variety of facilities, stadiums, festivals, events, military bases, hospitals and more, and has been rolled out at major Premier League football clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and world events such as New York’s Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The barriers have an innovative and unique design which means it can be assembled and dismantled by one person in just 10 minutes without the need for tools and is capable of stopping trucks weighing up to 7.5 tonnes and travelling at speeds of up to 40mph.

Stadium’s new UK partnership with Mifram comes at a time when the Government is cranking up legislation to keep people safe from the threat of terrorist attacks, with new rules on Protect Duty expected to be approved this year.

Known as Martyn's Law – in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 –Protect Duty will create a statutory duty for the owners and operators of publicly accessible locations to take proportionate measures to protect the public from terror attacks.

Carl Taylor, Director of Stadium, said: “This is a key year for the security sector and for many businesses across the country as Protect Duty will require venues and events accessible to the public to draw up plans to prevent terrorist attacks and keep the public safe.

“We’ve seen the demand for hostile vehicle mitigation has risen substantially in the past 12 months as many businesses and local authorities are now starting to prepare for the new rules, so we’re really pleased to work with Mifram to help distribute across the UK and meet growing demand. The deal includes both the sale of Mifram products as well as rentalbased services.

“The MVB 3X is a product we know very well having previously used it as part of our own roster, where it was recently used to secure three major concerts at Anfield in Liverpool last year, the London Marathon, and 2023 St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Ireland.

“It ticks the box for so many given it requires minimum effort to install and provides maximum protection, so it’s unique in that regard.”

The PAS68 approved measure weighs only 24kg per unit and folds for easy carrying, with Stadium offering a free demo at its offices in Coventry. Stadium was formed in 2009 and provides traffic management, event services and training, as well as rental of security barriers, the hiring of stewards and Security Industry Authority (SIA) security staff for events.

The firm supports events ranging from the Olympic Games to Premier League football matches, and sell-out concerts to high-profile conferences.