WIN Awards 2019 shortlist announced

The shortlist for the WIN Awards has been released and we are proud to see SRS MD, Sophie Milliken listed in three categories including the prestigious flagship award for entrepreneurship.

The event is in its 20th year, organised by The Event Hero and sponsored by Sage UK. The ceremony will take place on November 22 at the Grand Hotel at Gosforth Park.

Nickie Gott, chair of WIN Awards, said: “It has been so inspiring to read and review all of the amazing applications we’ve had this year. The entry level has been exceptional and those shortlisted should feel very proud to be recognised as role models for the North East and setting the standard for female entrepreneurs and women in business in our region.

“When we set up these awards, we wanted to turn the spotlight on the amazing women we have in the region, who work across a whole range of businesses and organisations. Throughout the 20 years of the event, there have been so many inspiring stories and I know this year will be no different.”

Sophie Milliken, SRS MD, said: “This year has been truly amazing with the launch of my book, From Learner to Earner, (now a best-seller) and our merge with GradTouch. To be recognised in three categories at the WIN Awards is truly special.”

GRADTOUCH AND SMART RESOURCING SOLUTIONS (SRS) ANNOUNCE MERGER

GradTouch, the UK’s most trusted career platform for advertising student and graduate recruitment opportunities, announces today its merger with Smart Resourcing Solutions (SRS), experts in graduate recruitment design and delivery. 

GradTouch and SRS share a joint vision of supporting all students across UK universities and their future employers by providing best in class employability solutions which allow graduates to secure the best-fit role for their careers.

Award-winning graduate recruitment and employability experts, SRS, will continue to provide assessment design and delivery services to employers. And for universities as the leading supplier of large-scale assessment centre simulations.

“I'm really excited that SRS is joining forces with GradTouch.” said Sophie Milliken, Managing Director of SRS. “We've worked with the GradTouch team on various collaborations for around two years and the time is right to formalise our partnership, supporting our joint aim to best help students get the graduate jobs they want.”

Zac Williams, Co-Founder of GradTouch said: “We’re thrilled to welcome SRS to the GradTouch family. After working closely together over the last few years, making our partnership official in this way felt like a no-brainer.”

“The partnership will see SRS continue to equip students and graduates with the skills and tools they need for the world of work. GradTouch has gained the ability to better service the employer brands we work with by giving them the opportunity to showcase their schemes to a new audience of job-ready candidates.”

With strongholds across Newcastle, Manchester and London the business continues to deliver on its core business plan as it looks toward joining forces with further experts within the graduate recruitment industry; those which share in its mission to help every student through their journey from university into the world of work.

From Learner to Earner Newcastle Book Launch

On Thursday 19thSeptember, The Great Hall at Northumbria University played host to the official book launch for graduate recruitment and employability expert, Sophie Milliken’s first book. From Learner to Earner (available now through all good book stockists) is the recruitment insider’s guide to job success and helps students and graduates looking to secure their first job. 

Guests from local universities and employers attended the event and were treated to goody bags which included a copy of the book and bespoke cupcakes featuring the book cover. Pro-Vice Chancellor, Lucy Winskell OBE opened the speeches sharing her thoughts on the importance of employability and how vital it is for students today. She also shared some of her favourite excerpts from Sophie’s book, highlighting a couple of gems that she felt applied to her own career.

In Sophie’s speech, she shared her experience of writing a book and how much she enjoyed it. She spoke passionately about how employability helps to level the playing field for all students and can have a positive impact on social mobility. Her big aim is to see employability embedded in every course at every UK university. To support this aim, Sophie revealed she will be writing a textbook version of the book which can be used by academics to teach employability as a module.

The London book launch takes place on Thursday 26th September at the Institute of Student Employers and this will be followed by a national university book tour in 2020.   

From Learner to Earner: A recruitment insider's guide for students wanting to achieve graduate job success

Managing Director, Sophie Milliken’s first book, From Learner To Earner was published last week. The book is a guide for students and graduates looking to secure their first placement or graduate job. Split into three sections, the book focuses on finding a job, getting it and then excelling in the role and beyond. With 18 downloadable resources coming with the book featuring templates and guides to support the reader, it is an essential guide for all graduate job seekers.

Praise for the book has been received from a number of industry leaders and academics including ISE Chief Executive, Stephen Isherwood:

“Sophie’s wealth of experience flows from every page in this book. Too many students spend too little time focused on their career. Full of practical advice and insider tips, this book will help students at every stage of their career journey: from deciding where to start, to navigating the selection process, to making the right impression on day one. ‘From Learner to Earner’ is as comprehensive as the title suggests.”

The book is available from amazon, Waterstones and all good book retailers.

Tour De SRS

We did it! Our team completed a 30 mile circuit in support of Team Kenya.

We set off early in the morning to complete a tour of the 4 North East universities, walking all day with only a 30 minute break. We got increasingly tired, sore and quiet towards the evening, but fish & chips, chocolate and some motivational games from Rachael kept us going. It was also great to receive so many supportive comments and donations along the way.

We have very nearly achieved our target to raise £1,000 for Team Kenya and there is still time for you to help us do this. No donation is too small and would be in support of a great cause, helping poor girls and women in rural Kenya to have access to education and equal opportunities.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tourdesrs

Thank you for your support.