The Gallery

 

View pictures from various KISS events held over the past year and read some of the testimonials. Click below for more

 

 

Our Successes

 

Provided an informal networking environment where business people can meet and support each other, sharing knowledge and expertise to help each other’s businesses and referred work to each other

 

 

Organised four successful careers exhibitions now known as ‘The Big KISS’ in Congleton, which has now become part of the Borough’s event calendar, the last event had 500+ attendees.

 

 

Provided free training for local businesses in food safety, marketing on a budget and conflict management.

 

 

Developed and delivered a programme to help people prepare for work or learning opportunities, 100+ participants in the last year. 80% of people went on to achieve their goals.

 

 

Worked closely with schools and colleges in the area, working on many projects to help bridge the gap between education and employment.

 

 

Support other ideas and events to help connect, skills, employment and learning i.e. 11 million take over day – placements found for people who would not normally have the opportunity.

 

 

The "Conflict Handling Workshop" is an example of an excellent benefit to us all for attending.

 

 

The Congleton KISS group won a 2009 Congleton Borough Business Award ‘Special Achievement’.

 

 

KISS Member

Daphne Youles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT Is your name, position, and the organisation you work for?

Daphne Youles, Sole Trader

 

WHEN Did you join KISS? / How long have you been involved with the group?

I joined KISS in September encouraged by a long standing member.

 

ABOUT Tell us about your organisation, what it sells/does and how long it has been running.

Currently, I work on my own, hiring in extra help as required. My business is cooking which covers baking for farm shops, private clients and farmers markets; I also undertake catering assignments. I began approximately 10 years ago; to begin with I was employed part-time and ran my business in my ‘spare time’. Since my retirement, I have been able to devote all my time and energies to the cooking enterprise and am constantly seeking ways of increasing the scope of my business.

 

DONATIONS Tell us what you have donated to the KISS group over the period of you membership. This can included giving up your own time or work you have done for the KISS group at events such as the BIG KISS etc.

I have been a member of KISS for a short time and I am still finding my feet – getting to understand the make-up of the group and where I can fit into it. I hope, during 2011, to become pro-active.

 

WHY/BENEFITS Tell us why you joined the KISS group, why you are still involved in its activities and what benefits being a member of the group has brought you.

Encouraged by a current member, I have attended several meetings during which I have listened to enlightened discussions about the future of Congleton’s young people, what help they require and how older and more experienced citizens can help to make their future more promising.

 

I have personally benefitted from meeting several inspiring individuals who have helped me with contacts, increased my self-esteem and enabled me to actively increase the scope of my business.