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

Glen Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Glen Williams, Chairman of Bromley Farm Community Development Trust

 

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

I joined the Congleton KISS Group in April 2009 after working for Zurich Insurance company for nearly 20 years underwriting insurance risks for businesses. I am also involved on the NEC of an independent trade union.

 

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

The Trust was set up in February 2003. I took over as Chairman in September 2004. The Trust provides events and activities for residents who live within the Bromley Farm neighbourhood of Congleton. We also work on projects to improve the local environment. We work in partnership with many other organisations including the local councils, Plus Dane Group, Police and Fire Service to improve the quality of life for all residents. We are a pilot project within the Cheshire East Local Area Partnership and are seen as a successful model that could be replicated in other neighbourhoods. We have brought inward investment of nearly £250,000 in the last seven years to the area.

 

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 attended the majority of monthly meetings bringing a community perspective to the group. I have been involved in the organisation and delivery of the two Big KISS events in 2009 and 2010. I have assisted with funding bids and am involved in the 2011 Enterprise project.

 

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.

I joined the KISS group to initially build a working relationship with Eaton Bank School and to increase the network of partners the Trust is able to work with to bring real advantages to residents of Bromley Farm. I now have a better knowledge of the educational opportunities within the area and have a better understanding of what employers are looking for. It has enabled me to get involved in initiatives that have a wider impact than just one part of the town.