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

Sue Cowan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Sue Cowan Business and Community Manager at Eaton Bank School

 

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

I joined over four years ago having attended the first careers fair the group held. I felt the School with its focus on being at the heart of the Community could work well with Kiss and be an active partner.

 

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

Eaton Bank School was formed in 2000 when the three schools in the town were closed and two new schools opened. The school has a sixth form so caters for 11-18 olds, offering a wide range of subjects.

 

The School wished to be an active member of the wider community and as such in 2005 expanded my role to Community Manager with the view of working with local business and individuals living and working in Congleton. In a hope of enhancing the prospect of employment of young people.

 

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.

The school has supported the last three careers fairs at the town hall. The Catering Students made and served refreshments at the first event, lent tables for the second event. Personally I have spent the whole day at these events as a floating helper. I have been on several working parties relating to the Careers Fairs and give up my time to attend meetings even when they fall in the holidays.

 

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 was invited to join the Group as a representative from Education. I have found the group inspirational in its drive to improve the life’s of those living in Congleton regardless of their age. Being part of the Kiss group has allowed me to meet a wide range of people who have so much to offer. It has enabled me to enhance the support local business gives the school. It has also allowed the school to become a more active partner in the Community.