A flexible, modular-based, programme to heighten participants' awareness of ways in which their operations can affect the environment, the principles of environmental management and the practical steps they need to take as individuals and as an organisation to improve environmental performance. Depending on the course modules selected, this programme will give participants: Increased awareness of relevant environmental issues A greater understanding of, and commitment to, the organisation's environmental management programme Preparation for any responsibilities they may have under an Environmental Management System Further benefits according to options chosen 1 Environmental awareness Definition of 'the environment' Key environmental issuesGlobal warmingOzone depletionAcid rainAir qualityWater pollutionContaminated landLand take and green belt shrinkageResource usageHabitat destruction and species extinctions. Option: This module can be used to explain the key environmental issues related to the activities of your own organisation. Diagrams, photos, pictures, examples and statistics relevant to your own organisation are used where possible to illustrate the points being made. 2 Environmental legislation Key elements of environmental legislation affecting the activities of your organisation - including international, European and UK legislation. Legislation of particular relevance to your organisation - how it affects the operations of your organisation Option: Legislation can be dealt with according to which aspect of the environment it protects (eg, air, water, waste) or which part of your organisation's activities it affects Consequences of breaching legislation 3 Environmental management systems Overview of what an environmental management system isHow is an Environmental Management System (EMS) designed and put together?Key elements (emphasising Plan - Do - Check - Review cycle)The need to continually improve Pros and consReasons for having an EMSBenefits of an EMSConsequences of not managing the environmentCosts of installing an EMS Explanation of ISO 14001 and EMAS standards and guidance as applicable to the EMSs of your organisationOverview of your organisation's EMSHow it was set up / is being developed / operatesWho is responsible for itKey parts of system (eg, environmental policy, objectives and targets) identified and discussedEMS documentation - what and where it is. Workshop option: Brainstorm 'Pros and cons' with the participants, come up with all their ideas for good and bad things about EMS and demonstrate that the 'good' list is longer than the 'bad' 4 Environmental consequences Define what an environmental impact is and discuss how they are determined, with reference to the EMS Identify why we want to determine the environmental consequences of operations and activities; how they are used in the EMS for planning, and reducing the impact on the environment Establish key environmental consequences of construction and operational activities on the site; discuss significance ranking and the control measures in place in your organisation. Workshop option: In small groups, participants are asked to identify the impact on the environment of your organisation's activities or a part of their activities. They are then asked to rank these impacts in terms of their significance, using guidelines provided to help them be aware of the contributing factors (eg, frequency, severity). For a selected number of the impacts, the participants are asked to identify what control measures there are and which of these they play a part in. All stages can be discussed with trainers as a whole group at various stages during the workshop. 5 Protected species, nature conservation and invasive weeds Nature conservation, landscape and visual issues in the planning process - overview of key nature UK wildlife legislation, EIA, appropriate timing of surveys, Hedgerow regulations and landscape and visual impact issues Ecological issues - ecological legislation, significant species, hedgerows Archaeology in the development process - why archaeology is important, organisation in the UK, legislation and planning guidance Construction phase issues and consents - major environmental issues during construction, including water resources and land drainage consents, discharges to land or water, water abstraction, public rights of way, tree protection, waste management, Special waste, noise, good practice pollution control and Environmental Audits Identification and management of invasive weeds - including legal position regarding management 6 Chemicals and fuels handling and storage How health and safety management is closely linked to environmental management of materials Planning - what mechanisms are in place for planning materials use; legislation, guidance and policies which define how to manage materials Materials storage - what are the considerations for storing materials, covering:Labels: what are the different types and what do they tell us?Storage facilities: what are the requirements for safe storage of materials (eg, signs, secondary containment, access, segregation, lids/covers)Handling: safe handling for protecting the environment, organisational procedures, high risk situations (eg, decanting, deliveries), how to reduce the risks (eg, use of funnels, proper supervision, training)COSHH and MSDS: brief explanation of legislation and its role in environmental control of hazardous materials, how to use the information provided by COSHH assessments Option: These sessions can be illustrated with photographs/pictures and examples of good and bad storage and handling practices Workshop Options: Labelling Quiz - quick-fire quiz on what different labels tell us; Build a Storage Facility - participants are asked to consider all the environmental requirements for building a safe storage facility for their organisation 7 On-site control measures Overview of the legislation associated with nuisance issues on site and mitigating problems when they arise Examples of bad practice, including fuel storage tanks and mobile equipment - costs involved with prosecution of fuel spills, remediation costs, management costs, legal fees, bad PR coverage Identification and management of contaminated land and relevant legislation Workshop option: Participants are provided with a site plan containing information on site features, environmental conditions and indications of potential issues 8 Waste management Why worry about waste? - a look at how waste disposal can impact on the environment, illustrated by examples of waste-related incidents, statistics on waste production on national, industry-wide and organisational levels, landfill site space, etc Legislation - overview of the relevant legislation, what the main requirements of the regulations are, what penalties there are, and the associated documentation (waste transfer notes) Waste classification - a more in-depth look at how waste is classified under legislation according to hazardous properties, referring to Environment Agency guidance Handling and storage requirements - what are the requirements of the applicable waste legislation and how are they covered by organisational procedures? Examples of good and bad environmental practice associated with handling and storing waste. Workshop option: 'Brown bag' exercise - participants pass round a bag containing tags each with a different waste printed on. They are asked to pick out a tag and identify the classification and the handling, storage and disposal requirements for the waste they select Waste minimisation - overview of the waste minimisation 'ladder' and its different options (elimination, reduction, reuse and recycling), benefits of waste minimisation, examples of waste minimisation techniques Workshop option: Participants are asked to identify opportunities that actually exist within the organisation for minimising production of waste that are not currently being taken advantage of 9 Auditing Requirements for environmental auditing of operations Auditing the EMS Types of internal and external audits Requirements EMS standards (ISO 14001 and EMAS) Carrying out internal audits and being prepared for external audits Workshop options:Mock audit 'Brown Bag' - can be used either for trainers to test participants as if they were in an audit situation, or for the participants to test each other and practice their auditing technique. The bag contains tags each with a different topic printed on (eg, waste skips); participants pass the bag round and select a tag; they are then questioned by the trainer or another participant about that topic as if they were in an audit situation. If the participants are auditing each other, they will be provided with a set of guidelines to keep in mind during the workshop.Virtual auditing - a more practical workshop where participants review photographs of situations/activities relevant to the organisation's operations. They are asked to identify all the good and bad environmental practices that are occurring in the situations. 10 Incident response What should you do when an incident does happen? What should be in a spill kit? When should you call in the experts? When should you inform the Environment Agency or Environmental Health Officer? Workshop option: The participants are provided with some incident scenarios and asked to develop a response to the incident 11 Monitoring and reporting Environmental monitoring programmes and procedures Monitoring and reporting as control measures for environmental consequences Monitoring and environmental 'STOP' card systems - personal and behavioural monitoring and reporting
Overview This two-day intensive course is ideal for finance professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in options trading and volatility management. The course will cover option pricing and risk management techniques. Exploring differences between physical and cash-settled options European versus American/Bermudan options, and the implications of deferred premiums. Examining the role of volatility in option pricing & Managing First-Generation Exotics. Who the course is for Derivative traders Quants and research analysts Fund managers, fund of funds Structured product teams Financial and valuation controllers Risk managers and regulators Bank and corporate treasury managers IT Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please request a brochure To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now
This course will provide the key to successful inventory management, by combining practical inventory control techniques with sound procurement practice, to produce a solid foundation to enable your supply chain to meet customer expectations at the lowest possible cost. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO: • Understand the role of inventory in an effective supply chain. • Understand categories of stock and how to tailor stockholdings. • Learn how to utilize key concepts, variables and metrics that allow for effective management of inventory. • Understand how product demand and product lifecycle are connected to inventory management. COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE: • Demand Characteristics and the Product Life Cycle • Push and pull systems • Demand forecasting • Categorisation of stock • ABC Analysis • Economic order quantity and minimum order quantity • Safety stock and stock cover • Materials requirements planning (MRP) • Stock replenishment systems • The cost of managing stock
Overview A comprehensive and practical 3 days workshop on pricing, using and managing structured interest rate derivatives. What used to be called exotic interest rate derivatives are now commonplace and an essential part of the financial marketplace either as legacy transactions or embedded in new structures. This intensive course is for anyone who wishes to be able to use, price, manage, market or evaluate standard interest rate derivatives such as Constant Maturity Swaps, Range Accruals and Quantos. We also look in detail at such important products as CMS spread-linked structures and volatility/variance swaps, always from a pragmatic practitioner’s perspective. Who the course is for This course is designed for anyone who wishes to be able to price, use, market, manage or evaluate interest rate derivatives. Interest-rate sales / traders / structurers / quants IT Bank Treasury ALM Central Bank and Government Treasury Funding managers Insurance Investment managers Fixed Income portfolio managers IPV professionals Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please request a brochure To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now
The course helps participants understand the role of demand and inventory planning in the wider context of supply chain management. It aims to demonstrate how to improve the alignment between supply and demand to maintain good levels of customer service and on-shelf availability whilst eliminating excess stock and reducing inventory investment. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO: • Understand the role of demand management and its benefits • Identify the key demand characteristics and patterns; learn how to use them to improve forecast accuracy • Develop an understanding of key qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods • Learn how to conduct fundamental inventory analyses with a view to achieving the appropriate trade-off between stock and service level COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE: The role of Demand Management • The end-to-end view of Supply Chain Management • Demand Characteristics and the Product Life Cycle • Demand patterns • Push and pull systems Background to forecasting • The forecasting Process • Time-series methods of forecasting • Calculating forecast errors Inventory Analysis • Categorisation of stock • ABC Analysis • Economic order quantity and minimum order quantity • Safety stock and stock cover Inventory Management • Materials requirements planning (MRP) • Stock replenishment systems • Practical inventory management • The cost of managing stock
Overview This is a 2 day course on understanding credit markets converting credit derivatives, from plain vanilla credit default swaps through to structured credit derivatives involving correlation products such as nth to default baskets, index tranches, synthetic collateralized debt obligations and more. Gain insights into the corporate credit market dynamics, including the role of ratings agencies and the ratings process. Delve into the credit triangle, relating credit spreads to default probability (PD), exposure (EAD), and expected recovery (LGD). Learn about CDS indices (iTRAXX and CDX), their mechanics, sub-indices, tranching, correlation, and the motivation for tranched products. The course also includes counterparty risk in derivatives market where you learn how to managed and price Counterparty Credit Risk using real-world, practical examples Understand key definitions of exposure, including Mark-to-Market (MTM), Expected Exposure (EE), Expected Positive Exposure (EPE), Potential Future Exposure (PFE), Exposure at Default (EAD), and Expected Loss (EL) Explore the role of collateral and netting in managing counterparty risk, including the key features and mechanics of the Credit Support Annex (CSA) Briefly touch upon other XVA adjustments, including Margin Valuation Adjustment (MVA), Capital Valuation Adjustment (KVA), and Collateral Valuation Adjustment (CollVA). Who the course is for Credit traders and salespeople Structurers Asset managers ALM and treasury (Banks and Insurance Companies) Loan portfolio managers Product control, finance and internal audit Risk managers Risk controllers xVA desk IT Regulatory capital and reporting Course Content To learn more about the day by day course content please request a brochure To learn more about schedule, pricing & delivery options, book a meeting with a course specialist now
This Level 2 Award in Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication (POSHAM) course has been specifically designed for those working within a health and social care setting, such as support workers or care workers, and have a responsibility for the safe handling and administration of medication. This qualification is also perfect for those looking to refresh their knowledge.
NPORS Appointed Person Course or Training NPORS Appointed Person Lifting Operations Training is aimed at anyone who is required to plan safe systems of work using lifting equipment and to gain the NPORS Appointed Person operator card. The aim of the course is to provide candidates with underpinning knowledge to prepare them for the role and responsibility. It is recommended that prior to attending this course individuals should have some experience of working with lifting equipment, especially mobile cranes. It is important that all delegates have a good understanding of spoken and written English for the appointed person course. NPORS is an approved CSCS Partner Card Scheme, firstly providing evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications but more importantly for the safe operation of the appointed person. Furthermore, training criteria is based on the approved standards of the Construction leadership Council. Experienced Appointed Person Test For experienced Appointed Persons you must complete a 1 day refresher training course. For refresher training you must have held a certificate or card in the past Appointed Person Course Duration: Experienced Worker Test: 1 day refresher training, maximum of 6 candidates Novice: 5 day’s training, maximum of 6 candidates Location*: Tewkesbury or at our clients’ site nationwide Mileage and accommodation charges may apply Certification NPORS Traditional card – lasts for 5 years and is mainly accepted with housebuilders, utilities, port and marine as proof of competence OR NPORS card with CSCS logo – accepted by all major building contractor’s. The initial card is the RED trained operator card which lasts for 2 years and can be upgraded to BLUE competent operator card further to completion of relevant NVQ. CSCS Health & Safety Test If you require the NPORS Appointed Person Red operator card with the CSCS logo on then you must have completed the operatives health and safety test within the last two years. In house certificates: suitable as proof of operator competence accepted for insurance and HSE compliance. The Appointed Person Course Includes: This Appointed Person Course covers essential legislation, crane appreciation, lifting accessories, and planning lifting operations. It culminates in writing a risk assessment and method statement. Legislation LOLER, PUWER, HASAWA. Codes of practice BS7121. Roles and responsibilities of personnel involved with lifting operations. Crane appreciation, crane types, capabilities and limitations. Duty charts. Crane terminology. Documentation and certification for lifting equipment and lifting accessories. Crane stability/ground conditions. Safe Load Indicators (SLI) and Safe Working Loads (SWL). Lifting accessories. Types of accessories and use. Slinging techniques. Down rating of accessories. Sling angles. Communications. Planning a lifting operation. Writing a risk assessment (end test). Writing a method statement (end test). Appointed Person Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of lifting equipment and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the AP Course. Our Appointed Person training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS Appointed Person Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the NPORS Appointed Person Lifting Operations Training? This training is designed for individuals required to plan safe systems of work using lifting equipment. It provides the knowledge necessary to prepare for the role and responsibilities of an Appointed Person. 2. Who should take this course? Anyone involved in planning and managing lifting operations, especially those with prior experience with lifting equipment, should take this course. 3. What does the course cover? The course covers legislation, codes of practice, roles and responsibilities, types of cranes, duty charts, lifting accessories, risk assessment, and method statement preparation. 4. How long is the course? The course duration is 5 days for novices and 1 day for experienced individuals seeking a refresher. 5. What certification do I receive upon completion? Participants receive an NPORS Appointed Person operator card, valid for 5 years or an NPORS card with CSCS logo. 6. Are there any prerequisites? Candidates should have a good understanding of English. For the NPORS card with CSCS logo, a CSCS Health & Safety test must have been completed within the last two years. Our more courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today.
Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.