August 2020 Newsletter
It's the middle of the summer holidays and, this year more than most, we're realising how lucky we are to be living by the seaside. ⛱ It's easy to pop down to the beach for a splash after work, have a stroll along the prom, or escape to the Downs for a breath of fresh air. This is one of the reasons we think Eastbourne is great for digital - it's a great place to live and escape from the rat race.
If you have any news, shout outs, or case studies we can feature in a future newsletter, please let us know.
DEVELOPER STUFF
Zoonou
A huge congrats to Zoonou, a software testing company based in Eastbourne.
They have been awarded accredited member status by CREST. CREST is an international accreditation and certification body for the information security industry.
Zoonou has been awarded this status for their penetration testing services.
Free Digital Skills
Tech Resort have launched their Digital Do Tank which is giving away funding for digital skills.
Digital skills cover multiple things, and you can get more information here.
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If there are any developments that you'd like to raise or think other developers would like to read about, they can be featured here. Let us know.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Young designers create cards to battle loneliness
Young graphics designers have been busy during the pandemic; five thousand colourful cards designed by primary school children have been sent to people shielding and self-isolating in East Sussex to battle loneliness.
The winning design chosen by Eastbourne Borough Council was created by five-year-old Vari. Other cards by pupils have been displayed on noticeboards around the community, in GP practices, hospitals, and schools.
Well done to our future talent for their vibrant contributions!
MARKETING
If you are a marketing freelancer or agency locally and want to feature on the Chalk newsletter, get in touch.
If you know someone who works in marketing locally, forward this to them!
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Have you found a formula for success that you want to share? Have you run an outstanding ad campaign for a client recently? Or perhaps you have tips to share in light of the current COVID-19 situation. This is where they'll live.
RECRUITMENT
Step-Up
STEP-UP is an exciting and innovative fast-track training programme for local SMEs which will allow you to identify the skills you need and access talented graduates to help you grow your business through fully funded six-week internships.
The programme is run in partnership with the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, co-funded by the European Social Fund.
It consists of a series of workshops to help you identify and address current skills issues in your organisation and masterclasses on topics in demand by SMEs looking to recruit graduates. It's also an opportunity for local businesses to network with each other and with local universities to access talented future graduates.
Final-year students will attend a specialised programme reflecting the skills needed by SMEs and they can apply for a fully-funded internship with participating employers after graduation in summer 2021.
For more information, please see this website.
T-Levels at East Sussex College
From September 2020, East Sussex College will be offering the new T-Level qualification to students; a two-year course equivalent to three A-Levels, which include a three-month industry placement. One of the first courses to be offered is in Digital Production, Design and Development.
Students on the T-Level course will be required to undertake a three month (315 hour) Industry Placement as a mandatory element of the course. The College is looking for employers to work with them to offer the students these placements.
If you're looking for extra resources from students developing industry-relevant skills, view this site for more information.
SHOUT OUT
The Works
Co-working space The Works, in the heart of Eastbourne, have a special offer running at the moment for one free hot desk day at The Works and a free coffee at Café Chi. To claim their offer, simply like and share their Facebook page.
From private suites to communal flexi desks, they offer a modern-day work and social community with the opportunity to meet other like-minded small business owners, without the added stress of costly overheads.
ONE LAST THING…
Chalk Talks
You can find our business podcast, Chalk Talks, on Anchor FM or your usual podcast provider.
If you'd like to take part in a future series, please drop us a line.
Until next time!
Sarah
