The Giraffe Network

  Local businesses sharing networks built on trust #thegiraffenetwork  

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“Why marketers should focus on video's overall role, not specific tactics”

- MarketingDive.com

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VDU - Pop goes the monitor

Greater importance is being put on workstation suitability including seating positions, display equipment and general ergonomics. When one of AquAid’s office PC monitors recently went “pop” we took the opportunity to examine the screens used by our sales team. The old screens were adequate and met the requirements we had identified during our VDU assessment procedure but improvements were able to be gained. 

We gave the ever helpful Paul Crooks at Cache 4 IT Solutions a ring who arranged for replacement screens, at an extremely competitive price. The new screens have better resolution, are a better size and are fully adjustable. Paul provided best advice to ensure we got the most suitable monitors for our needs. Another Giraffe win win!

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National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase on 1st April 2017 for all working people aged 25yrs and over.

Also from 6th April 2017 organisations with 250+ employees will need to start reporting on their gender pay gap.

The Governments National Living Wage was introduced on 1st April 2016 for all working people aged 25yrs and over and is currently set at £7.20 per hour. In April 2017 it will go up to £7.50. The current National Minimum wage for those under 25 still applies.

 The new rates will be;

                                                         2016                                               2017

25yrs and over                                 £7.20                                             £7.50

21-24yrs old                                     £6.95                                             £7.05

18-20yrs old                                     £5.55                                             £5.60  

16-17yrs old                                     £4.00                                             £4.05

Apprentices 19yrs or 1st year         £3.50                                             £3.40

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Top Safety Accreditation for AquAid (North)

Local business AquAid (North) has again renewed their accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace. 

Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies. 

AquAid (North) is principally involved in supplying water coolers and accessories, across a wide range of industries. AquAid (North) pride themselves on being able to meet the needs and requirements of a wide range of clients who vary in size from small independents to very large multi-nationals. 

The company’s continued SafeContractor accreditation is driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. SafeContractor accreditation enhances the company’s ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal. 

Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: "Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place."

"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that AquAid (North) has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.” 

David Henderson, Operations Manager of AquAid (North) added “We are proud to maintain our accreditation as it helps underline our commitment to bringing the best possible service to our clients. Potential and existing clients need to have the assurance that they are dealing with a reputable company who has the best interests of all involved as a point of focus.” 

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Welcome to the Giraffe Network website!

The Giraffe Network is unlike any other networking group. We aren't just here to sell our products, or promote our business, but to form a trusting relationship with other businesses in North Cumbria. Through that building of trust, we are then able to use each others skills and contacts and recommend each other to other businesses in the area.