Wessex Internet appoints Chief Technical Officer

Wessex Internet has appointed Geraint Evans as Chief Technical Officer as it continues to strengthen its leadership team to deliver ambitious growth plans.

He brings more than 30 years’ experience of network architecture, implementation and operations.

Geraint, pictured left, has held senior roles in multiple telecommunications companies, serving various sectors including the automotive industry, digital providers, utilities, and the Armed Forces.

He joins the Dorset-based rural Internet Service Provider (ISP) following eight years at Arqiva where he successfully delivered a major UK-wide fibre network supporting the transmission of analogue and digital radio and TV.

In his new role Geraint will have overall strategic responsibility for the Wessex Internet fibre optic and wireless network.

The role has been created as part of the company’s strategy to accelerate the rollout of its full fibre network across Dorset, Wiltshire and South Somerset.

It follows the appointment of Chief Financial Officer, Rob Dawson, in June 2021.

Hector Gibson Fleming, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’ve significantly scaled our business in the past year, including doubling the number of employees.

“Geraint’s expertise in developing and implementing major networks, along with his leadership skills, make him an invaluable addition to our management team to enable us to take our business to the next level.”

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Unemployed people offered inroads into construction careers

A new partnership between employability and skills provider BCHA and e-learning specialist First4Training is offering unemployed people free training and a guaranteed job interview in construction.

The fully-funded one-day course is open to people over 16.

It offers a foundation level qualification encompassing asbestos awareness, manual handling, workplace health & safety and working at heights.

Participants can also take advantage of a guaranteed job interview with a local employer including Woodmace, First4Building and many more.

Charitable housing association BCHA provides learning and training opportunities for hundreds of people each year, supporting people into employment, volunteering and further education.

The construction initiative is part of BCHA’s The Way Forward programme, which was set up in March 2021 to offer support, coaching and skills to people impacted financially by the Covid pandemic.

Val Jefferies, BCHA Project Manager, pictured right, said: “The pandemic has caused huge financial hardship for many people, particularly those who have lost their jobs prior to, or as a result of it.

“But we have found that many people coming to The Way Forward for help in getting back into work have transferrable skills which can enable them to make fast and effective inroads into other careers, including construction.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with First4Training to offer an excellent grounding in basic construction and to be playing a part in helping the local economy, particularly the construction industry which is currently facing serious recruitment problems.”

First4Training offers over 200 e-learning courses and practical training at its newly-opened centre in Willis Way, Poole.

Jack Warren, Director, pictured left, said: “We are delighted to team up with BCHA for this great initiative.

“The Way Forward project caught our eye last year, as upskilling unemployed people is something we are also passionate about.

“Together with BCHA we will provide a holistic approach to financial fitness by educating, training and providing the support that people need to retrain and re-enter the workplace.”

The one-day construction course can be taken online at BCHA’s The Factory in Alder Hills, Poole or at First4Training.

• bcha.org.uk

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Tilney Smith & Williamson recruits experienced NHS pension specialist

Tilney Smith & Williamson has bolstered the team in its Bournemouth office by appointing experienced NHS pension specialist Martin Jones as a Financial Planner.

Martin, pictured right, joins the wealth management and professional services group – set to rebrand to Evelyn Partners in the summer – from Quilter Financial Advisers where he spent more than three years as a Financial Adviser.

Prior to that he worked for Wesleyan for many years and also at Aviva Financial Advisers.

At Tilney Smith & Williamson, Martin will work as part of the firm’s team of financial planners across the country with specialist knowledge and experience to help medical professionals with complex financial needs and circumstances.

He’ll be based in the firm’s Bournemouth office, at Midland House in Poole Road, which offers clients a range of financial services including investment management, investment advisory and financial planning.

Chris Copley, pictured left, Managing Partner of Tilney Smith & Williamson’s Bournemouth office, said: “Martin has been specifically recruited to add additional capacity to our NHS advice specialism within Tilney Smith & Williamson.

“The demand to provide tailored and bespoke solutions to the complex challenges faced by NHS employees has grown exponentially over the last few years and Martin will be a valuable addition to this expanding team.”

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Hospice charity supports fully-funded PhD studentship at BU

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is supporting a fully-funded PhD studentship at Bournemouth University.

The three-year full time studentship is specifically for a qualitative study on end-of-life care for people with liver disease.

The successful applicant will undertake qualitative research with supervision and receive support from the experienced researchers and clinicians from both BU and Lewis-Manning.

The closing date for applications is May 1 with interviews taking place on May 23.

It includes a stipend of £17,921 each year to support living costs.

Clare Gallie, Lewis-Manning’s CEO: “We are delighted to be able to offer this incredible opportunity.

“It’s with huge thanks to three very generous supporters of the hospice: Professor Howard Thomas and also hospice Patrons Sir Simon and Lady Jill Campbell.

“This proposed studentship marks the beginning of a research partnership between Lewis-Manning Hospice Care and the Department of Nursing Science at Bournemouth University.”

To apply, please click here.