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Holistica Consulting Marks Milestone in IT Recruitment Training Excellence

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Holistica Consulting Ltd, founded by industry expert Ayub Shaikh, has firmly established itself as a leader in IT recruitment training, having surpassed the significant milestone of 100 hours of video training content.

With an extensive library of carefully curated video content, Holistica has successfully trained tens of thousands of clients worldwide, revolutionising the way recruitment professionals engage with the fast-evolving world of technology.

What began as a modest, one-man endeavour has, over two decades of consistent innovation and dedication, grown into a global leader, providing invaluable training to some of the world’s most influential recruitment firms, including Hays plc, Capita, IBM, Page Group, Manpower, and LA International.

Ayub Shaikh’s journey to founding Holistica Consulting is deeply rooted in his firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by technical recruiters—challenges he encountered early in his career. As the tech industry advanced rapidly, Shaikh recognised a significant knowledge gap among recruiters who lacked the technical expertise necessary to succeed in this dynamic field.

Determined to bridge this gap, Shaikh set out to create a comprehensive training platform designed to demystify the complexities of technology, thereby empowering recruitment professionals to excel. This mission has not only driven Holistica Consulting’s success but has also raised the bar for the recruitment industry as a whole.

Today, Holistica Consulting’s impact on the global recruitment industry is unmatched. The company’s cutting-edge online training platform has become an essential resource for HR departments and technical recruitment consultants worldwide.

Now boasting over 100 hours of video training content, the platform has fundamentally changed the way recruitment professionals approach their work, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the modern tech landscape. The inclusion of Shaikh’s training modules in LinkedIn’s prestigious Learning Library underscores the quality and relevance of his content, further solidifying his influence within the industry.

Shaikh’s expertise extends beyond video content. He is also the author of the highly regarded “The IT Recruitment Survival Guide,” a groundbreaking book that has become a must-have resource for professionals in the recruitment field. This guide, praised for its practical insights and comprehensive approach, has been instrumental in helping recruiters and HR professionals better understand and engage with the technical aspects of their roles.

The book, combined with his extensive video library, has established Shaikh as a thought leader and trusted authority in IT recruitment.

Holistica Consulting’s success is reflected not only in its vast client base but also in the glowing testimonials from some of the corporate world’s most respected firms. Companies such as Oracle and Barclays have praised the training they’ve received from Holistica Consulting, citing significant improvements in their recruitment processes and outcomes directly resulting from Shaikh’s guidance.

James Clements of the Metropolitan Police Service said: “Ayub’s approach is so refreshing and engaging; he makes everything, from job roles within IT to the history and uses of different technologies, seem crystal-clear to even the most cynical and disinterested of Luddites. Unlike many trainers, he takes the time to ensure that everyone in the group feels involved, understands what he has told them and gets the most out of it.

“He recently provided a similar IT training session for a selection of HR and recruitment staff at some of our clients – people who are often involved in the recruitment of IT personnel but who perhaps have limited technical understanding themselves; just like me, they were won over by his enthusiasm and insightful approach, and they got a lot out of it. Quite simply, if you need to bring anyone in your organisation up to speed on all things IT, there is no one better than Ayub.”

As Holistica Consulting continues to expand its global presence, Ayub Shaikh remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in training and education. His innovative approach and deep technical knowledge have not only equipped thousands of professionals with the skills they need to succeed but have also reshaped the recruitment industry, ensuring it keeps pace with the ever-changing demands of the tech world.

Looking ahead, Shaikh is dedicated to advancing Holistica Consulting’s mission of empowering recruiters and HR professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

For more information about Holistica Consulting Ltd. and its comprehensive range of training solutions, visit www.holisticatraining.com.

Care2Care Launches Innovative Physical Activity Service in Bradford

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Clayton-based domiciliary care provider, Care2Care (Yorkshire) Ltd, has introduced a pioneering physical activity division to deliver customised exercise programmes directly to clients in their own homes.

Phill Lautman, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, stated that the decision to create a dedicated division for physical activity services was driven by increasing demand. The initiative is grounded in the understanding that health and wellbeing are critically important for individuals who may not have access to physical activity or may be unable to leave their homes.

“At the beginning of this year we trialled the development of individual physical activity programmes for some of our clients,” he says. “The idea was to provide additional support based on the proven benefits of a range of physical activity in helping with a variety of issues from client wellbeing to specific physical challenges.”

Phill noted that the trial was met with immediate success, revealing a significant need for such services.

“Initial feedback from clients who engaged was that it made a real and positive difference to their lives. We’ve since rolled it out across our customer cohort and the decision to now create a dedicated team is in response to an ever-increasing demand.”

Rosie Walker, who has been appointed as the Physical Activity Manager, will lead the new division. She shared her excitement about the expanded range of support that Care2Care can now offer.

“Care2Care are already known in the local area for providing really comprehensive and complex support,” says Rosie. “Making the decision to further build this team and create a dedicated department is a brilliant example of how being able to offer a wide range of support can make such a huge difference to people’s lives. I’m really excited about what it means for the people we support.”

Care2Care is the only at-home care service in West Yorkshire to offer this particular type of physical activity support. The programmes are highly personalised, with intensity levels tailored to the individual’s needs and goals, and are all approved by healthcare professionals.

“When people think of physical activity, they often imagine tough workouts at the gym. While that more intense kind of exercise can be part of what this provision offers, it doesn’t have to be, and isn’t always necessarily appropriate,” says Phill. “For some people, learning to pick up and hold a cup again after injuries caused by a road accident, for example, can be a massive step forward. Re-learning how to do something like make a cup of tea can be a real challenge, so it’s important we work very much with clients as part of supporting their rehabilitation. The physical activity provision addresses situations like these, amongst others.”

For over 10 years, Care2Care has been delivering at-home care to adults across Bradford and the surrounding areas. Their services cater to a diverse range of needs, from developmental and mental health challenges to conditions such as motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, and dementia, as well as mobility issues and injuries resulting from road traffic accidents.

“We see the whole spectrum of needs with the clients we support,” says Phill. “There is certainly no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach and we’re proud of the in-depth understanding our staff have of those they support. It means our clients get bespoke, specialist help that is just right for them, whether they need to re-learn how to hold a pen or have ambitions to go rock climbing! This new department will serve to further underpin that approach.”

To learn more about Care2Care’s new physical activity division, individuals can contact Rosie Walker or Phill Lautman at 01274 880321.

2024 US Open: Wimbledon champion Krejcikova bows out in New York

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova suffered an early exit from the US Open.

The 28-year-old lost in straight sets in the second-round to Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Krejcikova landed her second slam at Wimbledon last month after winning the 2021 French Open at Roland Garros but it was the the third straight year she failed to pass the second round at Flushing Meadows.

The eighth seed saved a set point on her way to holding her own serve at 5-2 down in the opening set, and though she broke serve herself in the next game, the world number 122 broke again to take the opening set 6-4.

Krejcikova had the chance to serve for the second set at 5-4 ahead but Ruse rallied for a quickfire double break to complete a 7-5 win and seal victory in one hour and 45 minutes to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

The 26-year-old will face Spain’s Paula Badosa who was a 6-3 7-5 winner over American Taylor Townsend.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ‘most popular players in Pakistan’ and should tour country – Akmal

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should bring India to play a Test series in Pakistan, says former Pakistan international Kamran Akmal.

Kohli and Sharma have already retired from T20Is and though Kohli did tour Pakistan once with India under-19s, he has never played a Test across the border.

The last series between India and Pakistan took place in 2012/13 and their only meetings since have come in ICC competitions or the Asia Cup.

The former wicketkeeper-batsman Akmal says frosty relations between the neighbours could be thawed by Kohli and Sharma leading a touring party – and said they might even be more popular in his home country than Pakistan’s own stars.

He told the Times of India: “Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire. These two are stars of world cricket, travelling across the globe to play the game.

“The fan following they will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they have seen elsewhere.

“Virat is a role model for many around the world, Rohit is the World Cup-winning captain, and Jasprit Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world. When players like that visit Pakistan it will evoke unique feelings in every fan.

“If Virat visits Pakistan now he will truly see his popularity. He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan – Pakistani fans love Virat, Rohit and Bumrah more than any of their own players.”

India will take on Bangladesh in a two-match test series, starting in Chennai on September 19 and ending in Kanpur from September 27.

Navigating the Options: What to Look for in a Top Crypto Ramp

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As the world of digital assets continues to expand, the need for efficient and reliable methods to convert traditional currencies to crypto and vice versa is more critical than ever. This is where ramp services come into play, providing crucial on and off ramps for users looking to buy and sell crypto. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the crypto space, understanding how to choose the best ramp crypto services is essential.

What are On and Off Ramps in Crypto?

On ramps and off ramps are terms used to describe the processes of converting fiat currency to cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency back to fiat currency, respectively. An on ramp service allows you to buy crypto with SEPA instant, credit cards, or other traditional financial methods. Conversely, an off ramp service enables you to sell Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies and withdraw the funds to your bank account.

The Importance of Crypto Ramps

Crypto ramps play a vital role in bridging the gap between traditional financial institutions and the world of digital assets. They provide a seamless and secure way to buy and sell crypto, ensuring that users can easily enter and exit the crypto market. Individuals can diversify their investment portfolios using crypto ramps, take advantage of market opportunities, and maintain liquidity.

Moreover, crypto ramps enhance the adoption of digital currencies by simplifying the conversion process, making it accessible even for those unfamiliar with the complexities of blockchain technology.

How to Choose a Crypto Ramp Solution?

When selecting a crypto ramp, consider these factors:

  1. Fees. Transaction fees are a critical consideration. Different platforms have varying fee structures, significantly impacting the overall cost of buying or selling crypto. To maximize your investment, look for services with transparent and competitive fees.
  2. User experience. A user-friendly interface is essential for a smooth transaction process. Platforms that offer an intuitive and straightforward experience can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors.
  3. Available assets. Ensure that the ramp service supports a wide range of digital assets and fiat currencies. Whether you want to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or lesser-known altcoins, the availability of diverse assets can provide more flexibility and investment opportunities.
  4. Reputation. A ramp service’s reputation is a strong indicator of its reliability and trustworthiness. Look for reviews and ratings from other users and consider the platform’s history and track record in the industry.
  5. Security should be a top priority. Choose platforms that offer robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect your funds and personal information. A secure platform reduces the risk of fraud and cyber-attacks.
  6. Integration with traditional financial institutions. A good ramp service should offer seamless integration with traditional financial institutions, making it easy to transfer funds between your bank account and your crypto wallet. This feature is particularly important for crypto off-ramp solutions.

Choosing the best ramp crypto service is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the world of digital assets efficiently. As the crypto market continues to grow, having a reliable ramp service will enable you to buy and sell crypto confidently, helping you take full advantage of the opportunities in the digital asset space.

Dawid Malan: England batter retires from international cricket

Former World number one T20I batter Dawid Malan has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36.

Left-hander Malan played 114 times across all formats for England, scoring eight centuries and 31 fifties at an average of almost 38 runs.

A debutant T20I man of the match on his debut in 2017, Malan scored his first Test century against Australia in the Ashes in December 2017 and became the fastest batter to 1,000 runs in the international white-ball format in March 2021, reaching the total in 24 innings.

Malan was part of the winning England squad who won the 2022 T20 World Cup but missed the semi-final and final through an injury he sustained during their final group-stage match.

Malan: Test cricket ‘something else’

Malan last played for England at the World Cup 2023, scoring 87 off 74 balls against the Netherlands and 50 from 64 deliveries against Australia.

“I took all three formats extremely seriously but the intensity of Test cricket was something else: five days plus the days building up,” Malan told former England captain Mike Atherton in The Times on the day his retirement became public.

“I’m a big trainer; I love hitting lots of balls and I’d train hard in the build-up, and then the days were long and intense.

“You can’t switch off. I found it very mentally draining, especially the long Test series that I played, where my performances dropped off from the third or fourth Test onwards.”

Malan: T20 ‘exceeded expectations’

“Test cricket was always the pinnacle for me growing up,” added Malan. “At times I played well but, in between, I just wasn’t good enough or consistent enough, which was disappointing because I felt I was a better player than that.

“Then again, I exceeded all expectations of myself in white-ball formats.”

Malan played for Middlesex from 2006 until 2019 after arriving in the county from South Africa, where his family had moved when he was seven, with “no family here, no friends, nothing”.

Yorkshire signed Malan in 2020, and he began to move into coaching at the club earlier this year.

Next steps on temporary accommodation outlined in Manchester report

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An update report on homelessness in Manchester outlines how progress is being made.

The report, which will be considered by the Council’s Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee when it meets next week, records that the number of households in temporary accommodation has reduced slightly – from a peak of 3,316 households in December 2022 to 2,826 at the end of June 2024.

This reduction is in contrast to rising numbers nationally, with the number of households in temporary accommodation nationwide increasing by more than 13% between September 2022 and December 2023.

But the most dramatic reductions have been in the use of B&B-type accommodation for families, something which the council deemed unacceptable and committed to all but eradicate. From a peak of 227 families in B&Bs in February 2023, this had been reduced to just seven families by the end of June this year.

In February 2023, 131 of those families had been in B&B accommodation for more than six weeks. In June 2024 the figure was zero. This is in stark contrast to the national picture where the number of households in B&B jumped by 63.4% between September 2022 and December 2023.

With Manchester significantly and sustainably reducing B&B usage – alongside a continuing emphasis on homelessness prevention – the focus will now shift to reducing   temporary accommodation placements outside the Manchester City Council area.

Pressure on temporary accommodation caused by demand relative to supply means that people are sometimes temporarily accommodated in neighbouring Greater Manchester boroughs. It is recognised that such out-of-area placements are far from ideal and can impact on the education, health and wider welfare of households.

While there has been a small reduction in the number of households temporarily accommodated in other parts of Greater Manchester from 1,205 in December 2022 to 1,108 in June 2024 this is still too many.

Work is underway to bring forward an increased supply of suitable alternative temporary accommodation within the city, and especially in central and south Manchester to address an historic imbalance where for reasons of cost such accommodation has tended to be concentrated in the north of the city.

For example, the Council plans to enter into longer term (10 year plus) leases for temporary accommodation properties within the Manchester City Council area, with higher rental levels paid in south and central Manchester. It is anticipated that hundreds of properties will be secured through this approach to increase supply.

The Council will look to support opportunities to develop self-contained temporary accommodation for families.

For single homeless people, the goal is to increase the amount of supported temporary accommodation in the south of Manchester. Many of those presenting as homeless are from the south of the city but they are currently having to move elsewhere, away from support networks.

The Council is working to identify surplus or disused accommodation it owns which can be converted for use as temporary accommodation.

Examples include:

  • A disused children’s home in central Manchester which will be converted into 24 self-contained units for people who are homeless at the point they are being discharged from hospital.
  • A former Sure Start centre in north Manchester which will be turned into a 16-bedspace hostel.
  • A former probation office in Wythenshawe which is being brought back into use as 19-bed temporary accommodation hostel for homeless people.

From 2025, an extra 42 one-bed flats will also be available in Ardwick (24), Whalley Range (12) and other parts of the city to be identified (6) funded through the Government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme.

Caritas House in Newton Heath, owned by charity Caritas Salford, will also bring another 16 units into use from this autumn.

In addition, a new Empty Homes Team – to be run by the homelessness service – is being established to help bring long term empty homes back into use, including potentially as temporary accommodation.

Deputy council leader Joanna Midgley said: “It is encouraging that progress continues to be made in tackling homelessness in Manchester and that there is a clear sense of direction in our efforts, alongside those of other members of the city’s homelessness partnership.

“But there are still too many people without a home to call their own and we do not underestimate the scale of the continuing challenge.”

Public consultation opens for Manchester’s former Central Retail Park

A public consultation has opened regarding emerging plans for Central Retail Park.

The consultation by Manchester City Council and the Government Property Agency (GPA) will gather feedback from local residents, businesses and other stakeholders that will help guide proposals to create a new government digital campus – delivered by the GPA – and a new city centre park space, delivered by the council.

The council agreed an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the land in March 2023 that set out the high-level development principles for the site: to create low carbon commercial office space and high-quality, accessible green space to support continued economic growth in this part of Manchester’s city centre.

New Manchester Digital Campus

The Government Property Agency (GPA) exchanged contracts to acquire five acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from the city council in May this year with a view to constructing a state-of-the-art government digital campus.

This new office complex in the city will bring together a number of Civil Service departments with a focus around digital skills.

Once complete, the campus will be home to around 7,000 civil servants, creating significant opportunities for employment and wider economic development.

New City Centre Park

The new park space is being designed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE and will help meet the need for quality, attractive green space in the city centre – which will also open up access to the existing Cotton Field Park and Ancoats Marina.

The site will accommodate new walking routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus.

Detailed design work will continue following consultation to deliver a park space comparable in size to Ancoats Green, which is also currently undergoing redevelopment works.

Development across the rest of the site will be brought forward as a later development phase. More information will be made available in due course.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We are beginning to see the potential of this site unlocked and the plans being developed by the council and the GPA meet the ambitions we have for this important site – including a new city centre park and digital campus that will be home to 7,000 civil servant jobs.

“The new park will help meet demand for high-quality green space in the city centre and will complement other green investment – including Ancoats Green – in this neighbourhood.

“As ever, consultation is the opportunity for our residents to give us feedback on the emerging proposals and help guide this investment that will benefit Mancunians for years to come.”

Take part in the public consultation – Tuesday, September 10

Local people and businesses can provide feedback online or at two in-person public consultation events at Halle St Peter’s, 40 Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 6BF. Find out more about the proposals and feedback online:

www.fcrp-manchester.co.uk

Session one: 12pm to 2.30pm and session two: 5pm to 7pm

Anyone with accessibility needs – or no access to the internet – can call 0808 175 3408.

The consultation will end on September 23, 2024. Proposals will be finalised and separate planning applications submitted later this year.

Rochdale police crack down on traffic offences

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Rochdale police’s neighbourhood team have targeted more than 300 vehicles for offences.

Beginning in April, the local Rochdale tutor unit has taken part in multiple operations targeting areas that members of the public have said are persistently problematic areas.

This has seen officers link up with specialist resources from our traffic division, utilising speed cameras, checkers, and partners in the local community.

This in particular includes Trading Standards – who are able to assess vehicles used for business, check the conformity of any alterations, and issue the appropriate paperwork.

Between April and July in seven separate operations, a total of 310 vehicles were stopped for checks.

In 178 instances, a TOR (Traffic Offence Report) was issued to the driver. The TOR could encompass driving while on a mobile phone, speeding, driving dangerously, or ignoring traffic signs among other offences.

In addition, 13 vehicles were seized for having no insurance and arrests were made on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs, failing to provide a sample, and drug driving. Regular police actions such as stop searches and breathalysers were also carried out.

Officers will continue to undertake their proactive work, operating in areas where residents of Rochdale tell them they are having issues on the road.

PC Dan Richards said: “We run these operations to help people stay safe on the roads of Rochdale and beyond – driving while on a mobile phone, or while not using a seatbelt – could have potentially devastating consequences, and it is incredibly important we enforce the laws in place.

“When people tell us about issues they have in their area, such as a specific road or junction, we aim to work around there to help prevent and deter any criminality on the roads. By keeping a presence there when we can, we hope to show drivers we will put a stop to any inappropriate or criminal behaviour that may be being committed.

“I would urge residents across Rochdale to report any issues you have to us. It all adds to our intelligence picture and enables us to see the best place to put our resources.”

E-fit of man released in connection with rape in Manchester

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Detectives have released a new e-fit from descriptions after a report of rape was made in June 2024.

Enquiries have established the incident happened around 4-5am off Deansgate road in the city centre on Thursday, August 17 2023.

No arrests have been made at this stage, but the investigation is continuing.

Detective Constable Rowan said: “We are now able to ask for the help of the public to try to identify the person involved in this incident.

“After obtaining witness statements and descriptions, we have managed to produce an e-fit that should hopefully help in that process.

“Since we were informed of the incident recently, we have ensured the relevant support has been provided to the woman whilst ensuring we can move swiftly to see if we can identify the person responsible.

“In the background, we are continuing with our enquiries despite the time passed since the incident took place and remain committed on tackling serious sexual offences.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 2435 of 27/06/2024. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.