Added Value

Leeds Ahead

Mill Asset Management is a Patron Sponsor of Leeds Ahead, a not-for-profit organisation which co-ordinates the contributions of local businesses towards the social and economic regeneration of Leeds. Working with John Smeaton Community College, Leeds Ahead has developed a Business Partnership Model called ‘Making the Grade’ which provides schools with a structured package of business activity and support within both a Secondary School and its feeder Primary Schools. Full details of the education related work that Leeds Ahead is currently undertaking, including the Business Partnership Model, is provided in their Annual Report to Mill Asset Management

One Leeds (photos at left)

One Leeds was started by Mill Asset Management and first took place in 2007. It is an annual event which provides the Schools within the Leeds PFI project with the opportunity to take part in a special one-night performance at the West Yorkshire Playhouse or Leeds Town Hall. The events have involved over 200 children and young people each year, who have performed songs and dance routines, many of which have included original material written by the schools themselves.

The annual event has taken place with the ongoing theme of ‘One Leeds’ to represent the diversity of the city and its schools and preparations have started for the 2012 One Leeds event which will have an Olympics theme.

Commendations of previous One Leeds events include:

Councillor Richard Harker, (Former) Executive Board member for education at Leeds City Council, said:
“This is a unique performance between seven of our schools which have pupils from many different countries and backgrounds. The theme of One Leeds celebrates the unity of the city while recognising the different cultures which make it up. I wish everyone taking part the best of luck.”

Chris Edwards, (Former) Chief Executive of Education Leeds, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented young people to perform in a world renowned theatre. They have worked extremely hard to make this happen and invested many hours of their own time to ensure it’s a success.
“Our schools are brilliant places and this event celebrates the many different children and young people from around the world who live, learn and develop alongside each other.”

The CEO of Mill Asset Management, Tom Symes, said:
"Mill Asset Management together with Investors in the Community are delighted to be able to support the third annual One Leeds performance at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the young people from the schools to perform at one of the region’s top theatres and we are proud to be associated with such a unique and exciting event."

MITIE ECO Schools

MITIE, the Facilities Management provider for the Leeds PFI Schools, are working with all of the Schools in the PFI Project to help them to obtain ECO School accreditation and to gain the Bronze, Silver and Green Flag awards. By the end of the 2010/11 School Year South Leeds Academy and John Smeaton Community College have gained their Bronze awards.

As part of this ongoing scheme, MITIE has hosted ECO Days including one at John Smeaton Community College in 2010 which gave 160 year 9 pupils the opportunity to make wind turbines, water wheels and an Eco poster using recycled materials. A full report of the day is included here: John Smeaton ECO School Day April 2010

More information about ECO Schools can be found at: http://www.eco-schools.org.uk

Realise Health

Visitors to a Colchester health centre can now experience a new type of therapy – induced by the world of art. The H-art Gallery was officially opened on Friday (March 12) at Colchester Primary Care Centre in Turner Road, which is also home to the North Colchester Healthcare Centre, and is exhibiting paintings and other pieces of art.

Press Article - Art Opening