Business section 2

SOLIHULL-BASED recruitment training manager Kerry McDaid is on top of the world after becoming the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s top student in the certificate in recruitment practice passing the exam with a distinction.

The certificate is one of four industry recognised qualifications offered by the REC, the representative body for the UK’s £19.7 billion private recruitment industry, to help recruitment professionals develop their career.

Kerry has been in recruitment for 11 years, having started with the S3 Group before joining her current employer, Monarch Recruitment eight and a half years ago for whom she is now its national coaching

and training manager.Originally, after graduating

from university in European languages and business, Kerry worked in Korea for two and half years she taught English as a foreign language. She then moved to Finland where she taught business English to corporate clients.

She said: “I was very surprised to learn that I had received the top score but thrilled to know that my hard work had paid off. To get a distinction and top marks is a real personal achievement and something of which I am extremely proud.”

She’s now aims to sit the REC’s diploma in recruitment practice or even higher qualifications – but not until after the birth of her third child next year.

COVENTRY Building Society, which has branches in Solihull, Shirley, Chelmsley Wood and Sheldon, has raised £65,490 for Children in Need.

A number of fund raising events were held, including a team of sales managers who attempted to sit on every seat in the Ricoh arena whilst dressed as super heroes.

They successfully completed the challenge sitting on all 32,500 seats in 7 hours 2 minutes 54 seconds and raising over £5,000.

Staff also completed a 26 mile marathon.

A TRADITIONAL craft is making a comeback and a local specialist has Solihull customers in his sights.

Benjamin Vaughan is doing his bit to persuade people that when it comes to business attire nothing matches up to a tailor-made suit.

The Kings Heath based clothier was first struck by tailor-made clothing when he worked for a property developer in Monte Carlo.

“All these men with pocket squares and matching ties and belt straps - they just oozed class,” said Benjamin, who returned to England determined to forge a new career.

“The idea of using colourful dress to reflect personality and status really excited me, so I

went wild and began wearing brightly checked suits.”

He translated his new-found passion in fabric to the workplace, landing counter shifts at Frank Rostron’s, a world renowned tailor from Manchester.

“Before I knew it, I was the manager and I could indulge my appetite to learn everything I could about textiles, fabrics and bespoke couture and customer service,” added Benjamin.

In 2008, after two years managing Frank Rostron, Benjamin felt it was time to return home and set up his own shop in Kings Heath.

Benjamin’s boutique is now one of the fixtures on York Road in the Birmingham suburb that is rapidly acquiring a reputation not dissimilar to its bustling bohemian neighbour Moseley.

The tailoring on offer is described as classic but youthful, cut in “gorgeous fabrics and a rich palette of solids, bold stripes, and colourful checks”.

Keen to grow the business Benjamin is now offering a fully mobile service, visiting potential customers in their home or workplace.

And as well as creating men’s suits and shirts he also designs women’s suits and blouses too.

Benjamin’s Bespoke Shirtmakers and Tailors is at 21a York Road, Kings Heath, telephone 07918 941883. To find out more visit www.benjaminvaughan.com.

Anyone in Solihull wishing to use his services will benefit from a 20 per cent discount for a limited period.

Fitting the bill - clothier Benjamin Vaughan/ ■ Photo by Ben Whitehouse (www.mrbenwphoto.com)

Tailor-made forthat classy look

Super Solihull recruiterKerry is second to none

Cash joy for fundraising staff