Monthly Archive for October, 2007

Dulux chooses east midlands for new design service

Dulux Design ServiceAn interior design service is to be launched as a pilot across the East Midlands by colour experts Dulux, under the direction of Nottinghambased interior design celebrity, Marianne Shillingford. The first scheme of its kind in the UK not tied to a particular range of products or retail outlet, the Dulux Design Service will expand on the Dulux brand expertise in colour inspiration by offering homeowners the chance to work with a professional interior designer without the fear of runaway costs or designer overkill. Heading up the new service is Nottingham-based interiors expert,

writer and broadcaster Marianne Shillingford, who as Design Director will ensure that the service stays at the forefront of leading design trends and provides the very best interior designers across the region.

Marrianne ShillingfordMarianne says: “People often struggle to get the right look for their home but feel that it would be too costly to enlist the help of a professional interior designer. The Dulux Design Service aims to do away with this concern by offering three levels of service to suit every budget. Whether you want a £250 design scheme complete with moodboards to give you ideas and confidence, or a designer who will provide hassle-free product sourcing and project management, the service will help transform your home into the perfect personal space”. Marianne is keen to stress that the design service is about expert advice, not expert overload.

She says: “Whichever level you choose, you stay in control of the design and costs. There’s no risk of having a design imposed on you. Whether you’re looking for something classic, country cottage or contemporary, the service is there to help you achieve the room of your dreams. Our designers aren’t tied to any

brand and have access to a fantastic range of fabrics, furniture, flooring, lighting and paints. You can relax in the knowledge that your designer will act as a one-stop supplier, sourcing products at highly competitive prices. And if you need them to, they can project manage a team of highly skilled tradesmen whose workmanship comes with a 2 year guarantee”.

Readers interested in finding out more about the Dulux Design Service should visit: www.duluxdesignservice.co.uk

Leicestershire wins Best Big Council award

The Times has named Leicestershire County Council as the Best Big Council in the country to work for.

Today’s prize was awarded by the newspaper following an independent survey of 2,000 county council staff, which revealed that the authority is one of Britain’s most happy and productive councils.

Kevin Feltham, the Council’s Cabinet member responsible for staff, said: “I congratulate all our staff for helping us to win this award, through their hard work and dedication.

“Leicestershire County Council is a great place to work and that helps us to attract and retain the best staff to deliver the best services.”

The survey looked at eight key areas - leadership, management, team working, attitudes to the Council as a whole, work/life balance, pay and benefits, opportunities to use skills and giving something back to the community.

Researchers also examined workforce data and various Council policies and procedures. The Council was commended for encouraging staff to speak up, offering wide ranging development opportunities and organising employee benefits.

Entry to the competition was funded by the IdeA (The Improvement and Development Agency) and LGE (Local Government Employers).