Photo – Alan Mak MP with Charlie Mullins OBE, founder of Pimlico Plumbers and guest speaker at the Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair
The inaugural Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair has received a major boost from two leading business and media figures. Ahead of the Fair, being held at Warblington School in Havant this Friday 19th February, celebrity entrepreneur and founder of Pimlico Plumbers – Charlie Mullins OBE – joined Sunemployment’s editor Jane Hamilton with a strong message of support of the event. Havant MP Alan Mak is organising the event in partnership with local businesses.
Mullins, who will give an opening speech at 10.30am, left school at 15 with no qualifications before completing a four year plumbing apprenticeship. He is now widely regarded as “Britain’s first millionaire plumber”, having founded the hugely successful Pimlico Plumbers that has become the nation’s most prominent plumbing business.
The company was launched by Charlie in 1979 in the basement of an estate agency in Pimlico. Now, with an annual turnover in excess of £24 million and with nearly 200 vehicles on the road, Mullins arrives at the fair with a wealth of experience in building businesses like Pimlico Plumbers up from the ground.
Charlie Mullins OBE said: “Apprenticeships give people skills for life and hope of a better future. I’m delighted to support Alan’s Havant Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, which promises to be a great event bringing together employers and those looking to build new careers or find a new challenge.”
Mullins added, “As a former apprentice myself, I know how important it is to get on the first rung of the employment ladder, and I look forward to sharing my experiences on the day. Alan’s event is a great example of an MP taking practical action to help his residents and community.”
In addition to the celebrity plumber, Havant MP Alan Mak also gained a major coup in securing the attendance of The Sun’s Careers Editor, Jane Hamilton. Her management of Sunemployment – a careers service and jobs roadshow sponsored by Britain’s top-selling national newspaper – makes her well placed to give her guidance to local employers and jobseekers.
Ms Hamilton will speak to the fair’s attendees as 12 noon before hosting a more informal session where local residents can ask for her tips and expertise on the recruitment process. Having founded the Sunemployment brand, Ms Hamilton has a wealth of experience helping people back onto the jobs ladder.
In anticipation of the event Hamilton said: “I am delighted to be coming down to Havant for the inaugural Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair on Friday 19th February. Havant is certainly on an upwards trend, with unemployment having fallen by over 50% since 2010, but there is always more that can be done.”
Hamilton added, “Having organised similar events around the country, I know just how great the benefits can be to local employers and jobseekers. Whether you are looking for work, hoping for a better position, or simply want guidance on your CV or interview technique – you should definitely come along.”
Havant MP Alan Mak said: “We’re delighted inspirational business leaders like Charlie Mullins and career experts such as Jane Hamilton will be with us on the day. It’s going to be a huge event with over 550 jobs and apprenticeships on offer, plus workshops from the National Careers Service and the Wheatsheaf Trust. I invite residents of all ages to come on the day!”
The first Havant Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair is being held at Warblington School on Southleigh Road, Havant. Doors open to the public at 10am with no prior registration necessary. Guest speakers include Charlie Mullins OBE at 10.30am and Jane Hamilton at 12noon. Havant MP Alan Mak will close the fair at 3.30pm. Free parking will be available at the school all day.
For more information please see www.alanmak.org.uk