A total number of 14 graduates from North West universities have been recruited by bennettbrooks reflecting the continuing growth and expansion of the business.

The newly employed graduates bring their skills and fresh perspectives to the firm as they start their journey to become qualified chartered accountants. The bennettbrooks Graduate Academy provides a supportive learning environment with a hybrid approach to training and development including College study, on the job training, 1:1 coaching and soft skills training.

Many of the bennettbrooks team started their careers as graduates and are still employed by the business years later. The practice has a culture for supporting young professionals in their career development, offering opportunities for growth within the company.

Director and QPRT (Qualified Person Responsible for Training) George Wood:  “bennettbrooks continues to invest in our Graduate Training programme year on year and thrive on supporting and guiding our trainees to become the next generation of Chartered Accountants.  Our comprehensive training programme has been developed to provide first class technical training and opportunities to develop soft skills.”

Director and Head of People Development, Claire Hills expressed her enthusiasm about the recent additions to the team, “We are thrilled to welcome these talented graduates to bennettbrooks. Their energy, creativity and enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success and allow us to better serve our clients.”

Bennett Brooks & Co Limited was established in 1991 and provides accountancy and audit services, tax advice, payroll, corporate finance, forensic accountancy and IT support to businesses across the UK. They have eight offices across the North West and North Wales.

 

The King’s School’s all-conquering rugby squad enjoyed a once in a life-time summer tour of New Zealand and Malaysia, with the boys in blue coming up against some stiff competition, but departing both countries widely regarded as great English sporting ambassadors.

On the back one of the most successful seasons in King’s 93-year rugby history during which the squad won The Cheshire Cup and reached the last Eight in the National Cup, they found the passionate Kiwi rugby culture hard to contain.

Matched against regional and older teams, the squad worked wonders to record three wins, one draw and five losses, picking up some hard-earned and enduring lessons during the fantastic two-week trip.

The tour saw some fantastic sightseeing opportunities but none more awesome than the Haka, which, as King’s Head of Rugby Giles Hetherington, said, “was spine-tingling, motivational and terrifying in equal measure especially so close up and when personally directed.”

In total, 39 young men and six staff took the 10,000 mile flight for what Giles described, “as a  frantic fortnight in which we played some fantastic rugby at a very high standard and experienced and embraced countless new things.  It was a trip that the boys shall never forget and the memories will be discussed for just as long. The King’s School players were a credit to themselves on the field but, more importantly, off it as well. They return to the challenging school circuit better players and more mature young men. Touring is the best thing about rugby and long shall it continue.”

The tour included seven matches against New Zealand clubs and schools and two final matches in Kuala Lumpur. Starting off in Auckland with visits to the All Blacks Experience and the Sky Tower, sandwiched between competitive fixtures, the team then headed south to Taupo for further matches as well as visiting the amazing Huka Falls and surrounding thermal spas.  On to Roturua where the squad were able to experience a traditional Maori village and Hangi meal followed the next day by another adrenalin-fuelled visit down the Skyline and Luge.  The next couple of stops entered the verdant and mountainous countryside including Tauranga and Mount Maunganui with games against some mature and physical club sides, including Greeton Marist and Kahkura.

The flight out of Auckland to Kuala Lumpur saw a complete change of culture and scenery with the towering sky-scrapers and hustle of a busy city, all nestled in the Malaysian jungle. Giles added: “There were incredible sites such as the ancient Batu Caves and the tallest twin-tower structure in the world, the Petronas Towers, but naturally the rugby was still very much topped our priorities and the two final fixtures included a victory and a draw versus University of Defence Malaysia and ARAS Buffalo Rugby Club.”

Everybody Health and Leisure is set to host their biggest FREE health and fitness event at Wilmslow Leisure Centre on Saturday 16^th September 2023 with the very important National Fitness Day theme, ‘Your Health is for Life’.

Following recent investments into a brand new gym, fitness studio and changing facilities at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, the doors will be opened for a free health and fitness event like no other.

With UK Active’s National Fitness Day on the horizon, the event will celebrate the theme of ‘Your Health is for Life’, which closely aligns with the health and wellbeing charities aim to ‘improve health and wellbeing in our communities’ and provide ‘Leisure for Life’.

Everybody’s event will include:

• Free Gym Access – Health Checks and Body Analysis
• Book a free Everybody fundraiser TRAIN Class Challenge
• Free Health and Fitness Classes including Yoga, Body Pump, Group Cycling and so much more!
• Book Everybody’s Mum and baby yoga class to try for free
• Free Family Fun Swimming
• Free Taste for Life Café Smoothies
• Family Sports Activities and more

Alex Challis, General Manager at Wilmslow Leisure Centre shared:

“We are so excited to be hosting our biggest health and fitness event in Wilmslow this September. With activities on offer for all ages and abilities, why not come down on Saturday 16^th September and experience the leisure centre in all its glory. With a newly refurbished gym, fitness studio and changing facilities, the centre has never looked better. We hope to see you getting involved on the day!”

To find out more about Wilmslow Leisure Centre’s free health and fitness event visit – www.everybody.org.uk/wilmslow-leisure-centre-open-day/

Everybody Health and Leisure are a registered charity which aims to provide ‘leisure for life’ by improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. The charity operates 16 leisure facilities including 9 swimming pools and 7 Taste for Life cafes across the Cheshire East region, and delivers a range of targeted health, sports and disability and inclusion programmes. For more information please visit: www.everybody.org.uk or follow on Twitter @ebleisure.

 

In today’s digital age, passwords are the keys to our online lives, safeguarding our personal information, financial data, and digital identity. The importance of maintaining strong and secure passwords cannot be overstated. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, practising good password etiquette is crucial in ensuring your online safety and protecting sensitive information.

1. Create Strong Passwords

The first line of defence against cyber threats is a strong password. Avoid common mistakes like using “password,” “123456,” or personal information like your name or birthdate. Instead, craft passwords that combine upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Aim for at least 12 characters and consider using a passphrase which combines multiple words for added security.

2. Use Unique Passwords for Every Account

Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is a common mistake that can have devastating consequences. If one account gets compromised, hackers can access all your other accounts. Use a different password for each online service or platform to mitigate the risks.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a fingerprint scan or a one-time code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password. Enable MFA whenever possible, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorised access.

4. Regularly Update Passwords

As tempting as it is to stick with familiar passwords, it’s essential to change them periodically. Aim to update passwords every three to six months to reduce the chances of successful attacks.

5. Stay Away from Dictionary Words

Hackers often use automated tools that can quickly guess dictionary words. Avoid using common words, phrases, or well-known quotes in your passwords, as they are more vulnerable to brute-force attacks.

6. Utilise Password Managers

Remembering multiple complex passwords can be challenging. Consider using a password manager to store your passwords securely. Password managers generate strong passwords, remember them for you, and ensure you don’t reuse them across different accounts.

7. Be Cautious with Security Questions

When setting up account recovery questions, avoid easily discoverable answers based on publicly available information. Choose obscure questions and ensure the answers are difficult for others to guess.

8. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

Phishing attacks remain a significant threat to password security. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for your password or personal information. Legitimate organisations will never request sensitive data through unsecured channels.

9. Update Software and Devices Regularly

Keeping your software, operating systems, and devices up to date is essential for maintaining strong password security. Software updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

10. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Protect your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password and encryption. A compromised Wi-Fi network could give attackers easy access to your connected devices and personal information.

11. Lock Your Devices

Always lock your devices with a password, PIN, or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This provides an extra layer of defence if your device falls into the wrong hands.

12. Avoid Saving Passwords in Browsers

While web browsers offer to save passwords for convenience, it’s not the most secure option. If your device gets compromised, hackers can easily access your saved passwords. Rely on a password manager instead.

13. Educate Yourself and Others

Educate yourself and those around you about good password etiquette. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to adopt strong password practices to create a safer online environment.

14. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Regularly review your account activity and statements to identify any suspicious behaviour. Early detection of unauthorised access can prevent further damage.

15. Most important!

Keep your passwords private, and do not share them with others.

Conclusion:

Adhering to good password etiquette is fundamental to safeguarding your digital identity and protecting yourself from cyber threats. By creating strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and utilising password managers, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime. Stay vigilant, update your passwords regularly, and be cautious of phishing attempts to ensure your online presence remains secure. Remember, a small effort in maintaining good password hygiene can go a long way in protecting your digital world.

Contact Me

If you’d like to ask Robert Gibbons – Cara Technology –  any questions about Good Password Etiquette or IT support services or solutions, you can book his calendar here: https://cara.uk.com/robertgibbons or get in touch robert@cara.uk.com