Colin Blackburn Email & Phone Number

Bath, Gb

Bath, United Kingdom

Having experienced the huge benefit of working with European undergraduates and Master's students, through internships compulsory to their studies, I wanted to open the eyes of UK business leaders to this incredible resource. ESPA was conceived and launched in August 2012 to engage with EU Universities and Business Schools, understand the needs of the experience required to meet the degree studies and then work with UK businesses to generate opportunities. Erasmus+ grant funding is available to… Show more Having experienced the huge benefit of working with European undergraduates and Master's students, through internships compulsory to their studies, I wanted to open the eyes of UK business leaders to this incredible resource. ESPA was conceived and launched in August 2012 to engage with EU Universities and Business Schools, understand the needs of the experience required to meet the degree studies and then work with UK businesses to generate opportunities. Erasmus+ grant funding is available to the individuals to enable them to undertake support (off headcount, unpaid) work placements for 6 months or longer. UK companies get to work with motivated, talented, knowledgeable people who bring language and cultural awareness as well as up to date skills. A fabulous won-win situation which helped me grow and develop my previous business position and can bring great benefits to your organisation too. Show less

Belfast, Uk

I took over a 12 year old Belfast based business that needed a shot in the arm and turn around. After rebranding and battling through the inherited commitments, we have instilled new working practices and processes into our activities. Now delivering some of the best EU grant funded work placement experiences in the UK. I have a great team of experienced professionals who have responded superbly to my management approach and we are now benefiting from 4 fold increase in our activity in 6 years… Show more I took over a 12 year old Belfast based business that needed a shot in the arm and turn around. After rebranding and battling through the inherited commitments, we have instilled new working practices and processes into our activities. Now delivering some of the best EU grant funded work placement experiences in the UK. I have a great team of experienced professionals who have responded superbly to my management approach and we are now benefiting from 4 fold increase in our activity in 6 years of development. Covid has put a massive brake on 2020 but we will be back stronger in 2021We now also offer direct access to our skills and host companies to those requiring an individual UK internship experience.Hosting organisation for EU mobility projects in Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool and London, receiving groups from all over Europe. Specialising in Erasmus+ Projects.Strong working relationships with Universities, VET Colleges, Local Councils, Chambers of Commerce's and Intermediary Organisations throughout the 34 E+ countries who continue to send their participants to our locations, on repeat flows, and recommend us to others.Check out our Facebook to see what our participants are up to: https://www.facebook.com/interneurope Show less

Loughborough, United Kingdom

I joined a 3 person, 10 year old business with an opportunity to grow it and take it international. Supplying over half of the FTSE 100 the company already had credibility but a small footprint. I targeted and doubled the business turnover in less than 2 years, the customer base grew far more in that time. I then embarked on an international expansion and product development programme that saw the company grow sales into 32 countries as far afield as Brazil, South Africa and Australia as well… Show more I joined a 3 person, 10 year old business with an opportunity to grow it and take it international. Supplying over half of the FTSE 100 the company already had credibility but a small footprint. I targeted and doubled the business turnover in less than 2 years, the customer base grew far more in that time. I then embarked on an international expansion and product development programme that saw the company grow sales into 32 countries as far afield as Brazil, South Africa and Australia as well as most European countries. Turnover 10 times my starting point and with a staff grown to about 40 I was ready for a bit of family time and I chose to sell out and leave the business. Show less

Coventry, United Kingdom

Application Service Provision business, delivering fire evacuation plans and Material Safety Data Sheet creation via an on-line platform to H&S professionals. Way too early for the market doing something that is now known as 'Cloud' services. An expensive education in business start up, I left 2 fellow directors in the business and it was wound up 3 months later.

Banbury, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Joined Techprint Lettering Systems Ltd to set up a dealer network in the UK for Brother P-Touch labelling systems. Company acquired by Brady Corp in Nov 1995. UK location closed and moved to Belgium, I began my international sales journey! Took on more responsibility but frustrated by the corporate environment, and more suited to SME, I needed to move on. Brady Corporation were a great employer and a great education. Worked with some incredibly bright and able people and learnt lots.

South West United Kingdom

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Swindon, United Kingdom