GRM, Laurus House, First Avenue, Centrum 100, Burton upon Trent, Staffs, DE14 2WH
Tel: 01283 551249
Email: info@grm-uk.com
GRM, Anson House, Compass Point Business Park, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leics, LE16 9HW
Tel: 01858 414981
Email: info@grm-uk.com
GRM is an exciting and dynamic place to work, not just in terms of projects and achievements, but we're also very sociable and frequently organise events and get-togethers. Not only does this make GRM a much more friendly place to work, but we know that building and maintaining good relationships between work colleagues is beneficial for the efficiency and productivity of the company.
We have a monthly outing, which can involve going anywhere or doing anything (within reason!) depending on whose idea it was and what they like doing Previous trips have included ten-pin bowling, meeting for drinks and going out for a meal.
In addition to the monthly get-togethers, we also have three annual events for colleagues and their partners or families:
As well as these social events, we have regular sporting activities that are open to anyone who wants to join in. There is a weekly badminton session where we welcome players of all levels and abilities. We also have in-house five-aside football matches and, boosted by their success, we've entered into a tournament with other ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) members.
There are some businesses who just want to make a profit and have no interest in the community around them. GRM work hard not to be another one of these. We like to contribute to charities and give back to the communities in which we're situated.
We have a yearly subscription with Sharpe's Pottery and Heritage Centre, a former pottery that has been restored into an arts centre, café, visitor centre and conference facility. It is owned and run by the community and relies on donations. As 'Friends of Sharpe's', we receive special discounts, regular updates, invitations and events listings. These benefits are extended to all GRM staff. See www.sharpes.org.uk for more information about the organisation, and www.sharpes.org.uk to see what being a 'Friend of Sharpe's' is all about.
GRM also sponsor Highfields Farm, a local free-range farm that offers therapy through employment to young people with problems. Our donations go towards repairs and maintenance which enables the Highfields project is to go on. In return for our donations, GRM staff are offered the chance to buy fresh free range eggs, and they're lovely! Find out more about Highfields Farm and the work they do at www.highfieldshappyhens.co.uk
We make annual donations at Christmas to three charities nominated by the three Directors, and we also support and attend charity events.
It's often not just yourself that you have to consider when relocating to a new area, and while your career may be looking great with a promising new position at GRM, there's still the rest of your family to consider. Burton upon Trent offers a variety of trade and industry, so there are lots of employment opportunities available, both within the town itself, and in nearby towns and cities.
There are a number of good websites for searching for jobs in and around Burton upon Trent: www.localrecruit.co.uk is a useful site which lists jobs by industry sector and features jobs advertised through various national or specialist recruitment agencies and job search websites.
Jobs advertised through the local newspaper, the 'Burton Mail' can be viewed at jobs.staffordshirenewspapers.co.uk. This link takes you to a national website, which allows you to search in Staffordshire as well as other regions, under numerous categories.
As Burton upon Trent is near the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, jobs in the town are often advertised in the 'Derby Evening Telegraph', and can be viewed at jobs.thisisderbyshire.co.uk. This website allows you to search by job category, specify a particular location, and it also offers a CV matching service. Derby itself is only a short commute from Burton, so it is definitely worth looking at jobs in the city or in Derbyshire.
Burton upon Trent has a lot to offer in terms of community life. There are numerous clubs, societies, and charitable organisations within the town that would welcome your involvement, and offer great way of meeting like-minded people in the local area. www.locallife.co.uk lists a variety of local groups and organisations - from youth groups, to charities, to political organisations - providing contact details for each one, and links to websites where available.
If religion is a large part of your life, then it's important to know about the local support network for your faith is in an area that you are thinking of relocating to. www.locallife.co.uk gives contact details of places of worship for a number of religions, or links to websites.
When you are considering relocation and its impact on your family, knowing your choices for childcare can be reassuring. There are many childcare options for younger children, from nannies, to nurseries, crèches and playgroups. Burton upon Trent offers a varied choice of childcare providers, so no matter what your criteria you're sure to find something that both you and your children will be happy with.
First of all, you have to make the decision about what kind of childcare you're looking for - www.direct.gov.uk gives information that will help you to decide - there are sections on how to go about choosing childcare, as well as the types of benefits and help available.
Once you know what you're looking for, you need to know what's available in the Burton upon Trent area. There are a couple of websites that will help you with this:
Choosing your child's school is a very important decision, especially if you've recently moved to a new area. Fortunately, there is a lot of information available to parents on how to go about choosing a school, and applying for a place. www.direct.gov.uk gives useful information about how to choose a school, types of school, admissions criteria, test results and Ofsted reports.
Although Burton upon Trent is in Staffordshire, it is near to the Derbyshire border, so some schools near to GRM's head office in Swadlincote are controlled by the Derbyshire local education authority. www.derbyshire.gov.uk gives details of all schools within the Derbyshire region.
For a list of schools in the area Staffordshire area, the Staffordshire School Directory at education.staffordshire.gov.uk allows you to search for a school by district, school type, or postcode area, and also provides a link to school websites.
If you're unsure which local authority covers the area specific area where you want your children to go to school, the following websites cover both Derbyshire and Staffordshire:
To help you to in your decision, all Ofsted reports are available to read at www.ofsted.gov.uk including child-minders, day care providers, primary and secondary schools, and further education.
There are a couple of options for Further Education available to students in the area - many of the secondary schools offer sixth form facilities (see schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk for a list of the schools with sixth forms).
Alternatively, there are a number of colleges to choose from, either in Burton upon Trent itself, or within short commuting distance:
For Higher Education both after school and for mature students, there are a number of Universities within commuting distance of Burton upon Trent, each offering a different range of courses and specialist areas. Have a look at their websites for a list of faculties and departments, course information and prospectuses:
Not only is Burton-on-Trent a great place to live, but buying property in the area can be a great investment. Houses are still reasonably priced compared to the national average, but as the town continues to develop and flourish, it is quickly becoming a desirable place to live. As a result house prices in the area are rising, and property development is under way.
Whether you'd prefer to be close to the action with a house or apartment in the town centre, or enjoy the peace of the countryside in one of the many picturesque villages that surround Burton, there are properties on the market to suit almost everyone's taste and budget.
Why not take a look at some of the local estate agents to see the type and price of properties available.
If you know exactly what you're looking for it's always worth registering your details with them so that they can inform you as soon as any new properties come on the market that meet your criteria.
A good general site is www.rightmove.co.uk - search under Burton-on-Trent - you can select the type of property you're looking for, the price band, and search within a designated radius of the town. Most local estate agents are registered with this site, so it saves you contacting each one individually.
Doctors and Hospitals
There are a number of GP surgeries and Health Centres in and around Burton upon Trent, and the one you would register with would depend on where exactly you live. Some local surgeries have their own websites where you can find out more about the practice:
Other surgeries can be found listed on www.nhs.uk which provides addresses, and contact telephone numbers.
The local hospital in Burton upon Trent is Queen's Hospital, Belvedere Road, DE13 0RB - visit their website at burton.mwhosting.net
Dentists
www.townpages.com lists dentists and dental practices in Burton and the surrounding area. The majority of these practices take private patients only, but some do offer NHS treatment.
For more information about NHS dental care in the area, look at www.nhs.uk ; this website gives details of practices within the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust, and information about the NHS treatment they provide - including whether or not they are currently accepting new NHS patients.
Located in the heart of the Midlands, Burton-on-Trent is well served by a good road network, with Derby, Leicester, and Birmingham all within quick and easy reach. The town itself is just minutes off the A38, and is easily accessible from the M42 and M1.
However, if you'd prefer not to drive, there are many other options. A good general travel website can be found at www.transportdirect.co.uk.
For international travel, Nottingham East Midlands and Birmingham Airports are also very close by.
Burton's railway station is conveniently located on Borough Road, within easy walking distance of the town centre. Regular train services provide quick links to the rest of the UK, with direct services available to
Look at www.nationalrail.co.uk for timetable and ticket information to and from anywhere in the UK
Burton station is run by central trains, and is part of the Central Trains network - www.centraltrains.co.uk
Map taken from www.centraltrains.co.uk. An enlarged and more detailed version is also available.
Burton's busy bus station is run by Arriva www.arrivabus.co.uk
The link below shows all Arriva buses and routes travelling in and out of Burton.
www.arrivabus.co.ukBurton upon Trent has something to offer, no matter what you want from your day's shopping:
Burton boasts a choice of major supermarkets:
Burton offers a variety of DIY and furniture stores including MFI, Focus, B&Q, and Wickes. Follow these links for a useful list of local stores, complete with contact details, maps and directions.
Burton is home to three shopping centres - Cooper's Square, the Octagon, and Burton Place, all within the pedestrianised town centre. They offer a wealth of shops including many high street stores such as Marks and Spencer, Boots, Next, Argos, Matalan, as well as a number of smaller, more individual or specialist outlets. Take a look at www.coopers-square.co.uk - the largest of the three centres, there's something here to suit everyone.
If you find that there's just not enough in the way of retail therapy in Burton, there are larger shopping centres close by. Derby is easily accessed - it's only 20 minutes by car along the A38. As a larger city Derby offers a slightly wider selection of shops, and with the development of a major new shopping centre in the city, things are getting even better! Look at westfield.com to see what's there at the moment, and what's set to arrive.
If neither Burton nor nearby Derby can fulfill your retail cravings, then Birmingham's Bullring (www.bullring.co.uk) is sure to. With over 26 "football pitches" worth of shops, there really is something for everyone. The easiest way to get to the Bullring is by train - it's only a half hour journey, and the station is right next to the shopping centre. Look at www.nationalrail.co.uk for timetable and ticket information.
If all that shopping has worn you out and you need some time to relax, there are plenty of hairdressers and beauticians in Burton just waiting to pamper you. www.inburton.co.uk lists Beauty Salons in Burton, and www.inburton.co.uk lists hairdressers - both with addresses and telephone numbers. www.upmystreet.com gives details of a huge range of health and beauty specialists in Burton - including hairdressers, chiropractors, saunas and sunbeds, and yoga specialists!
If you're looking for a meal out in Burton, you really will be spoilt for choice. Whether you want to dine in one of the many restaurants in the town centre, or travel to one of the treasured country pubs tucked away in nearby villages, you're sure to find something special to suit every taste and appetite.
Choose from trendy coffee shops serving delectable snacks, sophisticated bistros, warm and friendly pubs, or restaurants providing flavours from all over the world - Indian, Mexican, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Spanish..
The choice is so wide there are far too many restaurants to list here.
Try looking at www.city-visitor.com for a good comprehensive list; www.enjoyeaststaffs.co.uk is useful because it gives a brief description of what each establishment offers; or alternatively www.upmystreet.com categorises restaurants by type, and is great if you know what sort of food you fancy.
If you enjoy keeping fit there's plenty to keep you occupied in Burton-upon-Trent.
There are two local leisure centres - Meadowside, and Shobnall Leisure Complex.
There are also two large national chains with gyms in Burton, offering a great range of facilities from swimming to exercise classes.
Burton also has a non-league football club - Burton Albion - who play in the conference league. Their official website is www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk.
If golf's your game, there's a local golf and country club at Branston, www.branston-golf-club.co.uk, which offers much more than just a golf course - there are 18 and 9 hole golf courses, gym, swimming pools, sauna, bar and restaurant, and much more.
In fact, no matter what your sporting interests, Burton has something to offer. From Tennis to Angling, the town has a really good selection of activities. The Burton Mail, the town's local newspaper, has a great web-directory for all sports clubs in the area at www.burtonmail.co.uk. Have a look, you're bound to find something to keep you busy!
There are a host of tourist attractions within a stone's throw of Burton-upon-Trent, so there's plenty to keep you and the family amused for many a weekend, no matter what the weather.
Whether you're after a cultural day out, some fun for the kids (and yourself..), or a day out in the countryside, there are enough activities to keep everybody happy.
The following is a very brief selection of the many attractions that the area has to offer:
Travel back to the 11th century with a trip to Tutbury Castle - you can either stroll round the grounds and take in the history, or admire the décor in the great hall. For details, see www.tutburycastle.com
Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood offers another great trip back in time - a 17th century family home, the interiors of this grand house were featured in Pride and Prejudice. Both the house itself and the Museum of Childhood are now run by the National Trust, and are well worth a visit.
And to find out more about what Burton is most famous for, visit the Coors Visitor Centre and Museum of Brewing (formerly the Bass Museum). Learn all there is to know about brewing, and enjoy a great family day out. www.bass-museum.com
Conkers, the award winning attraction, offers a host of activities and facilities for family fun in any weather. www.visit-conkers.com has details of the wide variety of fun to be had there!
Another award winner, Snibston Discovery Park is an exciting museum of science and technology with interactive displays and activities for all ages. www.leics.gov.uk
For the kids, and the adults too.. Alton Towers, Britain's most famous theme park, is located in Staffordshire, so there's no excuse not to visit! www.altontowers.com
Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes at nearby Rosliston comprises 66 acres of young woodland, with numerous activities for all the family including fishing, woodland walks, playgrounds, an animal farm, and a tearoom. Full details of facilities and opening times can be seen at www.beehivefarm-woodlandlakes.co.uk
Rosliston is also home to Rosliston Forestry Centre - www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk - another 154 acres to explore, with picturesque walks, cycle trails and gift shops.
Foremark and Staunton Harold Reservoirs offer woodland walks, picnic areas, fishing, and play areas in idyllic settings - for details visit www.stwater.co.uk
For more comprehensive listings of things to do in and around Burton-upon-Trent, take a look at the following websites:Burton originally grew up around the monastery of St Mowden, and by the Middle Ages had grown into a busy market town. It is still a market town, but after the quality of the local water was discovered Burton became, and still is, famous as a brewing town.
The brewing industry dominates the town's history, and there are still a number of working breweries in the town. The brewing story can be seen at the Coors Visitor Centre and Museum of Brewing - www.bass-museum.com, it's well documented and presented here, and there's a lot for all the family - from Shire horses to machinery.
If you'd like to learn more about the town's history in general, www.genuki.org.uk:8080 gives detailed and interesting information.
There is a lot more to the area than the breweries alone though, and The Letocetum Roman Baths Site & Museum near Lichfield provides an interesting day out. For more details, location, opening times and admission prices, look at the National Trust website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
As it is situated on the Trent and Mersey Canal, canals and narrowboats also feature heavily in Burton's history. www.jannel.co.uk gives a short history of the canal system in and around Burton-upon-Trent.
There are a number of theatre companies, clubs and operatic societies in Burton, both for those who like to participate, or those who prefer just to watch.
These include 'The Little Theatre Company' www.little-theatre.co.uk, 'The Mellow Dramatics Music Theatre Group' www.mellow-dramatics.org, and The 'New Era Light Opera Group' beehive.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk,
For a list of the clubs and societies within the town visit www.burton2000.co.uk