Many people dismiss November as just ‘that month between Halloween and Christmas’ when nothing much happens, but they are wrong. November was the ninth month of the year under the Roman calendar and got its name from the Latin word novem, meaning nine. Now it’s the 11th month and it might just be the best. Here are ten reasons why:

1. Back to Greenwich Meantime

The clocks go back at the end of October and we get back the hour that was cruelly stole from us in Spring. The mornings are lighter, so every day feels like a lie in. Evenings are darker and it feels like it’s properly winter.

2. Colourful Leaves

Some people would argue that trees are at their most beautiful in Autumn, when their leaves turn spectacular colours. The leaves change because of changes in the length of daylight and temperature that causes chlorophyll breakdown. Green leaves are replaced by yellows, oranges and even reds.  

3. It’s Movember

Men everywhere are suddenly sporting a moustache, whether it’s a mighty handlebar, or barely visible pencil moustache. Movember seems to get bigger every year. It is all in good fun and for a great cause. It started off in a bar in Australia and has grown into one of the biggest charities promoting men’s health in the world.

4. You can select your Advent Calendar

Advent Calendars need to be ready for the 1^st of  December. With everything ranging from the ones you can pick up from Poundland to the ridiculously expensive, containing beauty products, beer, cheese, chocolate, Harry Potter and tea, and everything in between, there’s an Advent Calendar for you.

5 Bonfire Night

Remember, Remember, the fifth of November. These days the UK’s own celebration seems to take second place to Halloween. Perhaps that’s a good thing, as the event commemorates the brutal execution of someone, (even if that person was someone who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.) There are still many organised displays on, or around the 5^th November for those who enjoy fireworks.

 6. Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Thankfully, the scenes of fighting in shops over bargains seem to be a thing of the past, but you may still be able to get some good deals in the Black Friday sales held on the High Street and online. Or maybe you should wait until Cyber Monday, the Monday after Black Friday, when much of the buying is done online. Black Friday is said to be a better time to buy newer, big-ticket items and to visit stores physically. Cyber Monday is a better day to shop for tech deals and smaller gifts.

7. St Andrew’s Day

This happens every year on the 30^th November and in Scotland is a Bank Holiday. Celebrate if you are Scottish or have Scottish connections, or just like Scotland. Break out some 15-year-old whiskey and raise a glass, listen to the Bay City Rollers or Big Country, or watch Billy Connelly.

8. Tins of Sweets

The supermarkets are full of walls of tins (alright plastic tubs) of sweets; Quality Street, Celebrations, Heroes and many more. At this point, they are so ridiculously cheap that it’s the best time to pick some up for Christmas. Pity you’ll have to buy some more next week after finishing them off watching a Marvel movie marathon.

9. Christmas Lights Go On

All up and down the country, in cities and Towns, Christmas lights are switched on in late November, many with Countdowns and, in some cases, the switching on is done by an actress that was once in Eastenders, back in the 90s. Ignore the turning on and just go and enjoy the spectacular sight of the lights in the darkness.

10. … And you can prepare for Christmas (A little)

Even though Christmas belongs in December, you can start your Christmas shopping, to avoid the rush. (Run out and buy that Christmas Pudding, definitely, because there won’t be any left on Christmas Eve!) You might need to think about sending the present that will take a while to get to its recipient and, if you really really have to, you can sneak a listen to some Christmas music. (Just a little, to give you the taste for when December begins!)

November is perfect for cosy nights in, moving to comfortable winter clothes and so much more.  Enjoy November. It’s a better month than you think! 

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November 2^nd  marks the start of the 5-day Diwali celebration with the main events and celebrations taking place on the 4^th dubbed the day of Diwali.

The five days are named, in order, Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Padwa and Bhai Duj, to find out more information on the specific celebrations of each day click here.

Although there are many festivals of light , Divali is possibly the original Festival of Lights and is also a major celebration for many religions including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. It involves gift giving, feasts, lights, sweets and prayers and represents new beginnings.

Central to Diwali is the lighting of oil lamps and divas/diyas, both at places of worship and in homes, alongside fireworks and candles. These represent enlightenment, wisdom and knowledge.

After Covid-19 cancelled a lot of the in person celebrations last year, it will be exciting to see communities gather for such a beautiful event.

Many major, multicultural cities around the UK, most notably London, Leicester, Birmingham, Belfast and Edinburgh, with large south Asian communities, hold major Diwali celebrations, with spectacular light displays.

Why not check for Diwali festivities near you and take part in the celebrations this year, whether you have celebrated before or are new to this festival.

If you have not applied for a job in a while, you may find that the whole business of application for a new position has changed a lot. Whereas, in the past, jobs were applied for by post, over the phone or in person, now the vast majority of applications are done online. CVs, cover letters and references are no longer submitted as paper copies, they are now sent online to the recruiter either by email or on their website.

Before you Apply

To apply for jobs online, you need a number of things:

• Internet Access – This seems obvious, but reliable internet access is essential. If you don’t have this, then you should be able to get it at a local library or in some of the larger Job Centres
• A Computer -Again, this seems obvious, but the internet can also be accessed via a wide variety of devices. Phones or tablets could be used, but a PC or laptop is much more suited for job application. Remember you will also need a word processing application of some kind, ideally Microsoft Word.
• Email Address -Your email address should be a professional one, that is yours to use. This doesn’t mean one related to work, but use an email like jane-smith123@gmail.com rather than fab-funny-jane123@gmail.com.
• Up-to-date CV – Make sure you have an up-to-date CV, with the correct contact details before you start applying. This is possibly the most important thing you need to prepare. For help on getting your CV the best it can be, check this guide. It’s also useful to draft a basic cover letter that you can be customised for each job you apply to.  Not all jobs will require this, but it is useful to have ready for those that do. A good tip is to save your CV with a title containing “CV”, as well as your first name, your last name and the current year.

1. Use Job Search Websites

The vast majority of (although not all) online jobs appear on Job-Search websites. There are a lot of these. These websites allow you to search for jobs using different filters, like position title, salary and location. It is a good idea to register and build a profile on a number of these. You can save searches and get the website to email notifications of any jobs that may be of interest to you. Here is a list of the top ten job websites.

2. Adapt your Application

Although many companies use Job-Search Websites, some don’t and you will need to ensure you apply in the way that they have asked you to.  Company websites are a good source of job listings, and you may be able to apply directly via the company website. Do this, even if you have seen the job elsewhere, as this may give your application an advantage over those coming from Job-Search websites.

Some smaller companies may just require you to email a copy of your CV and covering letter. A good tip is add your full name and the title of the position the subject line of the email.

Sometimes you may be asked to convert your CV into a PDF or other kind of file. You may need to complete and online application form, section by section, like a paper application. Just make sure you follow all instructions and carefully proofread your application before you click the “Submit” button. Follow all the application instructions and double check that you’ve done so, at the end.

3. Keywords

Keywords are very important in online Job application for two reasons:

When you look for jobs online, the most effective way to search is to use job keywords to find the jobs in you are interested in. Create a list of job-search that reflect your job interests, including the location you want to work, type of position, industry, etc.

You should also be aware of the keywords that employers use in their job advertisements. You should use these in your CV and cover letter. In fact, you should adjust your CV for each application, using any keywords the employer uses, if this is possible. Many employers receive far more CVs than they can check through practically, so Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), or ‘Resume Robots’ can reject up to 75% of CVs before getting to a person. These ATS use key words to identify people with the required skills and qualifications.

4. Don’t Apply if you are not Qualified

Read the job description well before you start and only apply if you meet the requirements. Applying for a job takes time, so you can save time and effort by being selective. If you aren’t qualified, then chances are, your application will be unsuccessful.

5. Check and Double Check

Check that your spelling, grammar and content don’t have errors. Fit your experience to the job you are applying for, be original and be honest. When you have done all this check again before you submit.

6. Keep Track of Your Applications

Check your email account at least once a day for any replies or offers of interview. Don’t forget to check your spam folder as important emails can end up there. If you have had missed calls, make sure you follow these up.

It also helps to keep a written or digital record of the jobs you’ve applied for. This will help you remember who you should follow-up with and what different roles you’ve applied for. Either call or email the employer if you haven’t heard anything, after an appropriate interval.  Unfortunately, not all employees respond or even let you know that you have been unsuccessful. They may even state in the Job Description that if you do not hear from them to assume you were unsuccessful.

7. Keep Applying

It may take some time and quite a few applications before you secure your new job. The important thing is to keep trying and keep on applying.

Good luck!

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Travel rules and restrictions have caused many of us to chose a staycation this year. The UK is full of places to holiday, places for a short stay, or places for a day-trip. It also has a massively wide breadth of location types, encompassing historic urban centres, scenic landscapes, incredible coastlines, stunning national parks and awesome scenery.

Whatever you are planning, the UK has something for you. With that in mind, here are our top ten suggestions:

1. The Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most popular places to visit in the U.K. It is the UK’s most popular national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. Try climbing Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. There is everything from lake cruises to mountain walks, hiking, photography, outdoor adventures and cosy pubs with home-cooked food. Or take a narrow-gauge steam train ride from Ravensglass deep into the Eskdale valley.

2. Brighton

Brighton isn’t an ordinary seaside town and there is always something new, each time you visit. Soak up its oddball, alternative character by exploring the warren of streets known as the Lanes; sprinkled with vegan cafes, espresso bars, chaotic pubs, record stores and bric-a-brac shops. Don’t forget the Royal Pavilion, a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent. You can still have fish and chips on the pier, and the Seven Sisters cliffs are nearby too.

3. Bath

In a nation full of great cities, Bath is one of the most visually spectacular, full of buildings built with honey-coloured Bath stone. Of course, there are the Roman Baths, but there is also the Jane Austen Centre, and the Bath Assembly Rooms, Georgian ballrooms which were the setting for scenes for two of Austin’s novels (Persuasion and Northanger Abbey). Don’t miss The Circus, and the famous Royal Crescent.  It’s also a beautiful place to visit in winter because (if running) the Christmas markets are fantastic!

4. York

York may be the only city to rival Bath as the prettiest city in England, although visually, the two couldn’t be more different. Seeing York Minster is obviously a must. A landmark of York which has a giant east-facing window that had the largest expanse of stained glass anywhere in the world, before the modern era. Walk the almost complete 13th-century walls in a magnificent circuit. There is also The Shambles, filled with picturesque cobbled streets, cafes, and restaurants, and supposedly the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. The Jorvik Viking Centre is well worth a visit. It’s the only place in the world where you can go on a fun-fair ride that is also a history lecture. The whole place feels like an old Viking City. And lastly, if you can get in, you must, must, must have afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms.

5. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is the only surviving lintelled stone circle in the world, at around 5000 years old. Stonehenge has an impressive visitor and has been a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1882.The site and its surroundings were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1986. You may have seen it many times in photographs and TV, but only seeing it “in the stone” will give you a real appreciation of this monumental monument.

6. London

Without a doubt, the world’s greatest city. You could live there for many years and only scratch the surface of what the mother of all metropolis’s has to offer. There are the obvious attractions of the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and museums such as British Museum, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, art galleries, including Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the National Gallery, all of which are free to visit. But London keeps giving. Try the incredible Museum of London or Royal Observatory Greenwich. And for a hidden, hardly seen by Tourists, spectacular gem, visit the Inns of Court, in the heart of London, a stone’s throw from major attractions.

7. Cambridge

Full of incredible architecture that will make you go ‘ooohhh’ every time you turn a corner. And you can also have a punt along the Cam.

8. Devon

The only English county so good it has two coastlines. There are an amazing mix of places from cities like Exeter and Plymouth, the English Riviera of Torbay, Dartmoor and the quieter north coast where you’ll find places like Barnstaple.

9. The Cotswolds

A region spread over six English counties and a designated Area of Outstanding beauty. Here is all that was perceived as traditionally and quintessentially English; a tangle of quaint villages of rose-clad cottages, village greens with pubs serving fine ales, and views of lush green hills. There are many long-distance trails including the Cotswold Way, perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

10. Cheddar Gorge

Visit for the Gorge itself, the incredible caves and the sight of large truckles of cheddar aging slowly, in the darkness. Stay for the scenery, caving, climbing and more!

Oil companies once ruled the globe, because they had control of an immense, untapped valuable asset – oil. It was so valuable that it was known as ‘Black Gold’. Now Data is the ‘New Oil’: the black gold of the 21st century. All businesses have lots of Data, but, in itself, Data is merely facts and figures. Just as oil needs to be refined and processed to be useful, Data needs to be analysed.

Data analysis is the process of inspecting, cleansing and transforming Data, so that it can be structured and presented as useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making. Data is, in fact, fundamentally changing the world we live in and analysing Data to find is now a key skill in many job roles.

Excel is designed specifically for Data analysis. It can connect to a wide range of Data sources, clean and transform Data automatically, and create incredible visualizations to show trends, and create reports. Infero’s new 3-day Data Analysis and Visualization with Microsoft Excel course covers all of Excel’s extensive Data analysis capabilities.

Data Analysis and Visualization with Microsoft Excel

Delivery Method – Instructor-led, group-paced, online or classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.

Target Students – Business professionals who want to learn how to perform advanced Data and statistical analysis with Microsoft Excel using PivotTables; be able to use tools such as Power Pivot and the Data Analysis ToolPak to analyse Data, and learn how to visualize Data in charts and dashboards in Excel.

Prerequisites – Before taking this course, students are recommended to have taken the Microsoft Excel Introduction course, or have equivalent knowledge:

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to analyse and visualize Data using Microsoft Excel and associated tools. You will:

• Perform Data analysis fundamentals.
• Visualize Data with Excel.
• Analyse Data with formulas and functions.
• Analyse Data with PivotTables.
• Present visual insights with dashboards in Excel.
• Create geospatial visualization with Excel.
• Perform statistical analysis.
• Get and transform Data.
• Model and analyse Data with Power Pivot.
• Present insights with reports.

Course Content

DAY 1

Lesson 1: Data Analysis Fundamentals

Topic A: Introduction to Data Science

Topic B: Create and Modify Tables

Topic C: Sort and Filter Data

Lesson 2: Visualizing Data with Excel

Topic A: Visualize Data with Charts

Topic B: Modify and Format Charts

Lesson 3: Analysing Data with Formulas and Functions

Topic A: Analyse Data with Formulas and Named Ranges

Topic B: Analyse Data with Functions

Lesson 4: Analysing Data with PivotTables

Topic A: Create a PivotTable

Topic B: Analyse PivotTable Data

Lesson 5: Presenting Visual Insights with Dashboards in Excel

Topic A: Visualize Data with PivotCharts

Topic B: Filter Data Using Slicers and Timelines

Topic C: Create a Dashboard in Excel

DAY 2

Lesson 6: Automating Data Analysis

Topic A: Implement Data Validation, Forms, and Controls

Topic B: Adding Form Controls to a Worksheet

Topic C: Create Conditional Visualizations with Lookup Functions

Lesson 7: Creating Geospatial Visualizations with Excel

Topic A: Create Map Charts in Excel

Topic B: Customize Map Charts in Excel

Lesson 8: Performing Statistical Analysis

Topic A: Visualize Trendlines and Sparklines with Excel

Topic B: Analyse Data with the Data Analysis ToolPak

Topic C: Apply Best Practices in Chart Design

DAY 3

Lesson 9: Getting and Transforming Data

Topic A: Connect to Data with Queries

Topic B: Clean and Combine Data

Topic C: Shape and Transform Data

Lesson 10: Modelling Data with Power Pivot

Topic A: Install Power Pivot in Excel

Topic B: Create Data Models with Power Pivot

Topic C: Create Power Pivots

Lesson 11: Analysing Data with Power Pivot

Topic A: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)

Topic B: Perform Advanced Data Analysis and Visualization with DAX

Topic C: Creating a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

Topic D: Working with Dates and Times in PowerPivot

Lesson 12: Presenting Insights with Reports

Topic A: Plan a Report

Topic B: Create a Report