Sarina Russo Job Access > News & Media > Speech by Cherie Blair at the Opening of the Sarina Russo Job Access Offices in Coventry

Speech by Cherie Blair at the Opening of the Sarina Russo Job Access Offices in Coventry

It’s an initiative with an enviable track record in helping people find work in Australia over 30 years.

And it is clear that the UK Government believes the experience and expertise built up by the company will be of real help to those looking for new jobs and careers here in the UK.

I am sure they are right. For anyone who meets Sarina herself quickly comes to recognise her drive and commitment to providing opportunities for people.

It is a drive which has built from scratch a business back home in Australia which is now worth some £40 million and employing over 1,000 people across the fields of education, training, employment and job creation.

Sarina is not yet well-known here.

But back home in Australia she is one of their best recognised business leaders, hosting her own TV series and appearing in their version of Dragon’s Den.

What’s important is that she did all this herself, having overcome many challenges – including getting fired from a succession of jobs for her bolshie attitude.

So perhaps it is no wonder we hit it off when we first met in London a few years ago.

But it also means that she has a very clear idea of the problems that those seeking work face and the help and support they need to get back into the labour market.

These are, of course, problems which many people face including here in the West Midlands.

The global recession has led to rising unemployment across the world.

No continent or country has escaped its impact.

But the fact that you are caught up in problems which began a long way from Coventry doesn’t help you to get a new job or look after your family.

So I am very pleased that the Government is making such a determined effort to give people all the support they can, to help re-enter the labour market as quickly as possible.

And one of the ways they are doing this is by bringing in new approaches and expertise.

So I hope this will be a successful meeting of minds.

A meeting between Sarina’s can-do philosophy which underpins this whole organisation – and the can-do attitude for which the people of the West Midlands are well-known.

The result, I hope, is the chance for many more people to have a rewarding career and the opportunity to play a part in the continued success of their communities and this region.

I am very pleased to be here for this launch and wish everyone real success in the future.