News
04/08/11 - Dominic to Sponsor Public Speaking Competition for Young People
Rotary International has for many years, run public speaking competitions for young people. Public speaking is an important life skill and each year thousands of these young people take part in events that culminate in the Regional and RIBI finals to which participants travel from throughout British Isles to take part.
Dominic is proud to sponsor the 2012 District finals where he will be giving the prizes to the winners. The district finals are made up of the winners from Club and Zone contests. The winners of the district finals then go on to Regional finals followed by the RIBI Final. Dominic believes it is wonderful demonstration of the achievement of those taking part and a great experience of their speaking talent.
There will be two District finals: one will be the intermediate competition for those aged 11 to 13 years and the senior competition for those aged 14 to 17 years old. And since the Olympics are taking place in 2012, the theme is the Olympic Spirit where such topics for example; sporting hero, favourite sport, fair play, peace, international relationships, can be used to demonstrate the breadth of all that may be considered as relating to ‘Olympic Spirit’.
Dominic is excited about getting involved in a competition which aims of offer young aspiring people an experience of speaking on a public platform as members of a team, an incentive to formulate ideas on topical subjects, the discipline in dealing with a topic in a limited time and the opportunity of learning and practising high standards of expression, presentation and appearance.
Everyone who wants to enter can do so by downloading the rules and entry form from http://www.ribi.org/youth/competitions/ribi-youth-speaks and Dominic looks forward to seeing all the young competitors and wishes them good luck!
23/07/10 - Ilderton Foundation Meets Jolyon Palmer
On Saturday 17th July nearly 50 youngsters from the Ilderton Foundation joined Dominic List, CEO and Founder Comtact Ltd, at Brands Hatch racing circuit to watch rounds 11 & 12 of the FIA Formula 2 Championships.
The day included a coach trip to and from Brands Hatch for all guests, with admission to the circuit for the day. In addition to watching some exciting action on the track, they also got the chance to meet current F2 leader and Comtact sponsored driver, Jolyon Palmer (pictured)
Dominic was captured by the fascinating work that the Ilderton Foundation – a social enterprise foundation that creates and manages services for young people – during his time on the Secret Millionaire and pledged to support the charity.
The main aim of the foundation is to develop and enhance the lives of young people by providing them with training and education in a subject in which they have an interest. As a result help them gain personal and educational skills along with a encouraging them to have a positive outlook on the future. The Ilderton Foundation also aims to improve community safety and reduce crime, particularly car crime by making a contribution.
To find out more about what the charity offers or how you can pledge your support visit the charities website below:
20/05/2010 Dominic meets Kemi from corporatehomes.co.uk
Corporate Homes make finding a home in London easier especially for those relocating from overseas. Set up in 2007, Kemi and her partner Chris were overwhelmed by their success and growth in the first two years. Last year however they learnt a valuable lesson when the recession took hold and threatened the future of their flourishing business.
By stripping out their business and looking at new business revenue streams, Kemi and her partner have found an exciting new business opportunity building on their existing model. However their past experiences have made them wary leading them to seek advice from successful business entrepreneurs. Kemi approached Dominic List, MD of Comtact at a networking event and was subsequently invited to meet him at his offices to seek advice on taking her product to market.
Kemi: Im currently looking at new income revenues to expand my business and I feel that I have all my eggs in one basket at the minute I want to spread the risk! So as you are a successful business entrepreneur I was hoping to ask a few questions today to harness your secrets to a thriving and stable business
Dominic: Even though we work in completely different markets the key to running a successful business is fundamentally the same in any market. My main pieces of advice are - know who your market is and structure your business pitch around that, forge partnerships with companies that are mutually beneficia. Networking events are a great way to build your business contacts and testimonials add credibility to your marketing messages.
Kemi: Thank you, so from this how would you recommend that I can grow the business successfully?
Dominic: What is your five year plan? It is important to know where you want the company to be in five years time with specific goals and targets. It may change throughout the five years as you cannot guarantee how the market will fluctuate, competition etc. However what a professional and strategic plan can do is to guide you and ensure that you stay on the right path - it will grow the business at a manageable rate and help to maximise profits.
Kemi: I think one of the issues that I am facing at the moment is how to take this product to market, I’m not too sure who to approach and how to approach them?
Dominic: Who are your target market?
Kemi: Its small businesses as we feel they are more receptive to our offering and we have specific companies that we plan to work with in order to reach our market.
Dominic: Once you have chosen your target market, you need to tailor your messages around this market. It’s important to know what your customers want and how you are assisting their business. Small businesses may be more receptive to sales calls but they are very cost driven as their budgets tend to be relatively small. It may be beneficial to look at small businesses that have a high turnover when you are targeting.
Kemi: I like the idea of networking and I know that it is something you have used to build a lot of business what is your advice regarding this?
Dominic: Networking events are great ways to foster business contacts and to forge introductions to new business contacts. In addition many of the networking events I have attended include a presentation on how to develop your business, succeed in the hard times etc so as well as the networking side I have come away from those meetings with ideas on how to develop my business – I believe they are a necessary part of business ownership. Just do your research and make sure you go to the right type of networking events that will benefit you. My personal recommendation is the Supper Club:
Dominic: From what I have seen you have a comprehensive business model and you are very well prepared and researched, I think you will do really well. Good luck!
Kemi: Thank you so much for the invaluable advice
28/04/2010 - Comtact to Sponsor F2 Rising Star Jolyon Palmer
Leading Telecoms and IT solutions provider, Comtact Ltd are to sponsor Formula 2 driver Jolyon Palmer for the second year running.
19 year old Jolyon is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father, former Formula 1 driver and MotorSport Vision Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer. His career so far is certainly showing the promise of that of his famous Dad, with early wins in MiniMax karts and T Cars before moving to Formula Palmer Audi Championship, when Jolyon became the youngest ever race winner at just 16 years and went on to finish 3rd in the championship in 2008. Moving to the FIA Formula Two championship at just 18 years old last year was a big jump, but Jolyon still managed an encouraging 6th best place at the Italian Imola circuit.
Jolyon’s second year of F2 got off to a flying start when he won the opening round at Silverstone and was second in the next race. Next stop was Marrakech where he qualified on the front row and was running second when he had to retire, though he finished fifth in the second race to now be third in the championship.
One of the youngest competitors in F2, Jolyon Palmer says; ‘Formula 2 Championship is designed as a feeder for Formula 1, which is my goal. I am proud of my father’s Formula 1 achievements and I hope to follow in his footsteps. Without the support of companies like Comtact this dream wouldn’t be possible for me and many other drivers. I am really grateful for the support and hope to reward this by having a fantastic season.”
Comtact’s CEO and major car enthusiast, Dominic List said; ‘Last year Jolyon had a superb season and we are really hopeful for him this season. He has already had a fantastic start with his first win and we are really excited to be able to assist in nurturing such a promising British racing talent.’The FIA Formula 2 Championship comprises of 18 races over 9 events throughout Europe.
27/04/2010 - Dominic Presented an Award at the ThanksTo Social Enterprise Awards
Dominic List, CEO Comtact attended the ThanksTo Social Enterprise awards on Monday 26th April to present the Marketing award.
Dominic was invited in on the panel of judges which encourages groups of young people in the London area to compete against other teams to find and actively promote the unsung heroes in their community who have made a difference or done something great in their community.
The winning team was presented with £5000 worth of sports equipment plus £500 cash, with winning individuals getting the opportunity to take part in one of seven internships in London’s most exciting entrepreneurial companies. The lucky winner of the Marketing award will now shadow Dominic for a week to learn firsthand how to run a successful business.
ThanksTo is an online utility that allows people to thank those who have had a positive influence in, or enhanced their life. ThanksTo mission is to find, recognise and honour the unsung heroes in our communities, through public recognition of their work.
30/03/10 - The Junior Apprentice 2010
Due to the success of last year Junior Apprentice Youth Project, it is set to take place from yet again from the 9th – 21st Aug 2010 for the third year running in 8 venues across London.
The Junior Apprentice Youth Project aims to reach out to approximately 200 young people, giving them an experience to aid in encouraging a sharper, more confident and knowledgeable outlook on their future.
Dominic List chaired the 2009 Junior Apprentice Youth Project and has been invited back to the 2010 event to speak to a group of individuals who will be taking part in this challenge as well as sit on the judging panel at the final. Dominic will also be giving the winner a placement experience at his IT Company Comtact.
“We so much valued your input last year. Having a figure such as yourself take a true interest in the younger generation makes such a big impact on our young people. You’re taking the time to share your insight, experiences, and advice shows them that there are people willing to invest in them and their dreams” Amie Buhari - The Junior Apprentice Team
09/10/2009 - Comtact MD, Dominic list in search for London's next millionaire
Dominic List in association with Fredericks Foundation and The British Library is searching for London's next business millionaire?
The competition aims to award loans for five entrepreneurs who have proved their pitch viability to a panel of business experts judges. Not only will the five best competitors get a start-up loan, they will also receive follow-up support from The British Library's Business and IP Centre.
The aim of the competition is to provide young people the chance to become an entrepreneur who have failed to secure funding via more traditional routes, possibly due to issues resulting from poverty, disability, long-term unemployment, or even a criminal record.
Dominic List has donated 150 billboards for advertising space which will be placed in and around London to boost the publicity of the competition, as well as gain the attention of discouraged entrepreneurs in the search of becoming ‘London's next business millionaire. Dominic will also be playing an active part in the evaluation of the projects including the "Dragons Den" style awards panel.
03/09/09 - The Secret Millionaire
Comtact MD Dominic List will soon appear in the Channel 4 film/RFD Media production of the Secret Millionaire.
Comtact's MD Dominic List comments "going under cover for the Secret Millionaire was a fantastic and very emotional experience. Although I'm currently sworn to secrecy until the film airs although I can tell you that like in business, I put a lot of energy and my total commitment into the project and hopefully this will come through when it airs later this year"
Channel 4 & The Secret Millionaire
20/08/2009- Junior Apprentice
Comtact MD Dominic List has recently been playing a younger Allen Sugar for a London based Young Apprentice style programme.
The competition puts young children in teams from North, South, East and West London and aims to teach them business skills, teamwork and entrepreneurship.
The winner of the overall competition will be given the opportunity to test their skills in the real world with a work experience programme with Comtact Ltd.
06/05/2009 - National Business Awards 2009 Finalists, Regional Programme
We are delighted to confirm that Dominic List, MD Comtact Ltd has been selected as one of the 7 finalist for the Entrepreneur of the year award in the National business awards 2009.
The National Business Awards provides the opportunity to encourage confidence in UK business through the recognition of talented individuals as well as the organisations that they create and drive forward.
National Business Awards website
20/03/2009 - Shadow an Entrepreneur
Comtact MD Dominic List has been working with the Career Academy to encourage Britain's new breed of entrepreneurs, by taking in students for the shadow an entrepreneur programs.
The program is designed to give budding entrepreneurs an inside view of how some Britain's fast growing private companies are run and hopefully inspire them on to their own achievements.
First applicant Rebecca Moylan commented "it's been interesting to see how the reality of running a company compares with the theory of what you are taught in business studies, and that anyone can succeed, through hard work and commitment.
This experience has given me an insightful view as to what I can expect in the future, furthermore it has really inspired and motivated me to pursue my passions as well as become a successful business woman".
02/12/2008 - Vintage Voyage to Raise Money for Children's Charity
Coram is one of the country's oldest charities and believed to be the first especially created to look after the needs of children. The prestigious Silver Fleet hosted its first charity gala ‘Voyage' on the Thames for the children's charity Coram.
‘The Voyage', representing the journey through life from infant to adult, took place on the fleet's flagship the Silver Sturgeon, and aimed to raise £20,000 for the charity.
Comtact Ltd, a leading provider of hosted Telecoms and IT solutions was proud to show their support to a fantastic charity by purchasing numerous tickets and donating a significant amount of money on the night. Dominic List, Managing Director of Comtact Ltd says "We were extremely delighted to have attended a stunning event and at the same time help raise money for the Coram Charity".
29/10/2008 - Dominic List takes advice from Charles Dunstone.
MD of Comtact, Dominic List met for Dinner with Charles Dunstone to discuss important business growth and expansion.
Charles Dunstone is the CEO and Co-founder of The Carphone Warehouse. In 1989 with only £6,000 savings, he and his business partner David Ross embarked on their mission selling car phones out of their flat in London. Less than 20 years later in October 2007 the company joined the FTSE 100 Index of leading shares. The Carphone Warehouse is now Europe’s largest independent mobile phone retailer.
13/06/2008 - Business Enterprise of the Year 2008 - Highly Commended Dominic List
Business Enterprise of the Year 2008Now in their 10th year, the Business Enterprise Awards are organised by IAB Qualifications for Business and backed by leading organisations such as Lloyds TSB, HM Revenue & Customs.
The prestigious award ceremony gives national recognition, across a variety of sectors, to the outstanding achievements of men and women within small regional businesses. It has proved incredibly popular within the business world and this year attracted a record number of nominations.
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