Formal launch of Milestone's charitable foundat...

MILESTONE GROUP PLC
("Milestone" or the "Company")

Formal launch of Milestone's charitable foundation, the Milestone Foundation, and the 500 Quality Apprenticeship Alliance.

Milestone, the AIM quoted (AIM: MSG) provider of digital media and technology solutions, is pleased to announce that the formal launch of the Milestone Foundation ("Foundation") and the 500 Quality Apprenticeship Alliance ("Alliance") was held at the House of Lords on Friday 30 October 2015, hosted by Trustee, Prof Lord Patel of Bradford.

The event was attended by over 300 guests representing the education, public, private, and not for profit sectors, along with celebrity guests and industry ambassadors.

Speakers included the host of the event, Prof Lord Patel of Bradford, along with Paul Elliott CBE and Lindsey McCurdy from Apprenticeships 4 England. 

THE 500 QUALITY APPRENTICESHIP ALLIANCE
The Alliance has been formed by the Foundation to provide sustainable apprenticeship opportunities, with an appropriate wage to 500 young people through its partner network during 2016. The Alliance intends to maximise employer engagement in the delivery of the apprenticeship framework to help drive improvements in success rates, sustainable employment and increased industry activity and acceptance.

During the launch event, the Foundation secured over 1000+ pledges for apprenticeship placements and has already evalulated 100 in the few days since. These pledges will be managed and monitored by industry specific working groups comprising industry speciaists and members from the DWP, Job Centre Plus and Apprenticeships 4 England.

WINNING IN THE GAME OF LIFE
The Foundation is delighted to confirm that is has recently secured the necessary funding to provide 100 schools across the UK with access to Milestone's Winning in the Game of Life(TM) educational programme, with the associated teacher training scheduled to commence in January 2016. 

Discussions are also underway with a leading educational establishment regarding the provision of a social impact survey. The survey will capture the resultant changes in pupils behaviour and learning. The evidence from this initiative will be used to assist in securing further funding for the programmes ongoing development.

NEW MOBILE APPLICATION
During the evening guests were encouraged to download a new mobile application designed in collaboration with Milestone Group PLC. The application will be used to help raise the profile of the Foundation's small charity partners and partner initiatives and also to generate new revenues for Milestone via its digital media platform.

PASSION PROJECT - TRAINING COMMENCING
The Foundation has already started to engage and train young people through its flagship programme, The Passion Project.  In November, 75 candidates will commence training delivered via Beyond 2030, led by Toni Eastwood OBE, with all candidates provided with an offer of employment upon successful completion of the training programme.

Further offers for collaboration and endorsement are under discussion with the Trustees with further announcements expected shortly.

For further information:

Milestone Group PLC Deborah White, Chief Executive	Tel: [phone]
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, Nominated Adviser Liam Murray / Avi Robinson	Tel: [phone]
Hybridan LLP, Broker Claire Louise Noyce	Tel: [phone]

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Source: Milestone Group PLC via Globenewswire

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