A former police officer who runs two Asian restaurants is offering a menu with a difference for jobhunters.

Raham Khan, who owns the Noor restaurants in Huddersfield and Bradford, has joined forces with Fixby-based manufacturing manager Peter Keeley to launch a new business providing advice and support for people looking for new jobs.

They have formed Praktiss Management Services offering careers advice, training and coaching as well as help to prepare CVs, prepare for interviews and fill in job application forms.

Sessions are held at the firm’s Fixby base or at the Noor restaurant at Leeds Road, Huddersfield.

Mr Khan, of Ossett, draws on his experience of 30 years in West Yorkshire police, where he rose to the rank of inspector and was responsible for boosting recruitment from ethnic minority communities.

Mr Keeley has a background in manufacturing and rose through the management ranks to run a busy factory and operate the UK distribution centre for an Irish firm.

Said Mr Khan: “We met when Peter was a customer at our restaurant in Bradford. One day, we got talking and realised we both shared an ability to talk to people one-to-one an encourage people to succeed.”

Mr Keeley said: “It is all about attitude. We can give jobhunters some help and advice to point them in the right direction.”

Mr Khan, who also entertains customers at his restaurants with magic tricks, said: “We are a ‘flexible friend’ who can sit down with an individual to advise and assist.”

Since its formation only a few months ago, Praktiss has already helped people looking to make a new start as well as companies having difficulties finding the right people to fill their vacancies.

Said Mr Kelley: “In some, companies are looking to reduce staffing, but still want to do the right thing by those employees – helping them re-train and get themselves back into work quickly.

“In those circumstances, an employee’s confidence can be jolted. We can help thel get on their feet again quickly.”

Mr Keeley added: “Although I have held high-profile positions in management, I have also been made redundant as well. I know what people can go through. And I know how to help people stand out from the hundreds of other applicants for a job.”

Source: Huddersfield Examiner

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/business-news/2008/01/29/new-venture-serves-up-menu-of-support-86081-20406958/