member

The Competition & Markets Authority ( CMA) has issued guidance and an open letter to care homes to advise them of their obligations under consumer law. The advice is being published as part of ongoing work into residential care homes and nursing homes for the over 65s. It follows on from previous work where some unfair contract terms were found which may cause harm to individuals.

www.gov.uk/government/news/consumer-law-advice-sets-out-obligations-for-care-homes

The £25 million state-of-the-art new operations and maintenance building for East Anglia’s largest offshore windfarm to date has officially opened its doors.

The building was officially opened last week by Waveney MP, Peter Aldous and Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables Project Director for East Anglia ONE.

The operations and maintenance building will be the base for up to 100 full-time employees, including skilled engineers and technicians, for the 30-plus year lifespan of the windfarm. The site is already a hive of activity welcoming hundreds of contractors and supply chain operators, contributing substantially to the local economy.

Norwich and London based architectural practice LSI Architects worked in collaboration with Arup to design the new base, located in the port of Lowestoft.

Peter Durrant, Director at LSI Architects, commented: “The new building provides technically suitable facilities for the complex needs of the operation and maintenance phases of the client’s work. LSI Architects understanding of the technical requirements of the site has helped to inform the design, for example through the use of robust contextual materials to withstand the harsh coastal environment and a split ground floor level to manage flood risk.

The building is segregated into office, technical and warehousing spaces and the management of people through these areas are key to the security and efficient operation of the building. Externally the building presents a simple form, mirroring the silhouette of the surrounding warehouse buildings whilst setting itself apart with a clean glazed gable and ground floor, providing an attractive presence to the public façades of the building and allowing views through this corner and out across the harbour.”

Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables Project Director for East Anglia ONE, said: “Lowestoft is the home of East Anglia ONE, and to see the operations and maintenance building fully up and running really demonstrates that fact. It’s not just the base of operations for the windfarm, but a symbol of our long-term commitment to the region and our drive to grow the offshore wind industry in Lowestoft and East Anglia.

“In just 14 months, the construction team have turned an empty site on the Port of Lowestoft into a state-of-the-art establishment and we are grateful for all of the work which has made the base into what you see today. Most of the operations and maintenance team are based within a few miles of the site and have worked on other local windfarms, bringing with them great knowledge and expertise. This has allowed us to perfect design elements of the base, making it super-efficient and reinforcing the East of England’s leading position in the sector.

“With the windfarm due to be complete next year, the building is already buzzing with local employees and contractors all helping us to create clean, green energy to meet the UK’s carbon reduction targets.”

Waveney MP, Peter Aldous, said: “The opening of the East Anglia ONE operations and maintenance base is a big moment for Lowestoft and the wider Waveney area. It demonstrates a significant investment in our town. East Anglia ONE is providing important job opportunities for people locally and across the region, both offshore and onshore, as well as through the local supply chain.

“Lowestoft has a proud maritime heritage and the substantial growth of the offshore wind industry, particularly off the coast of East Anglia, will see more generations making a career out at sea. It is great to see Lowestoft leading the way in the UK’s offshore wind revolution.”

The Maids Head Hotel in Tombland, Norwich, is the new permanent home for The Norwich Panorama, created by John Moray-Smith in the mid 1940s for Morgans Brewery.

The Norwich Society acquired the Panorama in 2016 to both save and restore the panel. The magnificent 2.5 metre by 1.5 metre panel is now on display next to the entrance to the Maids Head’s Wine Press Restaurant.

The three-dimensional panel depicts the view of Norwich from St James Hill. It was commissioned by Morgans Brewery for the Cock Inn on King Street. Following the Inn’s closure in the mid 1970s, the panel was moved to Caistor Hall Hotel, where at some point after 2010 it was damaged and placed into storage. The Norwich Society bought the panel in 2016, and with the support of the Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, the John Jarrold Trust and the Norwich Heritage Fund, paid for its restoration.

Paul Burall, Chair of Trustees, The Norwich Society said: “Having rescued John Moray Smith’s wonderful panorama of Norwich, from being abandoned in a garage, we are now delighted that the Maid’s Head is providing a home where the public can admire this 1940s view of the City. It is the only work by this eccentric artist portraying the City during his lifetime and therefore is an interesting contrast to his other works that are on public view that depict scenes from previous centuries.”

Christine Malcolm, General Manager, Maids Head Hotel said: “We are delighted to be providing a new home for John Moray-Smith’s magnificent Norwich Panorama. It will be a great talking point for our guests and visitors and is a wonderful enhancement to the approach to the Wine Press Restaurant.”

Tom Humphrey from the Fairhurst Gallery who restored the Panorama added: “The basic restoration work was very similar to that I use for any painting, although I minmised the use of liquids, as even solvents could damage the Plaster of Paris used by Moray-Smith to build up the work . I did not want to over-restore the picture so have left areas of thin paint to retain authenticity.”

“Moray-Smith’s work is very interesting,” continued Tom Humphrey. “He was clearly an experimenter and didn’t follow any set rules, making it up as he went along. The Panorma is a fascinating work of art and I think that the public will enjoy seeing it.”

John Moray Smith worked in Norwich from the early 1930s until his death in 1958. Little is known about the artist before his arrival in Norwich, but his genius is still there for all to see in the unique, vivid, highly detailed and huge three dimensional panels (bas-reliefs), installed on the exteriors and interiors of pubs in Norwich and elsewhere in Norfolk. The panels were commissioned by Norwich based Morgans Brewery to distinguish some of its pubs with locally relevant strong visual images that depicted what life was like.

Panels that can still be viewed in Norwich include St Stephen’s Gate on the Coachmakers Arms, the Berstrete Gates for the pub of that name and The Prince of Denmark for the Prince of Denmark pub. Out in the county, the Maids Head’s sister hotel, The Ship at Brancaster features the model of a 19th century collier, The Black Diamond created by Moray-Smith.

 

 

 

Gnaw are offering a discount on all their festive treats for fellow members of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.

Big Presents:

• Stuffed full of chocolate treats
• Perfect for key clients
• 4 sizes of hamper to choose from

Smaller Gifts:

• Great for Secret Santa
• From £6 to £15

Stocking Fillers:

• Grab a few bits for family and friends
• Or treats for the office!

Offer runs until December 13th, please use code Chamber20 at checkout.

https://www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/

New look is nothing ‘Short’ of a success!

Foster and Gamko unveiled new branding and the latest addition to the Foster G2 range at the recent HOST exhibition in Milan.

“Branding is about more than just a new logo and we’re delighted that our branding now reflects Foster and Gamko’s innovative spirit and market leading positions,” said Katy Chilvers, Marketing Communications Manager for Foster and Gamko. “Both companies celebrated significant anniversaries last year, and we took the opportunity to reflect on our heritage ahead of our rebrand.”

With an increased alignment of the Foster and Gamko brands, our customers will have a streamlined experience, one point of contact for the two businesses and access to our shared knowledge of professional kitchens and bars.

“Although Foster and Gamko have been aligned for some time, we are now closer than ever. Our combined knowledge and experience, award-winning products, and dedicated staff means we absolutely assert ourselves as The Refrigeration Experts,” said Nick Bamber, European Head of Marketing for Foster and Gamko.

Foster also took the opportunity to launch the new G2 Short in Milan, a low height version of its EcoPro G2 range. The G2 Short can pass through standard doorways (measuring 1960x760mm) without the need for tilting, and with swivel brake castors there is no need for compromising mobility. Perfect for kitchens with low ceilings, the Short requires just 100mm space above the cabinet rather than the usual 300mm.

The benefit of Foster and Gamko’s shared technologies can be seen in its G2 Short, which is fitted with their award-winning +stayclear condenser. The G2 Short offers the same fantastic energy credentials, like being cheaper to run than a traditional lightbulb, made standard by its bigger brother the G2.

“The G2 Short is the latest exciting new addition to the G2 family,” said Gareth Hunt, Senior Product Manager for Foster and Gamko. “The G2 Short is a prime example of our approach to new product development, continuously improving our product portfolio in response to our customers’ needs.”

Previously when low ceiling heights have been an issue, traditional undermount cabinets have been the go-to solution, whereby the fridge system is located at the bottom of the product. The new G2 Short now solves this problem, and in doing so offers greater usable capacity (439 litres) compared to undermount solutions (411 litres), whilst utilising all the benefits of a top-mounted refrigeration system.

And best of all? With superior energy credentials the G2 Short is easier on your pocket than its undermount counterpart, delivering between 33-50% annual energy savings based on ErP testing.

The G2 Short is therefore the latest innovation hot off the product line at Foster and Gamko, where state-of-the-art manufacturing plants are based in King’s Lynn and Etten-Leur.

Dedicated brand guidelines have been created to allow anyone using the brands to display it correctly in their marketing materials such as leaflets and websites. Our updated brand guidelines can be downloaded here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Foster and Gamko marketing team on marketing@foster-gamko.com.

A video showing the new branding can be seen here.

To find out more about the G2 Short, watch the video here.

Monthind Clean LLP is pleased to announce that they have successfully achieved exor accreditation, demonstrating their ability to meet the rigorous pre-qualification requirements within the private and public sectors.

The East Anglia-based firm recently received accreditation from exor, whose standards are recognised as being amongst the highest in their industry. Tony Felgate, Monthind Partner, said: “At Monthind, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients; exor accreditation demonstrates our capabilities and further underpins the trust our clients place in us.”

Established in 1997 to supply an efficient, outsourced supply chain service, exor understands that the management of risk is a central issue in the procuring of goods and services, adopting a thorough and robust approach to independently check and validate supplier information. Only suppliers and contractors that can attain and maintain these high standards will gain admission to the approved exor supplier database.

John Kinge, Technical Director of exor said, “Organisations need to be able to ensure that their supply partners are reliable, financially stable and compliant with all relevant legislation. A third party accreditation scheme can be an efficient way in which to manage complex compliance issues such as these.

With robust supplier management in place, the company at the top of the supply chain will have the confidence they need to outsource vital services, which removes the hassle of verification and gives piece of mind that they are adhering to regulation and industry best practice.”

Accreditation is a process in which certification of competency, viability and compliance with legal requirements and current codes of practice is presented.

The exor accreditation scheme assesses, reviews and audits suppliers’ procedures and documentation; suppliers can then be included on a database which demonstrates they have met the highest standards in the market place in procurement risk management.

The Norfolk Mead in Coltishall is offering a substantial venue hire discount for new wedding bookings for early Spring 2020.

The beautiful, luxury venue has several dates still available for Friday and Saturday wedding bookings in both March and April 2020 including Good Friday, 10 April. The discounts available are: March:

• Friday 6, 13, 20 and 27: a huge £1,750 off venue hire
• Saturday 7, 21 and 28: £1,000 off venue hire

April:

• Friday 3 and 10: £1,000 off venue hire

Events Manager Victoria Norman commented: “We are delighted to offer a discount for any bookings coming through for Spring 2020 weddings. Spring is a beautiful time of year in our walled garden, particularly with our spectacular magnolia tree in full blossom at that time. A stunning background to wedding photos, and we often enjoy mild sunny spring weather so wedding guests can make the most of our beautiful grounds and riverside setting. With a relatively short lead up time from now until Spring, this offer may suit couples planning a more intimate day, but we can also host a sit down meal for up to 140 guests. We encourage any couples still working out their options to get in touch and arrange to come down to see myself or my colleague Francesca for an initial meeting. We’d love to show you around.”   Contact Victoria and Francesca on 01603 737 531, or email events@norfolkmead.co.uk. You can also find out more on the wedding page of our website at https://www.norfolkmead.co.uk/weddings

Thank you to everyone who nominated us! We are extremely proud to be finalists for the English Wedding Awards – one of only two venues shortlisted in Norfolk!

The English Wedding Awards aim to recognise and reward those within the wedding industry that work towards making a special day perfect.  Now in it’s fourth year, the English Wedding Award finalists are nominated by the public so we are extra proud to have reached this far!  We will found out if we have won ‘Venue of the Year’ at the awards do in Birmingham on 26 November. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

TaxAssist Accountants’ business model has helped its first franchisee in Australia, Avendra Narayan, enjoy a highly successful six months providing small business services to Sydney’s Liverpool district.

Since opening his welcoming and highly accessible shopfront on Scott Street, in March 2016, Avendra along with his daughter Priya Narayan and two members of staff, have already signed up more than 20 small businesses. With a fee bank in excess of $30,000, Avendra’s shop is already well ahead of his one-year target projections.

Avendra said: “I could not be happier with the way my business is growing. Following TaxAssist Accountants’ shopfront business model has worked superbly as having a highly visible business encourages walk-in clients. The shop concept combined with the high referral rate from clients who have been impressed by the level of service they have received, means that my business continues to grow.

“The marketing and technical support I have received from the TaxAssist Accountants’ team has been excellent, and I am keen to expand my business further by acquiring a second exclusive territory and shop in the near future.”

Terry Murphy, the Master Franchisee for New South Wales, Queensland and ACT has been delighted by the success of his first franchisee.

“I have been most impressed by the exceptional start Avendra has made. He really is a great ambassador and standard-bearer for the TaxAssist Accountants’ brand as we begin our expansion across New South Wales and beyond.

“Avendra has taken on board all of the training and advice provided to him, and has networked with enthusiasm, building strong working relationships within his local community. I could not have asked for a better example for other franchisees to take inspiration from.

“We are also delighted that two more franchisees have joined TaxAssist Accountants in Chatswood and Sydney CBD since Avendra started trading, with further expansion planned in the near future.”

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we take great pride in being part of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity corporate network. Supporting such a meaningful cause has not only helped us contribute to our local community but has also brought incredible benefits to our business and team. Here are five key advantages we’ve experienced since joining this fantastic initiative.

1. Giving Back to the Community Through Free Financial Consultations

One of the most rewarding aspects of our involvement is offering free financial consultations at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. We understand that financial concerns can be overwhelming, particularly when facing illness. By providing guidance on matters such as estate planning, pensions, and savings, we hope to ease some of the stress for patients and their families. Being able to use our expertise to support people in difficult times has been deeply fulfilling.

2. Team Bonding Through Fundraising Events

Our participation in the Inflatable 5K at the Norfolk Showground was not just about raising funds – it was also a fantastic team-building experience! Taking on the inflatable obstacles together was a great way to boost team morale, have fun, and work towards a shared goal. Plus, the event helped raise vital funds for the charity, making the effort even more worthwhile.

3. Strengthening Our Local Connections

Being part of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity corporate network has introduced us to other like-minded businesses that are equally passionate about supporting their community. This has led to valuable networking opportunities, and a stronger presence in the local business community.

4. Aligning Our Values

At Brancaster House, we deeply understand the importance of compassionate end-of-life care. Many of our team members have personally experienced the invaluable support that Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity provides to families during difficult times. That’s why we are proud to support the Hospice.

5. Quality Hospitality And…Sausage Rolls!

As a regular user of the Hospice building, we have benefitted from the fantastic hospitality that the staff and volunteers provide in the café, on reception…in every area! The café is open to the public and offers a range of drinks, snacks and light bites. We particularly love the sausage rolls. The staff and volunteers create a welcoming atmosphere and enhances the overall experience for anyone that visits the building.

Join Us in Supporting Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity 

We are proud to support Priscilla Bacon Hospice and would highly encourage other businesses to get involved. The experience has been enriching in so many ways – from making a difference in people’s lives to strengthening our team and business relationships. If your company is looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is a fantastic opportunity to do so.

For more information on how to support the Hospice, email Amy Wright at AmyWright@PriscillaBaconHospice.org.uk 

Attleborough-based renewable heating company Finn Geotherm, has beaten off stiff national competition to win a prestigious award for its heat pump project at 17th century Raynham Hall near Fakenham.

Finn Geotherm won Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Initiative of the Year in the Heating & Ventilating Review (HVR) Awards 2019. The awards have been championing innovation, excellence and achievement across the heating and ventilating industry for the past ten years and the HVAC Initiative category saw Finn Geotherm competing as the only installer alongside national heating manufacturers. Finn Geotherm was presented with the award for its ground source heat pump installation at Grade 1 Listed property Raynham Hall to replace its old and ineffective oil boiler.

Built in 1621, Raynham Hall is a spectacular property set in 5,000 acres. It is lived in by Charles, the 8th Marquess Townshend, who inherited the property in 2010. At £36,000, the annual heating bill was too expensive and the boiler desperately needed to be upgraded. Finn Geotherm specified and installed a ground source heat pump which has cut heating costs at Raynham Hall by 64%. The amount of energy consumed has been reduced by 72.6%.

Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this HVR Award for an installation which has made such a difference at Raynham Hall. Raynham Hall is an ideal illustration of the massive impact a heat pump can have in heating properties of any age or size. Heat pumps are so often overlooked as there is still the misconception that all homes must have a good Energy Performance Certificate rating or high levels of insulation installed for a ground or air source system to work effectively. This is simply not the case, as the installation at Raynham Hall proves. We hope that through initiatives such as these prestigious awards, we can encourage more people to consider heat pumps as a viable solution in the transition from fossil fuelled heating and the desperate need to cut carbon emissions.”

Continuing its awards success, this week Finn Geotherm has been announced as a finalist in the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards for its project at Raynham Hall, plus a heating scheme installed for housing association Flagship Group and the title of Installer of the Year. Winners of the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards will be awarded on 23rd January.

For more information on Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk