Norfolk Chamber member JMS Group are running an event on Thursday 20th March from 5.30pm in conjunction with Sky, all about TV & VOD advertising on the addressable advertising platform AdSmart from Sky.
Hear from Sky Media Sales Manager Andy Grant all about the platform’s incredible targeting capabilities and how SME’s of virtually any size can harness the power of TV advertising. You’ll learn how the platform works, who else has used it and why it should be a serious consideration for your marketing mix in 2025.
You’ll also hear from JMS Group, a production agency that creates around 100 TV commercials every year and works with local businesses including Bullard’s Gin, Aldiss, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, MacInnes Whisky, TaxAssist, Norfolk County Council and Moneyfacts.
JMS will talk you through the creative process involved in making your TV commercial and how this can be a powerful tool for both broadcast and online campaigns.
Whether you are an SME looking to reach new audiences or strengthen your brand awareness; or an agency looking to make the most of tight client budgets, join us for an informative evening of conversation, drinks and food at the fantastic Norfolk Chambers Business Hub.
For further details and to attend, please email francesca.delacey@jms-group.com.
As we approach the end of March and the first quarter of 2024, we really have had a lot to celebrate. At the beginning of the year, we welcomed two new team members, Ben and Steve. Ben and Steve are both our new process servers and investigators. Between them, they bring a wealth of experience to the business and ensure we can accommodate more clients with process serving and investigations.
In February, we had a work anniversary for our investigator and process server, Jamie. Jamie celebrated 4 years with Taylor Investigations. Jamie has grown and developed his skills in the investigation industry and he really is the glue that keeps the case files prioritised. Jamie survived lockdown with us, and we couldn’t be prouder of all he has achieved so far!
Later in February, followed by our very own business birthday, where we celebrated being 8 years old! The past 8 years really have flown by, but with consistent growth and helping clients across the country and worldwide, we cannot wait to see what else is to come!
Finally, this month, we joined Norwich Theatre Royal as associate sponsors and are being showcased on the safety curtain! This is a huge milestone for the business and also for me personally as a huge theatre lover.
So, there will be a lot of celebrating and probably a few too many doughnuts for us!
Reflecting back on 8 years in business, it has undoubtedly come with its ups and downs, although overall lots of ups. When I started the business 8 years ago, I never imagined what I could achieve and how we would grow. I can’t wait for the next 8 years as I am sure it will be just as much a rollercoaster!
Thank you for your continued support, and as ever, we are ready to go for that case you need answers to!
From 1st April 2024 businesses and not-for-profit organisations based in North Norfolk will be able to receive a free decarbonisation plan and additional support and guidance to help them reduce their carbon footprint. This is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) grant programme being delivered by North Norfolk District Council. Alongside the free support there will be a small grant fund to help deliver some of the identified carbon reduction measures. These grants will support energy efficiency or net-zero adaptations for businesses to make them more sustainable and efficient.
NNDC are partnering with community and environment charity Groundwork East to deliver this free service to businesses. This will be delivered through a North Norfolk Net Zero Business Advisor Service. The service is free and impartial, and advisors will calculate a carbon footprint for the organisation, identify carbon reduction measures and compile these into a bespoke decarbonisation plan.
Businesses are increasingly being asked by customers and government to report on their energy use and carbon footprint. Working with Groundwork’s business advisors can support organisations to understand their carbon footprint and reduce emissions, often leading to reduced running costs.
Businesses that have completed their plan may be eligible to apply for a small grant which can be used for measures to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
Support through this programme is open to small businesses from all sectors, with a particular focus on North Norfolk’s tourism and manufacturing businesses. To kick this off, Groundwork East and Visit North Norfolk are co-hosting a Net Zero webinar for North Norfolk’s tourism businesses on 25th April 2024, which will examine what net zero means and how the carbon reduction grants can be accessed. For further information and to register for the free webinar visit: https://carboncharter.org/events/visit-north-norfolks-net-zero-webinar/
Amy Coulter, Sustainable Business Team Manager at Groundwork East said: “The support our team is providing will help businesses to measure their emissions, and cut their carbon footprint and their running costs. We will be helping North Norfolk’s businesses identify key measures to improve their energy efficiency and will be supporting them to access grant funding to make their carbon reduction plans a reality’.
Cllr Adam Varley, North Norfolk District Council, portfolio holder for Climate Change and Net Zero, said:
“I am really pleased that we are partnering with Groundwork East to ensure that our businesses have this vital knowledge and understanding on tackling their carbon footprint. One size does not fit all, and having a bespoke plan for each business will ensure that they are best equipped to incorporate those significant measures which will decrease their carbon emissions and help booster their business. This is fundamental as we strive to decrease carbon emissions and achieve net zero in North Norfolk by 2045.”
Cllr Paul Heinrich, North Norfolk District Council portfolio holder for Sustainable Growth, said:
“This is an important project that not only supports our net zero ambitions but will enable businesses to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also to improve their energy efficiency resulting in significant cost savings that can be used to support further investment in the business.”
Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming and global lifestyle brand Captain Fawcett is proud to announce his new ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder has been acclaimed as a ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ Finalist in Cosmoprof Bologna’s internationally renowned ‘Oscars of Beauty’.
The Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry and with over 700 entries, from across the globe, the contest is extremely competitive, with just 3 finalists per category.
Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.
The Captain’s new ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is the latest addition to his highly acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ collection, created for both professional barbershops and salons, and also for convenient, luxury styling at home.
Captain Fawcett founder Richie Finney was delighted to join fellow global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 22 March.
He attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba Srl.
Richie says ‘It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be recognised as being amongst world leaders in the beauty and grooming industry. Being named as a Finalist amid such impressive competition from all across the world is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole team, not least our simply magnificent distributors who do so much to support the Captain Fawcett brand in their home territories. Captain Fawcett thanks all colleagues and friends for each playing their hugely appreciated parts as we continue to forge ahead in 2024!’
Freebridge Community Housing are delighted to announce that their outgoing Chief Executive, Tony Hall, has been nominated for a Housing Heroes Award in the Lifetime achievement in housing category.
Tony Hall, who will be leaving Freebridge at the end of the month, after almost 14 years at the head of the West Norfolk housing and community organisation, has spent over 30 years working at a senior level in social housing and local governments all over the country.
Tony was previously Director of Community with the Borough Council and oversaw the transfer of almost 7,000 homes to the newly established Freebridge in April 2006. Since then the organisation has made an impact through activities such as the decent homes improvement programme, the regeneration of Hillington Square, taking over the ownership and management of Providence Street Community Centre and the Discovery Centre, and developing many new homes.
The Housing Heroes Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 10 September as part of Housing 2020 – Europe’s largest housing event, which this year is going entirely virtual.
Tony Hall said: “When I announced my retirement at the beginning of the year I didn’t think I’d be finishing my time in housing in such unusual circumstances. That said I feel very lucky to have worked in this hugely rewarding sector in a job that I’ve enjoyed and hearing the news of my nomination has been a very pleasant surprise during my final weeks here at Freebridge Community Housing.”
A new collaborative project between Big C, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and Spire, is delivering special care packages to local cancer patients who face surgery during the pandemic. The new care packs, which are filled with useful items, home comforts and information on support from Big C and the local community, are being delivered to NNUH patients at Spire. These are NHS patients, requiring time-sensitive surgery, having treatment at Spire under agreement due to Covid-19. 20 packages will be delivered per week, half for women and half for men. £10,000 for the project has been funded by the NNUH charity. Dr Melanie Pascale, Director or Charitable Operations at Big C said, “We know that undergoing treatment can be a difficult time for those diagnosed with cancer, especially given the current situation with Covid-19. The care packages are a way for the NNUH and Big C to remind those affected by cancer that they’re not alone and support is available. We hope they will bring some comfort to those receiving them.” Naomi Reid, Ward Reception Team Leader and Clinical Administrator at Spire Hospital said, “Thank you Big C, the packages are just lovely and what a wonderful thing that you do.” Trudy Garriock, Specialist Nurse at Spire said, “I gave out two of the lovely packs yesterday and both the patients were overwhelmed. Both commented how generous it was and thought the contents were fabulous.” Julie Cooper, Head of Grants for the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together with Big C to support NNUH patients, and we are really pleased that we have been able to use part of our NHS Charities Together Covid Grants to do so.” To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
Age UK Norwich: Abseil at The Forum Returns in 2025!
Following the resounding success of our first ever Abseil at The Forum, where 61 brave individuals conquered their fears and raised over £7,000 for vital services for older people, we are delighted to announce that this thrilling challenge is back in 2025!
Join us once again for an unforgettable experience as you descend the iconic Forum building. All funds raised will directly support Age UK Norwich in providing vital services. T
his exhilarating event will take place onSunday 29th June, from 10:00m to 4:30pm. Participants will have the opportunity to descend the iconic Forum in Norwich while raising crucial funds to support Age UK Norwich’s vital services for older adults in the community.
Registration for the abseil is free, but participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship for Age UK Norwich. The event is open to individuals aged 16 and over, with those under 18 requiring parental or guardian consent. There is no upper age limit, but participants are advised to consult their doctor if they have any concerns about their health or ability to take part.
The abseil event promises to be a thrilling and rewarding experience for all involved, offering a unique perspective of Norwich and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of older people.
At TML we believe in investing in our future which we believe is built by the younger generation, that is why we regularly support a range of students from different education routes. We invest our time and expertise into work experience placements and day release students providing them with a good insight into their future career prospects and help them to gain key skills and knowledge of the industry.
Charli – Work Experience Student from UTCN
“During my time at TML, I have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills to aid me in my education and future employment. Not only are the employees kind, but they also ensure that tasks and knowledge shared are fully understood, which allowed me to apply my current knowledge to new situations. During times of quiet machining workload alternative tasks were found for me in other areas of the business so I have had exposure to the complete engineering process from purchasing materials to shipment of parts.
I have completed 2 work experience placements at TML, so this shows how much I’ve enjoyed my experience here. I highly recommend TML!”
Dan – Work Placement T-Level Student from City College
“My placement at TML has given me an insight into the entire engineering process, I have predominately been involved with machining but also had exposure to the process of material selection and traceability, the importance of inspection through to posting out final product.
I have had to complete 315 hours of work experience for my course, I have now exceeded these required hours and TML have been keen to continue developing my skill set and knowledge. During my time with TML I have had the opportunity to undertake manual handling training which has led to certification in this area, which has indicated to me they have an interest in my professional progression. All employees have been welcoming and friendly putting me very much at ease, which has made it easy to ask questions and develop my knowledge.
Overall, they are a great group of people, and it has been a great experience having my work placement here.”
SME News were proud to announce the return of their Business Elite Awards for 2024, and were delighted to advise that they recognised Wingfield Consultants Ltd with the following title:
WINNER: Best Business Growth Solutions Consultancy 2024 – East England
Simon Wingfield, Founder of Wingfield Consultants, said: ‘We are really pleased to be recognised by SME News for the support we give local businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire’.
This is the THIRD big win for Wingfield Consultants in 2024. It follows the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards 2023-24 win for Business Consultancy of the Year – UK win and The National Mentoring Awards – Excellence in Mentoring Award win (for Simon Wingfield).
The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House is delighted to be relaunching our invaluable Hospice at Home Service.
We feel patients at the end of life must have access to high quality care, advice and support in their preferred place of care, and that care extends to their family and informal and formal care-givers.
The Hospice promotes care and support that are delivered in a culture that respects patient autonomy and is centered around individual end of life care wishes.
The commitment of the local Integrated Care Board to the financial support of this service is welcomed by our CEO Niki Ellis who has campaigned for many years for the development of this much needed service.
“Caring for patients who are in the last weeks of life is a specialist and vitally important service. When delivered well, with compassion, knowledge and shaped by what is important to the person – it is a powerful and moving experience. We only get one chance to get it right for the patient and their family and our team go to extraordinary lengths to ensure we get it right every time.”
The main objective of the service is to allow those who wish to die at home to be supported to do so by a team of Hospice staff with specialist expertise in end of life care.
Care is based on a holistic approach that focuses on the needs of the patient and their family, respecting people’s beliefs and values. The service complements and supports existing services including GPs, community nurses, domiciliary care agencies and care homes.
As a charity the Hospice continues to fundraise within the community; if you would like to find out more about how you can make a difference please contact the Fundraising Team on 01485 601701 or by email fundraisingteam@norfolkhospice.org.uk
Norfolk distillery beats stiff competition from around the world, including Scotland’s finest, to win one of whisky’s ultimate accolades…
Just 17 years after laying down its first casks
£59 bottles are available now, but be quick they’re selling fast!
A pioneering English distillery that opened its doors just 17 years ago is celebrating winning one of global whisky’s ultimate accolades after scooping Best Single Malt at the annual World Whiskies Awards.
Norfolk-based The English Distillery became the first operational whisky distillery in more than 100 years when it opened for business in 2006.
Now it has claimed an even more impressive first by beating off stiff competition from some of the world’s oldest and rarest whiskies with a sherry cask matured single malt whisky that it launched less than six months ago to critical acclaim.
Bottled by hand at its Breckland-based distillery, The English Sherry Cask is an unpeated single malt whisky, which has been matured from start to finish in the finest PX sherry casks to create a stunning expression that it said had been “well worth the wait”.
The distillery learned of its world-winning success in front of the whisky industry’s finest at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London on Wednesday evening (20th March) as awards organiser Whisky Magazine celebrated “the best people, places, and products in the whisky world”.
Founded by farmer James Nelstrop to fulfil a lifelong dream, the distillery – guided by the experience of legendary Master Distiller Ian Henderson – began to lay down whiskies in its dunnage warehouses, with the sole aim of making world class single malt whisky in England following a century’s absence of whisky making in the country.
Like all its whiskies, the winning whisky was made using barley grown locally and on the Nelstrop family farms. The entire distillation process of milling, mashing, distilling with a pair of traditional and beautiful copper stills, maturing in the finest oak casks and hand bottling, all take place at the distillery.
James’ son Andrew, who has led the 20-strong team at the picturesque distillery since his father’s death in 2014.
Andrew said: “We’re stunned. Whilst any whisky maker hopes to win an award, winning the big one is the realisation of my father’s sole goal of creating world class single malt whiskies in England, and sharing them with whisky lovers around the world.”
Father of two Andrew, whose wife Katy works alongside him as The English Distillery’s Marketing Director, added: “This is a super way to celebrate our 18th year of whisky distilling. It’s a testament to our distillers’ work and I know my father would have been hugely proud of this achievement, as are we.
“As the English Whisky category continues to grow with pace, this award is another milestone for whisky making in England, particularly when it’s judged against some of the finest single malt whiskies from around the world, including Scotland.”
The winning whisky boasts aromas of rich dark fruits from the sherry-filled casks, which combine in a nose of raw honey and vanilla, leading to a burst of sweet toffee, cherries and digestives on the palate. The result is a wonderfully balanced and rich whisky that is not outshone by the wood.
Bottled at 46% abv, non chill filtered and natural in colour, The English Sherry Cask is a no age statement whisky that is part of the distillery’s core range, which includes The English Original and The English Smokey (both RRP £47.50, 70cl bottle).
Stockist House of Malt describes the winning whisky as a “delightful newcomer to The English Distillery’s core range… with a luxuriously thick sherry character, brimming with flavours of crumbly biscuits, smooth vanilla caramel, simmered berries, and sun-dried figs”.
