Join us for this special event to celebrate Norwich Wine Week. Enjoy 1.5hrs of unlimited wine with a choice of a main from our French themed Brunch menu in our pretty courtyard.
Just £35 per person.
To book please call us on 01603 272008 or email events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk
Keep up to date with all our events and follow us on Instagram and Facebook
We’re a friendly little team in Norwich with over 40 years’ combined experience in getting businesses seen online.
Whether you’re a plumber in Peterborough or a florist in Fakenham, we’re here to help you:
📈 Show up on Google
📲 Get clicks on social
💻 Have a website that doesn’t scare people off
We know our stuff, and we care. It’s that simple.
Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Book a quick call with us on 01603 343640
Should ‘Competitive Salary’ be a thing of the past?
We all know the frustration: job adverts promising a “competitive salary” often
leave candidates guessing – and many top talents move on as a result…and yet
the phrase lives on.
Salary transparency isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore – it builds trust,
promotes fairness, and helps attract and retain the best people. So why are so
many still keeping it secret?
What’s your take – should “competitive salary” be scrapped for good?
We explore the topic in our latest blog – read more here: https://spiderrecruit.co.uk/news/salary-transparency/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=norfolk&utm_campaign=salarytransparency&utm_content=norfolkchamber
Contract Personnel is proud to announce that we will continue our valued partnership with Norwich City Football Club for the 2025–26 season, marking our 10th consecutive year as an official Regional Partner.
Over the past decade, we’ve been delighted to stand alongside the Club, supporting both on and off the pitch. This milestone is a reflection of our shared commitment to the community, and we are excited to celebrate another season of collaboration.
As part of our partnership this season, we are proud to back defender Ruairi McConville as our sponsored player for 2025–26. We wish Ruairi and the whole Norwich City team the very best of luck for the campaign ahead.
At Contract Personnel, our goal is the same as it has been for the past 36 years – helping people find rewarding work and helping businesses find the right staff to succeed. Whether you’re a fan looking for your next role or a company looking to grow your team, we’re here to help.
We are also delighted that in recent years, Darren Huckerby, Grant Holt, Adam Drury and Darren Eadie have all created content and acted as ambassadors for Contract Personnel and the recruitment services they provide.
Sarah Hooper, Managing Director at Contract Personnel, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 10 years as a Partner of Norwich City Football Club. Our relationship with the Club has always been about more than sponsorship – it’s about community, opportunity, and shared success. We look forward to continuing our support this season and wish the team every success on the pitch.”
To mark the milestone, some of the CPL team recently visited Carrow Road for a quick tour and to capture some updated photographs with our bright LED branding in the background.
For more information, contact the team today on 01603 764044 (Norwich) or 01842 750222 (Thetford).
Join us on 18 February 2026 at 12:30 for a specialist Business Relief Lunch & Learn at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in Norwich.
Designed for accountants and tax professionals, this session explores the practical application of Business Relief in inheritance tax planning and on sale of a business, with insights from:
• Alistair Maguire, Triplepoint
• Andy Howe, Downing LLP
A valuable opportunity to deepen technical knowledge and connect with fellow professionals. Limited spaces — reserve your place today
Hosted by: Maria Spencer, Iceni Financial Advisers Ltd
maria@theiceni.co.uk
This week, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a talented work experience student to Brancaster House Financial Planning in the form of Mcauley Holmes, 17, from Taverham Sixth Form.
Currently studying Economics at A-Level, Mcauley has been able to connect his studies with real-world financial planning, from observing market behaviour, going through financial annual reviews with clients, sitting in on marketing meetings and learning how economic decisions impact savings and investments.
Mcauley said: “I’ve enjoyed my week at Brancaster House Financial Planning. It ties into my interest in economics, financial markets and investments. I’m still deciding whether I want to do an apprenticeship or a degree, but this week has given me a firm grounding in the sector.”
Work experience students offer small businesses fresh perspectives. They can enhance productivity, provide a potential pipeline for future hires, and allow staff to develop mentoring skills. Hosting students also strengthens community ties.
Shane Julian, Director of Brancaster House Financial Planning, said: “We have been really impressed with Mcauley’s enthusiasm and curiosity – it’s great to see there is interest in this industry and to nurture the next generation of talent.
“It’s been a privilege to support Mcauley’s development and watch his confidence grow. At Brancaster House, we believe nurturing future talent is one of the best investments we can make.”
Are you feeling stuck and unsatisfied?
Do you need something in your life to change but you aren’t sure where to start?
Wednesday 14th January 2026, 2 – 3pm
Online session, join from anywhere.
To celebrate the launch of Rippleacts new online coaching programme, they are offering a free session for anyone looking to make a change for the better in 2026.
Join them for this free online session where you’ll discover practical tools to identify your goals and start designing a life you love.
Based on the foundations of our popular Cognitive Behavioural Coaching Programme, this session will provide you the guidance and support you need to take the next step towards the life you want.
This spring marked a
special milestone for us at Leading Business Services – 10 years in business,
supporting companies and individuals across the region through change, and
often financial uncertainty.
What began as a small,
dedicated team has now grown into a firm of over 70 people, with 3 licenced
Insolvency Practitioners, all united by a shared commitment to helping clients
navigate challenging circumstances with clarity and compassion.
After Leading Business
Services (then known as Leading Corporate Recovery!) was founded by our
Director Jamie Playford in 2015, following his many years of experience in the industry,
our team made a move to a larger office at Lawrence House, Norwich in 2019.
Other highlights include two of our Leading Managers being nominated at the IPA
Awards in 2023.
Our team celebrated the
anniversary with a gathering at The Assembly House in Norwich, where we spent
some time to look back at our journey so far. It was a chance to honour
long-serving members of our team, reflect on some of the milestones we’ve hit and
share our ambitions for the next chapter.
As part of the
celebrations, we also held an Easter-themed raffle, raising £348 for the
Alzheimer’s Society, and kicked off fundraising, supporting our eight team
members taking on this year’s Macmillan Mighty Hikes challenge, with both
causes being close to our hearts.
Here’s to the next ten years, built on the
strength of our people and the trust of those we serve.
Nicola Hall, Finance Manager at 101 Websites & Apps, will be
lacing up her walking boots this May as part of a 26.2-mile charity walk, along with walkers from other local firms, raising vital funds for Nelson’s Journey and Fight Bladder Cancer.
Nicola is joining a team from the popular Norwich gym at Wensum Valley Leisure Club, whose website
design is handled by 101, to tackle the full marathon distance,
following a scenic route from North Walsham along Weaver’s Way to Aylsham, then
continuing along Marriott’s Way to Taverham. Around 50 people are expected to
take part, with many opting for either the half or full marathon walk.
The walk aims to raise £10,000 for two charities close to
the organiser’s heart. Nelson’s Journey supports bereaved children and young
people in Norfolk, while Fight Bladder Cancer offers patient-led support and
campaigns for greater awareness and improved treatment options.
The event is being organised by Jenny O’Dowd from E-Zee Insurance Solutions,
whose personal connection to both charities has been the driving force behind
the initiative. Jenny hopes this challenge will not only raise much-needed
funds but also help bring more attention to these causes.
101 is proud to be one of the sponsors backing the walkers
as they take on the challenge. Several other Norfolk-based businesses have also
lent their support, demonstrating the strong community spirit behind this
initiative.
Nicola said, “It’s a big challenge, but it’s for two
incredible causes. We’re all hoping for kind weather and generous donations to
help spur us on!”
To find out more about the event or to make a donation,
please
visit the fundraising page.
I started the week working out of the Chamber’s hub in Norwich. Sole trader’s can often feel isolated because WE are the business. We don’t have a marketing manager, administrator, finance specialist or anyone else to support us. At the hub I met the Norfolk Chamber’s team and Katie in particular was superb in helping shape my thinking when we were talking about an avenue that I am looking to explore further. The facilities are great too; I booked the pod for a couple of calls and the rest of the time I used a desk I’d booked. I’ll be honest, I also took advantage of the coffee machine there and the latte comes recommended!
The best thing a business can have is a word-of-mouth recommendation and this week I had a new client introduced to me who is based in Singapore. This client is a student working towards their iGCSE’s and with mocks fast approaching we used the time to prep for her French oral exam.
I’ve had an interesting mix of clients this week and flexed my instructional method depending on the individual in front of me. In some cases I have targeted learning based on a more conversational method whereas others needed to drill down into written french and translation. Depending on their individual needs I focus lessons either on subject matter that suits the individual or on a state curriculum. This week’s topics have included one client who has returned from their holiday home in France, the current global geopolitical situation, trying to fit into British society as someone from a different county, fatherhood and in other cases more structure grammatical tuition such as using different tenses.
Whatever your motivation, whether you are starting from new and always wanted to learn the language, whether you are more experienced and want to develop your conversation, you might be looking for guidance in-country with healthcare or house buying or perhaps you are looking for support for your business, give me a call with no obligation on 07930 444 078 or email me on florencemorimont@gmail.com anytime.
A la prochaine!
Florence
Law
firm Birketts is reinforcing its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
by being shortlisted in two categories for the Legal 500 ESG awards.
The
law firm has seen Senior Partner, Chris Schwer make the shortlist for Social
Mobility Champion, while the whole firm has made the shortlist for the Women in
Law: Best Initiative to Improve Female Representation within Senior Ranks.
Chris
has made social mobility a central tenet of his tenure as senior partner.
Together with the leadership team at Birketts, he has been instrumental in
supporting up and coming lawyers to deliver the project. This initiative,
originally conceived and put into action by our junior lawyers, highlights
their innovative thinking and dedication to making a positive impact
The
firm’s Social Mobility Insight into Law Experience (SMILE) initiative sees Year
12 students, who are interested in a career in law and meet the PRIME social
mobility criteria, spend a week at Birketts. Students are buddied with trainees
and NQ solicitors, and gain experience in several seats in addition to
workshops relating to legal based tasks and how the business services arm of
the firm work together.
The
SMILE initiative, though only introduced in the firm’s Ipswich and Chelmsford
offices in 2024, was such a success that it will be rolled out to other
offices, including Birketts’ new Bristol office, in 2025.
Thanks
to Birketts dedicated female representation development programmes, including
‘Clearing the pathway to leadership’ and ‘Pathway to Partner’ 41% of Birketts’
Partnership are now women, up 14% since 2020, with ambitions to increase this
to 45% by 2026 and 50% by 2030
Clearing
the Pathway to Leadership and Pathway to Partner initiatives involve workshops
designed to significantly enhance female representation in senior roles. These
workshops provide targeted training and mentorship, equipping women with the
skills, confidence, and networks necessary to advance their careers. By the end
of the workshop, participants will have their own roadmap to progress their
career on their terms and the resources to be more confident in their
day-to-day role.
Bernadette
Baker, Chair of Birketts People and Culture Committee, stated: “Amidst the
discourse on scaling back diversity and inclusion efforts, Birketts proudly
takes a divergent path. Our exemplary record of women in leadership inspires us
to set even loftier goals.
“Social
mobility is also a critical focus for us. We are committed to creating an
initiative that goes beyond superficial gestures, providing young individuals
considering a legal career with an authentic insight into the profession and
the inner workings of a law firm. We hope this experience will ignite their
passion and instil the confidence needed to advance.
“By
embracing a wider talent pool and promoting more women to leadership roles, we
enhance our collective expertise and send a powerful message that Birketts is a
place where careers can flourish, irrespective of background or gender.”
Birketts
will join other shortlisted firms and individuals at Park Plaza Westminster
Bridge, London on 25 March 2025 for the Legal 500 ESG UK Awards ceremony.
About
Birketts
Birketts
is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we
have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge,
Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Sevenoaks. We advise businesses,
government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and
internationally across four principal practice groups: real estate, corporate
services, litigation, and private client advisory.
Minister for Life Sciences George Freeman has opened a landmark new building ‘Centrum’in Norwich. The new £11.5M BBSRC funded hub building will be the heart of innovation and enterprise at the Norwich Research Park.
It offering flexible laboratory and office accommodation and a business centrefor the region’s businesses housing bookable meeting rooms with AV/video conferencingat competitive prices plus a drop-in restaurant/café with free Wi-Fi that is open to all.
Centrum will be a hub building for the Park, it will provide commercial space for early-stage, start-up companies in the appropriate sectors looking to locate onto the Park.
Life Sciences Minister George Freeman said: “The Government’s continued investment in Norwich Research Park is helping to create and support a first-class innovation hub in the East of England based on world-leading bioscience. The science community will now be able to share access to this unique and specialist facility that will help to drive growth, foster innovation and support the Norwich, Norfolk and East Anglia life science cluster to create the jobs and businesses of tomorrow.”
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, Chief Executive Officer for Norwich Research Park said: “With the support of the BBSRC we have been able to create Centrum, a facility that embodies innovation, knowledge exchange and collaboration.”
For more information see: www.norwichresearchpark.com