Our Reset. Restart programme is here to help you transform, future-proof or grow your business through the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond
About this Event
We know this is a difficult time for small businesses and business owners. That’s why we’ve developed a free dedicated programme of business support that can be accessed remotely, wherever you are. Reset. Restart is open to all business owners, especially those in the first years of trading.
Alongside the national Reset. Restart programme run by the British Library Business & IP Centre, we are offering a series of free local 1-to-1 support sessions, workshops and networking events – all delivered by MENTA
Networking event
In these unprecedented times, virtual networking has become something of a lifeline. You may find sharing ideas and frustrations very liberating, as well as helping to ease feelings of loneliness associated with working independently. Join Tim Cooke from MENTA and meet other business people at this free facilitated networking session.
For further information about any of our events, please contact us at bipcnorfolk@norfolk.gov.uk or telephone 01603 774708
Photo: Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, Kerry Wilmot, Director of Project and Infrastructure Management at NEBOair, and Ray Parsons from Premier Flight Training
Photo credit: Saxon Air
Three East Anglian businesses are picking up the pace in sustainable aviation with the unveiling of the region’s greenest flight training programme.
The companies – Saxon Air, NEBOair, and Premier Flight Training – all have one thing in common: a passion for sustainable aviation.
And the VELIS Electro is at the heart of it all.
In 2021, Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand met with the founders of NEBOair who were flying the flag for the world’s first EASA and UK CAA certified light electric aircraft, the Pipistrel’s VELIS Electro, in the UK.
Since then, the companies have worked together to bring the aircraft front and centre, from joint-hosting sustainability events at Saxon’s hangarage facility at Norwich Airport through to Saxon Air supporting NEBOair with showcasing the aircraft on a global stage at the Farnborough International Air Show, and the London Climate Technology Show 2022 at Olympia, Kensington.
Saxon Air, who rent a VELIS Electro from NEBOair, will now engage with Premier Flight Training to position the company as the most sustainable flying school in East Anglia.
Premier Flight Training, based at Norwich Airport, are the latest to rent the Pipistrel VSW121, which is the low emission fossil fuel sistership aircraft to the Pipistrel Velis Electro.
The Pipistrel VSW121 uses less than 9.5 litres of fuel per hour during flight compared to Premier’s previous training aircraft, the PA28, using 28 litres per hour. Operated in conjunction with the Velis, they will provide what is thought to be the greenest route to a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) in the UK.
This is the latest in a string of businesses in the Norwich community that Saxon Air are supporting in their journey to sustainability, positioning the company as leaders in the green revolution.
Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, said: “Electric aviation is instrumental in the future of our industry, and flight schools like Premier Flight Training embracing the Pipistrel solutions to low and zero free emission flight training is exactly the approach we need to see more of.”
Kerry Wilmot of NEBOair explains the journey towards sustainability does not stop at electric aircraft: “To truly achieve sustainable flight, it is important to consider the sustainability of airfields as well. We have been working closely with Octopus Energy to design a vision for cleaner, greener community airfields.”
“Airfields will play a critical role in reducing the aviation industry’s environmental impact, and there are several ways to achieve a tangible shift in operational emissions through sustainable practices, to generate green energy from poorly utilised land that can be found on many airfields,” she finished.
NEBOair invite airfield operators to engage on the following topics:
• Buying Green Energy from a Reliable Source
• Generating Green Energy On-Site: giving consideration to producing renewable energy on-site through the installation of solar panels on rooftops or in open spaces between runways, or by installing standalone solar charging ports like the NUNCATS built port at Old Buckenham Airfield
• Exporting Excess Power: excess energy generated on-site can be exported to nearby communities. This can provide local residents with access to cheap renewable energy during times when it is generated. Long term lease agreements for poorly utilised land can generate revenues for the site of up to 30 years
Together, we can create a more sustainable future for aviation!
North Norfolk District Council works actively with local schools to promote employer engagement and career opportunities. The council supports North Walsham High School’s ongoing business mentor scheme designed to inspire pupils to increase personal aspiration and develop employability skills. Research shows that mentoring has benefits for students’ attainment and employers’ future recruitment. Each mentor will have regular contact with approximately 6-8 students starting from Year 9. Students will gain an understanding of what is required in the workplace and will gain knowledge about your organisation. More information can be found on the North Walsham High School website, which includes a case study of a local employer working with the school. https://www.nwhs.uk/latest-news/business-people-and-employers-urged-to-take-part-in-ground-breaking-mentoring-scheme-2/ To register your interest in the mentoring scheme, attend the Business Breakfast on Tuesday 23rd January 2018 from 07.00 am to 08.30 am where you will meet current mentors and students. Alternatively, sign up to promote your business at the Speed Networking Launch on Wednesday, 7th February 2018. For more information or to sign up please contact Kate Lawn, Work Based Learning Officer; email: workbasedlearning@northwalshamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01692 402581.
Digital Surgery are excited to be offering their next webinar focusing on Search Engine Insights and Customer Empathy. The presentation will be held by Jon Falgate, SEO Manager at WEX and Aaron Barefoot, SEO Consultant at Refinitiv. Each presentation will last approx 15 minutes, with a short Q&A after.
We hope you will join us for a VIP Breakfast and learn how your business can generate maximum benefits from the Apprenticeship Levy. The breakfast is aimed at business leaders and HR Managers and will take place on Tuesday 12th December 2017 at EAST Restaraunt, East Coast College, Lowestoft Campus. Come along to hear from our own industry experts giving updates on:
A broad overview of the key benefits of apprenticeships and the levy
How the funding rules apply to you and your staff
How East Coast College can help recruit and retain staff
What levels of apprenticeship are available and to whom (take on new or upskill existing staff from level 2 to degree level!)
Network with other large organisations and business leaders in the area
Develop your talent pipline and learn how to make the new apprenticeship arrangements work for your business
Discuss your requirements with one of the leading, most established apprenticeship providers in the area
Photo: Children at Woods Loke Primary School during a visit from Skills for Energy on World Book Day Credit: Skills for Energy/EEEGR
In celebration of World Book Day, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at EEEGR’s Skills for Energy, visited the local Rainbows, Brownies, and guides unit on Wednesday 1st of March, 2023 as well as local schools on Thursday the 2nd of March 2023 to deliver activities, inspiring the next energy generation. Each student walked away with a copy of the book of Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty at the end of the activity.
Thanks to members of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), these events were delivered with the support of HTL, North Star and Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm.
Sophie said: “My aim was to inspire the next generation of young people to interact with the ideas of recycling, renewables, and sustainability whilst taking part in an engaging activity that promotes curiosity and questions about engineering and the wider industry. Thanks to our sponsors, we have managed to deliver what we hope will be the start of many similar initiatives.”
Danny Peachey, General Manager, HTL Group said: “It was great to see Skills for Energy delivering the activity with the Brownies, where the group read Rosie Revere, Engineer and used recycling to create a model boat. HTL is proud to be an EEEGR sponsor working side by side with SFE to inspire the next generation.”
The school activity was held at Woods Loke Primary School in Lowestoft. During the activity the children had the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about their energy future options, and take home a book in the hope that it will pique their interest and inspire them about the options available.
Glynn Fereday, SSE Renewables Operations Manager for Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, said: “It’s a great privilege to be able to share the story of offshore wind with young people to mark World Book Day 2023. It was such a joy to see the children’s faces when we talked to them about the challenging and exciting roles on an offshore wind farm and showed them some of the protective clothing our technicians wear to keep them safe when they’re working out at sea keeping the lights on for homes and businesses. It’s vitally important to show youngsters the breadth of STEM opportunities available to them and the role they can play in the net zero world.”
Emma Moore, Training Officer for North Star in the Lowestoft base, has been joining in the fun as those attending take part in reading, colouring, and “boat building” activities.
In a statement, Emma said: “Inspiring the next generation remains at the heart of our business . We’ve been training the next generation of marine professionals for more than 26 years through our cadetship programme. Learn more about North Star, and our commitment to training and development here: https://www.northstarshipping.co.uk/careers”
In a final statement, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at Skills for Energy and EEEGR, said: “We’ve all worked with talented engineers who design, build, and maintain the world around us. Engineers use their creativity with problem solving skills and EEEGR, through the Skills for Energy activities, want to inspire children to explore this path.”
Learn how to reach new customers with targeted social media for your business
About this Event
Feeling frazzled by Facebook? Don’t know your tweets from your hashtags? Come along to this free introductory social media session and learn how to make social media into an invaluable, low-cost publicity resource for your business.
Experienced business trainer John Clarke will share hints and tips on how to make the most of social media, helping you spread the word about all that your business has to offer.
Topics covered:
Key social media sites and the suitability for individual business types
Simple tricks and techniques
How to write innovative, engaging content
The importance of images / video
Creating a social media strategy
Join us for some valuable advice and a great chance to share ideas!
This one hour session is free but booking is essential.
This Spotlight workshop will be held online; you do not need to come to the library to attend this event.
For more information about any of our events, please contact the BIPC team at bipcnorfolk@norfolk.gov.uk or telephone us on 01603 774708
We will send specific instructions via email on how you join the event nearer to the date itself.
Thirsty fundraisers are being encouraged to put the kettle on and raise vital funds for charity.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is organising its very first Big Tea Break – a chance for the public to brew-up, relax and spend quality time together.
They idea is that they make a donation and all funds go to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
Community Fundraising Manager Tina Burdett said: “We’re asking our supporters to pop the kettle on, share a cuppa with family, friends and colleagues and join us for our very first Big Tea Break.
“It’s a chance for people to take a well-earned breather, while helping EACH, and we’re encouraging people to host their own get-togethers between Saturday, 25th March and Friday, 31st March.
“Please spread the word and for more information, including how to register an event and download a fundraising pack, check our website.”
The idea for the fundraiser ties in with the wellbeing and support services offered by EACH, which has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.
“One of our key messages is that we help families create memories together,” added Tina.
“Now we want to encourage our supporters to take a break and make memories with family, friends and colleagues.
“By sharing a cuppa, they can enjoy some time together while helping the families we support make their own special memories.”
Supporters are being encouraged to snap, tag and share their photos using the hashtag #BigTeaBreak and they can donate £3 by texting BIGTEABREAK to 70085.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one message at your standard network message rate.
Our first Platform to Share of 2021 is taking place on Thursday 11th February, 9-10am! Join us virtually as we explore handy tips and tricks on the Office Suite of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Outlook alone has an estimated 400 million users. But there is a range of simple commands and functions that most are unaware of. This won’t be your basic ‘how-to’, but a look at how you can save time and get creative using the application’s best tools.
Book your meeting with our Genix business adviser. Free, impartial and confidential we’re here for established small business owners as well as for start ups.