St Edmunds Society, a Charitable Incorporated organisation (CIO) in Norfolk of more than fifty years standing, is looking for new trustees – particularly those able to offer experience of safeguarding and who could offer a strong personal commitment to the Charity’s aims and objectives.
As an alternative provider within the education arena St Eds offers an exciting and diverse range of vocational training courses aimed at young people who have often felt challenged or out of place in a mainstream educational environment and may have their own particular and complex needs. It is a charity with exciting plans for the future.
You would bring your skills and energy to the charity. Trustees meet six times a year to set and monitor budgets, set the development plan and review progress against it, and consider reports from those responsible for delivery of services. Trustees with particular knowledge and expertise may also directly support operational staff in delivering the charity’s services to the young people who desperately need it.
If you are interested and have some time to spare for a wonderful cause please do get in touch for an informal chat with David Fullman, Chair of Trustees at email:
Despite marginal upticks in December, BDO’s Output and Optimism Indices remained well below historic levels as a result of rising inflation and supply chain pressures
The Employment Index approached a one-year low as businesses responded to the threat of a recession by reining in hiring intentions, which reached a two-year low
Inflation remains at its highest level since the early 1980s despite a second-consecutive decline in the Inflation Index
Low confidence and productivity among UK businesses continue to drive historic falls in hiring intentions, despite marginal improvements in December, according to the latest Business Trends report from accounting and business advisory firm BDO.
BDO’s Output Index increased by 0.08 points last month to 91.65, driven by a marginal uptick in productivity in the services sector. However, the index sits firmly below the 95-point mark overall, regarded as the watershed between growth and contraction, and December marked the index’s second weakest reading since March 2021 when the UK population was still facing COVID-19 restrictions.
The continued contraction in output growth – which stems back to July – was driven, in part, by a one-point decline to 93.77 in the Manufacturing Output Index, as global supply chain challenges – such as high energy prices, input material shortages and ongoing geopolitical events – put downward pressure on firms’ output.
BDO’s Optimism Index mirrored the slight increase seen in the Output Index, rising by 0.25 points to 91.89, which remains firmly in contractionary territory. This reflects the ongoing pessimism among the services sector fuelled by weakened output and a 9-month decline in the Manufacturing Optimism sub-index amid supply-side pressures.
December saw BDO’s Employment Index fall by 0.86 points to 110.99, its weakest reading since January 2022, as businesses respond to waning optimism and productivity growth. Fears of a recession and ongoing macroeconomic headwinds have eroded positive hiring intentions, which now stand at their weakest level since Q4 2020 when the economy faced a new wave of lockdown restrictions caused by the alpha variant of COVID-19.
The Inflation Index recorded a second consecutive monthly decline, falling to 117.91. The 0.52-point drop suggests the index has approached a turning point, as it stands at its lowest level since June 2022.
Despite this fall, inflation remains at highs not seen since the 1980s, when the lingering effects of oil price turmoil and mass industrial action from the previous decade were driving steep increases in inflation.
Peter Harrup, partner and head of East Anglia at BDO LLP, said:
“Although output and confidence levels grew slightly in December, the marginal upticks will do little to calm the nerves of UK businesses. Inflation and supply chain pressures are clearly being felt across the board, as employers pause recruitment plans and consider redundancies to manage rising costs.
“With an expected recession increasing pressure on the UK economy, firms will be looking for the right support from the Government as it works to encourage growth and confidence in the run-up to the Spring Budget.”
Could your adopted cat, dog or exotic pet be the new star of our Adoption Packs?!
We are looking for the face of our next series of adoption packs which are given out with every animal that finds its forever home through our Branch.
There are three categories: cats, dogs and exotics (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles etc.) and the competition is open to anyone who has adopted their pet from us.
All you have to do to enter is send us your favourite photo of your pet looking picture perfect to woof@rspcanorwich.org by Friday 27th January 2023
Enter and your pet could be the next star of our adoption packs and receive a Pets at Home voucher!
Norfolk’s £612.9 million county deal, to bring more powers and funding to Norfolk, will be considered by county councillors next week (January 17th).
Norfolk’s full county council meets at 10am on Tuesday, January 17th to discuss the in-principle deal that was reached with the Government last month, before the council’s cabinet decides whether to proceed with the deal, later the same day.
County council leader Councillor Andrew Proctor, who signed the in-principle deal with the Government last month, said: “Norfolk is well positioned to gain additional powers and money to improve people’s lives, thanks to the County Deal we have agreed in principle with the Government.
“The aim is for decisions and funding previously controlled in Westminster to be agreed in Norfolk, for Norfolk.
“Striking a deal will help us to boost our economy through more jobs, training, housing and development, to improve our transport network and to support our environment.
“Getting to this point shows that the Government sees Norfolk as a can-do county. I’m confident that we can make a success of this and that more powers and funding would follow.”
If cabinet decides to proceed, a six week public consultation on the deal will be launched on February 6th.
The report to both meetings says: “Devolution offers a generational opportunity to unlock significant long-term funding and gain greater freedom to decide how best to meet local needs and create new opportunities for the people who live and work in Norfolk. Some decisions and funding previously controlled in Westminster will now be decided by Norfolk, for Norfolk.
“If the devolution deal is agreed, it will provide Norfolk with new powers, devolved funding and additional investment of £612.9m over the next 30 years to help us to boost our economy through jobs, training and development, improve our transport network and support our environment.”
The report recommends that full council considers the full text of the in-principle deal and note that proceeding with the deal is a decision for cabinet.
If cabinet agrees to proceed with the deal, when it meets after full council, public consultation will take place in February and full council will consider the change to an elected council leader, in or around December.
According to the report, the deal would mean that, from 2024 onwards, the county council could:
target funding and resources to Norfolk’s own priorities, with a new investment fund of £20m per year for 30 years
unlock housing and employment sites with an injection of £12.9m capital funding in this Spending Review period and new powers to drive regeneration, housing and development priorities
invest in the skills we know we need, with devolution of the adult education budget and input into the new Local Skills Improvement Plans
invest in local transport planning and consolidate transport budgets to direct funding to better meet our local needs and priorities
strengthen the local business voice to inform local decision making and strategic economic planning through the future integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership
have a council leader who is directly elected by the public, with the first election in May 2024
raise our influence regionally and nationally, enabling our voice to be better heard by Government to shape future policies and funding decisions for the benefit of our County
Teknomek are looking for a Technical Sales Engineer – could that be you?
Main purpose of role:
This role will be a key point of contact for our customers, to answer their product queries, provide technical advice, demonstrate the use of our products and services, in particular to utilise software to create and provide room layout of our products as part of our new design service. As Technical Sales Engineer you are responsible for selling technical products and services on behalf of Teknomek. You will work alongside our Customer Service team with a selection of Key Customers to build effective long-lasting relationships. Your duties include arranging customer meetings, creating and presenting technical product and layout designs to customers, building quotes, providing standard and bespoke product solutions to our customers, and providing after sales support.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
• Utilising Glenigan Sales Lead portal, Inhouse CRM database and Marketing leads to contact customers, generating sales opportunities.
• Meeting with customers (Site Surveys) to ascertain the intended functions and appearance of each space and their product requirements.
• Providing information, anticipating, and informing clients of additional features and products which may be of use to them and provide them with the best hygienic solutions for their environment.
• Suggesting appropriate materials and finishes in line with the sector (Food manufacturing, cleanrooms, and Labs).
• Observing prescribed building and safety regulations and the working environment (The placement of water and electrical systems to ensure safety etc..).
• Generating Quotes and creating a plan which details the layout and appearance of all installations and loose furniture.
• Pipeline Management, progressing all prospects with exemplary follow up from negotiation to order.
• In due course supervising the work of independent contractors, so that their duties are conducted in accordance with customers’ requirements.
Decision-Making Authority:
Schedule of Authority to be defined at role start
% Travel required/estimated:
70% (Customers in the UK & EU, training plus any trips required as part of
the business and roles development)
Personal Specification Educational Qualifications Required:
• Graduate standard or equivalent vocational qualifications/experience
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in interior design; an art or design background could also be useful or a Production Engineering background.
• To be able to demostrate they have a understanding of materials, mathematics and engineering principles.
Key Skills Required:
• Must have at least 3 years experience within a Sales orientated role.
• Suited to someone with a Kitchen Design Background
• Must have had previous work experience in CAD engineering and/or room layout designs software to a high standard.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with attention to detail.
• Sharp, creative eye; good listening skills, drafting, and layout skills; ability to use computer software, laser scanners, and architect scales; knowledge of buildings and industry trends;
administrative skills.
• They must have strong Engineering analytical capabilities and the ability to make decisions that support quality, productivity and design viability which subsequently delivers the customer
requirement.
• Demonstrable ability to solve problems, and create meaningful solutions based on data.
• Ability to empathise and exchange ideas with all team members and customers, accurately understanding and translating needs clearly and concisely then working as part of a team to
deliver on the various tasks effectively.
• Listening to input, disseminating complex information, discussing updates and information as well as contributing to meetings.
• Constantly challenging yourself in understanding productive room design and flow.
Key Personal Qualities Required:
• Dynamic Sales professional with high levels of curiosity and a sense of urgency.
• Must be able to gain customer trust leading them in an engaging, knowlegable, helpful manner to a solution.
• A person of high integrity, consistent in their work, and who has clear and visible set of values.
• To remain calm under pressure, confident to work alone i.e. competent to identify what information is needed, how to obtain it and effectively summarise their recommendations.
• Adaptable, having the ability to remain flexible and open to change and growth within the business and the role. • Excellent work ethic with a neccessity to be future-oriented
Additional Information:
• Full Time – Salary based on experience + commission structure
• 25 days holiday per year (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Office Base
Today, Pure celebrates 20 years in the business. That’s 20 years of helping clients find people, helping people find jobs, and supporting organisations across the eastern region with their recruitment strategies.
In 2002 Ian Walters, Gill Buchanan and Caroline Batchelor started a recruitment consultancy with a difference, from a tiny room in Cambridge. Despite only having a rudimentary IT system, dial-up internet and one fax machine, they had a clear mission – to help job seekers find their perfect positions, to build lasting relationships and to become the go-to recruiter for businesses in the east of England. They called this Pure.
Not long after that they were joined by Lynn Walters and David Culley. Fast forward 20 years and we’re now the leading recruitment specialist in the eastern region. And our Pure family has grown to over 80 people across four offices.
In our own words
When asked about Pure, Ian said: ‘20 years ago we set out to build long-lasting valued relationships, as we believed that was the best thing we could do for our clients and for job seekers. And that’s as true today as it was then.’
David agreed: ‘I’m proud of how we’ve never lost sight of what makes us who we are. This business was founded on a desire to build long-term relationships, go the extra mile and serve our customers the best we can. We did it back then and we’re still doing it now.’
From Caroline: ‘For me, what makes Pure so special is getting the chance to work with such great people – both within the company itself, and with clients and job seekers. I’m also very proud of how we’ve stayed true to our values. We’ve never compromised on quality, not even during the pandemic when times were tough. This is reflected in the fact that we have so many loyal customers.’
Recruitment with a difference
What makes Pure stand out is that we pride ourselves on recruiting with purpose. Our mission is as relevant today as it was 20 years ago – to connect talented people with the right opportunities, and to support the growth of organisations in our region. And when it comes to careers we go the extra mile, teaming up with experts across the region to offer development opportunities and programmes. All to help businesses and their people be the best they can be.
What our clients and partners say
Beverly Dickson has been with Pure as both a job seeker and client since the very beginning. ‘I’ve worked with Pure for 20 years and they’ve placed me in all my jobs in those years. Pure has also recruited all my people into my teams. I asked my team what they thought of Pure and they said they’re proactive, unique, reliable and enthusiastic. I look forward to the next 20 years – although I hope to retire before then!’
We regularly work with Fluent, a digital product development agency. In fact, our Cambridge office is next door to theirs, and we even share a wall. Wesley Cole, their operations director, said: ‘Working with Pure feels like we’re all part of the same team. For your 15th birthday we were asked for words to describe Pure. After some reflection, we’ve decided that our decision then still stands – even if it’s actually three words – “laughter through walls”.’
Jay Wright, Virgin Wine’s CEO and one of our clients, said: ‘It’s been a pleasure working with the Pure team. We were looking for a top-level candidate for a senior position of critical importance to our business, and I can’t speak highly enough about Pure’s approach. Everyone worked with precision, great communication and a sense of real collaboration.’
Pure in numbers
In the past 20 years we’ve:
helped find jobs for over 28,000 people
worked with nearly 3,000 clients promoting more than 53,000 jobs
raised over £170,000 for charity
seen 12 marriages and around 45 babies born in our team.
For more media information please contact Judith Pugh on 01223 209886 or email judith.pugh@prs.uk.com.
Councillors have agreed to progress a £612.9m County Deal, to transfer more powers and funding from the Government to Norfolk.
Following a two hour debate at full council this morning, the council’s cabinet agreed to progress the deal at a meeting this afternoon.
County Council leader Councillor Andrew Proctor, who signed the in-principle deal with the Government last month, said: “We have a generational opportunity to unlock significant long-term funding, gain greater freedom to decide how best to meet local needs and create new opportunities for the people who live and work in Norfolk.
“Moving decisions and funding previously controlled in Westminster to Norfolk, for Norfolk; to take control of our own destiny and shape our future; a catalyst for change to build on our strengths, address challenges, deliver infrastructure and grow the economy.
“For too long has Norfolk as a rural county been left behind, which is why devolution is a prize, and one worth fighting for.”
A six week public consultation on the deal will be launched on 6 February. The full council will decide whether to support the change to an elected leader, in December. If approved, an election will be held in May 2024.
According to the report to cabinet, the deal would mean that, from 2024 onwards, the County Council could:
target funding and resources to Norfolk’s own priorities, with a new investment fund of £20m per year for 30 years
unlock housing and employment sites with an injection of £12.9m capital funding in this Spending Review period and new powers to drive regeneration, housing and development priorities
invest in the skills we know we need, with devolution of the adult education budget and input into the new Local Skills Improvement Plans
invest in local transport planning and consolidate transport budgets to direct funding to better meet our local needs and priorities
strengthen the local business voice to inform local decision making and strategic economic planning through the future integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership
have a council leader who is directly elected by the public, with the first election in May 2024
raise our influence regionally and nationally, enabling our voice to be better heard by Government to shape future policies and funding decisions for the benefit of our County
Best Employers 2023 is now open for registrations. Based around a confidential and customisable employee engagement survey, this programme helps organisations find out what their people really think of the way they operate. The goal is support organisations in the eastern region and develop productive workplaces where employees can flourish and thrive.
We created Best Employers in 2012 with psychometrics experts eras Ltd, and sponsors Birketts who joined us in 2018. Organisations that take part receive a tailored report showing their survey findings, a plan with suggestions for what to do next, and valuable benchmarking data they can use to compare results with other employers.
More than a survey
The survey is just the beginning. Best Employers has created a community of forward-thinking businesses and leaders that believe success can only be achieved by powering up their people. One that changes workplace cultures and environments for the better. It’s also a not-for-profit programme, with extra funds going straight to local charities. In fact, so far we’ve raised over £40,000.
Transforming organisations from the inside out
Almost 400 organisations have taken part in Best Employers since 2012, and they’re using the results to transform their workplaces in positive and inspiring ways. Like the Holkham Estate in North Norfolk. ‘We’ve used our results to shape our whole HR strategy,’ says Alex Triplow, their head of HR. ‘Not only does Best Employers give you great insights into things you can celebrate, it also shines a light on ways to become an even better place to work.’
Becketts Investment Management Group are another company with only good things to report. ‘Best Employers allowed us to formulate our overall wellbeing strategy based on feedback received from the team, rather than one-off, anecdotal comments,’ says managing director Ian White. ‘And the benchmarking data enabled us to put those results into context.’
Lynn Walters, Pure co-founder and director, is really proud of Best Employers. ‘As the leading recruiter in the eastern region, we understand the importance of workplaces that are stimulating and motivating, and bring out the best in their employees. Best Employers helps organisations understand their most important resource – their people. That ultimately leads to more effective leadership, stronger brand loyalty and increased productivity.’
Recognising the best of the best
We invite organisations with the top survey scores to apply for platinum, gold or silver accreditation – and they also get the chance to win an award. This year, every organisation that takes part in the programme will get a Best Employers’ kitemark. This shows employees that they’re valued, and that employers are willing to invest in creating diverse, inclusive and sustainable workplaces. That’s vital in a competitive market.
Howes Percival’s Norwich office has raised over £9,000 for its Charity of the Year 2022, Nelson’s Journey.
Nelson’s Journey supports children and young people in Norfolk who have experienced the death of a significant person and provides a range of resources and services for those who may need their support. They have helped thousands of bereaved children and young people across the region.
The money was raised through a series of fundraising activities including bake sales, sweepstakes, and raffles and the final amount raised by staff was matched by the firm.
During the year, the office hosted a range of networking events including a live screening of the Ladies’ Wimbledon semi-finals, a Summer Classic Cycling event and a “Footie and Food” World Cup event. Money was also raised through various competitions and participation in the Tour de Broads whose charity partner this year was Nelson’s Journey, while a group took part in a sponsored 26-mile walk along the Marriott’s Way. The firm rounded off the year-long fundraising effort with the annual festive quiz and Christmas jumper competition.
Gary Stevens, Funding and Marketing Manager, of Nelson’s Journey commented,
“The support that Howes Percival have given us in 2022 has been fantastic. From the team completing a 26-mile fundraising walk to helping us put on our annual Easter Egg Hunt by collecting chocolate eggs on our behalf. Everyone has gone over and above in supporting our work with bereaved children and young people in Norfolk.”
“We’ve had a fantastic year supporting Nelson’s Journey and we’re extremely pleased to have raised such a significant amount. Our team has really enjoyed getting involved in a number of fundraising activities and we are proud to have helped raise awareness for the incredible work that Nelson’s Journey do.
“I am delighted to announce that in 2023 our team has decided to support Norfolk and Waveney Mind. The charity plays a crucial role in ensuring that no one has to face poor mental health alone and helps people with their mental health and wellbeing through their wide range of services and support programmes.”
Howes Percival is committed to making a difference in the communities in which they work. For more information, visit the website here.
Train operator, Greater Anglia, is launching special Winter ‘Hare Fares’ from just £10 return for a limited time.
The new ‘Hare Fares’ offer passengers off-peak returns across the Greater Anglia network with three zones and three simple return prices: £10, £15 and £20, with children travelling for just £2 return each.
There is no limit on the number of tickets, but they must be booked between 24 January and 12 February for travel between 24 January and 26 March.
Customers are advised not to travel on 1 and 3 February, as services are due to be affected by industrial action.
Example Hare Fare ticket prices:
£10 return: Cambridge to London, Chelmsford to London, Norwich to Cambridge
£15 return: Chelmsford to Ipswich, Colchester to London, Southend to Colchester
£20 return: Chelmsford to Norwich, Norwich to London, Shenfield to Norwich
Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial and Customer Services Director, said: “Travelling by train is cheaper than you think, and our new bargain Hare Fares mean people can travel for less.
“Our region has so much to offer and whether it’s a trip to the city or coast, shopping or sightseeing, we’re giving people more money to spend on having a great time by helping them save money on their train fare.
“Hare Fares can be purchased throughout half term too, so families can enjoy great days out. Greater Anglia has a range of great value fares and up to four children can travel for just £2 each way with any adult.”
Hare Fares are available as standard off-peak day return tickets only and can only be booked online exclusively at greateranglia.co.uk or via the Greater Anglia app, where customers can purchase tickets without booking fees.
Hare Fares are not valid on journeys wholly within the Oyster zone. Standard refund rules apply.
Greater Anglia also offers a range of Advance fares that offer customers savings of between 60-70% on the standard walk up prices, plus 2FOR1 on entry to many top attractions in London and East Anglia.
The train operator also has a range of great value fares which are available all year round, including GroupSave for people travelling in a group of three or more, a special London evening out fare for those staying overnight in the capital and a Club 50 discount for those aged 50 over.
For the best value fares, passengers should book in advance and the earlier customers book, the more they can save.
Pictured: NUNCATS’ ‘electric sky jeep’ takes off at Old Buckenham Airfield for its maiden flight Photo credit: NUNCATS
A pioneering Norfolk aviation project aimed at improving healthcare and saving lives in some of the most remote parts of the world is a step closer to take-off after taking its maiden flight.
Old Buckenham-based firm NUNCATS is in the process of developing the ‘electric sky jeep’, to provide cheap and sustainable transport to deliver doctors, teachers and medical supplies to remote communities across Africa and other remote parts of the world.
It plans to work with charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) to set up a network of solar powered energy grids on buildings in remote towns and villages so that the aircraft can fly between them delivering vital medical aid and attention.
The ‘electric sky jeep’, based on a Zenith CH750, has been under construction for the past three years but on Friday, January 20 successfully took to the air at Old Buckenham Airfield, in south Norfolk.
The test flight is a significant step forward for the project and means any tweaks can now be made to speed up the production process, step up the trials and eventually see the plane take to the skies in life-saving missions.
The Community Interest Company (CIC), which has partnered with US Zenith Aircraft Company and several start-up investors, is the brainchild of Shipdham-based husband and wife Tim and Helen Bridge, who founded the company in 2019 and began the work during the covid lockdowns three years ago.
They have taken a light-aircraft (available in kit form), and replaced the petrol engine and fuel tanks with an electric one with batteries, supported by solar charging stations on the ground. Both the aircraft and the solar system are based at Old Buckenham.
Mr Bridge said: “Nobody else is building electric aircraft in this way. Our aim is to provide a low-cost, rugged and practical aircraft for use in rural and hard to reach communities, such as medics in Uganda and doctors in rural India.
“We knew it would work, the aircraft is a reliable one, but it’s great to actually see it in action. Now we have done that our next stage is to find the money to fund another plane and replicate this so we can get this out into the testing environment and go from there.
“As soon as funding allows, we hope to move towards getting this into communities, where it can make a real difference. There are currently a billion people in the world with no access to healthcare, 20,000 people will die because of that just today. This can be a genuine life-saver.”
The test flight was piloted by Captain Tim Kingsley, a pilot at Norwich-based air charter company SaxonAir, which is backing the project.
Captain Kingsley said afterwards: “I’m very happy with how today went. It was cold out there, there was a bit of crosswind, but everything went really well.
“I’m delighted to be involved in this project and although it is still at its very early stages the vision is a really exciting one. There’s nothing like this anywhere else in the world.
“I’ve seen first-hand the challenges some of these communities face and harnessing natural energy in such a way could make a real difference to so many people’s lives.”
Last year NUNCATS teamed-up with SaxonAir, the International Aviation Academy Norwich, Action Community Enterprises (ACE), East Coast College and Vattenfall to give young people aged 14 to 25 the opportunity to start building one of the aircraft at a free aviation summer school. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has committed to further funding of the summer school and it is hoped the aircraft being constructed will become the second flight-ready ‘sky jeep’.
NUNCATS is still looking for backers and sponsors to help fund the project. The ‘sky jeep’ can also be purchased as a greener option for sports flyers.