Just a quick update to confirm that all of the areas served by our network will be covered by Tier 4 restrictions from Saturday 26 December (Boxing Day) onwards.
There are no changes to the Greater Anglia timetable currently in operation or to the service alterations planned over the Festive Season.
We continue to operate our services as normal for everyone who still needs to travel and, if you are travelling, you can continue to travel with confidence.
As always, we advise everyone to check information about your journey before you travel. We will keep on updating our website with any further information and details as things change. Detailed information about the Tier restrictions can be found on the government’s website (www.gov.uk), but please note anyone living in a Tier 4 area is meant to stay at home and only travel for work, medical or other permitted reasons.
Please note that full refunds are available for anyone who was planning to travel between 23 and 27 December, but will now no longer be doing so. Details are on our website.
I think this should now be the final update until the first week of the New Year, but then these days you never quite know !!
New rules on wood packaging material for import and export start now, so here is the Import Export Support guide for businesses who use or supply wood packaging material (WPM) to move goods to or from the EU or the rest of the world.
If you import solid WPM into GB from any country either to move goods or for supply to businesses, from 1 January 2021 it must meet international standard ISPM15. Your WPM can be checked at the border or inland premises to make sure it meets the necessary requirements. If your imports don’t comply with these rules then the WPM could be rejected or destroyed and you will need to make alternative arrangements for the transport of goods.
Note that rules for traders operating in Northern Ireland are different.
ISPM15 will apply to:
Packing cases
Boxes
Crates
Drums and similar containers
Pallets, box pallets, pallet collars and other load boards
Dunnage (loose wood used to protect goods and their packaging)
ISPM15 will not apply to:
Processed, non-solid WPM like plywood,
Raw wood that’s 6mm thick or less
Barrels for wines and spirits
Gift boxes made from processed wood
Sawdust, shavings and cardboard used as packing material
Importers using WPM: steps to take now to prepare for 1 January 2021
It’s your responsibility to use ISPM15-compliant WPM for your goods, including goods from all EU member states, from the start of 2021. GB will continue to take a risk-based approach to checks on WPM at the border or after arrival.
Contact your supplier or the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) if you need more advice on moving WPM from 1 January 2021. (Button)
https://www.timcon.org/default.asp
Exporters using WPM
Find out if countries you’re exporting to require ISPM15 compliant WPM. (Button)
check-future-uk-trade-tariffs.service.gov.uk
WPM rules for Northern Ireland
If you move WPM (for supply or to move goods) from Northern Ireland to the EU, there will be no changes to WPM requirements. These movements will continue as before. If you use WPM to supply qualifying Northern Ireland goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain there will be no changes to WPM requirements. These movements will also continue as before. WPM used to transport non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods must be treated and appropriately marked in compliance with international standards (ISPM15). (Button)
If you move WPM (for supply or to move goods) from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, your WPM must be treated and appropriately marked in compliance with international standards (ISPM15). Checks will be carried out on a risk-targeted basis only, taking into account that GB to NI movements are very low risk.
Suppliers of WPM
To produce ISPM15 compliant packaging you must be a member of the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme (UKWPMMP) and have 6-monthly assessments of your facility. Apply for membership of UKWPMMP and get email updates on the movement of WPM.
Your Own Place is delighted to have secured Children in Need and Youth Futures Foundation funding to improve the employment outcomes for year 9s at two Norwich schools in 2021 and 2022.
Following soft-skills and employability workshops focusing on the world of work, year 9s will have the chance to chat through their plans and aspirations in a safe space. This will be with their mentor who will provide an impartial listening ear, help them discover and reveal their skills, empower them to voice their aspirations and develop a plan to achieve them.
The difference you will make
Children and young people have had a tough time through Covid19 – and this project aims to address the ongoing inequality and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.
The positives of having a Your Own Place mentor are best described by our mentees themselves.
‘It’s good to talk to them. They can help you out with stuff. They’re older. They know the world a bit better. They can talk me through situations.’
‘My mentor was so lovely – her approach made me feel safe and comfortable so I could be open and express myself.’
You will be an impartial and non judgemental listening ear – something which is powerful for people of all ages and particularly young people.
You will help your mentee to identify and reveal their skills by asking open questions which allow them to reflect on their successes.
You will empower your mentee to give voice to their aspirations.
You will help them develop their own plan to reach their goals.
You will provide a positive experience of gaining help from an adult.
You will use your life and work experience to inspire them.
What you will gain
You will undertake two days of high quality, engaging training which will improve your mentoring confidence, knowledge and skill.*
We will complete an enhanced DBS check that is transferable to other volunteering opportunities.
By utilising your new mentoring skills regularly you will continue your personal growth. Many of the skills we utilise in mentoring are valued in the workplace eg positive leadership and management techniques.
Volunteering for an organisation with a track record of running successful and impactful mentoring projects will help your CV stand out, particularly if you would like to work in a youth setting.
You will be fully supported throughout so that you can achieve the best outcomes with your mentee and for you.
The satisfaction of using your life and work experience to help a young person envisage their future and start putting plans in place to reach their goals.
The enjoyment of connecting with a young person in a unique way.
The satisfaction of playing a part in preventing future homelessness (those in employment are statistically less likely to be homeless.)
*The training can be completed online, as a mixture of self-directed learning and trainer-led interactive Zoom sessions or face to face (as Covid rules allow)
We hope you feel inspired to be a part of this amazing opportunity.
You can find out FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) here to understand more about how the projects works and then apply for one of the dates below using the application form underneath.
TRAINING DATES
Online courses run from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Face to face courses from 10 am – 4 pm at a central Norwich venue
Bring the Brasserie home… Enjoy delicious food, lovingly created with locally sourced produce. Local Chef Mark Elvin, has devised mouth-watering dishes for the Brasserie at Barnham Broom, which you can now prepare and enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Equipped with full instructions, elements of pre-prepared items and all the ingredients required, you can now cook along with Mark from your own kitchen. Pre-order by clicking the button below, giving 24 hours’ notice. Collection available Friday’s and Saturday’s.
This is an important piece of voluntary sector research conducted every two years by leading property advice charity the Ethical Property Foundation, in partnership with the Charity Commission.
Whether your organisation rents or owns its premises, by completing the survey – which takes just 5 minutes – you will be contributing to a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector at this time of significant change.
The finished report will be of vital importance for everyone involved in the sector, whether service users, staff, trustees, funders, advisers, landlords, policy makers or local authorities.
The 2014 survey showed that:
45% of voluntary groups viewed property as the biggest threat to their organisation’s long term sustainability;
Over 40% experienced difficulty sourcing core funding to cover premises costs;
Just one third of charities had paid for property advice in the last three years.
Please help the voluntary sector find its collective voice about property and complete the Survey TODAY.
I’ve heard a lot in the last week about how the problem with getting young people leaving school in Norfolk into jobs is a lack of aspiration. I’ll go into some of the reasons I’ve heard this is the case in another post. What’s interesting is what’s being done about it in West Norfolk.
The Centre for Advanced Knowledge Engineering is a £350M development being built on the old Burnham Market RAF base. The intention is to attract Artificial Intelligence and other high tech firms to the region. As well as office space, the site will include a conference centre, incubator space and a new site for a local academy allowing it to double in size to 1500 students in anticipation of the growth expect in the region as a result of building the centre. Local infrastructure improvements, including an upgrade to Ely station, and 600MB broadband are also planned as part of the development.
John Beer is clearly passionate about making a difference and I believe that the Centre for Advanced Knowledge Engineering will do just that. I also think it will even out the distribution of tech jobs and firms in Norfolk. At the moment, as you would expect, it’s very Norwich centric.
John told us about the plans for the centre, the history of the project, the companies involved and his personal story along the way. It was fascinating and would have easily made a much longer session.
The Norfolk Developers breakfasts are held quarterly with the intention of exposing people with a more general interest in tech to the group. They take place in the Oak Room of the Maids Head in Norwich which comfortably holds 20 people and the excellent breakfast is from the buffet.
Associated British Ports (‘ABP’) has seen timber volumes double this year at the Port of King’s Lynn, as the demand in the U.K. has increased for timber for use in construction, manufacturing and DIY, such as home offices, decking, home and garden improvements. Typically imported from Sweden, Finland and Latvia, over 88,800 tonnes of timber have been handled by ABP’s Port of King’s Lynn, which is more than twice the quantity that was handled in the first half of 2020.
The port handles a diverse mix of imports and exports, including forest products, minerals, aggregates, fertilisers, scrap metal and various types of grain. Grain is both imported and exported, depending on the quality of both the UK and European harvests, but the trend in rising timber volumes is estimated to continue with demand.
ABP is investing circa £1.25 million in new undercover storage provisions for forest products, a Dutch Barn storage facility, which will be finished later this year. Over the last few years, ABP has regularly made large investments in the infrastructure of the port, completing the installation of new lock gates this year, and investing over £3 million in a new crane and other equipment in 2017. ABP has also recently invested in surfacing improvements for timber, demolished redundant and time-expired warehousing, and replaced a number of pieces of handling equipment, as well as introducing new access control arrangements.
Kim Kennedy, Port Manager for King’s Lynn, Associated British Ports, said:
“We are delighted to be having the busiest year that we’ve had for some years. Everyone has been brilliant in their attitude of coming to work and adapting to the challenges and conditions of the last 15 months, completing the safe and ‘Covid-secure’ loading and discharging of approximately 200 ships during this period.”
Not only are timber volumes likely to continue, but if the predictions for warmer weather are correct, then the wheat harvest in the UK should mean that the port will far exceed the estimate of handling 450,000 tonnes of cargo for the year. Working tirelessly towards ABP’s mission of “Keeping Britain Trading”, the Port of King’s Lynn continues its commitment to support the recovery of the UK economy, and the variety of industries in which ABP’s customers are involved.
Today (Monday 12 July 2021) sees the launch of a major consultation on the future of the Norwich Lanes as Norfolk County Council and the Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership ask for your views on a series of proposals to change how the area functions and feels. ‘Connecting the Norwich Lanes’ is a range of inter-connected schemes which make up the overall vision for the area. The proposals include; a new riverside footbridge between Duke Street and St Georges Street, making the temporary measures to remove general traffic on St Benedicts Street and Exchange Street permanent, a new cycle track and crossing facilities on St Andrews Street and creating a better environment for enjoying the St Giles Street area on foot. Councillor Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, and chair of the Transport for Norwich Joint Committee said: “‘Connecting the Norwich Lanes’ is a programme of measures that aim to make it safer and easier to get around on foot or by bike, support opportunities for outdoor hospitality, boost the local economy and improve air quality. “All residents and businesses within the area impacted by the proposals have been written to directly and we are also running a wider campaign to raise awareness of the consultation and encourage people to have their say. “We’ve listened to feedback from stakeholders while the temporary measures on Exchange Street and St Benedict Street have been in place and have sought to address any concerns in what’s been put forward but this is just one aspect of the overall vision for the area. “The programme brings together projects funded by DfT’s Transforming Cities Fund with those from other sources and we want everyone to see them in context and help shape the future of this fantastic city asset and important destination for residents and visitors alike.” Norwich City Council councillor Mike Stonard, cabinet member for inclusive and sustainable growth, said: “I welcome this opportunity for the public to comment on these proposals. “This is another important step in making Norwich more pedestrian and cycle friendly, that contributes to cleaner air and helps boost footfall, which leads to local economy growth. “The St Giles street proposal is part of our ambitious Norwich Town Deal Public Realm project, and set to benefit from government funding, while the city council-led River Wensum Strategy partnership has helped to develop the riverside footbridge scheme – it’s fantastic to be part of such a collaborate effort to make the city an even more inviting place to live and visit.”
Cllr Jamie Osborn, who represents the area for both council’s said: “Many residents have spoken to me about the need for cleaner air and healthier, low-carbon modes of transport after the experience of lockdown. The proposals to make the Norwich Lanes area more connected for walking and cycling is a step towards that positive vision. The vision to reclaim space for people in the heart of Norwich is exciting, and something that I am sure the public will want to have a say on.”
Jonty Young, spokesman of the Norwich Lanes Association said: “”There are some really interesting ideas here and the Norwich Lanes Association certainly hope that as many local businesses, residents and regular visitors to the area, take part in this consultation.”
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) said: “This is a bold proposal for a much-loved part of the city, and we’d encourage everyone – particularly the businesses in the area – to feed into discussions about ‘Connecting the Lanes’. Accessibility and transport are key to the city centre economy and trading. Looking to the future, the ability to adapt will only make Norwich more resilient, and these plans have the potential to be an exciting development for the Norwich Lanes. Norwich BID will take into account our businesses perspectives and input our views, in order to do ensure this proposal is right for the city.” The public are invited to view the plans on the project website www.norfolk.gov.uk/norwichlanes and comment on the proposals overall or the detailed changes proposed in each area via the online surveys. The consultation will run for 4 weeks until Monday 9 August. Hard copies and alternative formats can be provided on request from Norfolk County Council’s main switchboard and virtual meetings via Zoom or telephone are also being offered to answer questions and discuss the proposals in more detail. All feedback received will be analysed and, where appropriate, the plans revised in response before reporting back to local councillors along with the final proposals for scheme delivery. The web page above will be kept up to date with the latest information, progress and any relevant committee dates.
Free to attend event will help businesses tackle the climate crisis as aviation charter company ‘Clear the Air’ around sustainability
Within the next three decades, sustainable practices will become second nature to us all, not only as a nation but across the globe as we strive to cut emissions to net zero by 2050. A recent UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report explicitly places the responsibility for the rise in annual temperatures on human activity and warns that we must act now to address the impacts of global warming.
Already, many businesses have requirements to implement sustainable business practices and demonstrate to their customers that sustainability is a priority within their operations with many companies scoring potential suppliers on this important aspect when awarding tenders for major projects. SaxonAir’s “Clearing the Air” event seeks to bring local businesses together and inspire them to innovate, connect and collaborate on their sustainability goals and climate change at large. The focus of the event will be around activity that meets reduce, reuse and repair objectives. There will be designated areas within the event space where various exhibitors will be showcasing and demonstrating their products in relation to each ‘R’ and how businesses can take ideas away and apply them to their own operations. Hosts SaxonAir have already implemented many of their own sustainable business practices, with more in the pipeline. The aviation industry often comes under fire for its contribution to the climate emergency, but in reality contributes only 2% to global annual carbon emissions and is continuing to meet reduction targets set in 2009. It also innovates in carbon reduction and zero emission technologies, and SaxonAir are committed to reducing their carbon impact and taking responsibility for their contributions to climate change, having targeted being carbon neutral by 2025. The journey has been a challenging one for the aviation charter company, who say access to resources hasn’t always been easy: “We are committed to a sustainable future for aviation and beyond and the IPCC report cements this for us. Our ambitious sustainability goals keep us motivated, but accessing the resources needed to support these goals has often been difficult and sometimes confusing,” said Rebekah Hill, Wellbeing and Sustainability Manager at SaxonAir. “Because of the barriers we’ve faced in gaining access to resources, we want to make it as easy as possible for other businesses, particularly those small businesses who have limited resources, to find the help and guidance they need to commit to a sustainable future.” “Climate change affects us all – we’re all in this together! So, it’s important that we help each other to reduce our carbon emissions and prioritise sustainable operations. By doing so in a networking event style, we can connect local businesses and facilitate the sharing of best practice and innovative ideas, with the added benefit of being able to network for the first time in what feels like forever!”
County Council’s proposal for the Long Stratton Bypass moves a significant step closer today after the Government confirmed vital funding for the project. Approval of the council’s Outline Business Case, submitted in January, has now been received from The Department for Transport along with a funding commitment of £26.2 million towards the cost of the building the new road, which will cut congestion and support the local economy for years to come. The council is working in collaboration with developer Norfolk Homes Ltd/Norfolk Land Ltd to bring forward the proposals for the long-awaited bypass, which will feed into a revised planning application expected to shortly be submitted to South Norfolk Council by the developer. As part of the planning process, South Norfolk Council will then complete a consultation on the planning application details. Cllr Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport and member of Transport East said: “This is fantastic news and a most timely announcement from government, particularly in view of the Covid-19 recovery. The A140 through Long Stratton is a real pinch point that affects thousands of road users, and the people who live and work in Long Stratton, on a daily basis. We want to deliver this vital scheme as soon as possible to cut congestion, help the local economy and vastly improve this major regionally important route linking Norwich and Ipswich. The bypass is set to create hundreds of new jobs and homes, open up improvements for cycling and walking, and solve traffic and transport issues local people have been facing for more than a generation.”
South Norfolk District Councillor, Alison Thomas said: “Having campaigned for a bypass for Long Stratton since 1997 I am delighted that funding has been agreed as we have lobbied hard and the government has listened. Our role now will be to ensure the project is delivered within budget and timescales to improve the safety and well-being of all those living, working or travelling through Long Stratton. This is a great day for Long Stratton residents and one many feared would never come!” The proposed new A140 bypass will be a single carriageway road that will provide a new junction at Church Lane to the north, extending from this junction on the east side of Long Stratton in a southerly direction for approximately 3.9km, where it will re-join the existing A140 just south of Oakside farm. The estimated overall cost of the bypass is £37.44m with the remaining funding primarily sourced from local developer contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Subject to receiving all of the necessary statutory approvals, including planning permission, the target date for work to start on construction is mid-2023, with the road open to traffic before the end of 2024.
The much-anticipated Budget Statement has been released on Tuesday 27 October, giving the current Chancellor the opportunity to announce the latest Budget without national restrictions in place. Whilst we’re still feeling the impacts of COVID-19, we can now see the start of an economic bounce back, with forecast revenues ahead compared to the Budget announcement in March 2021, there comes a new optimism in the Chancellors announcement.
Some of the key policy changes announced were:
Increased spending for –
Transport – £6.9bn (however this is only £1.5bn as it includes the 2019 promise of £4.2bn)
Health – £5.9bn to tackle the backlog in the NHS
Health research – £5bn over the next 3 years to help R&D
Education – £2.6bn to create new school places for those with special education needs, with a £1.6bn over 3 years for the rollout of new T-Levels
Although there are no major increases, there is a continued effort to focus on investment and growth, whilst keeping the books in balance in a recovering economy.
During the Budget Statement the Chancellor further announced:
Inflation is likely to rise in the new year
There will be a new Charter for Budget Responsibility
There were no increases to mention in tax, other than the previously announced Health and Social Care Levy which is in effect a 1.25% tax increase on all earnings and dividends.
Other highlights include:
Removal of the public sector pay freeze
Increase in the National Living Wage to £9.50 from April 2022
The 100% tax relief available to businesses on the first £1m of capital spend will be extended until 31 March 2023
Cuts on Air Passenger Duty rates for domestic flights from April 2023
Retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors will receive a 50% relief on business rates in 2022/23, with a cap of £110,000
Alcohol rise cancelled, and lower strength alcohol will receive a drop in rates, with a further relief for draught sales and sparkling wine to be equal to still wine, based on wine strength
The planned tapering of Universal Credit will be cut by 8% with the aim of slowing the cut by December 1, to help those relying on the claim
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the latest Budget announcement, please get in touch, call 0330 024 0888 or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk.
National treasure and cancer survivor, Stephen Fry, has voiced his support for Big C’s new cancer centre in Norwich via video.
In the recording, Mr Fry talks about the urgent need for increased support for those affected by cancer in our local communities. He urges everyone who can, to keep fundraising and to help make the charity’s vision a reality.
To date, over £640,000 has been raised by Big C’s loyal supporters for the Nearer to Home Appeal, of which every penny will go directly towards a new state-of-the-art Cancer Support and Information Centre in Dereham Road in Norwich.
Carole Slaughter, Big C’s Head of Fundraising said “We have just over £100,000 left to raise to enable completion of the centre building and for the facility to become operational. We are hugely grateful to everyone who has donated so far and we’re asking for one last push to help us to deliver this very special support service for Norwich and the wider region.”
Norwich’s new Cancer Support and Information Centre will offer a warm welcome to those visiting, with a light, calming central seating area and a bright space for group activities. There will also be private rooms for one-to-one counselling and a sensory wellbeing garden. Once open, the centre will provide a centre of wellbeing with services such as support groups, counselling, the opportunity to talk to registered nurses, complementary therapies, welfare advice, bereavement support and individually tailored health and fitness programmes.