On 21st April, Google launches its new mobile friendly ranking algorithm. Essentially this update will mean that mobile friendly websites will rank higher on mobile search results. Making sure your website is mobile friendly is now more important than ever. Our “Mobile Strategy for Websites” article tells you what you need to do to plan for mobile, or just call us on 01603 513080.
Bigfork – we make websites stand outwww.bigfork.co.uk t:01603 513080
College builds for the future as new construction centre plans are cemented
Easton and Otley College is looking to help the national housing crisis by trebling the amount of construction students that it teaches in Norfolk by 2018.
Work has officially started on the £3.75m construction training centre at the Easton campus which has been supported with £2.5m from the New Anglia LEP. The new centre will open in September 2015 and offer bespoke training in all elements of construction, including bricklaying, building construction operations (BCO), carpentry, joinery and electrical installation.
It comes at a time of a national housing and construction skills shortage across the UK. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling for at least 200,000 homes a year to be built by 2020, with the proportion of members struggling to recruit bricklayers up from 27% to 42% in a year and the figures for carpenters and joiners nearly doubling with 23% of firms reporting recruitment issues.* In Norfolk and Suffolk the National Housing Federation says the local economy needs to build 2,200 affordable homes annually which would bring over 113m to the local economy and 2,300 jobs.**
Easton & Otley college first started teaching courses in this field at their Norfolk campus in 2012/13. Initially 34 full-time learners participated in a mixture of bricklaying, carpentry, electrical and multi-skills courses. Two years on that number has grown to over 100 learners and by 2018, the Norfolk campus hopes to support 300 learners.
Interim principal, Christina Sadler, said, “We have trebled the number of Norfolk Construction students we teach in two years and we are aiming to do the same again in the next three years thanks to this new investment. We teach around 14 apprentices in addition to our full time students and we are confident that our new building will be a flagship centre for construction skills for the East of England.”
“We work very closely with industry at the moment – particularly the CITB – and this means we can create even stronger industry links in the next few months and years. All in all, the facility is fantastic news for us and it will help to enhance our reputation on a regional and national scale.”
New Anglia LEP secured £2.5m for the new construction centre as part of its Growth Deal with Government. The award also included funding for other key skills projects up until 2021, including new college centres for West Suffolk, West Anglia and Lowestoft. Construction of the centre at Easton is the first of the Growth Deal projects to get underway.
Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP, said the new centre at will help tackle the serious skills gap in the construction sector and in turn help provide much-needed new homes for Norfolk and Suffolk. He said, “It is hugely rewarding to see the first of our major skills projects across Norfolk and Suffolk being built, just a few months after securing the funding. Our regional economy and the UK as a whole is suffering from a major shortage of skilled house builders, from brick layers and carpenters to painters and plasterers. This excellent new training centre will offer new and exciting career opportunities for hundreds of students and apprentices, boosting our skilled workforce while helping to build the homes we need for the future. This is education and business collaboration at its very best and we congratulate and celebrate Easton College for turning a great ambition into really positive action.”
Construction of the training centre has been awarded to Norfolk based Chalcroft. Lizzie Stratton, contracts manager, explained: “We are naturally delighted to work as principal contractor on a project aimed at equipping future construction workers with essential skills. As a local employer ourselves, we are excited about the prospect of having more well-trained individuals entering the construction workplace in East Anglia.”
*Figures from the Federation of Master Builders January 2015
Mattressman, Britain’s biggest mattress specialist, are the latest company to sign up for the nook business network scheme to raise funds to enable East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) to build the nook, a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk.
The nook buisness network scheme asks for companies small, medium and large throughout Norfolk to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support the charity will provide.
Staff at Mattressman collectively voted to support the charity, and the nook appeal in particular, following the nook launch event in the presence of EACH Royal Patron HRH THe Duchess of CAmbridge in November. Mattressman Managing Director Andrew Kerry has pledged the company’s support in raising £25,000.
Mattressman has 14 stores across East Anglia and London, many of which are in the areas where families receiving care and support from EACH live, making the relationship a perfect fit. The company also has a hugely successful online operation, which will be utilised in various ways to raise funds, as well as communicate to customers news on the appeal and the appeal target.
Staff at each of the stores and Head Office, based in Norwich, are well on their way in planning ways to fundraise, and loyal customers will also be invited to contribute should they wish to do so.
There’s also talk of an exciting link up with Mattressman and EACH with a unique children’s mattress, made in their Norwich factory, being made available for purchase. This initiative will in turn support the aim of building the new hospice.
Andrew Kerry, Mattressman Managing Director, said: “The nook appeal is a fantastic cause that will make a real difference to people in the local community, and I’m very proud to be giving our support to the appeal this year. The team at Mattressman and I are putting our heads together and coming up with lots of exciting ideas for fundraising, and we’re looking forward to working with EACH over the coming months to help them make the nook a reality.”
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted Andrew and all the team at Mattressman have really got behind our appeal for the nook and signed up to our business network scheme.
“While Mattressman is Britain’s biggest mattress specialist, it’s also a company that was born in and still resides in Norfolk and its stores are in the same areas that EACH operates so it really is a case if the company and its staff really playing its part in their local community effectively helping local families within that community.
“To make our vision of a new hospice for a local life-threatened children and their families a reality we need the support of all sectors of the Norfolk community – individuals, schools, community groups as well as the business sector, so Mattressman’s support is fantastic and we very much look forward to working with them.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01603 666767 or funding@each.org.uk and for more information about Matteressman visit: www.mattressman.co.uk
Norwich Puppet Theatre seeks to continue to raise its game in arts management as well as arts performance! As a result the Board of Trustees and the Staff are reshaping to increase their ability to analyze and forecast financial performance I these challenging times. If you or a colleague are interested in helping us through our part-time vacancy, please have a look athttps://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/support-us/vacancies
Fendercare Marine sign contract with Defence Support Group for provision of wet blast facilities
Wet blast provision to be provided on AM2 Helipad matting
Demonstrates the versatility of the Blastgreen wet blast services offered by Fendercare Marine
Contract win provides further evidence of the close working relationship between Fendercare Marine and Defence organisations
Fendercare Marine, the world leading marine products and services supplier, has announced the signing of a major new contract with Defence Support Group (DSG). The three-year frame agreement is for UK wide sub-contracted general engineering services for blast-cleaning on items such as AM2 Helipad matting.
The Defence Support Group provides assembly, maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrade and support services for the UK Armed Forces including current and future MOD equipment acquisition and support strategies. In December 2014, Babcock International purchased the Defence Support Group in a deal worth £140million. The deal included a ten-year contract with Babcock to maintain, repair and overhaul the British Army’s vehicles and light weapons, including Challenger tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles, which carry infantry soldiers into combat.
The wet blast facilities are provided through Fendercare Marine’s subsidiary company Blastgreen who design, develop and manufacture wet blast cleaning equipment for sale, hire and service. Their wet blast machines do not use chemicals or toxic abrasives but instead use a combination of water and natural, environmentally friendly media – Olivine and Garnet. The water and media are combined and applied in minimum quantities ensuring the blast jet is easily contained, with a minimal dust cloud and very little waste.
Brett Ward, Defence Project Sales Manager commented “We are delighted to have been selected by DSG for the provision of their blast cleaning requirements. Following on from our recent contract agreement with BAE Systems for equipment to supply their OPVs, this just demonstrates the breadth of quality products and services that Fendercare Marine can deliver.”
Blastgreen’s wet blast service has proved a popular and versatile addition to the Fendercare Marine portfolio of services. Blastgreen was originally purchased by the Group for use with boat builders and marinas due to its excellent performance coupled with its environmentally friendly “green” credentials. However, the versatility of the Blastgreen service soon became apparent with contracts being secured for wet blast facilities at airports, the London underground and for white line removal on the countries roads. Fendercare Subsea Services also use wet blast facilities on many of their underwater operations – proving it effectiveness both above and below the water.
Fendercare Marine has been a supplier of services including marine hardware to the MoD since 1999 and also supports navies throughout the world, winning a $29 million contract with the US Navy in 2012. Fendercare Marine also recently received praise for their fendering support to a flotilla of NATO warships in the Port of Cardiff during the NATO summit. Earlier this year, Fendercare Marine announced a significant new contract with BAE Systems Naval Ships. The contract is for the provision of rudder blades, rudder stocks, sleeves/liners for rudder stock, anchors, chain and deck equipment for three new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the UK Royal Navy.
National home efficiency company ENTU with their Southern Division are the latest company to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). ENTU have signed up to the nook business network scheme pledging to raise at least £25,000 for the cause.
The nook business network is a corporate scheme which will help EACH to deliver a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk. The scheme encourages local companies small, medium and large to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support that the charity will provide.
ENTU, which specialises in energy efficient products including windows, boilers, solar energy and cavity wall insulation, has a long history within Norfolk, supplying energy efficient products within the area for over 40 years. The company have supported a number of different charities over the past few years and this year have selected EACH as their chosen charity.
With representatives of the company attending the launch event of the nook appeal, in the presence of EACH Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, the nook appeal fundraising team were delighted to learn ENTU’s Southern Division wanted to be part of the appeal and have committed to raising at least £25,000 throughout the duratio of the appeal.
Natalie Douglas, Group Marketing Director of ENTU’s Southern Division, said: “EACH is a great local charity offering fantastic support and care for children and their families within the community and we are delighted to be working with Gary Cook and his team throughout 2015 to help raise money for the new children’s hospice in Norfolk. We look forward to getting started with our fundraising initiatives and hope to involve the local community in our fundraising activity.”
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “It was great to hear from ENTU so soon after our launch event saying that they wanted to get involved in the appeal in some way. Committing to raise £25,000 is absolutely fantastic and we’re very much looking forward to working with Natalie and the team.
“We won’t be able to realise our vision of a much needed new children’s hospice for Norfolk families without the support of all elements of the Norfolk community – individuals, community groups, schools and of course the business community plays a huge part in this so we are delighted that ENTU are on board joining a number of other Norfolk companies supporting our nook appeal by signing up to the nook business network.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01953 666767 or funding@each.org.uk and for more information about ENTU please visit: www.entu.co.uk
This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic communications professional to shape the strategic direction and resources of North Norfolk District Council’s communications at a time of exciting changes.
Building relationships
As our lead advisor on every aspect of communications, you will work closely with the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive, as well as councillors and staff. You will engage with residents and businesses across the district and forge relationships with local and national media.
Supporting change
In raising the profile of the council and promoting our initiatives, you will begin with a strong focus on our significant business transformation programme. We are improving efficiency and customer service, while driving greater value across services .You will lead our growth communications programme to help us boost everything from employment and creating jobs, to our efforts to enable the provision of new homes and infrastructure.
Developing brands
North Norfolk was recently named one of the nation’s best places to raise a family and we’re committed to protecting the coastline and the character of the countryside. As well as making sure people know about our important work, you’ll develop creative strategies for the evolution of North Norfolk’s place brand.
Your credentials
You will need proven experience of leading a communications team, developing and implementing strategies. An inspirational and influential leader, you will bring exceptional relationship building skills and political acumen to the role. Your demonstrable expertise ranges from brand development to maximising the use of digital media. Crucially, you will have the sound judgment and management skills vital to balancing many competing priorities.
Please note this is a politically restricted post.
Please note that we do not accept CV’s unless accompanied by a fully completed application form.
For an informal discussion, please contact Julie Cooke, Head of Organisation Development on 01263 516040
At Jarrold Logistics, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. That’s why we were proud to step in and donate a team and a van on Thursday 12 December to help Chris Elliott and the fantastic team at The Feed with stock deliveries for their vital work.
The Feed’s mission is to 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗵, ensuring each and every person has the support to eat well, live well, and feel connected. They are making a huge impact in Norfolk, they received a generous donation of food stock – more than needed for their Social Supermarket.
Together, we helped transport the surplus to Norse Group, who work with the Norfolk Community Foundation and the Nourishing Norfolk network ensuring this vital stock reaches food hubs across the county.
The power of working together to fight food poverty and support sustainable local solutions. We’re proud to have played a small part in this big effort to support.
A big thank you to The Feed, Norse, and the Norfolk Community Foundation for their dedication to making a difference.
Jarrolds Logistics is a national delivery service with over 30 years of experience in the courier industry. We work with businesses in a diverse range of sectors, including engineering companies, wholesale hairdressing suppliers, and food and beverage distributors. No job too small, we are here to support local businesses, we’re flexible and reliable, delivering a personal, customer-focused service that larger couriers cannot guarantee. Find out more today on
We’re absolutely delighted to announce our new partnership
with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity for the next 12 months! 💙
Our Hands On At Work team will be delivering seated
massage sessions to the incredible staff at Worcester, Redditch, and
Kidderminster hospital sites.
This exciting collaboration stems from the wellbeing events
we have supported since 2023 at Kidderminster Treatment Centre, where we
provide massage and reflexology sessions. The feedback from staff is always
overwhelmingly positive and highlights just how impactful complementary
therapies can be in the workplace.
We’re thrilled to be expanding our services to all
three Worcestershire hospital sites, starting this April in recognition of
National Stress Awareness Month.
The goal? To support the physical and mental wellbeing of
NHS staff, thank them for their unwavering commitment, and offer them a
well-earned moment of rest and relaxation during their demanding shifts.
Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, weekends, or
anything in between, we’ll be there to support the heroes who care for others
every single day. Because those who care deserve care too. 💆♀️💆♂️
Are you a NHS or private medical provider in East
Anglia who would benefit from our service? Please get in touch as we would love
to hear from you and discuss how we can help you support your workforce too.
Contact Kathy Scott on 07989 367669 or at
info@handsonatwork.co.uk
End-of-life care patients, their families, and staff at Priscilla Bacon Lodge can now access expert financial planning, thanks to a new initiative with Brancaster House Financial Planning.
The financial advisory team are offering free consultations that will provide tailored financial guidance to help alleviate financial stress during life’s most challenging moments.
By empowering individuals with personalised advice on pensions, savings, and other financial matters, this service aims to support the hospice community with greater peace of mind and financial security.
Shane Julian, Director of Brancaster House Financial Planning, said: “We understand the financial strain families face during life’s most difficult moments. I have a personal connection with the Hospice as a close relation spent her final days there this year. Through these sessions, we aim to ease that burden and empower individuals with the tools to navigate their financial futures.”
Priscilla Bacon Lodge, renowned for its compassionate care in Norfolk, welcomes this support as an opportunity to provide holistic assistance to its community. The hospice’s staff and volunteers can also benefit from advice on personal finance and retirement planning, ensuring their invaluable service is matched by financial stability.
Amy Wright, Event and Fundraising Coordinator for Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Brancaster House for offering this invaluable service to our patients and their families. Financial concerns can add significant stress during what is already a very difficult time. These free consultations will help provide clarity and reassurance, allowing people to focus on what truly matters.”
The initiative reflects our ethos of ‘financial advice for all’ and its commitment to helping people make informed financial decisions, no matter their circumstances. We are also an active part of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity’s Business 500 Club – a community of local businesses and organisations working together to support each other, whilst pledging to raise at least £1k for Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity.
Nicholas Halls, Director of Brancaster House Financial Planning, added: “We believe everyone deserves access to expert financial information, especially during life’s most challenging moments. By partnering with Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity, we hope to ease the financial burdens faced by patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions.”
To book a session or learn more, contact us by emailing info@brancasterhouse.co.uk.
Cooper Lomaz have signed an exclusive Managed Service agreement with Kinnerton Confectionery,Britain’s largest independent manufacturer of chocolate confectionery. Cooper Lomaz willrecruit all salaried and professional roles for the company’s flagship site in Fakenham, Norfolk.
The agreement means that Kinnerton will have all theirhiring needs filled in a simple, hassle-free way. Cooper Lomaz will market all of their vacancies, seek out the best candidates and thoroughly screen them against the job description before presenting them to Kinnerton for interview.
Why is this important? It lets the busy staff at Kinnerton get on with doing what they do best, making delicious chocolate!
While Kinnerton are famous worldwide for their character-themed items (e.g. Advent Calendars and Easter Eggs), they are also known for their commitment to manufacturing allergen-free products. Half of their factory is completely nut free, with a wall and airlock separating it from the ‘nut-zone’. They also make egg free, dairy free, and gluten free confectionery.
Aftereverything was official, representatives from Cooper Lomaz visitedthe factory siteto speakwithKinnerton again and discuss how best to help grow their business by attracting the very best talent (and have a factory tour!). After all, they are the current holders of the EDP Business Awards – Best Employer 2014 tile. It was decided that to make the most of their award winning track record and, in addition to providing their benchmark recruitment services, Cooper Lomaz would undertake a marketing campaign to raise the awareness level of Kinnerton as an employer of choice in the food industry. This willinvolve social media, online and printed marketing, and content creation,but will also include a dedicated microsite for Kinnerton on the Cooper Lomaz website.
Overall, the aim is to make the process of hiring new staff as easy as possible for Kinnerton. Cooper Lomaz have spent time getting to know the company and its staff so that our specialist recruitment consultants can sourcehigh calibre candidates thatwill fit in with the chocolatier’s company ethos.
Want to see how we can simplify your recruitment process? Contact our Managing Director Richard Mould for an informal discussion:RMould@cooperlomaz.co.uk
Last week Wayne Rooney, the Captain of the England Football team, was given a special treat in preperation for his 100th England cap when he spent an afternoon with the guys from Lambda Films.
Ok, so maybe it wasn’t quite like that…
On Wednesday 12th, Lambda Films headed down St George’s Park, the 330-acre English Football Association’s national football centre, in Burton-upon-Trent. There, the Lambda production team worked with the The FA, Vauxhall and YouTube football celebrity Steve Roberts of STR Skill School to produce an exclusive one-on-one interview with the England Captain about his upcoming 100th cap, and his top five goals.
The video was edited overnight and released the following morning to take advantage of Rooney’s impending 100th game. With the help of tweets and Facebook updates from the FA, the England Football team, Vauxhall and Rooney himself, the video garnered over 83,000 views in just a couple of days and continues to increase.
As well as the interview, the Lambda team worked with Steve Roberts and Wayne Rooney to produce a series of football tutorials for the STR Skillschool YouTube channel, one of the most successful football channels in the world.