Richard, Dax, Luke & Connor attended the National ACR & Heat Pump awards ceremony on March 6th in Manchester at the Midland Hotel.
We won Air Source Project of the Year for a retrofit air source heat pump installation in a riverside townhouse in Norwich and Heat Pump Installer of the Year 2025.
R A Brown Heating Services have been awarded national Heat Pump Installer of the Year, 5 years out of the last 7 years, the other 2 years we were runner up, receiving highly commended accolade from the judges. We have to admit to being very proud of this successful track record and want thank the whole team for all their efforts.
We are thrilled to be continually recognised for our work. The recognition of Heat Pump Installer of the Year, recognises more than just our work installing heat pumps, it also includes our work in the heat pump industry supporting apprenticeships and colleges in Norfolk & Suffolk and also being a voice in National discussions to champion the industry and heat pumps to achieve carbon reduction.
If you would like to discuss installing a heat pump, then give us a call on 01603 898904.
On 30 January, a high-level delegation from the Department
for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) visited Norwich Research Park, to
see the cutting edge research and innovation in Engineering Biology that is
being conducted on campus.
The team, led by Dr. Isabel Webb, Deputy Director for
Technology Strategy and Security, visited Norwich Research Park’s BBSRC (Biotechnology
and Biological Sciences Research Council) research institutes – the Quadram
Institute, Earlham Institute and John Innes Centre.
Hosted by Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership,
the campus management company for Norwich Research Park, the delegation initially
met with the directors of the research institutes for a strategic discussion. Roz
highlighted the opportunity for the campus to participate in, and where
appropriate lead, transformative programmes of work that she termed ‘bio-transitions’.
This term describes the work being undertaken by the large
cluster of microbiologists, based on campus, where they are making new
discoveries to tackle climate change, food security and the health of the
nation. This ‘bio-transitions’ work, to create new innovations, will ultimately
support the Government’s growth agenda by creating new high-value jobs and
improve productivity.
The department’s team were given a detailed presentation and
tour of the Earlham Institute’s technologies, where they met Director of the
Earlham Institute, Neil Hall, and the Head of Plant Genomics Anthony Hall. The
DSIT team was particularly interested in the use of the BioFoundry and its
advanced capabilities.
A networking lunch was held where they were introduced to many
of the entrepreneurs who have set up successful companies at Norwich Research
Park including Colorifix, Tropic, Alora and Inspiralis.
Lunch was followed by a series of presentations from the
John Innes Centre, including a progress on the Next Generation
Infrastructure (NGI) project, the work of the Insectary and the work of
Professor Anne Osbourn’s lab on plant natural product biosynthesis.
Next was a visit to the Quadram Institute where they were
hosted by Dr Patricia Hart who explained the ground-breaking research being undertaken
which included several aspects of engineering biology, from environmental
applications to human health and plant biotechnology.
The DSIT visitors were introduced to PhD student Brenda
Mionki who talked about her research into how gene-edited tomatoes could
provide a new way of supplementing vitamin D for individuals lacking this
important vitamin and Dr Rokas Juodeikis, a Quadram Institute Bioscience
Fellow, who is developing novel strategies to improve health and address
nutrient deficiencies using bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEV) engineering.
The visit to the Quadram Institute was concluded by a discussion with Prof Mark
Webber and his team around their use of functional genomics in Engineering
Biology.
At the conclusion of the visit, Roz said, “This was a great opportunity
to showcase the ways in which Norwich Research Park is leading the Engineering Biology
scene in the UK, in terms of the critical mass of activity, the diverse range
of work, the deep-tech nature of the curiosity-driven science and applied
science, and the way in which the campus is supporting new spin-outs and
industry partners to maximise the impact of publicly-funded research which is
creating jobs and generating growth for the economy.
“With further support from our partners, in government, we
will be able to create growth in the economy through ‘bio-transitions’
workstreams which involve all areas of industry and society and which will help
mitigate the impact of climate change, ensure food is nutritious and that
people stay healthier for longer.”
As of today, 26 May 2015, law is in force which prevents employers who utilise zero-hours contracts from having exclusivity clauses in those contracts, or enforcing such clauses if they are already included in the contracts. Employers will no longer be able to enforce any clause or provision in a zero-hours contract which:
prohibits a worker from doing work or performing services under another contract (or any other arrangement); or
prohibits a worker from doing work or performing services without the employer’s consent.
It is important to stress that in spite of all the hype and media attention that they attract, zero-hours contracts are still legal. They can be a useful tool for employers, in particular those who require a flexible or seasonal workforce. What is clear, however, is that what employers can do under a zero-hours contract is changing; further laws and regulations on the use of zero-hours contracts are expected later this year. The Government had discussed introducing legislation to create a new protection from detriment for zero-hours contract workers who take jobs under other contracts, however as yet no such legislation has been brought into force.
In addition to the new changes for zero-hours contracts, the maximum financial penalty that can be imposed on employers who fail to pay their employees the national minimum wage has increased. The penalty imposed can now be calculated on a per worker basis (rather than on a per employer notice basis) up to a maximum of £20,000.
If you are concerned about zero-hours contracts or any other aspect of this article you should first speak with a member of our Employment Team on 01603 281153.
Note: The content of this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken in any specific circumstance.
Leathes Prior Solicitors has partnered up with Swardeston Cricket Club to sponsor their growing youth section.
Swardeston can trace its club history back over 150 years and in 2010 were crowned the ECB’s Cockspur T20 national champions after claiming victory under the live Sky cameras at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground. The club has also won the East Anglian Premier League title three years running.
Swardeston Cricket Club now fields four adult Saturday teams, two on Sundays and has six junior teams from Under-9 to Under-15. They are also actively growing the girls’ section.
Leathes Prior will join existing Swardeston sponsor The Parson Woodforde. The firm’s Business Development and Marketing Manager Charlotte Disney said: “We are delighted to be able to support Swardeston as youth section sponsor and look forward to supporting the club’s developing role in the local sporting community.”
Under the deal, Swardeston’s youth coaches will wear Leathes Prior branded kit and the firm will explore opportunities via the club’s weekly summer Tuesday night coaching sessions which regularly attract about 90 youngsters.
Swardeston chairman Mark Taylor said: “We are thrilled that Leathes Prior has agreed to become our youth sponsor. The youth section has been growing steadily at the club for a number of years. 2014 saw the formation of a girls section and we are pleased to announce that we will also be running an additional team at Under-13 level this summer.
“We are determined to continue building a club which thrives at the heart of a community and as such we are thrilled that Leathes Prior’s backing has also enabled us to offer discounted coaching in three local schools this season. Swardeston coaches will be working with the pupils at Mulbarton Junior School, Cringleford CE VA Primary School and Avenues Junior School.”
Vicki Mitman of Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team has been awarded the first Encouraging Women Into Franchising ‘Young Woman’ award.
The fifth annual Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) Awards Ceremony was held yesterday at RBS House, Bishopsgate, London. The Awards Ceremony was well attended with approximately 130 supporters, finalists and guests.
A new award has been added this year for young women (those 30 years old or younger) who have made a flying start to their role / career in franchising and who also mentor others and give back to the industry. Vicki is the first winner of the new award. Vicki was also a finalist for the ‘Woman Service Provider of the Year’ award.
For further information about Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team or Encouraging Women Into Franchising, please contact Vicki on 01603 281185 or vmitman@leathesprior.co.uk
A strong start to 2025 for the Huxley Events team, announcing they are finalists for two awards. The company has been nominated for the South Norfolk & Broadland Business Awards in the category of “South Norfolk Small Business of the Year”, as well as for the Conference News Agency Awards in the “Oil, Gas & Energy Event of the Year 2025” for their standout event, the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) SNS2024 conference, exhibition, and gala dinner.
The South Norfolk & Broadland Business Awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of local businesses within the community. This year’s awards ceremony will take place in March, bringing together the brightest and most innovative organisations in South Norfolk and Broadland. Huxley Events is proud to be recognised among the best small businesses in South Norfolk, showcasing their commitment to amazing events, creativity, strong customer service and community engagement.
The nomination reflects Huxley Events’ relentless drive and dedication to delivering high-caliber events.
In addition to the local accolade, Huxley Events is also a finalist for the Conference News Agency Awards, known for highlighting excellence in the conference and events industry nationally. Their event for EEEGR, SNS2024—has been recognized as the “Oil, Gas & Energy Event of the Year 2025”. This award ceremony will take place in March, and Huxley Events is excited to finalists alongside other major events such as 2024 Shell Eco-Marathon, by Emota.
The SNS2024 event, held earlier this year at the Norfolk Showground, was a landmark celebration of energy, innovation, and collaboration. The conference brought together nearly 1,500 attendees, including industry experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders. With engaging sessions led by 68 speakers and an exhibition featuring 72 exhibitors, the event was a resounding success with Huxley Events working behind the scenes on the full logistical and operational planning for the event. The gala dinner, with more than 350 guests, accompanied the conference and was not only memorable but also showcased the exquisite culinary talents of local chef Alex Firman (Garden Kitchen Catering), earning rave reviews from attendees.
“We are delighted to be recognised for our hard work and dedication in both local and national arenas,” said Lizzy Dring, Managing Director of Huxley Events. “Our team is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. Being shortlisted for these awards is a testament to our commitment to these events, and we can’t thank our amazing clients and partners enough for trusting us.”
As Huxley Events gears up for the awards ceremonies next month, they remain focused on their mission to elevate the event experience in the region while contributing positively to the local and national business landscape.
Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) were delighted to hear they had won an award at the first annual Jostle Awards for their vibrant and engaging intranet receiving an enviable 80% or more engagement level each week. This award celebrates its people, and reflects its knowledge and values.
Launched in 2009 with a focus on employee engagement, Jostle provides cloud based intranet software to companies in 110 different countries with a quest to make workplaces more vibrant and productive. Jessica Hollander, Director of Marketing from Jostle said “As an organization Pure Resourcing Solutions exemplifies what it means to live your culture. This can only be achieved with strong vision and engaged leadership. The Jostle Awards allowed us to recognize their achievements, which we felt were extremely noteworthy. So much so, that Jostle created a unique culture award specifically for Pure, outside of the set awards categories. The Vibrant Culture Award – something Pure has demonstrated in spades.”
Gill Buchanan, Director from Pure said: “With offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich, it is important for us to have a clear way of communicating internally and we have found Jostle to be a great way of doing this. Every member of staff contributed to this award as all are able to contribute, allowing them to share news and announcements, host instant group discussions and access the Jostle library which contains all our company information”.
For more information about Pure or their Jostle Award, contact Gill Buchanan on 01223 209888 or gill@prs.uk.com.
An employment tribunal can decide whether to make a costs order. The recent case of Chadburn v Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospital NHS Foundation Trust makes it clear that, in making its decision, the tribunal will not only consider what the claimant can afford to pay at the time the costs award is made but may take future income into account.
Background
Mrs Chadburn brought claims for unfair dismissal and race discrimination against her employer, an NHS trust. The employment tribunal considered the unfair dismissal claim was “reasonably pursued” but found that she had fabricated the discrimination claims so that the tribunal could hear her complaints for harassment.
The tribunal made a £10,000 costs award against Mrs Chadburn for unreasonable conduct, holding that the employer’s costs were increased by approximately £35,000 in defending the discrimination element of her claim (out of a total of £72,500 excluding VAT).
Despite evidence that Mrs Chadburn had limited means to pay, the tribunal made the costs award considering that she was 39 years old and would be likely to improve her financial position in her future years of work. The tribunal also noted that Mrs Chadburn’s future divorce was likely to improve her financial means.
Mrs Chadburn appealed, arguing that that her debts were greater than originally represented and that the tribunal should not have taken into account her future divorce.
Decision
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) dismissed her appeal. The award was made on the grounds that Mrs Chadburn’s financial position was likely to improve in the future, as she would be able to earn enough to pay it. The tribunal did consider that the future divorce might play a part in discharging the costs award but this was not their main consideration.
The EAT further held that the tribunal did not have to take Mrs Chadburn’s financial means into account at all. The question of costs did not have to be decided on what Mrs Chadburn could afford when the costs order was made and the tribunal was right to consider Mrs Chadburn’s future ability to pay.
Comment
This case does not establish new principles but serves as a reminder of how tribunals may exercise their broad discretion to make costs awards and do not have to make a precise assessment of what each claimant can afford. The decision also illustrates to employees the dangers of exaggerating or inventing claims, as the rules on costs can operate harshly against them.
Norwich based IT solutions company Tiger Eye announce the appointment of Matthew Cleverdon as new director with responsibility for business development. Mr Cleverdon joins Tiger Eye from HP Autonomy where he was Subject Matter Expert Legal EMEA, and he brings twenty years of experience in the legal IT sector to the new role.
Matthew Cleverdon will be working with Tiger Eye director and founder Dave Wilson to continue Tiger Eye’s growth across the UK and into Europe. As Matt says
“My appointment with Tiger Eye is to build on Tiger Eye’s success by developing the business to offer more solutions, services and innovation to our customers and prospects.”
Dave Wilson added
” As compliance regulations become tougher, firms are finding they have to upgrade their IT systems and we want to continue to give the best advice. Matthew will help us do that”.
Before joining Tiger Eye, Matthew Cleverdon worked with the sales and marketing team at HP Autonomy advising legal clients across Europe and the Middle East on how to make the most of their systems. Prior to that, he was IT director and Partner at law firm Wright Hassall where he was responsible for the IT strategy of the business. Mr Cleverdon also has experience from his time as a consultant at Interwoven, software development at Wragge &Co and pre-sales at Greystone Systems.
Fendercare Subsea Services have successfully completed their UXO project on behalf of Sandbank Offshore Wind, a joint venture from Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest operator of offshore wind farms and Stadtwerke München, one of Germany’s utilities heavily involved in renewable energy.Unexploded ordnance (UXOs) are explosive weapons (bombs, shells, grenades, land mines, naval mines, etc.) that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, potentially many decades after they were used or discarded.
The UXO project was conducted at the Sandbank offshore wind farm which is the second largest power generation project undertaken by Vattenfall and Stadtwerke München in the German North Sea. The operation itself identified 120 potential contacts of which 26 were highlighted as UXOs and disposed of in controlled environments.
Fendercare Subsea Services’ role as an operator was to relocate the contacts using state of the art surveying equipment, excavation of contacts using dredging tools on the Work class ROV, identification of contacts by qualified UXO experts and disposal by their experienced Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. Due to the controlled, ROV based disposal method and the robust safety approach of all parties, the operations were conducted without an incident in which the safety of personnel was at risk.
By having the means of identification and disposal on board at the same time, Fendercare Subsea Services were able to switch quickly between the two different types of operations, resulting in time and commercial savings for their client.
The Sandbank project area is located 90 kilometres off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, and in total, 72 Siemens 4-megawatt class wind turbines will be erected there. With an overall capacity of 288 megawatts, the wind farm will start generating low-emissions power in the German North Sea in 2017.
Fendercare Subsea Services is a new division from the Fendercare Marine Group, bringing together established world class diving and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) brands to provide solutions to their customer’s subsea requirements.
This successful Sandbank project was carried out as part of a joint venture between Fendercare Subsea Services and GSS Hansa Offshore GmbH. The joint venture enables the Group to provide fully compliant diving solutions and UXO identification and recovery in accordance with German Federal laws.
Martyn Muntingh, Fendercare Subsea Services Director commented “Working with GSS Hansa, we now have the capability to detect, identify, remove and dispose of the UXO’s using experienced and qualified personnel who bring an extensive portfolio of successful live operations to the fore. We are delighted with the success of this ground-breaking project which was completed safely without any incidents and proud of our involvement in supporting the Sandbank project.”
Porkstock is back with the backing of more than a few Chamber members including organisersNorfolk Country Cottages, Redcat Partnership and Naked Marketing and sponsorship from Comms Supply, Breakwater IT, Signs Express and Grant Thorntons.
Porkstock is a free-to-attend celebration of artisan food and drink from across our region, and it’s all part of the Norfolk Food and Drink Festival.
The event will be at Redwell Brewery in Norwich on Saturday 25th July 2015 and is set to welcome thousands of people during the day to enjoy some great local food and drink. In 2014 the festival organisers made over £3,000 for two local charities and this year profits will support local charity Ormiston Families; you can find more details here www.ormiston.org
As well as more than 30 stalls selling food and drink from fantastic local producers, there will be music and dance, loads of games and activities for kids and grown-ups, and cookery demonstrations from top local chefs.
There will also be a fantastic opportunity during the day for mums and dads to get hands on with some pork butchery and sausage making workshops led by The Fruit Pig Company.
The kids’ zone will include creative activities for the ‘little piglets’, games to play and we also hope to have some real live magic and children’s entertainment too. And of course there will be plenty of street food treats (including vegetarian options) and wonderful craft beers, wines and soft drinks to enjoy throughout the day. So come along and join the fun.
The daytime event isfreeto attend and doors are open 9.30am – 5pm.
In the evening Porkstock turns into good old fashioned knees up. There will be music inside the brewery from CC Smugglers, The Vagaband and mariachi band “Beato Burrito”, plus lots more beer and tasty street food. This year will also see the creation of an electro-swing Gin Palace in a marquee at the back of the brewery, where The Goodtimes Republic will be airing some swinging beats to get everybody in the party mood. The evening is ticket only and they cost £15.00 each. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to visit www.porkstock.co.uktoday to buy your evening passes or to find out more about the free food and drink event.
If you would like a pitch at the daytime event be quick because there are only a few spaces left, so please visit the website today for more details. If you are as passionate about Norfolk food and drink as we are, we would love to have you on board.
We are also extremely grateful to all of our sponsors including Comms Supply, Breakwater IT, Grant Thornton, Charlie’s Food Heroes, Archers Butchers, Signs Express & Icarus Hines for their valued support without which we couldn’t make this all happen. We do have a few sponsorship packages still available if you are interested please get in touch.
Law
firm Birketts’ Shaping Excellence Team has appointed another dedicated lawyer
trainer to meet client demand.
Maaike
Wall joins the team as a dedicated lawyer trainer specialising in employment
law. Maaike, who trained and qualified at Slaughter and May, brings not only
her knowledge of employment law to the training room but has also spent time
teaching in a secondary school so has the valuable ability to put across
complicated concepts in an accessible way.
The Birketts’
Shaping Excellence Team trains boards, senior leadership teams, line
managers and employees on all legal issues that impact an organisation ranging
from health and safety, data protection, how to navigate through commercial
contracts and a full suite of HR and employment law training.
A
particular area that organisations from all sectors are facing is the new duty
to prevent sexual harassment and the investigation skills required to deal with
complex grievance and disciplinary proceedings within the workplace. With
established courses and materials on these topics, Maaike will join the team in
supporting employers practically navigate through these issues.
Sam
Greenhalgh, who leads the Shaping Excellence Team and is a Partner in Birketts’
Employment Team, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Maaike has joined us
to build on the capacity needed to deliver unique learning experiences to
clients. We consistently receive outstanding feedback for our ability to
deliver a tailored course to delegates that adds practical value to their
day-to-day management of people and the organisation as a whole. With the
significant changes to employment law being implemented and proposed by the
Government, organisations are investing in their people to stay compliant and
up to date.”
Maaike
said: “This is an exciting time to join Birketts and particularly the Shaping
Excellence Team where I can combine my love of employment law and teaching into
one role. Employment law can be quite complex to navigate but the way the
Shaping Excellence Team structures its bespoke training adds real value to
clients’ day-to-day operations. I am excited to be part of it and I look
forward to supporting organisations choosing to invest in their people.”
Jeanette
Wheeler, Partner and soon to be Head of Corporate Services at Birketts, said:
“It is great to see that the Shaping Excellence Team continues to grow and
evolve to meet the needs of the modern-day workplace. I am thrilled that Maaike
has joined us, and I have no doubt that she will be an asset to the team
helping many delegates and clients with their training needs over the coming
months and years.”