Get your adrenaline pumping and step out of your comfort zone this September by taking on the Big C Firewalk.
Join us for the hottest challenge this year and brave the walk over hot coals in front of Norwich Castle at the picturesque Castle Quarter Gardens. You will start with a motivational briefing from the team at Charity Firewalk, which will last around 90 minutes and then head to the coals to take your walk.
Cost: £15 entry fee + minimum £100 fundraising
Participants must be 18 years or older to take part and there will be a waiver for each participant to fill in before the event.
Please be aware that to take part you must not have any physical conditions which may inhibit healing, such as diabetes, auto-immune diseases, or any other medical condition which might adversely affect your physical and / or mental wellbeing in the event of injury.
Rail passengers in East Anglia are advised to check before they travel on 31 May and 1, 2 and 3 June. Strike action will affect Greater Anglia services on 31 May and 2/3 June, and action short of a strike will cause some cancellations on Thursday 1 June.
On 31 May and 3 June, there will be a reduced service on a limited number of routes. Most routes, including all regional lines, will have no service at all. Where services do run, they will start later and finish earlier than normal, with start/finish times varying across the network.
On 2 June, services will operate between 07.00 and 23.00, with all last trains reaching their destination by 23.00. Some routes will have a reduced frequency, but many routes will have a normal or near normal service during the hours that trains are running.
Some of the first services on Thursday 1 June and Sunday 4 June may also be affected. Although these are not strike days, there will be some knock-on effects from the days before.
On 1 June, most routes will also see some planned cancellations, due to action short of a strike.
Service Summary for 31 May
We will operate a reduced service on a limited number of routes.
Hourly service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street; Colchester and London Liverpool Street; Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street; and for Stansted Express services between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street
Trains that do run are expected to start from 07.00 onwards, with trains operating until mid to late evening and all last trains finishing earlier than normal
One train every two hours between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street from 08.00 until early evening, with the last train from London back to Cambridge at 18.58 on 31 May only.
No services running on other lines, including on regional/branch lines, other than those listed above
Service Summary for 1 June
On Thursday 1 June, due the knock-on effects of the previous day’s strike there will be no services before 07.00 and, due to action short of a strike, there will be some cancellations across the Greater Anglia network throughout the day (full list attached at the end of this release).
Service Summary for 2 June
On Friday 2 June, most services will operate with trains running on most Greater Anglia routes between 07.00 and 2300, with all last trains reaching their destination by 23.00.
Some routes, including Norwich to London and Ipswich to Lowestoft, will have a reduced frequency, but many routes will have a normal or near normal service during the hours that trains are running.
However, there will be no services between Walton-on-the-Naze and Colchester Town/Colchester, or between Hertford East and London, or between Stratford and Meridian Water.
Service Summary for 3 June
We will operate a reduced service on a limited number of routes.
Hourly service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street; Colchester and London Liverpool Street; Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street; and for Stansted Express services between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street
Trains that do run are expected to start from 07.00 onwards, with trains operating until mid to late evening and all last trains finishing earlier than normal
No services running on other lines, including on regional/branch lines, other than those listed above. That also means no Greater Anglia services at all serving Cambridge.
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We are very sorry that once again our customers will be disrupted by industrial action. Customers are advised to check before they travel on all strike days, as the number of services affected varies, with trains operating on very few routes at all on 31 May and 3 June, but on most routes and more frequently on 2 June. There are also cancellations on 1 June, due to action short of a strike. The rail industry is working hard to resolve these disputes and talks will continue with ASLEF and RMT to try and reach an agreement.”
Passengers who have already pre-booked tickets to travel on strike days can change them, use them to travel on either the day before or up to two days later, or apply for a refund by going back to their original retailer.
Passenger assistance will be available as usual for all trains which are running. Anyone requiring assistance who cannot avoid travelling by train on strike days should plan their journey and book assistance in advance if possible.
The rise in corporation tax will force many East Anglia companies to delay business investment, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP.
More than half of East Anglia businesses (63%) say they will pause future investment, after the headline rate of corporation tax rose to 25% at the beginning of April 2023, up from 19% in the 2022-23 tax year.
BDO’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of more than 500 mid-market businesses has revealed that 37% of respondents will either have to make redundancies or take on fewer people, with the recent rise in corporation tax leading to a reduction in profits paid out to shareholders for 50% of businesses. Worryingly, more than a quarter (27%) said the uplift in corporation tax had prompted them to consider leaving the UK.
While many businesses had hoped the Chancellor would publish a roadmap at the Spring Budget setting out a phased reduction in corporation tax rates, no such announcement was forthcoming. The much-debated move follows years of tax-cutting by the Conservatives, from a high of 28% in 2011 to 19% in 2017. In his March 2021 Budget, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced plans to increase the headline rate in a bid to aid the country’s financial recovery post-pandemic.
Peter Harrup, partner and Head of BDO LLP in East Anglia, commented: “Pre-Budget, many East Anglia businesses made their feelings clear that they would like to see a reversal of the rise in corporation tax. The Government has so far stood firm, but the Chancellor’s recent remarks on business taxes being too high suggests he might reconsider this position at the next Budget.
“Our survey indicates that the recent rise in the headline corporation tax rate will dampen current business investment plans and potentially hamper growth in the region as businesses pull back on spending. It has also highlighted a high degree of concern about the international competitiveness of the UK’s corporate tax regime. However, the new ‘full expensing’ capital allowances regime has been positively welcomed, suggesting the knock-on effect of the tax hike may only be short-term.”
According to Economic Engine survey, 60% of East Anglia businesses say that the new capital allowances rules, which give businesses a 25% subsidy to buy new plant and machinery, would lead to them to invest more in equipment.
Harrup added: “While it’s encouraging to see businesses planning to capitalise on the rule changes, there will be a swathe of service-led companies that will get little benefit from the new regime. Ensuring that service sector businesses are also incentivised to invest in growth, with subsidies being delivered in other ways, will be key to long-term, sustainable growth across the board.”
Join us on New Years Eve for an indulgent 4 course candlelit dinner, served in our WinePress Restaurant, followed by entertainment from our resident DJ until 1am.
Arrival from 7pm with carriages at 1am.
Just £108.00 per person. You can find details of our Candlelit Dinner menu on page 12 of our Christmas Brochure.
Don’t wish to drive home? Choose to stay the night from just £188 per person, includes Candlelit Dinner, bed and full English breakfast in one of our classic double rooms. Price based on 2 people sharing a room. Upgrade to an Executive room or one of our contemporary suites from just £10 per person.
To find out more about our New Year’s Eve Candlelit Dinner, or to book your evening of celebration, please contact events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk or call 01603 272008
As part of its Rebuilding Thriving Local Economies initiative, Barclays has partnered with people and businesses in four pilot local economies across the UK. In 2020, the initiative was launched in Great Yarmouth and activity will run until March 2024. Working with others, Barclays hopes to help address some of the social and economic challenges faced across the community.
As part of this, Barclays provided funding to directly help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and from July 2021 to December 2022, Family Action – a charity providing practical, financial and emotional support to those in need – distributed grants to vulnerable families and college students in challenging circumstances in Great Yarmouth.
They worked with a range of local organisations to identify individuals and families in need of financial support, including educational institutions and charities. In total, there were 156 successful grant applications, receiving an average of over £500 of funding.
These grants have been used for a range of purposes, including buying food and essential household items, and contributing towards utility bills and council tax. They have also been used to contribute towards travel for employment and educational costs to increase access to learning, as well as internet access and devices to stay connected like laptops and smartphones.
One beneficiary was a young person having to move in with her grandmother because of family issues. The funding enabled her to purchase a laptop and continue her sixth-form studies, after which she was planning to attend university and pursue a nursing career.
The majority of people who accessed this funding had to rely on foodbanks, were burdened with debt (including rent arrears) or grappling with serious mental health problems. There were also families under acute stress, dealing with bereavements or facing unemployment because of COVID-19.
One recipient was a 20-year-old student caring for their mother, who was struggling with mental health problems since her husband died from COVID-19. Their combined means of income was her mother’s universal credit, and the student found it challenging to secure a part-time job that would accommodate her caregiving responsibilities and studies.
The impact of the funding was felt across applications, with all successful applicants stating that they had seen an improvement to their financial pressure and burden. Importantly, they also reported improved access to education or training (63%) and a nearly one third (30%) noted improved employment prospects. Beneficiaries also reported reduced anxiety and stress (42%) and improved health and wellbeing (33%).
Family Action has been bringing about positive change to the lives of vulnerable families since 1869. They collaborate with project partners and referral agencies to identify grant recipients through their community-based services and financial assistance programmes.
To find out more about Family Action, visit https://www.family-action.org.uk/, call 0808 802 6666 or email familyline@family-action.org.uk
Sustainable competitive advantage is the holy grail of business. This session looks at the role developing an innovation culture has in creating market-leading products and services.
Disruptive innovation. What is it? How do you spot it? What can you do to protect your business against it? How can you use it to your benefit? Richard Ross will start the session by answering these questions, explaining how disruptive innovation is a specific strategy for gaining market dominance.
After the break, we are delighted to welcome back Dr Wendy Ross who will build on her previous talk by sharing her insights on creativity and problem-solving, exploring how these can be fostered within organisations.
By the end of the session, we aim for you to have a clearer path to making the most of the creativity and innovation that already sits in your organisation.
Agenda
Introductions
Disruptive innovation – getting the job done Richard Ross
The Possibilities of Disruption Dr Wendy Ross
Questions and Close
The Masterclass will last around two hours with questions, and be of interest to anyone curious about the world around them.
Coffee or tea and exceptionally fine cake will be served.
This is an in-person session so places are limited. We are keen to keep our Masterclasses free of charge. To help achieve this please could you try to honour your commitment to attend or let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to make it so your place can be allocated to someone else.
EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and, this year alone, needs to raise £7.8 million from its Retail operation, which includes stores across Norfolk and a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
For more information about volunteering, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk
The Norwich Society invites you to be part of a pivotal event addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change.
Focusing on the built environment, this event will explore practical solutions, share best practice, and identify future opportunities to create a sustainable future for Norwich.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
9:30Registration, refreshments and opportunitytoviewtheexhibition
10:30 Welcome–JonBoon RIBA, Chair of Norwich Society
10:35 Openingaddress–MikeStonard, Leader, Norwich City Council: Norwich 2040 City Vision
10:50 Keynotespeech–AsherMinns, Director, Tyndall Centre, UEA: Overview of climate change and its impact on Norwich
11:20 Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: The Green economy – opportunities and challenges for business
12:00 MattWilliams, Author and Geologist: Floods and the City infrastructure – resilience and adaptation
12:30 Prof.SaulHumphrey: Delivering sustainable development – regulatory barriers and economic opportunities for zero carbon projects
13:00 Lunch, networking and opportunitytoviewtheexhibition
14:10 Key note speech – Stuart Wright, Operations Net Zero Delivery Director, Aviva: Addressing climate change in business strategies
14:40 Prof.DavidPearson, Visiting Professor, Edinburgh Napier University: Technical innovation and its role in future development
15:20 NorwichBID: Norwich Solar System and the role of renewables in a low-carbon economy
We are thrilled to be showcasing a Wine Tasting with Chet Valley Vineyard as part of Norwich Wine Week.
Join us on Wednesday, 19th June for an entertaining evening with owner, John Hemmant. John will introduce you to three Chet Valley wines. He will share with you his passion and knowledge and provide you with an unforgettable experience. The wines will be accompanied by charcuterie and cheese sharing platters. Tasting notes will also be provided.
Just £30.00 per person.
Enhance your experience by booking an overnight stay at the hotel. Book a bed and breakfast stay from just £135 per couple for a Classic double room. Upgrade your room from just an additional £20 per night.
With a successful debut event in 2023, Norwich Wine Week returns in 2024. Starting on Friday 14 June 2024, the festival will bring together wine makers and merchants from across the region.
To book your Wine Tasting with Chet Valley Vineyard, or to find out more, call our Events team 01603 272008 or email events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk
We provide support to help people make changes to improve their wellbeing and to help them cope with common mental health and emotional issues such as low mood, stress, anxiety and depression. The range of support includes:
One-to-one and online support
Self-help advice
Free Workshop and group sessions including Successful Study, Wellbeing in Later Life, Improving Sleep, Mindfulness, Everyday Wellbeing and Wellbeing in the Workplace.
Relationship counselling for couples individuals and families
Courses to help you achieve a better sense of wellbeing and to manage issues such as stress worry and insomnia
Help to access peer support and social groups
Helping you find other support for issues affecting your wellbeing such as debt, housing and employment
Our service, for people who are 16 years and over can contact us by phone 0300 123 1503 or self-refer online via our website www.wellbeingnands.co.uk or by asking your GP or any other health or social care professional to refer on your behalf.
On 7th May Richie Finney, who heads Norfolk-based, multi award-winning gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett, set off on a Great Expedition, an epic solo motorcycle adventure, visiting barbershops across Europe.
Taking place in three sections between May and October 2023, The Great Expedition will see host barbershops inviting customers to a local event showcasing the hugely popular Captain Fawcett brand. As the company founder, Richie Finney, who is known as the Captain’s ‘Right Hand Man’, will highlight the best of British Gentleman’s Grooming expertise in his distinctive anecdotal style. Giving attendees the chance to meet the man behind the business, he’ll share inspirational personal stories about how a humble kitchen experiment became an iconic global brand.
The road trip aims to connect with barbers, clients, distributors and stockists, who in turn will gain local, national and international exposure though Captain Fawcett’s social media, newsletters and special features on the Captain Fawcett website, where a dedicated Great Expedition page will follow the Right Hand Man and his barbershop destinations using a live tracker.
Richie Finney says: “From somewhat humble beginnings in 2010, Captain Fawcett has become an international lifestyle brand, exported to 38 countries with distribution agreements in over 27. As well as winning multiple global awards, we have affiliations with some of the industry’s most celebrated global brand ambassadors. In fact, for four years running, Captain Fawcett has been recognised as a DBT British Export Champion. I have always been a great believer in the importance of real life connection, enormously curious about the world and its people. Which is fortunate because I’ve learned that in-country knowledge is really crucial when building relationships in overseas markets.
“Furthermore, whilst AI may well be fiendishly clever, it cannot replicate the sheer spontaneous joy of simply being human. By its very nature, the traditional barbershop experience is hands-on. As well as sprucing up one’s appearance, having a delightfully relaxing shave or haircut, the barbershop environment is all about having a chat, a laugh, a drink, a hug, a handshake. It’s about the sensual things – scent of perfume, a head massage, a luxurious close shave. These tangible moments of connection combat isolation and celebrate togetherness. They are the stuff of life!
“We’ve created a fantastic itinerary of Barbershop gatherings, meeting highly esteemed colleagues old and new. I’m enormously excited to be out on the road again seeing chums face-to-face, in real life as it should be –Huzzah!”
Use the Live Tracker to follow the Right Hand Man as he rides through Europe in real time!
Tune into Fawcett’s Diaryfor regular updates from the road… photos, stories and up to the minute mayhem guaranteed!
Do you want to make a difference in your supply chain, but need the tools to influence key leaders and embed the change in your existing processes?
This in-person training is perfect for Procurement professionals who are looking to align their procurement processes with their organisation’s sustainability goals or influence their leadership team to adopt better Procurement practices.
One delegate said they would “recommend [it] for Procurement and Purchasing teams who are finding their way into sustainable procurement, or have been tasked to develop policies where they don’t have well developed ones in place.”
By the end of the course, you will be able to influence key stakeholders, embed new practices and measure the long term success of your changes.
Our experts will share practical tips and real-life examples to guide you towards more sustainable procurement decisions.
To book, visit our Eventbrite page, call 01603 251 754 or email beth@abaprocurement.com
What have other people said about this course?
“Informative course, with some good real world examples”
“Thought provoking, well presented”
“Course was ran well, and Beth is friendly and easy to engage with”
