Join us for a taste of the Green Light Trust experience and spend some time connecting with others and nature, at the beautiful National Trust site of Blicking Hall.
This event is kindly sponsored by Uptech our Strategic Partners and the event includes a hot drink and breakfast; either a sausage bap or some Norfolk blackberry traybake!
We shall meet in the Blickling Hall Estate car park where we shall then set off for a walk through the beautiful Blickling grounds and then arrive at the Green Light Trust for breakfast and a opportunity to create your own souvenir from the morning.
This is an outside event so please wear appropriate footwear and clothes to suit the environment and weather.
Car parking is FREE for this event and details shall be shared closer to the day.
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday November 23, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to use its ‘reset’ of fiscal policy to pursue measures that incentivise business investment, improve infrastructure, and demonstrate the UK government’s continued support for business.
Pre-existing concerns over a slowing economy have been intensified by the political and economic uncertainty that followed the electorate’s historic vote to leave the European Union. The recent Quarterly Economic Survey showed that businesses have lowered their expectations for hiring, turnover, and investment in plant, machinery, and training in the coming year.
The Chamber network believes that the Autumn Statement can create the foundations for the UK to successfully navigate the coming transition period, and remain a great place to do business for firms of all sizes.
The BCC submission, which was handed to the Chancellor when the BCC took a delegation of businesses to meet him at Number 11 in September, proposes seven key measures:
A pledge to introduce no new input taxes or other significant costs on businesses for the remainder of this Parliament – matching the pledge made to voters on income tax, NICs and VAT during the 2015 General Election campaign
Further fundamental reform of business rates – exclusion of plant and machinery from valuations; and bringing forward the switch of the annual uprating from RPI to CPI to 2017, from 2020
Temporary widening of the Annual Investment Allowance – to include business premises improvements for a period of five years, alongside investments in plant and machinery
Improving the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy – levy-paying businesses should be able to support high-quality workplace and vocational training, in addition to apprenticeships
Direct investment in ‘quick-start’ infrastructure projects such as housing and broadband – to ‘crowd-in’ private sector investment in infrastructure, regeneration and growth. The Chancellor has already responded in part to this with a new housebuilding programme
Increased resources to directly support SME export plans – direct monetary support for firms to explore new markets or deepen sales abroad
Creation of an indirect tax road map – to give businesses much needed clarity to invest with confidence
Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The Autumn Statement gives the government a great chance to set the tone for its relationship with British business, by pulling out all the stops to support investment, infrastructure improvements, and business confidence.
“The Chancellor made the right move when he signaled his willingness to use historically-low interest rates to invest prudently to support growth, and he has a golden opportunity now to use this fiscal flexibility to ‘crowd in’ business investment.”
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“Plans to lower business costs and support investment would help firms take risks and seize opportunities in spite of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process. Westminster must do everything in its gift to improve the business environment – and firms will repay that backing with investment, hiring, training and export growth.”
Proposals to improve traffic flow in two busy areas ofNorwich are now open for public comment and feedback.
Both Dereham Road and the centre of Eaton and Cringleford are due for investment through Transport for Norwich, with Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council calling for feedback on the details of the schemes.
The aims of changes in Eaton and Cringleford include reducing traffic speeds to 20mph, installing traffic signals either side of Cringleford bridge that respond to the flow of traffic in each direction, and simplifying pedestrian crossings in the centre of Eaton. The project is designed to address the needs of general traffic while improving journey times for buses and providing better infrastructure for cyclists and those on foot.
Across the city at the Dereham Road/Sweet Briar Road roundabout, changes are being proposed that will reduce congestion for all traffic, improve pedestrian crossing facilities and provide a better environment for cyclists. By increasing the efficiency of the junction, proposed work also aims to improve the reliability and journey times for bus services in the area.
Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber said: “It is just as important that businesses have their say with regard to these consultations and I would encourage any business that could be affected by the plans to ensure that they make their views heard.”
Councillor Bert Bremner, city and county councillor and vice chair of Norwich Highways Agency Committee (NHAC), said: “An important part of finalising proposals on these schemes is to get feedback on them from those using the area, whether they’re drivers, cyclists, pedestrians or bus passengers.
“Information and comments received through the consultations can then help us fine tune the plans and hopefully iron out potential issues to make them the best possible solution that balances the needs of all road users.”
The deadline for responses on Eaton and Cringleford is Friday 4 November, while the Dereham Road/Sweet Briar Road consultation runs until Monday 7 November.
Following any amends to the plans as a result of the consultations, the final proposals for both schemes will be submitted to NHAC to seek approval for construction.
This course has been designed to ensure that supervisors, owners, team leaders and managers are aware of their health and safety responsibilities in improving health and safety culture or that of their organisations. It provides an opportunity to look more deeply into general health and safety from a supervisory perspective.
At the end of this course, delegates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the main concepts of health and safety, show awareness of the benefits of a positive health and safety culture, explain the roles and responsibilities of individuals, supervisors and management in health and safety and demonstrate an understanding of health and safety control and improvement strategies available to supervisors.
Equipment: No equipment is necessary for you to bring to the course. Pens and note paper will be available.
Lunch provided: Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the course.
Course Content
legislation (UK only)
concept of health and safety
accidents in the workplace
ill health in the workplace
health and safety organisation and management
supervising health and safety
There will be a gap between days two and three of the course for delegates to revise from the book given during the course. Subject to passing a multiple choice exam paper delegates will be awarded the Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance Level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Alan Boswell Group (ABG), a leading insurance broker and financial services provider, is pleased to announce the return of Zoe Kerswill, an experienced insurance executive to its Norwich-based commercial broking team.
Zoe is returning as a commercial insurance broker, where she will continue to provide exceptional support to both old and new clients.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zoe back to ABG,” said Adrian Rayner, Commercial Director. “Her expertise, dedication, and deep understanding of our clients’ needs make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident that her return will further strengthen our position as a leading provider of commercial insurance solutions.”
Zoe Kerswill brings 30 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry, having successfully managed diverse portfolios while maintaining a client-focused approach. Her comprehensive knowledge of the market, coupled with her commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions, has made her a trusted adviser to numerous businesses.
“I’m excited to be back at ABG. ABG’s unwavering commitment to clients sets it apart from its competitors,” said Zoe. “I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and I am eager to reconnect with our existing clients and build new relationships.”
Zoe’s return underscores Alan Boswell Group’s dedication to fostering talent and maintaining enduring relationships with its employees.
For more information about Alan Boswell Group and its comprehensive range of insurance and financial services, please visit www.alanboswell.com or call 01603 218000. To contact Zoe, please call her on 07769 736710 / 01603 214292 or zkerswill@alanboswell.com.
This course develops many of the features of Microsoft Excel. We will look at the most useful elements, including formulas and functions, using Excel as a database and sharing text and data with other applications.
Equipment: Pens and note paper will be available.
Lunch provided: For full day training courses a lunch with sandwich or salad, crisps and cake or fruit will be provided. Refreshments will be available throughout the duration of this course.
Course Content:
arithmetic formulas
advanced autoSum
autoFill
building functions
basic functions
absolutes
formulas and functions between sheets and workbooks
Major improvements planned, plus special ticket offer to herald the new era
A new era for the railway in East Anglia was launched across our region yesterday. Abellio subisidiary company Greater Anglia is starting a new nine-year franchise to provide passenger rail services to and from London across Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
People in East Anglia can now look forward to a £2 billion package of improvements to transform rail travel in the region.
Highlights include a complete fleet of brand new trains (replacing every single train in the current fleet with a larger fleet of new trains during 2019/2020 – up from 933 carriages to 1043 carriages); more services; faster journey times; 55 per cent more seats into London in the morning peak period; initiatives to improve punctuality from 89% to almost 93%; £60 million of improvements in stations and new ticket options offering even better value for money.
The majority of major upgrades, linked to the new trains, will be delivered in 2019/2020, but there are a number of other improvements delivered over the first three years of the franchise including 72 additional carriages to provide more seats from summer 2017; free wi-fi; automatic delay repay compensation for season ticket holders and advance ticket holders from early in 2017; ticket vending machines at every station; new customer information screens and help points at every station; at least 1800 additional car parking spaces and 4000 extra cycle parking places at stations around the network; a refresh and deep clean for all stations; significant investment in reliability modifications and interior refreshes for the existing fleet of trains and more investment in customer service and the Community Rail Partnerships.
To mark the start of the new franchise, Greater Anglia is running a “Wake up to Weekdays” offer with special adult return fares – £10, £15 or £20 for off-peak travel. Children can travel for just £2 return. Tickets are available to purchase until 30 October for travel up to 30 November, including the autumn half-term period.
After attending a special franchise launch event at Liverpool Street station, London, with Rail Minister Paul Maynard, there will be events at Chelmsford, Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge to mark the start of the franchise with regional stakeholders.
Jamie Burles, Managing Director for Greater Anglia said: “This is an exciting time for the railway in our region. This is the first franchise renewal to see a train operator replace its entire fleet with brand new trains. I’m looking forward to leading Greater Anglia as we transform the railway.
“We have a huge programme of improvements planned for trains, stations, timetables, journey times, ticketing, performance and wider customer service standards. Today really is the start of a period of major investment and improvement to upgrade services for customers and communities across the region.”
Stakeholders across the region have welcomed the new franchise and the planned upgrades. At Norwich station, Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia Customer Services Director, and Michelle Smart, Human Resources Director, marked the new franchise with James Mason, Board member for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Ted Gadsden, Chairman of the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Ian Dinmore, Chairman of the Wherry Lines CRP.
James Mason said: “I was delighted to represent Norfolk Chamber at Norwich railway station to mark the commencement of the new Greater Anglia rail franchise. The Chamber has worked very hard to promote great infrastructure for the benefit of the Norfolk economy and the developments expected through this franchise will be most beneficial to business in our region.”
Local artist, Beth Lester, is creating the illustrations for the self-led trail, based around ‘Great Britain’s Barrier Reef’ – the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds. Families will discover eight amazing animals and plants, including seals and starfish, that make this 100-million-year-old chalk reef, and its surrounding environments, their home.
Free trail maps can be picked up from Langleys in Chantry Place, or from The Forum, and families can do the trail daily in Centre opening hours between 10th and 24th February. Once the trail has been complete, families can enter a competition to win a £100 Langleys gift card courtesy of Chantry Place.
There will also be an ‘Under the Sea Selfie Station’ on the lower ground floor at Chantry Place.
Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “Norwich Science Festival helps educate families in a really fun and interactive way about nature and science, and we are looking forward to hosting this trail, which has been designed exclusively for us by Beth. It is fantastic that families can learn more about the incredible sea life on our doorstep at Cromer, and discover some fascinating plants and wildlife that call it home in our ‘Under the Sea’ trail.”
Norwich Science Festival’s Marketing Manager, Danie Hadley, said: “We’re so pleased to be collaborating with Chantry Place for 2024 to provide an engaging, free trail for families to enjoy in the half term. The Festival is not only a celebration of science, but also a celebration of Norwich and Norfolk – from the ground-breaking research taking place in the city to the unique wildlife that makes our county its home. We hope families and children will be wowed by the fact that harbour porpoises and the Parpal Dumplin’ sponge live just off our coast!”
Beth Lester is a recent graduate of Illustration from Norwich University of the Arts. Beth focuses on nature and natural history and has illustrated matchday programme covers for Norwich City Football Club. Beth said: “It has been a great opportunity to work with Norwich Science Festival and Chantry Place on this fun and educational project. I really look forward to seeing our hard work be enjoyed by families in Norwich and hope it sparks a long term interest in nature for the visitors. Many of the creatures depicted are at risk of decline caused by human interaction, and this trail will highlight the beautiful environment on our doorstep and how important it is to protect it.”
The Under the Sea trail is free and requires no advance booking.
Join us for the soft launch of our new programme Co.Solo.
Co.Solo is a new initiative – building a community for Solopreneurs.
During this session you will gain an understanding of what our Co.Solo programme is and how we can help support you on your journey. Our very own Marketing and Communications Manager, Rick Notley will be giving a short taster session – Marketing your business.
We are excited to soft launch our new programme and we can’t wait to see you there!
Swarm was established to improve the availability of apprenticeships for both learners and employers. The latest LSIP survey indicated that many businesses feel current apprenticeship programs do not meet their diverse needs, particularly for smaller companies where they require employees to perform multiple roles. In response, Swarm have developed over 30 professional business standards across various fields which allows them to tailor apprenticeships to address unique employer requirements. This includes soft skills training, all delivered online for improved accessibility, which is also available to the wider business community, not just apprentices. In the last Ofsted inspection, Swarm was rated as a GOOD provider with outstanding features, and boasts an excellent apprenticeship completion rate exceeding 70%, one of the highest in the industry! Read more including how they can help you with funding and eligibility challenges.
Please tell us a little bit about the work you’ve done with the findings of the LSIP
Swarm was set up with the fundamental aim in mind of making apprenticeships more readily available to learners and employers alike. The LSIP survey showed that businesses felt that apprenticeship programmes didn’t align with their specific business needs; a lot of small businesses need employees who wear multiple hats and the current apprenticeship standards model is more often than not, defined by one specific job role. We can’t change that but our solution is to offer over 30 + professional business standards – ranging from Marketing and Accounts all the way through to Engineering and Carpentry. Although many businesses have people who hold multiple job roles we can tailor the apprenticeship to cater as closely as possible to their unique needs. Our extensive enhanced curriculum allows us to add considerable value by responding to employer and learner needs, including those much needed soft skills, through a programme of additional CPD training offered throughout the year.
Training accessibility still remains an issue so the majority of our business apprenticeships are delivered via one to one or group webinars so anyone with an internet connection can access their learning. Our engineering centre is a ten minute walk from Norwich train station so our apprentices have multiple transport options to get to us and access the innovative Swarm Reagit centre.
We have recognised that there is a significant gap in funded training around ‘soft skills’ so for our apprenticeships we offer our comprehensive and responsive CPD programme but for the wider business community we have put together a low cost selection of accredited soft skills courses, which are delivered both remotely and physically, and can suit any budget.
We understand how confusing the funding and eligibility criteria can be, and how this can be a huge blocker for businesses wanting to train their teams so we ensure our Engagement team are fully up to date on the funding rules and can offer advice, guidance and signposting to businesses who need that help.
Business Growth Support has been a passion of Swarm since day one and we are currently putting a strong bid together to deliver several Enterprise skills bootcamps focussed on setting up, scaling and growing small to medium size businesses.
Please also provide a brief description from your Ofsted report
We were visited by Ofsted in February who came to do an audit of our provision and activities and confirmed that we are a GOOD provider. Amongst so many other things, we were proud to be able to present to them an extraordinary apprenticeship completion rate of over 70% which we know is well above the national average. The inspectors were impressed with all aspects of our provision awarding us outstanding for our leadership and management as well as outstanding for the behaviour and attitudes of our learners. One of the inspectors observed: “The stand out feature is the engagement with employers, that employers support the development of the curriculum, and that Swarm Training are meeting regional needs.”
