Member News

A bereaved couple have signed up for a foam-filled fundraiser to thank the children’s hospice that supported them after the death of their baby son. Chris and Lisa Bearman will be joined by others including eight-year-old son Freddie for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norwich Bubble Rush, in July. They are raising funds and awareness as a way of showing their gratitude for the care and support they received, following the death of little Henry in November 2021. “I went into pre-term labour at 23 weeks and Henry was born three days later,” said Lisa, who lives in Bowthorpe. “Amazingly, he was doing well in the neonatal intensive care unit and there weren’t any major health problems, considering he was so small. “However, suddenly, on day eight, he went dramatically downhill. “They had to resuscitate him but they couldn’t get him back and he died in my arms. “Chris and I called our parents to tell them of Henry’s passing. “We said they could come and see him if they wanted. They came to the hospital, held him and both said their hello and goodbyes. “It was the worst time of our lives and we didn’t know which way was up.” Chris, 38, and Lisa, 37, also had to break the news to Henry’s older brother, Freddie. Tragically, he had not been allowed to see his sibling before he died because of Covid restrictions. “We sat him down on a bench outside the hospital and told him his brother had died,” said Lisa. “We asked if he would like to see him and he said yes. “Freddie gave him a hug and sang a lullaby before saying goodbye. “As a family, we only had a very short time with Henry. “We remember thinking how small he was and were worried if he would be OK, having been born so prematurely. “Only Chris and myself were allowed to visit Henry when he was alive due to Covid. “We used to sit by his incubator and talk to him. We’d tell him about his big brother and what we’d do together when he left hospital.” After Henry died, Chris and Lisa were recommended to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia. They were encouraged to take part in memory-making exercises, including making hand and foot casts. “We felt numb at the time and were so grateful to EACH,” said Lisa, who works for an insurance company. “We’ll always treasure those casts of his little hands and feet. “I honestly don’t how I would have coped without EACH. “I have counselling to talk through everything and advice for how to help Freddie. “EACH is fantastic and we always say how amazing everyone is and how much they’ve helped since we lost Henry. “We did the Bubble Rush last year as a way to remember Henry. “We thought it would be a fun way to honour our son and give something back, so more families have help if they’re unlucky enough to find themselves in the same situation.” Unfortunately, Chris, who works in IT, was ill last year so Lisa took part with Freddie and father-in-law Paul, 64. This time, Lisa, Chris, Freddie and Paul will be joined by Chris’ sister, Sarah, 34, the couple’s eight-year-old niece, Evie, and Lisa’s mum, Jane, 64. “The three of us had lots of fun last year and wanted to do it again with other family members, all keen to race in Henry’s memory,” said Lisa. EACH’s foam-filled Norwich Bubble Rush is taking place at the Norfolk Showground on 16^th July. The course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath. To sponsor the Bearman family, head here. Click here for more details of EACH’s fun-filled 2023 Events calendar.

Join us in our pretty courtyard for an evening of music.

‘Cool RnB, upbeat Ska and Latin Lounge … with a Jazz feel – from Francesca and Clifford, food, Pimms and great company. This intimate event is from 6pm – 8pm and will run Friday 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th. 

Booking is essential, cover charge £10 per person, add a sharing board for just an extra £10 per person.

Why not book an overnight stay from just £135.00 Bed & Breakfast per couple.

To book please call our events team on 01603 272008 or email events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk

For our upcoming Golf Day event, we will be auctioning off a number of incredible and exciting items including a signed 2023 Norwich City FC football! The official auction will be run on the day of the event (21st April) but if you can’t get to it don’t worry, you still have a chance to win! Up for grabs are:

• Signed Norwich City FC Football (current squad)
• 1 x four ball at Belfry (not including Brabezon Course)
• 1 x four ball at Royal Norwich
• 1 x four ball at Great Yarmouth
• 1 x four ball at Mundesley
• 1 x four ball at Sprowston Manor
• 1 x four ball at Mattishall
• 1 x four people on Mini Golf Mattishall
• 1 x four people on simulators at Mattishall
• 1 x 9 hole playing lesson with Matt Gardner (Mattishall Golf Club)
• 1 x 40 minute lesson with Tony Varney (Mattishall Golf Club)
• 1 x Original Tour and Tasting The English Whisky Co (for 1 person)

To be in the chance to win, email the item you would like along with your maximum bid to leanne.neave@rspcanorwich.org Deadline to get your bids in is 12pm, Wednesday 19th April.

5th of April 2023 Written by Lee Hart, Head of Knowhow Energy Overview Headlines: ✓ Gas and Electricity Wholesale prices are higher. ✓ EU Gas Storage levels remain high at 56% full. ✓ OPEC announced further Oil production cuts. ✓ EU Gas Storage levels are 96% full. As of the 5th of April, Gas and Electricity Year Ahead Wholesale costs were higher, when compared to last month’s report. OPEC announced further Oil production cuts on top of those from last year, in an attempt to pressure prices higher. Russia also stated the intention to extend their cuts until the end of the year. Prices have rebounded from $73 per barrel over the last month to $85. There has been a small reduction in the EU’s Gas Storage levels from 59% full to 56%. This is significantly higher than the 30% seen in both 2021 and 2022. The EU target for November 2023 is 90%, in readiness for the winter demand, which will require Gas injections through the warmer months. Large numbers of LNG deliveries are still being made to Europe, compensating for the lower Gas flows from Russia, some of which are instead being diverted to China, which may reduce their future demand for LNG. As Gas is the main source of generation, the price of Electricity closely follows, despite the contribution from much cheaper Renewables. The growing diversity of supplies, which includes Nuclear and Hydro Imports from the continent, aims at reducing the reliance on expensive carbon sourced generation such as Gas and Coal. View the full report below  

The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House and tulip grower Mark Eves of Belmont Nurseries are thrilled to announce the return of Tulips for Tapping once again this Spring. The unique event, which will take place from Thursday 27th April to Monday 8th May (closed Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd May) is a rare chance to visit and walk through working tulip fields, taking advantage of special photo opportunities and enjoying a day out unlike any other in the country. The tulip fields are located just off the A148, close to the Sandringham Estate in King’s Lynn. The exact location will be given to ticket holders at the time of purchase. Tickets will be for 45 minute slots with first entry at 10am and last entry at 3.15pm. Adult admission is just £5 each, children (aged 5 to 17) are £3 each and under 5s are free. There will also be a special late afternoon/early evening opening on Thursday 4th May where the last entry will be 5.45pm. Norfolk Hospice Tapping House invites everyone to come and join in this wonderful celebration of the tulip season. All proceeds will go towards the Hospice which provides vital services in the local community offering free care, comfort and compassion for people who are living with a life limiting illness, whilst also providing support for their families and friends. Nicola Ellis, Chief Executive at The Norfolk Hospice said “This year’s Tulips for Tapping event promises to be fantastic. The tulip fields are a spectacular sight and with local traders selling food and refreshments, it really is something a bit different for people to enjoy. We hope people will support the event as all proceeds will go towards the crucial services the fantastic teams at the Hospice provide.” To ensure entry, tickets must be pre-booked in advance, online at norfolkhospice.org.uk. Tickets go on sale on Monday 17th April at 10am. There will be local traders selling food and refreshments, toilet facilities, free parking, and a stall selling merchandise at the event. Nicola added: “We are so grateful for the support of the local community and we hope that by organising events such as Tulips for Tapping we are able to provide people with unique experiences, while fundraising for the Hospice at the same time. I would especially like to thank the team at Norfolk Tulips, Michael Rae and Roydon Hall Farms.” Dogs and drones are strictly forbidden on the fields, and wheelchair and pram use is discouraged due to uneven terrain. Please also note that the site is a no-smoking zone. The terrain is uneven and can be either muddy or dusty according to weather conditions – please bear this in mind before you visit and ensure you wear appropriate footwear. For further information, please visit www.norfolkhospice.org.uk or contact The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House on 01485 601 701 Image credit Mark Eves

Attleborough-based renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm, has won two prestigious awards in the Energy Efficiency Awards 2023 for the East of England. The awards recognise businesses and organisations who are making strides in cutting carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency. Finn Geotherm was awarded Large Scale Project of the Year for its air source heat pump installation at Alive Lynnsport – the largest dry leisure centre in East Anglia. The company specified and installed three colossal 210kW Panasonic air source heat pumps – some of the first to be installed anywhere in Europe – to provide all the heating and hot water. The system is expected to deliver savings of more than 500 tonnes of CO2 annually. Finn Geotherm was also awarded Renewable Heating Installer & Contractor for its expertise in heat pump system design, specification and installation, which has seen the company completing some of Panasonic’s largest air source heat pumps installations in Europe over the past 18 months. In addition, Finn Geotherm was highly commended in the Small Scale Project of the Year for its ground source heat pump installation at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village in Suffolk. Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won these two Energy Efficiency Awards for the East of England. The installation at Alive Lynnsport was a highly significant project, which saw us installing some of the first 210kW Panasonic air source units anywhere in Europe. The project demonstrates the vast opportunity for air source in commercial applications, particularly in areas where ground source heat pumps aren’t an option due to space limitations. To also win the award for Renewable Heating Installer & Contractor is testament to the immense hard work of the entire team at Finn Geotherm who work so hard to deliver outstanding installations such as Alive Lynnsport and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village among many others.” The awards were also a great success for housing association Flagship Group who were nominated by Finn Geotherm and won Housing Association/Landlord of the Year. The award recognised Flagship’s commitment to decarbonisation, including three district heating systems installed by Finn Geotherm to replace electric storage heaters and gas boilers in some of its housing stock. For more information on ground and air source heat pumps and details on Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.

Norfolk-based BLS Safety and Training has welcomed three new members to the training team – Amanda Merrin, Melanie Walker and Richard Hughes – who will be providing first aid and health and safety training to businesses and individuals across the county. This brings the total number of trainers and assessors to eight, including owner-manager Justin Cowles and trainer Clive Wells, who joined the team in September last year. Together, they provide health and safety consultancy services, fire risk assessments, face fit testing, and training courses for businesses and organisations throughout Norwich and Norfolk. Amanda Merrin is a passionate trainer in a wide range of health and social care subjects, and has a natural love for teaching in both physical and mental health first aid. Amanda is hugely experienced in her subject fields, with over 10 years’ experience working in mental health services across Norfolk. Melanie Walker has over 20 years’ experience as an emergency department nurse at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and more recently qualified as an emergency nurse practitioner specialising in minor injuries. She has a natural flare and passion for teaching and loves passing on her experience and knowledge in dealing with real-life workplace injuries. Mel will be delivering a full range of clinical and first aid courses for BLS in both workplace and clinical settings. Richard Hughes is a paramedic with over 15 years’ frontline experience within the East of England Ambulance Service. Richard is passionate about training and his hands on experience brings every course to a new level in with dealing with scenarios. He delivers first aid at work courses, clinical courses and, more recently, courses in manual handling and moving and handing of people. “I am delighted to welcome Amanda, Melanie and Richard to BLS Safety and Training,” says Justin Cowles, managing director. “They each bring a huge amount of skill and industry experience, which further strengthens the team, maintains our high standard of training and enables us to offer an even wider range of training courses, including mental health training.” Justin Cowles set up BLS Safety and Training in 2013 having gained many years’ experience as an emergency medical technician within the private ambulance sector. In April 2023, the business celebrates ten years of providing health and safety services to businesses across Norfolk. To celebrate ten successful years, Justin is offering 10% off every training course booked during the month of April. These can be booked via the website, email or telephone. For more information on the services offered by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce member BLS Safety and Training, and to view the training courses on offer, please visit the website: https://www.blstraining.co.uk/booking/ Image one | Amanda Merrin Image two | Melanie Walker Image three | Richard Hughes

Norwich Airport has teamed up with Norfolk and Waveney Mind as its chosen charity of the year. Airport staff will be organising a series of events and fundraising activities over the coming months to help people in need of mental health support. Norfolk and Waveney Mind, supports people in crisis, as well as those looking for general advice and information about dealing with mental health issues. Norwich Airport’s HR Manager Stephanie Dyball said teams across the site were already working on some creative ideas to support this year’s good cause. Plans include a spring raffle, bake sale and even a ‘onesie Wednesday, where staff can come to work in their all-in-one outfit and make a donation. “There will be some exciting things to look forward to, I’m sure,” said Stephanie. “Our staff here are very good at coming up with different suggestions and organising events. “It’s really important for us that we do our bit to help our local charities and we recognise that we can play a big part in raising awareness of the work they do. “We want to do whatever we can to support the work that Norfolk and Waveney Mind does. “Any one of us could be affected by problems with our mental health and it’s vital that people feel able to talk to someone when they need to most.” The team at Norfolk and Waveney Mind believes no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. Expert staff there offer urgent help to people worried about themselves, or a member of their family or a friend. They also help to signpost people to relevant organisations, including community support groups and well-being activities that can help in the longer term. Pete Boczko, CEO at Norfolk and Waveney Mind said: “Each year the demand for our services increases as more and more people seek support for their mental health. As Norfolk and Waveney’s leading mental health charity, we supported around 30,000 local people last year through our wide range of services and support programmes. “We couldn’t continue to do what we do without the help of our corporate partners and can’t thank Norwich Airport enough for choosing us to be their 2023 charity of the year. The fantastic activities they have planned will help us to raise both funds and awareness and truly make a big difference to local people.” Norwich Airport selects a different local charity every year to support, with staff raising thousands of pounds in the past through hosting a wide variety of events. Last year, the airport supported The Big C, raising more than £700 for the Norwich-based cancer charity. Richard Pace, Managing Director at Norwich Airport, said: “Our staff have already shown that they are fantastic at organising and getting behind fundraising events. We were able to collect £1,000 for The Big C, which we’ll be handing over to the cancer charity later this month. “We’re proud to be supporting Norfolk and Waveney Mind as our new charity of the year. “The work they do is relevant to all of us in some way and we’re pleased to be able to do our bit for this important local organisation.” For more information about Norwich Airport, visit www.norwichairport.co.uk and to find out about Waveney Mind visit www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk

• 793 manufacturing deals in 2022, up from 779 in 2021
• Buy-outs account for 19% of deals in 2022
• Top 5 sectors: Engineering Services, Manufactured Materials, Building Products, Food & Drink and Life Sciences
• Outward investment from the UK increased by 14% in 2022
• Strong market themes continue to underpin M&A strategies

UK Manufacturing M&A activity has been resilient despite considerable headwinds, according to research published today by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. UK manufacturers are continuing to progress M&A strategies, despite the volatile macro-economic landscape. In 2022, there were 793 transactions involving a UK manufacturer, compared with a similar number of 779 in 2021, up from 595 in 2020. The impressive levels of deal activity is notable given the market headwinds, reflecting both resilience and optimism in the UK manufacturing sector. Private equity maintained strong interest in the market, with buy-outs accounting for 1 in 5 deals. Proportions of deals across subsectors remained largely unchanged from 2021, with Engineering Services accounting for the largest portion. There was a substantial increase in Manufactured Materials, which saw its share of deal activity increase from 9% to 13%. The share of deals in Food & Drink declined from 13% in 2021 to 10% in 2022, while Building Products and Life Sciences remained among the top five sectors with the highest deals activity. In a story of contrasts, inward investment to the UK declined by 14%, with 184 UK businesses sold to overseas acquirers in 2022, while outward investment from the UK increased by 14% with 115 overseas businesses acquired. Investment from North America declined by 34%, but still accounted for 29% of all overseas buyers. John Gethen, Corporate Finance Director, M&A at BDO LLP, said: “The UK Manufacturing M&A market has been surprisingly resilient despite considerable headwinds. Investors, corporates and entrepreneurs are still active, making the most of strategic M&A opportunities to safeguard the future and position for growth. Major themes facing the market include cost pressures, supply chain resilience, the drive to Net Zero, innovation, and sustainability, alongside a wide range of political and economic macro factors. “There is high scrutiny by investors across the board, but we see plenty of opportunities in the M&A mid-market, attracting high levels of interest, investment and value, particularly where there is a technology or sustainability play adding value. “M&A strategies aligned with the major market themes of the moment can be a key driver to help businesses position for the future, access funding, attain greater resilience and competitive advantage.” BDO’s full Manufacturing Deals Review is available to read on the BDO website: https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/manufacturing-deal-review Image of John Gethen, provided by BDO LLP

Visiting Dutch students have been praised for their work ethos and people skills after sparing time to volunteer in two leading charity shops. Thirsa Voets, Emma Klijn, Joanna Bel, Emma Van Willigen and Anna Mourik helped at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) stores in Plumstead Road and Aylsham Road, both in Norwich. The 14 and 15-year-olds, from the Gomarus Scholengemeenschap School, in Gorinchem, visited as part of a student internship and spent a week serving customers, sorting donations and making displays, including helping dress the shop windows. It is the third time students from their school volunteered as part of the exchange programme and, having made such a positive impression, they have already been given the chance to return next Spring. Sally Rix, EACH’s North East Relief and Cluster Manager, said: “I first got involved after being asked to accommodate some Dutch youngsters before Covid, when I was manager of our shop in Unthank Road. “It went fantastically well and I found their work ethos and people skills amazing, so agreed to a second year. “The girls were even more amazing this time around and their respect for each other and their teacher shone through. “They worked hard and were very adaptable to different tasks. “It was a pleasure to work with them and I’ve already agreed to having more next year, and possibly another school later in the year.” Image provided by EACH

Families being supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) are set to benefit from a four-year partnership extension between leading children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and Center Parcs. Together for Short Lives supports the UK’s 54 children’s hospices, including EACH, and its relationship with the leading short break provider began in 2016. In that time, the partnership has raised over £1.7m for the 99,000 children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families in the UK. As well as match-funding donations made by guests when making bookings, Center Parcs colleagues have taken on their own fundraising challenges across its five villages in England, including Elveden Forest, in Norfolk. Each village is partnered with its local children’s hospice for fundraising and volunteering, ensuring colleagues can make a difference in their own communities. This has included using their specialist skills to help maintain the hydrotherapy pool at The Nook, as well as treating children and parents to spa treatments. Staff have also given their time to run pottery sessions, enjoy some karaoke fun, volunteer at themed days for teenagers and help at Christmas parties. Center Parcs has also helped bereaved families and those caring for a seriously ill child have the chance to get away and make memories together. Working with Together for Short Lives’ Family Support Hub, which offers practical, emotional, and financial support to families, Center Parcs has gifted over 100 breaks at its villages to families across the UK. EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager, Caroline Allen said: “This is wonderful news and we’re extremely thankful for the continued support of Center Parcs. “This relationship has a lasting impact and directly helps the children, young people and families in our care and support. “It’s resulted in some wonderful fundraising and meant some of our families have had the opportunity to take a break and enjoy special, quality time together. “They’ve had a chance to create lasting memories and it’s impossible to put a price on something as powerful as that.” Nicky Richardson, Village Director at the Center Parcs in Elveden Forest, added: “Our colleagues are so enthusiastic about fundraising for Together for Short Lives and EACH, so I’m thrilled we’re extending our partnership for another four years. “It’s amazing to see the impact our fundraising has on families in the local area and I’m so excited to see what the next four years brings for our partnership.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and North and West Essex. It has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. Image provided by EACH

A children’s hospice shop is teaming up with renowned artist Lucy Loveheart. The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) ambassador is based in Norfolk and now a selection of her exclusive, hand-decorated prints are being sold in the charity’s Unthank Road store, in Norwich. They range from images of enchanted, make-believe lands to others that depict nature and the wilderness, many adorned with glitter, stickers, hearts and flowers. Proceeds from the prints will be going to the charity and Lucy said: “As I’ve said before, one of the greatest honours in my working life is being an ambassador for EACH. “It gives me the chance to use my art to help raise much-needed funds and I’m excited to have been given this wonderful opportunity at Unthank Road. “I’m honoured to be involved and will always do what I can to help, especially if it shines a light on the incredible work being done to help so many families in our region.” Unthank Road Shop Manager Sarah McPherson said she was delighted to be working with Lucy. The artist has been involved with the charity for many years, donating artwork and designs for stationary, giftware and Bags for Life that are sold exclusively in EACH shops. “Lucy’s prints are of such a high quality and we’re thrilled to be selling them in our shop,” she said. “We hope they prove popular and raise vital funds to help us continue our work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.” Lucy (centre) is pictured alongside her assistant, Lauren Hulme (left), and Shop Manager Sarah (right).