Member News

Age UK Norwich has launched its second ‘Happy to Chat’ bench, strategically located within the serene grounds of Norwich Cathedral. This initiative, aimed at combating social isolation and loneliness, has been made possible through the generous support of The People Kit and Leathes Prior.

The launch event, held on Thursday 31st July, saw representatives from all three partnering organisations gather to celebrate this significant addition to the community. Speeches were delivered by The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer (Age UK Norwich), Mary McGivern (The People Kit), and Mike Barlow, Senior Partner (Leathes Prior), all of whom highlighted the profound importance of fostering connections and reducing isolation. Mary explained “Who would have thought sitting on a bench and having a chat with a stranger would make such a difference to their lives, but it really does. I’ve experienced first hand the positive effect these chats can have. Always remember the person sitting next to you may well have not spoken to anyone for days or in some cases weeks”.

Attendees included staff and volunteers from Age UK Norwich, members of Leathes Prior, and members of The People Kit, creating a warm and collaborative atmosphere.

The ‘Happy to Chat’ bench is a simple yet powerful concept. It features a prominent sign inviting passers-by to take a seat if they are open to a friendly conversation. In today’s fast-paced world, opportunities for spontaneous social interaction can be limited. These benches provide a welcoming space for individuals to connect, share a moment, and potentially brighten someone’s day, helping to foster a stronger, more connected community.

This particular ‘Happy to Chat’ bench holds a special significance as it is dedicated to the cherished memory of Dawn Lossau, an employee of Leathes Prior and a truly devoted volunteer for Age UK Norwich. Dawn’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of older people was profound and inspiring. Her volunteering journey began as a telephone befriender, part of a corporate partnership volunteering programme between Leathes Prior and Age UK Norwich. Having completed this initial programme, Dawn’s passion for connection led her to continue her telephone befriending independently, outside of her work commitments. She deeply loved the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and it is this unwavering dedication that this bench commemorates. We sincerely hope that Dawn’s memory will encourage countless others to sit, engage in conversation, and in doing so, contribute to reducing social isolation within our community.

Mike Barlow, Senior Partner at Leathes Prior commented “We are incredibly proud to support this bench alongside Age UK Norwich and The People Kit and deeply moved that it honours our much-missed colleague and friend, Dawn Lossau. Dawn was a cherished part of the Leathes Prior family for 17 years, full of compassion, laughter, and warmth. She gave so much of herself to others, both through her work and her volunteer efforts.

This bench, inviting people to pause and connect, feels like the perfect tribute to someone who cared so deeply about making a difference. Dawn, and the colour she brought to the world, will remain forever in our hearts. We hope this simple space for conversation brings comfort, connection, and a bit of her spirit to all who pass by”

Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich said, “We are incredibly grateful to The People Kit and Leathes Prior for their invaluable support in bringing this second ‘Happy to Chat’ bench to fruition. The concept of these benches is beautifully simple, yet its potential to combat loneliness is immense. To dedicate this bench to Dawn, a truly remarkable individual who embodied the spirit of connection and compassion, makes this launch even more meaningful. We hope it serves as a lasting tribute to her legacy and inspires many more conversations.”

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the new ‘Happy to Chat’ bench in the Norwich Cathedral grounds and embrace the opportunity for a friendly conversation.

If you are interested in having a ‘Happy to Chat’ bench in your local area in Norwich, please contact Age UK Norwich to discuss possibilities and how you can help bring more opportunities for connection to your community.

Are you on the hunt for your next hire? Do you have flexible or part-time roles to fill? Or are you looking to attract new graduate talent to your business? Did you know you can promote your vacancies for FREE to thousands of current students and recent graduates from UEA?

Introducing MyCareerCentral, a user-friendly and completely free platform for advertising vacancies directly to UEA students and alumni. Register for a free account and easily post your internships, placements, graduate positions, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities.

Additionally, we provide enhanced vacancy advertising packages to boost your visibility and engage more UEA students and graduates, while also elevating your company’s profile.

We also run careers events throughout the year giving you the chance to meet our students and graduates, and promote opportunities within your business. Upcoming events include our Part-Time Student Jobs Fair on Wednesday 24 September which is always popular with students starting or returning to UEA and looking for ways to earn while they learn. Stands are still available, so please do reach out to us if you’d be interested in coming along.   

Curious to learn more? Check out our employer brochure at https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/…

Join us in connecting with the next generation of talent!

Banham Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of twin red panda cubs – an exciting achievement for the zoo and a significant step forward in conservation efforts for this endangered species.

The adorable cubs were born on 22nd June 2025 to proud parents Jasper and Lushan (affectionately known as Lu).

Red pandas are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with wild populations declining due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and poaching. It is estimated that fewer than 2,500 remain in the wild.

As part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP), and following a breeding recommendation, we were pleased to welcome Lu just over a year ago from West Midlands Safari Park to join our male, Jasper.

 Banham Zoo continues to play a vital role in securing the future of these beautiful animals through active participation in conservation breeding programmes, with the invaluable support of both the EEP and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

Providing the highest standards of expert care and spacious, naturalistic living conditions, our dedicated team ensures the well-being and development of the red pandas, creating an environment where both adults and cubs can thrive.

“Welcoming a new litter of red panda cubs is a truly special moment for everyone at Banham Zoo,” said Deborah Harris, Animal Manager. “Lu is proving to be an incredible first-time mum, showing great care and dedication to her little ones. These births represent a significant step forward in conserving this endangered species, and we’re proud to contribute to their survival through the European Endangered Species Programme.”

The arrival of the red panda cubs perfectly coincides with the summer holiday season, making it an ideal time to visit Banham Zoo, support vital conservation efforts, and enjoy a memorable family day out.

Although the cubs are likely to stay in their nesting den for a few more weeks, visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them venturing out later this summer.

https://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/

It’s been a busy few weeks at Budease, a consultancy focused on helping small businesses simplify, systemise, and scale.

If we haven’t crossed paths yet, I’m Charles, founder of Budease, and a new member here at the Chamber. I work hands-on with business owners to fix what’s slowing them down, build what’s missing and scale what’s already working, especially across sales, operations and customer service, with hands-on growth support.

I’m currently speaking with trades, food & drink, retail, and service-based businesses across Norfolk, and I’ve opened up slots for short Discovery Calls throughout August. They’re friendly, no-pressure chats designed to explore what’s working, what isn’t and what we could do to unlock growth in your business.

If you or someone you know is trying to modernise systems, attract more consistent customers, or simply get out of the weeds, I’d love to help.

Book a call:

 https://calendar.app.google/xvYZnJSwvJ85nqyy6

Learn more:

https://budease.co.uk/

Or just drop me a message on 07795184328.

Looking forward to meeting more of you soon!

Who’s Naked?

We are a creative agency driven to help businesses in the region go from local to legendary – planning and delivering projects to improve their image and presence. We call it Big Brand Confidence, homegrown in Norfolk.

Established in 2002, over 23 years we’ve built on our design and print principles and expanded our expertise to include brand, design, communication and digital marketing.

We’re serious about what we do but we don’t take ourselves too seriously, our approach is stripped-down, open and honest. That’s why we’re called Naked. We’re passionate about people and relationships. Enjoying the journey and making an impact. 

The Role:

As our Client Services Manager, you’ll be at the heart of driving Naked’s commercial success. This is a hands-on, client-facing role where you will:

• Generate New Business: Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities for the agency, build relationships, and manage opportunities from initial conversation to starting work.

• Grow Customer Relationships: Strengthen bonds with our clients, recognise new opportunities to add additional value and support customer marketing objectives.

• Lead Marketing-Driven Growth: Help shape and execute campaigns that grab attention, generate leads, and reinforce Naked’s positioning.

  Find out full details about the role, benefits and how to apply by visiting our website.
  

At First Class First Aid, I’m passionate about equipping people with the skills and confidence to step in and make a difference when it matters most. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re now offering Mental Health First Aid training, helping people to recognise the signs of poor mental health and offer meaningful support, just like I already do with physical first aid.

I’ve teamed up with the brilliant team at Transpire Training, who specialise in delivering accredited Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) courses. Through this partnership, we’re now able to offer a two-day Mental Health First Aid training course to individuals and workplaces across Norfolk and beyond.

iQ Workspace and Tick Solutions have merged to enhance office furniture offerings for local businesses.

iQ Workspace, a leading provider of smart office furniture solutions in Norwich, has merged with Tick Solutions, a well-established name in office and educational furniture.

This strategic union aims to significantly expand product offerings, deepen expertise, and streamline logistics for businesses, agencies, schools, and public sector clients across the region.

The merger combines the strengths of two companies that are known for their dedication to excellence and a shared vision for creating optimal working environments. This development comes as local businesses navigate evolving workspace needs, from traditional office setups to agile and hybrid models.

Tick Solutions: A Legacy of Expertise and Service

Tick Solutions has been a prominent player in the office and educational furniture market for over a decade, with a track record of over 15 years in delivering high-quality products and award-winning service.

They are particularly well-regarded for their specialisation in ergonomic posture seating, offering an unparalleled selection of over 30 task chairs for user trial and evaluation, a service widely recognised by orthopaedic and occupational health specialists.

Their comprehensive offerings span workstations, storage, seating, tables, booths, reception areas, and screens. Tick Solutions prides itself on its reliable in-house delivery and installation teams, providing UK-wide coverage and bespoke design and fulfilment services.

A Unified Force: The New Team at iQ Workspace

The integration of Tick Solutions’ talented team into the iQ Workspace family is a foundation of this merger. Key personnel joining iQ Workspace include:

• Ollie, who will be responsible for sales, has a proven track record in securing and nurturing client relationships.
• Marc, who will be part of the manufacturer-certified installation team, will ensure seamless and professional furniture installation on all our projects.
• Richard, who will be overseeing the warehouse operations, is crucial for enhanced logistics and faster turnaround times.

This expanded team is poised to deliver a more comprehensive and efficient service, leveraging combined knowledge and diverse skill sets to support client success from initial consultation to post-installation support.

Benefits for Local Businesses

The merger promises several key advantages for existing and new clients:

• Customers will benefit from the collective knowledge and insights of two highly experienced teams, offering a broader spectrum of solutions and a deeper understanding of unique needs.
• The expanded team means more dedicated professionals available for customer service, technical support, and project management.
• Enhanced resources and optimised operational frameworks will lead to faster order processing, quicker delivery, and a smoother, more reliable experience.
• The merger allows for the combination of the best products from both companies, offering a wider array of cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving workplace demands and help businesses stay ahead.

We are super excited for the future, and we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all existing and new customers. The team is actively working to integrate services and maintain the high level of support clients have come to expect.

For any questions or to learn more about the benefits of this merger, feel free to contact us at getintouch@iqworkspace.co.uk or call us on 01603 670 701, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions about this merger or furniture solutions you may have.

Whether you are a sole trader, partnership or limited company (to name a few types of businesses), if your taxable turnover reaches or exceeds the VAT threshold within any 12-month rolling period, or you expect to reach it within the next 30 days alone, you are required to register for and account for VAT on your sales.  Where the threshold is breached in a 12-month period, you must be VAT registered with effect from 1 month and 1 day after the month you exceed the threshold.  For example, you realised in September you have reached £90,000 on a 12-month rolling basis, therefore you must be VAT registered from 1 November. 

If you expect to exceed this threshold within the next 30 days, you must also register, but you are classed as being VAT registered from the date you had an expectation to breach the VAT threshold.

Late Registrations

We sometimes get calls from businesses contacting us after they have realised, they have reached this threshold.  Sometimes businesses just look at their turnover for the 12 months of their accounting period. For example, a business has a year end of 31 March.

Year 1 – Turnover for the year is £86,000 – below threshold

Year 2 – Turnover for the year is £130,000 – above threshold

This would mean at some point within Year 2 the business went over the threshold of £90,000.  When looking at the 12-month rolling period, in this example, the business went over the threshold in August.  This means they should have registered for VAT and been charging VAT to its customers from 1 October.  So, for 6 months, no VAT has been charged and included on invoices but is now due to HMRC.  The business becomes liable to pay the VAT over on their taxable sales, whether they can go back and charge it to their customers or not.

When registering late for VAT, which will mean submitting late VAT returns, there may be late payment interest due and potentially penalties.

If you realise your business is now in this position, we can help you in advising what input VAT you can reclaim to reduce your overall VAT liability to HMRC and advise how you can go about requesting the VAT owed to you from your customers, wherever possible.

Exceptions

You might find that your business turnover temporarily exceeded the VAT threshold, for example a one-off contract that only lasts 3 months.  Had you not accepted this work, you would have not exceeded the VAT threshold.  If you can prove the turnover will not exceed the deregistration threshold (£88,000) in the next 12 months, then your business can apply for an exception to not be VAT registered. 

Please note, HMRC sometimes take a long time to respond to exception requests, which is not great news when trying to plan for the future.  However, if you believe you have a good case to request an exception from registering from VAT then contact us to consider your options.

Exemption from registration

If most of your taxable supplies have a VAT rate of 0% (zero-rated supplies) you might not need or want to register for VAT.  However, because the law says you must notify HMRC when you breach the threshold, you will need to advise HMRC and request permission not to register for VAT – this is called an exemption from registration.

If you’re a non-established taxable person, all your taxable goods or services must be zero-rated to be eligible for exemption from registration.  Otherwise, for non-established business making supplies in the UK, the VAT registration thresholds do not apply.  Any taxable supply in this case attracts a compulsory UK VAT registration.

Should you wish to discuss any of the points above or if your business has or is about to breach the £90,000 VAT threshold and you would like assistance in navigating all the potential options open to you, then please reach out to our VAT team who would be happy to help. 

Veezu, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing private hire technology business, today announces a new partnership with national charity Stamp Out Spiking to raise awareness of spiking. They have also agreed to collaborate on an accredited anti-spiking training pilot for private hire drivers, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a UK private hire vehicle (PHV) operator. The new voluntary training empowers Veezu driver-partners to recognise and respond to spiking risks.

The pilot will launch this summer in Norwich, supported by Norwich City Council, South Norfolk and Broadland District Council, as part of their ongoing work to promote a safer night-time economy. The pilot is also supported by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Veezu is the first private hire operator to partner with Stamp Out Spiking, the national charity dedicated to ending substance-facilitated harm through prevention, education, victim support, and policy change. Founded by long-time campaigner and educator Dawn Dines, the charity delivers training for frontline professionals, raises public awareness through national campaigns, and works with authorities to improve responses and push for stronger laws.

To further support the campaign, Veezu will donate a proportion of the fare to Stamp Out Spiking for every app-based booking made in Norwich throughout July. The donation campaign aims to raise awareness following International Stamp Out Spiking Day on 15 July and will directly support the charity’s national prevention work.

This targeted training marks a significant step by the PHV sector in taking action to address spiking, a growing public safety concern involving the non-consensual administration of substances, often leading to theft, assault, or sexual violence. Police data shows more than 6,700 spiking incidents were reported between May 2022 and April 2023, with real numbers likely far higher due to underreporting.

While hospitality venues have made progress in tackling spiking, transport has often been left out of the conversation. Yet, for many people, the journey home is when the effects of spiking can begin to escalate. Private hire drivers are uniquely placed to recognise when someone may be vulnerable or in need of help. They already make a significant contribution to getting the public home safely. This new training initiative aims to spread best practice and equip the sector with clear guidance on how to identify risk and respond appropriately.

The announcement comes as the Crime and Policing Bill 2024–25 enters its final parliamentary stages, with new legislation expected to introduce a standalone offence of ‘administering a harmful substance’. The proposed law reflects mounting public pressure for stronger prevention and enforcement across hospitality, transport, and community services.

Chris Ford, Regional Director at Veezu, said: “Driver-partners already play an important role in helping people get home safely. This partnership is about going further, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to respond with care and offer an added layer of protection when it’s needed most. We’re proud to lead by example. It shows what’s possible when transport providers, councils, and charities come together to deliver practical, joined-up solutions for public safety.”

Dawn Dines, founder and CEO of Stamp Out Spiking, added:  “Spiking is a hidden crime that can have devastating consequences. After years of studying victims’ testimonials, we understand just how vital it is to collaborate with different sectors to safeguard against spiking. This collaboration with Veezu is a powerful and ground-breaking step forward. By empowering drivers with the knowledge to identify and respond to the signs of spiking, we are creating a vital new layer of safeguarding during the journey home. This is part of the jigsaw of us all working together, collaborating to stamp out these invisible crimes and to help both men and women at a time when they most need it. Together, we can create a culture where everyone plays a role in keeping others safe as per our nationwide Keep an Eye Out campaign.”

David Woods, a licensed PHV driver-partner, shared: “I’ve always seen passenger and public safety as a fundamental part of being a licensed private hire driver. When I learned about the Stamp Out Spiking campaign, I knew it was something I wanted to bring to Veezu, because they take safety just as seriously. It was welcome news when they chose to back the campaign, and I’m proud to be part of the launch. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and no one should ever feel at risk when enjoying an evening out. That’s why this campaign is so important to me.”

Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, stated: “Norwich’s night-time economy is an important part of the city’s cultural and economic life.  The city’s Purple Flag status recognises Norwich as a safe, inclusive, and well-managed place to enjoy a night out.  This initiative from Veezu and Stamp Out Spiking recognises that joined-up safety benefits both businesses and the wider community, and it’s encouraging to see local transport providers stepping up to support the high standards that make Norwich such a vibrant and trusted destination.”

The summer holiday season is upon us and we know that many of you will have enough downtime away that you’ll start thinking and planning for the months ahead as we run up to Christmas.  Yes, we said it, Christmas!  When we all return from our respective summer breaks, we’ll be in that latter part of the year renewed from recharging our batteries and thinking about what we can get stuck into and achieve before the festive season begins.

So, as you go on holiday, take away with you exciting thoughts of business growth and embrace the ideas that such time with your thoughts will allow you.  Whatever plans you come up with, one of the biggest blockers to it actually coming to fruition is time and the appropriate skilled resources.  As much as we can’t stretch time, we can help you with the skills and resources you will need for your ideas to become a reality and for business success to happen.

Planning the next steps to action will involve, firstly, looking at your existing team.  Are they all stretched and struggling to find the time to do anything new, just firefighting to get the priority work done each day? If so, growth can’t happen like this, and you’ll be facing the reality that it’s time for a new member of staff. 

New members of staff with the skills you require are expensive so consider an apprentice and train them in your ways with best practice teaching from external professionals in the industry who will do it for you at no cost (or very minimal cost).  Apprentices are cheaper to hire as they don’t yet have the skills you need (but will get them pretty quickly in the first few months on an apprenticeship). That’s where we come in because we are paid by Government to take on that training role for you and train your new team member whilst they work for you.

Alternatively, do any members of your existing team have capacity to take on more or to upskill into a new role which will help you achieve the goal you are envisaging?  If so, you can use the same training arrangement for your existing team member without any additional hiring costs… and remember that training from seasoned professionals who have done the job and know the realities, is fully paid for (or 95% funded depending on your situation) by the Government so it may literally cost you nothing! 

If you would like to have a quick, no obligation chat about how the apprenticeship system and associated funding can be used in your business to help you achieve the next stage of growth, please do get in contact and we can help you gather good food for thought before you go away…

Contact louie@swarmgroup.org.uk

Norfolk County Council is inviting businesses across the county to take part in a short survey exploring the role and relevance of cash in today’s economy.

This work is being undertaken in response to a request from a council committee for a report into access to cash in Norfolk. The survey aims to understand how businesses are currently using cash, what challenges they may face in doing so, and how important it remains for their customers.

The results will help shape the council’s understanding of how cash continues to play a role in local economies, and inform future decisions and support.

The survey is open until 12 September 2025 and takes just a couple of minutes to complete.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Your input is greatly valued and will help build a clearer picture of cash access and use across the county.

Please note: The survey does not collect personal details unless you choose to provide them, and no identifiable business information is requested.

Age UK Norwich is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of our sell-out success, Over 50’s Night Out, taking place on Thursday 14 August 2025 at the much-loved Mr Postles’ Apothecary in the heart of Norwich.

Back by popular demand, this special evening promises laughter, dancing, great music, and even better company. Whether you’re a returning guest or a first-time attendee, Over 50’s Night is the perfect chance to enjoy a fun and friendly night out in a warm and welcoming setting.

Held at one of Norwich’s most characterful venues, Mr Postles’ Apothecary, guests will enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, a range of delicious drinks, and a feel-good playlist packed with classic hits from across the decades.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Thursday 14 August 2025

🕕 Time: Doors open at 6:00pm

📍 Venue: Mr Postles’ Apothecary, 2 Upper King Street, Norwich NR3 1HA

🎟️ Tickets: £10 (pre-booked only – limited availability)

Katy Omer, Health and Community Outreach officer at Age UK Norwich said “Just because you’re over 50 doesn’t mean the fun stops – far from it! Events like this are all about celebrating life, connection, and confidence. It’s a chance to meet new people, dance like you did in your 20s, and feel part of something inclusive and uplifting. Everyone deserves nights like these, full of laughter, good music and great company.”

Keir Slater of Mr Postles’ Apothecary shared his excitement, “All the staff, from the bar to the DJs & door staff, had the best time at the first Over 50s event! It was so great to see everyone having such a brilliant time and getting really involved. We’re all looking forward to another sellout event!”

With last year’s event selling out quickly, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

How to Book Your Place:

Booking is simple, just visit our secure online ticketing page and follow the instructions: https://fatso.ma/10Ml. You’ll receive a confirmation email to show at the door on the night.

Prefer a printed ticket? No problem! Contact our team:

📞 By phone: 01603 496 333

📧 By email: clubsandtrips@ageuknorwich.org.uk

Whether you’re flying solo or gathering a group of friends, this is your chance to celebrate summer, connect with others, and enjoy an evening to remember.

We can’t wait to welcome you – let’s make this summer one to celebrate!