Member News

It isn’t widely known, but a big part of the Government funding for apprenticeships must be allocated to soft skills training to develop a more productive and resilient workforce. This is because Government and employers alike are realising just how much of an effect poor soft skills are having on workplace productivity and employee wellbeing.

There’s no shame in needing to learn more soft skills, yet society has almost made it so.  This means that people shy away from soft skills training, almost seeing it as an insult, that they don’t need it, or that they will lose face if they admit to needing to learn more.  It is particularly difficult if in leadership or management to accept soft skills training offered to you.  However, it’s the sign of a mature and emotionally intelligent leader who sets that example and visibly embraces their own personal learning alongside their team.

Looking at what is currently happening in our workplaces and society… mental health challenges have increased, resilience has dropped and understanding of relationship building is at an all time low.  Soft skills learning is at the core.  Training on them isn’t just an ideal, there is no question that people, particularly young people, but all people, including ourselves, need that ongoing holistic support and we are pleased that it is a big part of the Government agenda.  Without it, more people will struggle to get into work, stay in work, or build meaningful and functioning relationships whilst they are there and workplace productivity and employee wellbeing will continue to fall.  Without exception, we can all get better at soft skills!

We were very interested to see the announcement on the 17^th July that the voting age in the UK is going to be lowered to 16.  There will certainly be a mixed reception to this up and down the country but, is it about age, or is it about being well informed, well-rounded and community minded which all of us can be if we proactively keep learning. We know that our soft skills training, along with that of all Government funded training providers, is contributing to shaping team spirited, empathetic working individuals with a holistic care for society.  Yes, we really do go that far with our soft skills training!

Soft skills learning at Swarm Training covers:

–       – Safeguarding for individuals and looking out for each other
– Presentation skills
– Study skills and taking responsibility and accountability for our own personal development
– British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance
– Communication skills and relationship building
– Workplace professionalism
– Online safety and being vigilant to research what is actually true
– Conflict and resilience management
– Interview skills and personal branding
– Healthy lifestyles
– Time management

Soft skills are often undervalued in comparison to the hard skills of role specific needs.  In leadership and management, of course, soft skills are very definitely a role specific need!  But at all levels, without them, you risk a significant negative impact on workplace harmony and productivity.

What specifically do they achieve…

1. Improved Communication
– reduces misunderstandings, rework, and delays. Teams with strong communication skills collaborate more effectively, speeding up decision-making and delivery.

2. Better Teamwork and Collaboration
– employees who work well with others can share responsibilities and support one another, leading to faster and higher-quality outcomes. It fosters a positive team culture, boosts morale, retention and avoids destructive siloes. The soft skills of leaders is crucial in driving this!

3. Higher Adaptability and Problem-Solving
– employees with adaptability and problem-solving skills can adjust quickly to change which is a natural part of any business environment, keeping productivity high even under pressure.

4. Stronger Leadership and Initiative
– managers with emotional intelligence and leadership skills motivate teams more effectively making sure that everyone belongs and has a part to play in the team.  This in turn nurtures strong and stable relationships and culture.  Not only that but when people feel part of the team, employees with soft skills take initiative knowing the part they play, reducing the need for micromanagement. A team leader also then prevents burnout by recognising stress in team members and redistributing workload early

5. Better Customer and Client Relationships
– employees with empathy, listening skills, and professionalism build trust with customers—leading to smoother interactions and repeat business

6. Reduced Conflict and Disruption
– soft skills help prevent and manage conflict, maintaining workflow harmony and focus. Fewer interpersonal issues means less time spent on resolution and more time on value-adding work.

The Bottom Line for a Business

Soft skills learning enhances productivity!  It retains staff and in turn reduces costs.  They make teams more cohesive, efficient, and resilient so that everyone works smarter, enjoys developing the business together, meaning it will be way more successful.

At Swarm Training, we offer this training as a standard part of all our apprenticeship courses but actually, we also offer it standalone for workplace teams and individuals.  If you would like to know more, just drop us a line:  louie@swarmgroup.org.uk

E G Grounds Care Ltd is pleased to announce our appointment by Dencora and SJK Properties Ltd as the commercial grounds maintenance provider at Broadland Business Park in Norwich.

This appointment builds on a long-standing relationship — Matthew and our team has worked closely with the directors of Dencora and SJK Properties Ltd for over 17 years. We are proud to continue supporting them in delivering high-quality landscaping and grounds maintenance services that reflect the professionalism and appeal of their sites.

Broadland Business Park is one of Norwich’s premier business locations, offering a superb environment for occupiers and visitors with its beautifully landscaped grounds, scenic lake, walking and cycle routes. It hosts the Waterside Café, and a mix of prominent businesses who all benefit from the beautiful landscaped setting.

We look forward to continuing our work in ensuring the park remains a safe, attractive, and welcoming space for everyone who visits.

🔗 Find out more about our commercial grounds maintenance services at www.eg-groundscare.co.uk

The Maids Head Hotel is incredibly proud to earn the prestigious ECOsmart Silver award. This accreditation is from Greengage.  Greengage are widely recognised as the UK’s leading sustainability certification for hotels and venues.

Read the more here

GoGoSafari has officially burst into life across Norwich and Norfolk with the installation of 51 magnificent animal sculptures – including rhinos, lions, giraffes, gorillas, and elephants, thanks to a team of volunteers, Longwater Construction and Rush Removals, over the weekend.

For ten weeks, the new trail will be inviting families, residents, and visitors alike to enjoy a fun safari adventure across the city and county.

The sculptures, designed by professional and amateur artists and sponsored by local businesses, will be located around the city centre, transforming everyday public spaces – including Millennium Plain, Norwich Cathedral, Tombland, London Street to name a few – into a vibrant, wild safari gallery in the heart of the city. Plus, the five ‘County 5’ sculptures invite people to explore the beauty of dot North Norfolk locations like Holkham Hall and Hunstanton.

And trotting alongside are over 60 smaller giraffes called “Mini Gs” created by schools and community groups hidden inside venues across the city.

For those who want to explore the trail, there’s Safari HQ in The Forum. Open daily from 10am–4pm, it’s the perfect starting point for every trailgoer, offering trail maps alongside a fantastic range of exclusive GoGoSafari merchandise, including activity books, pin badges, tote bags and water bottles. Visitors can also enjoy pop-up events and family activities, making it a one-stop shop for all the GoGoSafari fun.

“We’re so excited to be delivering another GoGo trail to Norwich and Norfolk, and to be bringing this wonderful herd of animals with us,” comments Senior Partnership and Project Manager Peter Marron. “The trail really wouldn’t be possible without the big hearts of the local business community, and together we’ve been able to create something that will give people something new to discover! We hope that by delivering a fun, family day out across the city that the trail will be enjoyed by explorers of all ages; while at the same time raising much-needed funds for Break.”

For over 50 years, Break has been rethinking what meaningful support for young people growing up in care looks like and as we continue to evolve, we’re excited to launch a bold refresh of our organisational values, a new tagline, and an enhanced brand identity that better reflects the expertise and care that consistently drives us forward. 

The change has come after nearly a year of listening, learning and co-creating with contributions from across the organisation and working with Creativity Unbound – a Norwich-based creative marketing agency specialising in charities. From a workshop representing all corners of Break, to trustees, care-experienced young people, and staff feedback forums, this has been an inclusive and thoughtful process, and our thanks go to everyone who’s helped shape our new look!  

Our new branding, which includes a more modern font, a lively colour palette, and a contemporary feel, maintains the existing Break logo while introducing a new, refreshing look. The new tagline, “Caring Differently,” shows how Break stands apart in its approach to care, support, ambition and opportunities for our young people.  

We know that change happens through connection, trust, and consistency. That’s why our new values focus on exactly that: building meaningful relationships, showing up with compassion, staying curious and open-minded, and challenging systems that don’t serve young people as they should. 

Our new values are:  

We are all about relationships: Our relationships are our biggest strength and source of inspiration. We connect with our young people, and we connect others to them. We are the community we build around us. 

We are here when it matters most: We are a reliable source of compassion, stability and security for the young people we walk alongside. 

We are curious about the world around us: We are curious about new ways of thinking, working and doing. Ideas can come from anywhere, so we listen, really listen, to what’s being said. Then, we do what’s needed. 

We challenge to encourage change: We advocate for our young people and campaign alongside them. Even though we are working within an unequal system, it doesn’t mean we can’t influence it for the better. When things are wrong, we try our best to make them right. 

“This has been a year of reflection, collaboration, and learning,” explains Chief Executive Rachel Cowdry. “Our refreshed branding is much more than a new look. We wanted to look at how we can communicate who we are and what we believe in more clearly, and the new branding not only captures who we are at our core, but also where we’re going. Break has always been about showing up, consistently and compassionately, for young people when it matters most – and our new tagline ‘Caring Differently’, perfectly highlights not just what we do, but how we do it, in a way that’s real, uplifting, and grounded in genuine care.”

Over the coming months, we’ll be updating everything with the new branding, and we’re excited to share this new chapter with you. It’s not just about a new logo or tagline – it’s about putting our values front and centre and continuing to build a future where every young person feels supported, seen, and valued.  

We can’t wait for you to see how this new identity comes to life!  as the

Bauer Media’s audioXi arrives in Norwich, giving East Anglian businesses new ways to advertise with precision. With the region’s mix of agriculture, tourism, and growing tech sectors, audioXi’s data-driven approach allows advertisers to target commuters, shoppers, and leisure travellers alike.

With over 14.5 million monthly listeners, local brands can connect with audiences across smart speakers, mobiles, and in-car audio, making campaigns highly relevant and measurable.

“audioXi is about putting local advertisers in control, with targeting that reflects real behaviours in Norwich and Norfolk,” says Nathalie Marshall Account Manager at Bauer Media. “audioXi provides local brands with the power to connect with customers whether they’re on their commute, at home, or listening via smart speaker.”

audioXi also offers advanced measurement and retargeting, ensuring advertisers see real ROI. Local marketers can now access dynamic creative, interactive formats, and contextually relevant audio campaigns, all supported by Bauer’s trusted environment.

Businesses in Norwich & Norfolk can find out more and get started at https://hitsradioadvertising.co.uk/audioxi/

Alan Boswell Group has been named ‘Insurance Broker of the Year’ at the prestigious British Insurance Awards 2025, held on the 9th of July at the Royal Albert Hall. 

The award recognises outstanding customer service, client retention, and excellence across the UK insurance industry. Alan Boswell Group stood out against the other finalists for its customer-first approach, continued investment in its people and communities, and commitment to providing friendly, expert advice.  

Speaking about the award, Alan Boswell, Executive Chairman, said, “We’re proud to be recognised as Insurance Broker of the Year. This award is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of everyone across our Group and reflects our continued commitment to putting clients at the centre of everything we do.” 

Founded over 40 years ago, Alan Boswell Group is one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, offering expert advice and tailored insurance, risk management, and financial solutions to individuals and businesses. The award follows the Group’s continued growth and success, with the recent acquisition of three brokers further bolstering their presence across East Anglia. 

Alan Boswell Group have built their success on consistency, expertise, and sustainable growth. Founded over 40 years ago, Alan Boswell Group is one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, offering expert advice and tailored insurance, risk management, and financial solutions to individuals and businesses. 

Highlights from the past year include: 

• Growth in team size and their apprenticeship scheme continues to nurture new talent into the industry. 

• An increase in their Feefo customer service score from 4.8 to 4.9. 

• Sector-specific awards success, including a Which? Best Buy. 

• Improving client journeys through digital solutions, while prioritising human-first interaction. 

• Recognition for industry expertise, with research featured by major outlets including the BBC and The Times. 

• Strategic acquisitions of Priory Insurance, The Insurance Centre, and AT&A Insurance Brokers. 

• Ongoing investment in the wider community, through sponsorship of local sports teams and donations via The Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust, which reached a milestone £3m in donations since 2019. 

14 of our students went through to the final exams and assessment period.  They worked very hard as they revised and prepared their written reports.  It is always stressful for them during these closing stages but we’re so proud of how they pulled all the stops out to do their best and to complete on time.

We have a bit of a wait now as the Market Research Society (MRS) arranges the marking and grading of their papers and project reports. With so many people up and down the country doing this prestigious certificate, it takes around 2 months to complete this phase and get results back to them so they should hear in September.

The MRS Advanced Certificate is completed by Marketing professionals and Market Research professionals alike.  Data is one of the most sought after commodities in the world now as it is so powerful in understanding what to do to progress your organisation, project and campaign success.  It’s what sets the pros aside.

Research and data is a game changer but if you’re not sure how you’re most likely being left behind. Please do get in touch for an informal chat to get a feel for the most up to date data driven business landscape.  Whether it’s for your business success as an owner, your department progression as a manager, or for your personal career success as an individual looking for work or looking for promotion, the MRS Advanced Certificate changes things!

Our latest learners have a fantastic career lined up ahead of them.  Their employers have really encouraged them to work at this and achieve so they can progress to the higher ranks of the business.  That’s how employers view it.

The next course starts next week.  If you’re in Marketing or Market Research, we highly recommend it, even just to consider it and have a conversation with us as to what’s involved.  There is still time to find out and to enrol if you would like to.

For more information, call Sally Harris on 07434 947944, or email on sally.h@swarmgroup.org.uk

MRS Advanced Certificate — Swarm Bluewater

It’s been another fast-paced and rewarding week – here’s what we’ve been up to:

👋 We were delighted to welcome Katie Norwood from the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to our Norwich office – great to connect and share what Shield is all about. Thanks for visiting, Katie!

📍 Craig has been out on-site with customers delivering IOSH Managing Safely training, as well as offering tailored health & safety consultancy and advice.

🎉 A big shoutout to our newest team member, Kian, who has just completed his first full week delivering novice forklift training – off to a flying start!

🚐 Our instructors have been delivering training across East Anglia – from forklifts to first aid and everything in between. Did you spot a Shield Health & Safety van on the road this week?

📅 We’ve welcomed 2 new customers, had plenty of bookings, and we’ve just launched new IOSH Open Course dates, along with Open Emergency First Aid at Work sessions – ideal for individuals or smaller teams.

Lots happening – and we’re loving every minute of it!

A once-plain patch of grass at St Augustine’s Church in Norwich has been transformed into a vibrant community garden, thanks to the efforts of local social enterprise Rippleacts and its dedicated participants.

Over the past eight weeks, the participants have worked alongside their project leader, Paula Coombe, to transform and renew the plain patch of grass into a vibrant and inspiring space. 

The project, which has been called ‘the highlight of the summer’ by St Augustine’s Church, has created a vibrant and beautiful space for the whole community to enjoy.

The garden now includes a variety of flowers, including those kindly donated by Notcutts Garden Centre in Norwich, and wildlife friendly features such as bee boxes and a ‘dead hedge’ to provide nesting and foraging space for birds. In addition, the team has also added a herb and vegetable garden and a new contemplative meditation space, called the ‘Circle of Inspiration’ for everyone in the local area to enjoy. 

Judy from St Augustine’s Church said ‘The Rippleacts volunteers have done an amazing transformation of our bedraggled church garden. They were lovely people & we thoroughly enjoyed having them there. What they have done will be enjoyed by church members & the local community, particularly as they don’t have gardens of their own.’

Founded in 2022 by Dr Verena Niyadurupola, Rippleacts supports those who are long term unemployed through a combination of cognitive behavioural coaching and projects which benefit the local community. The projects, which are practical in nature, create a ‘ripple effect’, inspiring positive change, resilience and confidence in the participants whilst also creating a positive impact to the local community. One of the participants who took part in the project said: “We share this space with them and it is lovely to feel a sense of ownership of this project, after completing it.” 

The completion of the project comes at the same time that Rippleacts celebrates the publication of its first ever impact report. Thanks to its unique and holistic approach, the social enterprise has helped 74% of its participants back into volunteering, education or employment, and helped 93% of their participants make a positive change in their own lives. 

Rippleacts’ innovative coaching programme is also available to local businesses and nonprofits, offering a tailored approach to upskilling and team development or to support their own service users.

For more information on Rippleacts and for their latest impact report, go to their website.

Proeon Systems, a leading systems integrator provider within the global energy sector, are proud to announce that as a result of our growing operations and expansion, we are relocating to a new, larger premises within the Norwich area.  This strategic move underscores the company’s sustained growth and commitment to better serving its clients and employees.

Our new premises, are located at:

35A Barnard Road, Bowthorpe, Norwich, Norfolk, NR5 9JB

This provides us with an expanded space and state-of-the-art facilities, doubling the footprint of our current operating base.  Providing us with larger manufacturing / engineering  / office space and improved infrastructure to support the company’s increasing workforce and business operations, the building is situated 3 miles to the East of Norwich City Centre, providing easy access to the A47 and the A11, as well as local infrastructure and services.

Proeon has experienced unparalleled growth in recent years, solidifying its position as a key player in the Control and Automations systems sector.  As a result of winning several multi-million-pound projects with clients across Europe in renewable energy, in particular the offshore wind sector and experiencing a strong market demand for its services providing bespoke control solutions for highly regulated and demanding applications across the globe, including oil & gas, nuclear, utility/national infrastructure and defence, this has led to our need to secure a larger purpose-built facility. 

The relocation reflects Proeon’s dedication to innovation, excellence, efficiency, and a dynamic work environment for its people, Proeon’s Managing Director – Richard Miller commented:  “In response to our rapid growth and increasing client demand, moving to a larger facility was a natural next step.  This transition marks an exciting milestone in our journey and positions us for further expansion and success.” 

Our new headquarters provides us with enhanced resources to support the company’s mission and long-term vision.  The company is excited about this new chapter and looks forward to welcoming employees, partners and clients to the new location. 

Why Succession Planning Matters Now

Many business owners delay succession planning because it feels too early or too complex. But waiting until you must make a decision can limit your options and increase the risk of disruption.

·        A well-thought-out succession strategy can help you:

·        Maintain continuity in case of unexpected events

·        Prepare internal successors or new leadership

·        Increase your business’s value in a future sale

·        Reduce tax liabilities through proper planning

·        Exit on your own terms financially and emotionally

What Should Be in Your Succession Toolkit?

Succession planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your goals, it could involve:

·        Handing the business to a family member or long-time employee

·        Selling to a third party or via a management buyout

·        Phasing into semi-retirement with trusted leadership in place

·        Closing the business and extracting value efficiently

For business owners looking to close a solvent company, one powerful option is a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL).

What Is an MVL – and When Is It Useful?

A Members’ Voluntary Liquidation is a formal process used to close a solvent company and distribute its assets to shareholders in a tax-efficient way.

It’s especially useful if:

·        You’re retiring and no longer need the company

·        You’re selling the business assets and winding up the limited company

·        You have significant retained profits you want to extract efficiently

An MVL isn’t just for big companies with big exits – it can be a smart, cost-effective strategy for everyday business owners who’ve built up value over time.

Looking Ahead

If you’d like a confidential conversation about your next steps, we’re here to help!

You can contact our friendly and experienced team on 01603 552028 or email us at mail@leading.uk.com.