Member News

Leading law firm, Howes Percival, is warning employers considering stopping company sick pay for unvaccinated staff who need to isolate, to seek legal advice before instigating any changes. Depending upon employees’ existing entitlement to company sick pay, a “no jab, no company sick pay” policy could amount to a breach of contract if staff have not been consulted over the change. The warning follows a change in the government’s Covid self-isolation rules* which require different isolation periods depending on an individual’s vaccination status. People with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, provided they test negative on day five and day six. Fully vaccinated individuals identified as a contact of someone with Covid should continue to take daily rapid lateral flow tests for seven days but are not legally required to self-isolate. Unvaccinated contacts are legally required to self-isolate for the full 10-day period. In addition to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – the minimum amount employers must pay – some employers offer company or contractual sick pay. The different isolation period rules mean that employers will potentially have to pay more to unvaccinated workers than vaccinated ones if they need to cover longer periods of sick leave. Matthew Potter, Partner and employment law expert at Howes Percival commented, “Covid-related staff absences have put some organisations under intense pressure, leading them to introduce new sick pay policies relating to staff required to self-isolate. Previously, self-isolating employees were entitled to the business’s enhanced sick pay, (not just SSP) regardless of their vaccination status. However, the new policies state that unvaccinated employees (without mitigating circumstances) who have not tested positive for Covid but are forced to isolate because they have been in contact with someone who has, will only receive SSP in future. “Unvaccinated staff may argue that reducing their sick pay is discriminatory, but if a business can prove that the policy is a proportionate means of ensuring they have adequate staff levels then this argument may not present an issue. Depending upon the existing entitlement to company sick pay and whether it is discretionary, any such change could amount to a breach of contract if staff have not been consulted over the change. Employees might even resign and claim constructive unfair dismissal.” If a company intends to dismiss and re-engage staff if they do not accept a change to company sick pay entitlement, and there are 20 or more employees at any location or site, it could trigger the need to enter into collective consultation of 30 or 45 days depending upon the numbers involved. Before making any changes to their sick pay arrangements, employers should seek advice and to consider both the current position as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and ACAS. Matthew Potter continued, “In recent weeks, we’ve seen several major companies, including IKEA, Ocado and Next, introducing new sick pay policies for staff needing to isolate due to Covid – removing or reducing the sick pay available to unvaccinated members of staff. Employers considering following suit will need to be able to objectively justify the proposed change and ensure they engage and communicate sensitively with their staff. “There are various reasons why some people are unvaccinated – including medical conditions, religious belief, age and pregnancy, so a blanket ‘no jab, no company sick pay’ policy is inappropriate.  Taking individual circumstances into account will also help companies avoid costly discrimination claims. “The implications of companies’ decisions to change sick pay terms for unvaccinated employees remain to be seen. It could be that these policies encourage employees to get vaccinated, which could reduce time-off for Covid-isolation in the long-term. However, some sceptics have suggested that the new policies may simply lead to employees hiding the fact that they have been in contact with a Covid-positive individual, to avoid only being paid SSP.” For more information on employment law related issues visit: https://www.howespercival.com/services/employment-and-hr/ *Rules came into effect 17 January 2022 and only apply to England. Howes Percival has offices in Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Norwich.  It has 51 partners and 169 lawyers in total. The firm is recommended in The Legal 500 – the authoritative guide to the UK’s leading law firms.  In the 2022 guide, no fewer than 11 different departments achieved the guide’s highest possible ranking (Tier 1): Corporate and Commercial; Dispute Resolution – Commercial Litigation; Dispute Resolution – Debt Recovery; Finance – Insolvency and Corporate Recovery; Human Resources – Employment Law; Private Client – Agriculture and Estates; Private Client – Tax, Trusts and Probate; Real Estate – Commercial Property; Real Estate – Property litigation; Real Estate – Environment & Planning;  Intellectual Property.

A new year is a great time to run an HR Health Check on your business. We are a team of highly experienced and qualified HR Consultants and our mission is to help your business realise its full potential by supporting you in managing your people and ensuring they’re the best they can be. Ignite will get to know you and your business and will tailor HR solutions to support your business needs. Contact us to arrange your FREE Health Check: sarah@ignitepeoplesolutions.co.uk

An energy efficient communal heat pump installed by Attleborough based heating firm Finn Geotherm, has been shortlisted in a prestigious national awards scheme. The £1.4million district heating project has been installed by Finn Geotherm on the Grange Farm estate in Felixstowe for Flagship Group housing association. The installation has just been shortlisted in the Renewable Energy category of the National Energy Efficiency Awards, which aim to recognise best practice within the energy saving and efficiency industry. The installation comprises a six-phase ground source heat pump project for 113 homes at Grange Farm. The system provides heating and hot water for each property from a central heat pump. The project has cut heating bills for residents, as well as energy use and carbon emissions, all by 70%. Guy Ransom, Commercial Director at Finn Geotherm said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for our installation in Felixstowe. This project has made a huge impact not only in ensuring homes on the estate are adequately and efficiently heated but also in delivering cheaper bills, and reduced carbon emissions and energy use. It was a privilege to install the system and to be shortlisted for a prestigious national award is testament to the hard work of the entire team at Finn Geotherm.” Madeleine Jefferies, Head of Housing at Newtide Homes (Flagship Group’s housing provider), said: “Fuel poverty is a serious issue which can affect the wider community, and we’re always looking at ways to make our tenants’ homes more affordable and giving people some breathing space when things get tough. Our tenants in Felixstowe have already seen a difference in their prices and we’re delighted that we can help to make a difference.” Winners of the National Energy Efficiency Awards will be announced in February. For more information on renewable heating and Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.

The work of local cancer charity, Big C, has been recognised with a national grant from NHS Charities Together. Bids were encouraged from across Norfolk and Waveney to run projects covering support for older people, vulnerable communities and those with physical and mental health issues. Big C’s grant of £49,752 will be used to pilot a 12-week patient-centred nutrition and wellness intervention programme for individuals living with cancer, aimed at educational lifestyle, behavioural change and psychological support. The ‘Nourish & Nurture’ programme focuses on well-rounded, evidence based, holistic care, including education on healthy eating, weight management and ‘mood and food’, plus health walks for mental and physical wellbeing, 1:1 psychological support, cancer support groups, wellbeing complementary therapies and food and nutrition myth busting sessions. The team at Big C will work closely with oncology dieticians from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH). Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C said, “We are thrilled to receive this important grant so that we can embark on this innovative nutrition and wellness intervention. I believe this will be the first complete 360 holistic care package for patients following a cancer diagnosis, designed to complement and run alongside their clinical care. Small group sessions will enhance empathetic peer support, facilitated by experienced cancer specialist nurses, dieticians, nutritionists and physical activity coaches. A healthy and well-balanced diet that provides adequate nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. Correct nutrition provides patients with the ability to recover between cancer treatments and as a result, has the potential to improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.” Dr Melanie Pascale continued, “The prevalence of malnutrition among patients with cancer, especially patients receiving some types of chemotherapy is high and presents a significant public health burden. Stage of cancer, appetite loss and presence of side effects such as diarrhoea are significant factors for malnutrition. Furthermore, malnutrition and lean muscle wastage is a common problem among patients with cancer, potentially affecting up to 85% of patients with certain cancer types. Malnutrition occurs when a person doesn’t get enough food or the right type of food, or experiences absorption issues. Inadequate dietary intake and reduced physical activity can lead to malnutrition and remains a common challenge due to the many factors which may lead to the issue. Regardless of cancer type, the overall prevalence of malnutrition in patients at time of diagnosis can be up to 60% and can be over 80% during treatment. Cancer treatment can be impeded by the frequent development of malnutrition and metabolic derangements in patients with cancer, induced by the cancer itself, or by its treatment. “Malnutrition can influence the effectiveness and response to the cancer treatment, recovery time during treatments, prognosis, continued compliance with treatment and overall quality of life. It can increase the time spent in hospital and the risk of infection. Malnutrition also has the potential to reduce the survival rate.” Some of the many aims and benefits of this intervention will be to identify, prevent or reverse dietary deficiencies, preserve lean body mass, help patients better tolerate treatments, maintain strength and minimise treatment related side effects and protect immune function decreasing the risk of infection. One of the most important aspects of the intervention, is to help the patient regain a sense of control in what can be a very uncertain time. Up to 80% of patients diagnosed with cancer could benefit from this type of intervention, improving quality of life and clinical outcomes with less pausing of essential treatment due to the uncontrolled side effects. The programme also aims to support the NHS by reducing the risk of infections and lessen severe side effects resulting in re-admission. The NHS Charities Together grant was facilitated by the Norfolk Community Foundation with finances administered by the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity, on behalf of the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System. John Paul Garside, Director of the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity, said, “We are delighted to be supporting this important work to help the vulnerable communities in Norfolk and Waveney.  Our hospitals have seen at first hand the devastation that the pandemic has brought to people’s health and we want to do everything we can to support the recovery.” Claire Cullens, Chief Executive of Norfolk Community Foundation, said, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, our fantastic charities and community groups have been the glue that has held communities together and offered a vital lifeline to many, helping people to cope day to day, or with an urgent response to sudden crisis. We’re proud to champion their innovation and determination as they continue to tackle the physical and psychological impact of a global crisis.”   If you are interested in taking part in Big C’s Nourish & Nurture programme, please contact the charity on 0800 092 7640 or email support@big-c.co.uk  

Road to Net Zero grants will support Norfolk and Suffolk businesses to access grants from £1,000 to £25,000 for projects that will deliver carbon saving reductions. This is a pilot project, funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund from HM Government. The grant can contribute up to 75% of eligible project costs. Projects can be wide ranging and include, but not restricted to, energy efficiency, clean energy, supply chain engagement, behaviour change/education, reducing waste. The scheme will also help create and enhance a business’s decarbonisation plans. There is a limited pot of funding available, so we are looking for businesses to bring forward investment projects that will have a significant impact on their business, and grant applications will be considered by the panel on “first-come, first-served” basis. The projects must be completed in full by 30 April 2022 so we are looking for projects that are ready to proceed immediately and are not dependent on planning or any other permissions and which have confirmed delivery and completion dates. Examples of projects can include, but are not restricted to:

• LED lighting
• Energy efficient plant and machinery
• Insulation, replacement windows, doors etc. to improve energy efficiency of buildings
• Heating e.g., Biomass, ASHP/WSHP etc. but not fossil fuel alternatives
• Electric commercial vehicles*
• Solar Panels (building regs and planning permission may apply)
• Creation or enhancement of decarbonisation plans
• Further specialist consultancy

  Eligibility The grant cannot fund any projects that have been completed or commenced in any way. You must not make any orders or pay deposits until you have been notified of the outcome of your application. Businesses must have been actively trading for a minimum of 12-months to access the grant funding. The scheme is unable to support applications from the Agricultural Sector (primary processing of agricultural products). To speak to the New Anglia Growth Hub’s Net Zero advisers and to apply for the scheme, call 0300 333 6536 or email info@newangliagrowthhub.co.uk     Project background: The programme will also support advisers at the New Anglia Growth Hub and at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to deliver specialist advice, helping businesses identify the changes they can make. There will also be a Net Zero Challenge Fund to help bring forward innovative ideas. Partners in the project include New Anglia LEP, the New Anglia Growth Hub, Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, UEA and the University of Suffolk, Groundwork East, Eastern New Energy and Greater South East Energy Hub. For details, visit Community Renewal Fund – New Anglia  

No turning back: UK CEOs are approaching a purpose tipping point Commitments to purpose and ESG are rising as CEOs make stronger connections to business strategy and growth. But there is work still to do.  PwC’s 25th Annual CEO Survey reveals a growing trend towards more purposeful business practices, including a greater focus on trust, transparency and personal accountability from CEOs on issues such as climate change and inequality. There are also interviews with a number of leading CEOs providing their perspective on agenda-setting issues. Here is the link to the UK CEO survey report and interviews. You can contact PwC to discuss any of the topics raised in more detail via www.pwc.co.uk

Demonstrating the competence, knowledge and culture required for the offshore renewables sector through a vigorous business development programme, Prior Power Solutions has been granted Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) status. In attaining this status, the company has also demonstrated it has the leadership, resources, and processes in place to maintain this status. Prior Power Solutions joins a number of companies from the Norfolk and Suffolk cohort of the programme, which is delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and funded by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership in becoming Fit for Offshore Renewables. James Rix, Managing Director says, “We are delighted to receive this F4OR ‘granted status’. The programme has allowed us to analyse and understand how to apply our skills and services to the offshore renewables industry. “This is just the beginning of our journey as we look to continually improve our business to secure more work in the offshore renewables sector.” F4OR is a unique offering from ORE Catapult, put together with input from the offshore renewables energy sector. A course of business improvement and sector specific capability building, it helps companies in the UK supply chain to be in the best possible position to bid for work in the offshore renewable energy industry. Some of the world’s biggest wind farms are being built off the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline including East Anglia Hub, Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas, in addition to four extension projects: Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon, North Falls and Five Estuaries. While other UK Round 3 developments, Dogger Bank and Hornsea, as well as Dutch offshore wind developments are easily accessible. “This provides us with considerable opportunities to support offshore wind farm development as well as ongoing operations and maintenance that will continue to bring economic benefits to the area for decades to come” explains Mr Rix. “In addition to providing marine servicing, repair and offshore substation generator maintenance and breakdown services, we can provide specialist hydraulic control system services and look after critical equipment for Offshore Transmission Owners (OFTOs). “Our decades of experience and considerable expertise with a wide range of offshore and marine equipment and the learning through the F4OR programme puts us in perfect position for growth.”

Following a thorough audit in December, Prior Power Solutions has received ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certification. Already certified to ISO 9001 for Quality Management, the company has solidified its commitment to providing both a safe working environment for its employees and visitors, and to reducing its environmental impact. The ISO 45001 certification for Occupational Health & Safety reinforces existing proactive leadership practices to improve health and safety for everyone, including through the Coronavirus pandemic. Having undergone a name change and total rebrand in 2020 to reflect the company’s vision of being a leading global player in the field of sustainable power solutions, Prior Power Solutions is supporting its global customers transition to more sustainable and cleaner emission powered products. “ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management is therefore central for Prior Power Solutions” says Daniel Dyball, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Officer. “Reducing the environmental impact of day-to-day activities is of paramount importance to us. “Through our energy provider, our site in Great Yarmouth is already powered 100% by clean energy. “And since simply reviewing our waste management system a few months ago, we have already diverted 6.5 tonnes of waste from landfill. The company is looking at new ways of identifying waste that could be recycled instead of going to landfill. “One of the new environmental initiatives we are implementing is recycling facilities on site for Covid-19 lateral flow tests and face masks. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about the certificate to display in reception, but an ethos to live and work by every day,” concludes Daniel. James Rix, Managing Director says, “As part of the Moreld group of companies, sustainability is at the core to everything we do. “Whilst we are developing electric-driven equipment and hydrogen introduction systems for diesel engines for our customers to lower their carbon footprint, we are dedicated to adopting sustainable practices in our daily operations.”

A Guide to Self-Build Mortgages Trevor Griffin is our Self-Build Specialist at Mortgage Advice Bureau and gives a guide for what to look out for below. 2021 saw the largest increase in house prices since 2007, that coupled with the government help to build scheme means that even more people are looking to self-build.  Approximately 12,000 people in the UK build their own homes every year. For some self-building means that they can invest their own time and effort in to building their dream home, saving themselves money and for other it’s a way of ensuring that their dream home is bespoke to them by engaging specialists to manage and build their self-build. Here at Mortgage Advice Bureau, we provide specialist advice for self-build mortgages helping you to obtain the right mortgage for your project. When it comes to self-build mortgages and self-building, planning is key (in more ways that one). Self-building can be broken down into the following basic steps.

1. Finding and buying your plot
2. Planning, costings, financing and laying of foundations
3. Construction to wall plate level
4. Building made watertight
5. First fix and plastering
6. Second fix through to completion

When you are thinking about self-building then its important to consider your cash flow because self-build mortgages will release funds in stages after completion of each key stage of your build.  Also, it’s important to factor in the cost of your mortgage or rent while you are still building and the interest only payments for each stage of your self-build mortgage.  Finally, it is also important to ensure you build in a 10-15% contingency and that builders are contracted on a joint contract’s tribunal. Whatever stage you’re at in your self-build journey contact Mortgage Advice Bureau to talk to our specialist mortgage adviser today. Telephone our office: 01603 40 50 70 or Trevor directly on 07769 892018 Email: trevor.griffin@mab.org.uk

On Saturday 28th May 2022, Norfolk-based community interest company HER Business Revolution will hold a large-scale celebration of the achievements of women and girls. The event ‘Superwoman Fest™ Norwich’ will take place at the Norfolk showground, and the company expects to have up to 5,000 attendants, based on the enthusiastic online response they have received from potential attendants and collaborators. The company aims to share positive stories about the ambition and perseverance of the women they have supported in wellbeing, work and business related struggles. They also invite other companies and businesses to come along and do the same, as stand-holders, partners and sponsors. HER Business Revolution require forward thinking businesses who can platform similarly encouraging stories that might inspire attendants, or raise awareness about opportunities for women where they are underrepresented. There will be also be opportunities for B2B networking and interaction due to the number of current local sponsors and standholders- including Birketts, Hethel Innovation and Face to Face Finance. Students from Norfolk colleges, sixth-forms and universities have also been welcomed to come along and explore their future options in a friendly and inspiring environment, so companies looking for a new, fresh-thinking cohort of staff are encouraged to participate and show off what makes your organisation great. The festival will feature a speakers tent where representatives from companies will get the chance to speak on a range of fascinating subjects, a marketplace with stands you can reserve especially for your business, and the chance to run interactive workshops for the benefit of attendants.

If you, your small business or company are interested in sponsorship opportunities or becoming a stand holder, click here to read our sponsorship brochure. For more information, contact events@herbusinessrevolution.biz

Find out more on the HER Business Revolution website at: https://herbusinessrevolution.biz/

For many people, the start of a new year is time for both celebration and reflection and, at Layrd Design, we’re no different. Join us as we share some of our highlights from the past 12 months, before looking ahead at what’s in store for 2022. in our latest blog we discuss our successes and challenges in 2021 and look forward to 2022. Read the full article below. https://www.layrddesign.co.uk/post/2021-the-year-in-review

As a Department of International Trade, East of England Export Champion based in King’s Lynn, Captain Fawcett is honoured to feature in the portfolio of British businesses being showcased by the Trade Secretary, The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP in the current negotiations to establish an important free trade agreement with India. ‘As a company that with the assistance of both the DIT & UKIBC is registering a number of our simply ‘First Class Gentlemen’s Grooming Requisites’ with a view to importing into the world’s fastest-growing market. We welcome this hugely exciting initiative. UK-India Free Trade Agreement How the East of England could benefit: The East of England is an export powerhouse, sending nearly £30bn of goods abroad in 2019 – £449m of which went to India. An FTA with India could provide easier access for exporters such as King’s Lynn-based gentleman’s grooming specialists Captain Fawcett, stimulating businesses across the region and boosting its economy by up to £224m in the long run. An FTA which reduces India’s huge import taxes of up to 60% on dairy products and more than double that on other UK goods would be great news for firms like Volac, based in Cambridge, who produce dairy nutrition products, or the region’s specialist industrial equipment makers, who already export over £34m-worth of goods a year to India. The East of England is a hi-tech centre of excellence, from Cambridgeshire’s world-renowned life sciences experts to innovative scientific equipment producers in Suffolk. Companies like medical device firm CMR Surgical would benefit from an FTA which allows greater co-operation with Indian researchers as both countries strive to build back better from coronavirus. The East’s services sector already has a global reach, exporting £179m-worth to India in 2019. Opening access to India’s expanding market offers huge opportunities for law firms in Peterborough, accountants in Southend-on-Sea, or transport, storage, and logistics experts in Bedfordshire.