Member News

Thursday 12th June was a proud and exciting day for Warren, as our HR Director, Estee Ross was invited to attend the Apprenticeships Ambassador Network Celebration at the prestigious House of Lords in London.

The event, which had been postponed from 2024 due to the general election, finally took place on a beautiful sunny day in the capital. It was a fitting setting to recognise the ongoing efforts of organisations like Warren that are actively promoting apprenticeships across Norfolk and beyond.

Estee said:
“It was such a special moment to be at the House of Lords – what a fantastic building! It’s actually much bigger than I imagined. I felt truly honoured to be there, representing Warren and all the work we’ve done to support apprenticeships in our region.”

Estee was invited by The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, who unfortunately had to send her apologies on the day, as she was required in the House of Commons. Nonetheless, the event was a great success, with guests from across the apprenticeship community coming together to share ideas and celebrate progress.

Estee was also able to catch up with Lisa Peter from Norfolk Apprenticeships, whose support has been invaluable over the past few years – especially in helping Warren benefit from Levy sharing arrangements with larger employers to support the cost of training.

One exciting announcement from the day was the confirmed date for the next National Apprenticeship Week:
9th–15th February 2026 – a key date for the diary as Warren continues to champion skills development and opportunity through apprenticeships.

Congratulations to Estee on being recognised at such a significant event – and thank you for continuing to fly the flag for apprenticeships and future talent at Warren.

The Art Exhibition ‘Sea State’ has recently opened at Wolterton Hall. Featuring original and specially commissioned works by Maggi Hambling, including a very personal collection of paintings created after the death of her partner Tory, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for all art lovers. The exhibition is free and open every Wednesday to Sunday.

To complement the exhibition, we are also putting on several musical and theatrical events and we’d like to offer fellow members of the Norfolk Chamber a 20% discount on all tickets. We have two operas; one outside on the southern lawns overlooking the lake, the other as part of a very special opera and dining experience in the Saloon. We also have several theatre productions including an outdoor performance of Macbeth and a fun play called Ladies Day. Details of all the performances and including several excellent dining experiences can be found at wolterton.co.uk/events-arts-and-culture. 

Please use the promotion code CHAMBER20 when booking to receive your discount. We hope to see you soon!

We are delighted to offer an Emergency First Aid at Work course in Norwich.

The one-day course is ideal for anyone who has been nominated as a workplace Emergency First Aider. If your risk assessment shows that First Aiders are not necessary, then this course is also suitable for you to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to render necessary First Aid in an emergency situation, including the use of an AED.

Date: Friday 5th September 2025

Location: Norfolk Chambers of Commerce (Boardroom), Hardwick House, No.2 Agricultural Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3FS

Course Times: 9.30am start – 4.30pm finish

Cost: £75 per person for chamber members & £85 per person for non-members

Contact us today to book your place at our special members rate! Please quote your company name (as presented under the member directory on the Chambers page) when booking.

You can call David on 07951 822 405 or Jamie on 07908 790 075. Alternatively, you can also email us on info@firstaidcourses.co.uk.

Try a height-adjustable desk for free – Exclusively for Norfolk businesses

Electric height-adjustable desks are rapidly replacing traditional office setups – and it’s easy to see why.

They reduce prolonged sitting (a leading cause of back-related sick days) and can even give your team a boost in focus and productivity – the research backs this up.

If you’re looking to modernise your workspace and give your staff a healthier way to work, switching to height-adjustable desks is a smart place to start.

And the best part?

If you’re a business owner or manager in Norfolk, you can trial an electric height-adjustable desk for free. We’ll deliver and install it at your workplace, so your team can experience the benefits firsthand, with no commitment.

We’ve been supplying height-adjustable desks to small and medium-sized businesses across the UK for years. In 2025, demand has soared

But we believe you shouldn’t have to commit to a full upgrade without trying it first. That’s why we’re offering Norfolk businesses the chance to trial an electric height-adjustable desk for free. We have a range of frame and tabletop options to suit your space, style, and setup.

👉 Email us at sales@millarwest.co.uk today to arrange your free trial.

Up-Connect, a leading provider of wayleave and property services, is celebrating its five-year anniversary with impressive milestones that underscore its rapid expansion and industry influence. 

Founded in 2020 by directors Scott Curtis and Charles Thomas, and with roots in Norfolk, the company has grown from a two-person team to an ever-growing team of wayleave surveyors and property specialists operating across multiple locations throughout the UK. With a growing client base and an expanding footprint, Up-Connect has firmly established itself as a trusted partner in the broadband and utilities sectors. 

“Seeing how far we’ve come in just five years is incredibly rewarding. We’ve built a business that not only excels in prioritising strong relationships with clients, industry partners and local landowners, but also in our deep knowledge of the technical aspects of the property services which we provide.  “ said Scott Curtis. 

Last year, the company was recognised at the UK Fibre Awards, winning the prestigious Best Business Services category—a testament to its dedication to quality and efficiency, and this year were triple finalists across categories including Best in Services, Best Vendor/Supplier, and Rollout Challenge Buster. Up-Connect’s wayleave support services now span 16 counties, covering areas such as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and East Sussex, enabling the rollout of full-fibre broadband to hard-to-reach premises. 

Within the broadband industry, Up-Connect has secured its reputation as a trusted partner, working with the UK’s leading fibre providers, actively contributing to the UK’s digital infrastructure growth. Over the past 12 months alone, Up-Connect has secured well over 1,000 wayleaves ensuring seamless coordination with landowners. 

 “Our ability to consistently deliver is what sets us apart. Completing wayleave agreements in an average of just 32 calendar days speaks to the efficiency and expertise of our team, and our willingness to build relationships with landowners and public sector bodies,” noted Charles Thomas. 

 As Up-Connect marks this milestone, its continued commitment to excellence and industry leadership remains clear. With operations spanning multiple sectors—including fibre broadband, utilities, leisure, and sport—the company is poised for sustained growth in the years ahead. 

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales shares a personal and heartfelt message for Children’s Hospice Week 

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has written a heartfelt message, inviting members of the public to join her in celebrating the life-changing work children’s hospices do, this Children’s Hospice Week. 

Led across the UK by Together for Short Lives, the charity for children’s palliative care, Children’s Hospice Week is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness of children’s hospice services. The special week runs until Sunday, 22nd June.

Her Royal Highness is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales. In her personal message, she speaks of the difference hospice care and support makes to families at unimaginably difficult times.

She wrote: “No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. 

“Being able to access the support of one of the UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.

“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices. 

“Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.

“This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”

The Princess became EACH’s Royal Patron in January 2012 and Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in January 2025.

Through Children’s Hospice Week, Together for Short Lives unites these vital services to celebrate the incredible work they do for seriously ill children and their families.

Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH, said: “We’re so incredibly grateful for The Princess’ invaluable contribution as our dedicated Royal Patron.

“Her ongoing support and vast profile have projected our charity onto the global stage and this latest message is a perfect way to mark Children’s Hospice Week.

“It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the work of children’s hospices generally, as well as giving us an opportunity to raise awareness and remind everyone of the need for public support, given we rely on donations for the majority of our income.”

Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Princess of Wales for celebrating Children’s Hospice Week, and the amazing work of children’s hospices, with her personal message of support this year. 

“Her ongoing support for Children’s Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children’s hospices do, every day of the year. Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours.

“Together with all of our children’s hospices, we thank The Princess of Wales for her invaluable contribution.” 

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, said: “We are deeply grateful to The Princess of Wales, Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, for her incredible support. 

“Her Royal Highness is clearly profoundly committed to the needs of children and young people, and in January, during her first visit to our hospice as our Patron, her kindness and empathy were evident.  

“Having HRH’s support during Children’s Hospice Week means that not only can we take time to celebrate the difference that children’s hospices, including Tŷ Hafan, have made to the lives of so many families, but that we can also remind people of the importance of supporting their local children’s hospice so that no family has to live their child’s short life alone.” 

To see and read the Princess’ signed letter, head here.

This is just a reminder to anyone still on the fence about coming or wondering if it will be worth it. It really is! 

As a business professional, you will enjoy the Business Zone run by the Norfolk Chambers where there will be a lot of business talk and networking going on.  It is always very comfortably laid out with a central working and networking area where people can grab a coffee together, meet new contacts and collaborate.  Or, if you are out for the day from work but aware that you still have a bit of work to do, you can bring your laptop and settle in a quiet booth to get something done.  You can bring your team or your family for a day out and there is plenty to do all day long around the show.

We’ll be in the Business Zone talking about how we can help with training and staff development needs to help businesses fill skills gaps which will then enable them to grow.  We have so many solutions to common business problems which we have been privileged to work on with so many of our clients and which we can talk to you about if you need some guidance.  We’ll be answering questions and giving as much advice as you need to help you with any challenges and sticking points.  We can talk about apprenticeships, professional certificates and recruitment to provide a holistic view and solution to any people development needs.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Huge congratulations to John Edwards on successfully completing his Level 3 Financial Services Apprenticeship with a distinction at Norfolk Wealth Management, delivered through Simply Academy Ltd.

Throughout his apprenticeship, John has demonstrated outstanding commitment, gaining in-depth knowledge, building valuable skills, and fully embracing every step of the journey.

John’s ambition is to become a fully qualified Financial Advisor. We look forward to helping him make this a reality. 
Well done, John, a fantastic achievement and an exciting future ahead!

We’ll be in the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Zone!
📍 Business Zone | 25–26 June

We’ll be there talking social media, website content, and more!
Swing by, grab a free audit, and let’s have a proper chat.

The upcoming exhibition, “80 Years in the Making,” celebrates eight decades of dedicated service to the over 50s community in Norwich. A cornerstone of this enduring commitment has been the charity’s beloved lunch clubs, which have been a vital source of warmth, nourishment, and companionship for over 50 years. 

The first Age UK Norwich lunch club was launched in 1972, born out of an emergency need for food and warmth during a time of national fuel crisis. What began as a critical response to immediate hardship has since blossomed into a cherished service, providing a welcoming space for older people to connect, share a meal, and combat the persistent problem of loneliness and isolation. 

“Our lunch clubs have evolved over the years but the core benefit has stayed the same, offering the opportunity to be with people; they are a lifeline for many, fostering connections and building a strong sense of community,” says Dan Skipper, CEO of Age UK Norwich, who celebrates 10 years with the charity this year. “It’s remarkable to see how a service initiated over five decades ago continues to be incredibly relevant and impactful today, directly addressing challenges that have plagued older generations for over 80 years.” 

The fight against loneliness and isolation has been at the heart of Age UK Norwich’s mission since its inception. Founded on in April 1945, in the wake of the Second World War, the charity was established to tackle the many issues facing older residents, a problem highlighted by reports such as the Beveridge Report of 1942. From establishing a visiting service for the housebound in 1968 to evolving initiatives like the current befriending service, Age UK Norwich has consistently innovated to ensure older people not only live longer but live well for longer. 

The charity’s extensive history showcases a relentless pursuit of this goal, adapting to changing societal needs while remaining steadfast in its core values. From pioneering welfare rights advice in the 1990s, securing £2.87 million in welfare benefits for older residents in 2024, to leading the Dementia Friendly Norwich initiative in the 2010s, Age UK Norwich has been a constant advocate and provider of essential services. Their work continues to be recognized, with two services featured in Professor Chris Whitty’s ‘Health in an Ageing Society’ Report in 2023, and their falls prevention video in partnership with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital nominated for an HSJ Award. 

Experience “80 Years in the Making” 

To delve deeper into the charity’s rich history and witness how Age UK Norwich continues to tackle current issues around ageing, the public is invited to a free and interactive exhibition: 

“80 Years in the Making” Dates: August 4th – 7th Location: The Forum, Norwich 

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to gain historical insight, explore the evolution of services, and understand the ongoing efforts to support older people in Norwich. It’s a chance to see how community spirit and dedication have persisted across generations to create a more age-friendly city, a status Norwich proudly achieved in 2024. 

Join Age UK Norwich in celebrating its past, understanding its present, and contributing to a future where older people can truly live well for longer. 

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Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby
Norwich Theatre Royal | Tue 17 to Sat 21 Jun | £50 – £55 £35 with offer code SEEPEAKY (see restrictions below)

In post-war industrial Birmingham, the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate whilst Tommy is intoxicated by mysterious newcomer, Grace. As the story unfolds, hearts are broken, and revenge is sought.

This evocative production written by Steven Knight, creator of the global hit television series, weaves a powerful narrative with breathtaking dance and live music, creating a theatrical experience like no other.

Complementing the drama is a live on-stage band, performing an extraordinary soundtrack blending original compositions with iconic tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets and more.

Band A or B tickets for the Tuesday and Wednesday evening are priced at £50-£55. However, we are offering these tickets for the price of £35.  To access this discount, click the link below, logon to the Norwich theatre website and up to two seats for Peaky Blinders. Use the code SEEPEAKY at checkout and your discount will be applied.*

Find out more and book now at https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/peaky-blinders-the-redemption-of-thomas-shelby/