Member News

The gift of time, flexibility, and balance are some of the benefits people have enjoyed during the last year.

In contrast, childcare, communication, and IT were the biggest challenges as we adapted to a world of work that looked very different.

The Engaging People Company wanted to find out what it was like for people working during a pandemic – what was good, and less good, and what could be taken forward into a post-Covid world.

As well as hearing about benefits and challenges, there were some great examples of employee engagement shared too. Around communications, appreciation, social engagement, and wellbeing. For example, one employer offered unexpected incentives like free takeaways.

Looking ahead, people want continued flexibility, from their organisation, along with technical tools and engagement and communications. From managers, things such as mental health support, communications and trust are important.

Some people decided to change their career aspirations as a result of the pandemic – for reasons such as pursuing a new purpose or spending more time with family.

Director Michelle Gant said: “Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts so openly. The survey offered some great ideas but it’s just a toe dip in the water.

“What matters is that employers ask their people: find out what matters to them, what they need, then listen, and respond accordingly. And keep asking. Because people’s views change – especially as society starts opening up more. Keep listening. Keep responding. Employee engagement, it’s not a one-off thing. It’s an ongoing journey. 

“Rather like the last year.”

Read the full report here.

Process Instruments have launched a brand new website!

After over a year in the making our new website has launched. Our priority when building & designing this site was to keep the customer in mind.  On the new site you will find a completely new structure that optimizes the user experience and journey. Ensuring that relevant content is accessed in as few clicks as possible.  Streamlined navigation provides easy access to site pages & search, contact information, social media links & our new PI Toolbox feature. 

Visit our website & check out all the new features. 

Process instruments are delighted to work with British Sugar on a recent application to upgrade their Chemical clean-in-place (CIP) system. This allows the heaters to be cleaned automatically with the press of a button, using the latest technology to increase efficiencies across site.

Process instruments provided flow meters, pressure transmitters & temperature transmitters for this project.

We have provided onsite commissioning assistance via our service team and all data and programming has been managed by Siemens Process Device Manager (PDM).

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED BY PROCESS INSTRUMENTS

• Siemens SITRANS FM 3100 Magnetic flowmeter with MAG 5000 transmitters with HART
• Siemens SITRANS P300 & P320 pressure and differential pressure transmitters with HART
• Siemens SITRANS TS500 temperature sensors with flanged thermowells and SITRANS TH320 in head HART temperature transmitters

2020 programme supported more than 160 local businesses and reported a 90% satisfaction rate.

A peer networks scheme which has already supported more than 160 local businesses and proved hugely popular is to continue into its second year, New Anglia Growth Hub has announced.

The national initiative is designed for SME leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success and is funded by Government through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

New Anglia Growth Hub is now to offer the programme to more than 200 eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis between Summer 2021 and Spring 2022.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be in the process of recruiting again for a second year of the Peer Networks Programme,” says New Anglia Growth Hub Manager Samantha Vinyard-Jones. “It has been wonderful to watch the programme progress over the past year and to the impact the sessions have had on this year’s participants”.  

Businesses who are eligible to apply must have operated for at least a year, have at least five employees, a turnover of at least £100,000.00 and an aspiration to improve.

Former participant Patrick Baker of E J Baker & Sons said: “I would wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone who just has an interest in bettering themselves and improving their business.”

Christopher Melsa of School’s Out Activities Ltd added: “I would recommend the Peer Networks Programme to anyone who is in their business, has got day-to-day challenges, wants some guidance and someone to speak to.

“It gives you a chance to step back, re-evaluate, see where you are and where you are going. As shown with the past year, things can change so drastically quickly. So, this programme does not only help you but makes you a better businessperson for sure.”

Enrolling in a programme led by New Anglia Growth Hub is also a great way to stay up to date with hundreds of free business support services. Throughout the programme, participants are frequently provided with updated information around new grants, finance assistance, upcoming events and other specialist advice.

“We are delighted to be supporting more SME business leaders across Norfolk and Suffolk and excited to see the power of the Peer Support once more,” said Senior Programme Coordinator Grace Harrison. “For business leaders to say that they ‘no longer feel alone’ after joining the programme was an incredible testament to the programme itself and the calibre of the business consultants leading the sessions.”

“This is an incredible initiative and growth opportunity for local businesses, and I strongly advise any SMEs who are eligible to express an interest through our online form before spaces fill up.”

To find out how your business can sign up, go to https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/peer-network-programme/ or call 0300 333 6536.

A leading independent East Anglian insurance broker has been acquired by Ethos Broking via its regional hub, the Norwich and Bury St Edmunds based Hugh J Boswell Group.   Drayton Insurance Services was established in 1997 by Susan Howard and Darren Walsgrove.    It grew through expansions and acquisitions to become one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the region, with offices in Drayton, Aylsham, Poringland and Ipswich.   The sale was handled by accountancy and advisory firm Larking Gowen alongside legal firm Howes Percival.   James Lay, Corporate Transactions and Business Advisory Partner at Larking Gowen who led the sale, said: “Drayton is a well-established and reputable insurance firm. Sue and Darren have done a fantastic job in building a highly successful business which has become one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the region.   “It was a pleasure to support them through the process to a successful sale. This deal illustrates the demand we are seeing first-hand in the eastern region for quality businesses and the highly active marketplace for private business sales.”   Will Gibbs, Corporate Transactions Senior Executive at Larking Gowen, added: “Acting as the main transaction adviser, it was great to support Susan and Darren throughout the entire process. Having prepared the business for sale, we reviewed the potential tax implications.   “We then approached a select shortlist of prospective buyers, negotiated the best deal, and assisted through due diligence to completion.”   The Howes Percival team, led by Oliver Pritchard with support from Richard Turner and Helaina Mann, advised the shareholders on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company. Howes Percival’s role encompassed the entire legal transaction including helping to negotiate the heads of terms, due diligence support from specialists within the firm’s property, tax and employment teams, negotiating the detailed legal terms of the sale and overseeing completion.     Oliver Pritchard commented: “Following on from an incredibly busy first quarter in 2021, in which our corporate, commercial, and banking team completed 32 deals, with a combined value of £263 million, we continue to see an extremely high volume of transactions.     “There is strong demand from trade and institutional buyers for profitable, well-managed businesses.  Drayton Insurance Services ticks all the boxes, with a great management team, a strong brand reputation and sustained profitable growth. We are delighted to have worked with the founders Sue and Darren, to help them achieve a successful sale of the business.  Both intend to remain in the business following the sale, and I am sure it will go from strength to strength as part of the Hugh J Boswell Group.”

Plain Speaking PR is looking for an experienced PR account manager who is ready for the next step in their career and wants to join an ambitious, quality-driven and enthusiastic team.

Plain Speaking PR is well-established, award-winning, specialist PR and communications agency, working with clients across the UK.  With a home-based, flexible working model the company prides itself on its nimble and uncluttered approach. 

“We are passionate about the power of ‘proper’ professional public relations and we always aim to deliver outstanding results and value for money for our clients,” says Pippa Lain-Smith, founder and managing director of Plain Speaking PR. “The person who joins us will be responsible for developing, managing and evaluating integrated PR campaigns across traditional, digital and social platforms.   From copywriting to event planning; media relations to social media management; community relations to influencer engagement: they’ll be committed to delivering excellence across all areas of the PR mix.”

“We work across a wide range of sectors, including: retail and leisure; tourism and hospitality; arts and entertainment; manufacturing and business services; charity and non-profit; financial planning and property development.  No two days are the same and our creative juices are always flowing. We strongly believe PR has the power to make a positive difference to businesses, individuals and communities and we love bringing great people together to make fantastic things happen.”

Due to recent client wins, there is now the opportunity for the right person to join the Plain Speaking PR team and help grow the agency.

Plain Speaking PR moved away from a traditional office more than five years ago: all team members now work from home offices.  “Whilst we may not be in the same place every day, we believe remote working makes us stronger as a team,” continues Pippa Lain-Smith.  “We make time to talk and to socialise and support each other both professionally and personally.”

To read the full job description and find out how to apply, visit Plain Speaking PR is recruiting – Plain Speaking PR (plainspeakingagency.co.uk)

First Intuition, the award-winning accountancy training provider, has launched a new package of resources aimed at young people looking for work and entering the workplace for the first time. The FREE ‘Employability Skills‘ consist of a combination of original content and links to external resources. These are aimed at filling some of the skills gaps in young adults caused by the reduction in work experience, part-time jobs, and opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities since the start of the pandemic.

Despite feedback that employers are seeing both a higher volume and calibre of applicants than ever before in entry level recruitment for Autumn 2021. There are concerning indications that whilst academic ability seems as strong as ever, there is evidence of ‘COVID skills gaps’ in areas that have impacted young adult’s preparedness for the workplace. These skills gaps have come as a result of schools having had to squeeze their curriculum and cut careers resources during the pandemic. They include minimal experience taking formal exams, loss of social and interpersonal skills, trouble articulating and evidencing transferable skills, and lack of interview preparation.

With first-class attention to student care through its accountancy courses, apprenticeship programmes, and skills development training, First Intuition is well placed to provide its expertise on employability skills to help young adults into the workplace. The Employability Skills resources have been curated using a combination of links to external information and original content created by First Intuition. Including helpful tips for CV writing, interview preparation, what to wear on a first day, and ensuring optimal online presence.

From finding the right career to making a good impression on a first day, the resources can help in all aspects of finding a job and are relevant to anyone starting or applying to most roles, not just in finance. They even cover topics that are often not included in careers workshops, including what to look out for in your contract of employment, salary negotiations, and office etiquette and professional behaviour.

Find the Employability Skills resources here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/finding-a-job-employability-skills/

Read more information about COVID skills gaps and recruiting the ‘COVID generation here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/recruitment-of-the-covid-generation-fitt-forum-2/,

Steeles Law is delighted to announce staff promotions to partnership level effective as of 1st June 2021.

In welcoming Karen, Damian and Sally as partners within the firm, Steeles Law celebrates the largest promotions of new partners in the company since 2015.

Karen Bacon, Wills, Trusts and Probate Chartered Legal Executive has been with the firm for over 20 years, is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Ranked in the Legal 500 as an elite individual, Karen is praised as ‘always available, very professional and approachable.

Damian Pitts, Dispute Litigation Solicitor joined the firm in 2018 and is recommended in the Legal 500 as being “bright and thorough”.

Sally joined Steeles Law in 2019, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in the family law legal sector. Sally is a member of Resolution and a Law Society Accredited Family Law specialist. She is a trained collaborative lawyer and a member of The Good Divorce Group. A recommended lawyer in the Legal 500, Sally is praised for being ‘sharp and highly experienced, and a pleasure to work with’.

Oliver Brabbins, Managing Partner commented on the promotions ‘I am delighted to welcome Karen, Damian and Sally to the senior management team, as senior lawyers they are proving to be crucial players in the business development of Steeles Law.

To establish a clear pathway to becoming a partner, we will also be introducing the positions of Associate and Senior Associate which will allow us to clearly articulate the “pathway to progression” within Steeles. Even in these uncertain times, the business has experienced growth this year and we continue to drive forward with our ambitious plans for team development and expansion of our legal services’ . 

On the announcement, Damian Pitts said, ‘I am delighted to join the partnership and look forward to being involved in the business development of the firm’.

For more information about services provided by Steeles Law please visit steeleslaw.co.uk.

Short video about Norfolk Trading Standards Trusted Trader scheme.

First Choice in Action

Our vision is to be your first choice for quality, personal service, speed and accuracy in metals testing. As we emerge from the pandemic with all the learning and resilience from the last year it is positive to reflect that we have been able to provide consistent service to our clients whenever they have needed our services. A local foundry says “Very happy with our service and knowledge especially on speed and accuracy. When they do have a problem they like being able to discuss with ASAMS to try and get to the bottom, customer care first rate.”

As you know during the last year we have expanded our range of metal testing services to include reinforcing steel testing. For several years we have had our family of icons referring to our various services and now we have a new family member!

Please contact us to find out more about our services and how we can help you

SPE Offshore Europe 2021 Exhibition Update

We will once again be attending SPE Offshore Europe this year, from 7-10th September 2021 in Aberdeen. The aim of the conference and exhibition is to bring together organisations from across the sector to move the industry forward, providing a platform for exhibitors and visitors to discuss the key challenges, opportunities and areas of interest facing the industry.

We first exhibited at this event in 2019 (pictured) and after a successful exhibition it will be great to return – Aberdeen is the energy capital of Europe and we look forward to meeting face to face with colleagues and partners from the sector there. Visit www.asams.co.uk to learn more about the Amazing Service that ASAMS provides. Sustainability in Action ASAMS have started their journey to a fully electric vehicle fleet, with the replacement of one of the company vehicles. In July, an electric charging point is being installed at the laboratory for the use of staff and visitors. Read our sustainability story here. Continuous Improvement in Action Giving great client service is one of our passions and another is constantly wanting to improve how we do things. During the last few weeks we have updated our client enquiry process so that we can give you even better service.

This week copywriter Clare Crowe is celebrating her third anniversary as Content Marketing Executive for B2B marketing agency Full Mix Marketing.

The professional wordsmith joined the growing Norwich-based agency in May 2018 and, after maternity leave for the birth of her second son, she returned in late 2020 to continue delivering content for the agency’s many clients.

However, writing press releases, blogs and websites for companies in manufacturing, technology and logistics is not the only way the Canadian has been flexing her creative muscles:

“I can’t believe it’s been three years! A lot has changed. We’ve moved offices, grown the team and taken on many new clients. We’ve also had to deal with the pandemic but, on the upside, the lockdowns gave me time to write a children’s book too!”

Clare joined the agency with experience gained in a fast-paced media agency writing for household brands including Warner Bros, McCain and Expedia.

With a master’s degree in Script Development, she uses her language skills to write press releases, social media, articles, blogs, website text and award entries, as well as content for sales materials including brochures, mailers and advertising.

However, as the mother of two young boys, Clare reads lots of children’s books and started to jot down her own ideas. She’s now in contact with illustrators to bring her children’s book to life.

“Despite the obvious differences with writing about something commercial or technical, I’ve actually found writing a children’s book has helped with my day job too. The subject and audience couldn’t be more different, but both are about using words to explain what’s important and bring it to life!”

James West, joint-founder and director of Full Mix Marketing says “Clare has been an important part of our success, helping find opportunities for our clients and turning them into great content. More than that, she’s such a friendly and professional person to have in our close-knit team. We’re all looking forward to reading her children’s book!”

Originally from Vancouver Canada, Clare relocated for her master’s degree and began her marketing career in a nationwide digital agency, before joining Full Mix Marketing.

Established in 2016, Full Mix Marketing is a full-service marketing agency which provides marketing primarily for companies who provide their service to other businesses (business-to-business). For some they provide individual elements of digital, strategic, creative and traditional marketing, whilst for others they act as their entire outsourced marketing department.

Clare adds “My role at Full Mix has been very diverse, working for clients ranging from sectors including data centres, lorry tension curtains and biogas infrastructure! It’s fascinating getting to know what they do and turning into content their customers want to engage with. I’m looking forward to what the next three years hold!”

For more information on Full Mix Marketing visit www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk or contact 01603 446227.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

If you have not heard of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is an agenda set out by the United Nations as a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity. The goals and targets that they set out will inspire action over the next fifteen years in areas that are of critical importance for humanity and the planet.

17 Sustainable Development Goals

As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development there are a collection of 17 interlinked sustainable goals that have been set out to re-affirm the commitment by the world to sustainable development. They are designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’. These 17 sustainable development goals also provide a framework for Covid-19 recovery and recognise that ending poverty must work alongside a range of other strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, job opportunities whilst also tackling climate change and environmental protection.

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

Despite these 17 sustainable goals and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development being set out, the main question is, are we doing enough globally and will they be enough to allow future generations to live a sustainable life. We spoke to Dutch environmentalist Alexander Verbeek recently as part of our Swan TV series, to discuss a range of topics including climate change, sustainability and if we are doing enough collectively. The main message that he gave and something that he spoke about was that together we are not doing enough. If you look at the world as whole, everything is growing, including the population. As a species, we are consuming more and more every year, and depleting the natural resources on this planet. This is something that has always been prominent in most people’s minds and something that we are taught from an early age, especially focusing on how much of our rainforests are being cut down every day to make way for resources for humans. This constant neglect for our plant needs to stop, we are reaching the limits of growth and without change we will see ourselves in a dire situation in the next decade.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is one of the most complex features on our planet and not only refers to the variety of life and how life interplays with the physical environment, but without it, there is no future for humanity. Only last week, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has said that “humanity is waging a war on nature, threatening biodiversity, loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution”. Nature is one of the most beautiful things on our planet and not only sustains life, but also provides solutions. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate and the world has failed to meet any of its internationally agreed biodiversity targets. The world is depleting resources faster than nature can replenish them which sets a worrying image of the future for our future generations.

What changes can we make

We are all aware that climate change is a serious threat to our planet and something that we need to address urgently. There are lots of changes you can make or things you can do personally to try to live a more sustainable life. One of the things that Alexander mentions is something as simple as eating less meat, even by having a ‘meatless Monday’ will decrease the levels of human consumption of meat globally which in turn will have a positive impact.

If you are looking for things you can do within your home or business to be more energy efficient there are plenty of energy efficient measures that you can undertake which will be positive not only for the planet, but it could also reduce your energy bills. Simple things such as turning off the lights and equipment when you are not using them or using available sunlight to illuminate your workspace rather than using the main lights. You could cycle or walk into work and unplug chargers when they are not in use! Make sure that you go paperless wherever possible and recycle and re-use.

Renewable energy

There has been a lot of focus on renewable energy and the need to switch to green energy suppliers in the past few years, with more people looking to make this move. This has been highlighted more recently with the UKs ambitious target to be Net Zero by 2050 and cut greenhouse gas emissions to at least 100% below 1990 levels by 2050. Many businesses now focusing on this and pledging to be carbon neutral sooner. The Paris Agreement set an ambitious goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy such as solar, wind as well as electric vehicles (EVS) will be crucial to us hitting this target.

If you would like to find out how you can make the switch the renewable energy or green energy suppliers, contact us today to speak to one of our friendly swans.