Member News

Southgate recently ran a promotional campaign with its customers providing an alternative ‘rainbow’ packaging tape to their usual tape donating a percentage of each sale to the NHS. Southgate chose The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, being the local NHS Trust, donating £5,000. The campaign was inspired by a project the company had worked on with a client who replaced their packaging tape with a rainbow tape on gift packages sent to key workers across the UK making the packages feel very personal. Craig Turner, Managing Director at Southgate said: “The Southgate Rainbow Tape initiative was a great campaign for us, and it allowed all of our team to feel like they had an opportunity to contribute towards a worthy cause. It was refreshing to see how many of our customers brought into the programme and the team at Southgate are have been very cheered by the final contribution from their efforts.” Darren Smith, Head of Marketing at Southgate added: “For us it was all about raising awareness of the great work that the NHS are doing. We thought as most people would be spending more time at home and ordering more online, it would be a great reminder to help protect the NHS and stay alert.” Steve Barnett, Chairman at QEH said: “It’s wonderful to receive this donation and particularly at this time of year.” Caroline Shaw, CEO at the Trust echoed Steve’s appreciation adding: “It’s such an honour and we’re incredibly grateful.” QEH hope’s to work closely with Southgate in the coming year as part of their corporate mission to engage and work with local communities help improve the health and clinical outcomes of their patients.  

In this weeks show, Mark and James talk about the importance of negotiations skills in business and in life generally. As always they provide 3 valuable top tips, and along the way they make reference to former FBI negotiator Chris Voss, hostage negotiator George Kohlriser and Return of the Mac by Mark Morrison.   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Listen here!

When it became apparent that the effects of the new coronavirus would define 2020, Captain Fawcett Ltd applied for and was successfully awarded a New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership ‘Business Resilience and Recovery Grant’, administered by Suffolk County Council and intended for the support of businesses affected by Covid-19.  Now approaching the final weeks of the funding period Captain Fawcett Ltd has made excellent use of the most welcome allotted grant.   Alert to customer demand for a product which swiftly became obligatory in everyone’s 2020 personal hygiene kit, the company quickly switched production to create essential hand sanitiser. With the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership grant, the company was able to make essential upgrades to storage facilities, production equipment and stock control systems. Furthermore, with 2020 being Captain Fawcett’s 10th Anniversary year, a range of new products had been scheduled for release. Following many months of investment in development, design and production, to delay would have posed a real financial risk. Thanks to the support of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, Captain Fawcett was able to forge ahead with the planned launch of 8 new products. One of these, Nebula, a Signature Series collaboration with the American rock star John Petrucci, led directly to Captain Fawcett’s most successful trading weekend since the company was established.   In this hugely disruptive and unpredictable year, the world’s purchasing habits switched nigh on overnight to mass shopping online. Ever attuned to the needs of the customer and with the help of the grant, Captain Fawcett achieved rapid improvement in product stock control. This enabled swift response to new consumer habits in facilitating smooth deliveries to customers in 48 countries. Indeed, with the significant increase in orders, Captain Fawcett Ltd has witnessed considerable business expansion in this the company’s landmark anniversary year. 

This business expansion has been supported by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Business Resilience and Recovery Grant Scheme.   The scheme’s assistance has been of huge value both in expanding the business and sustaining full time and freelance staff in the UK and maintaining relationships with distributors and partners worldwide.

SocialB, an international digital marketing & training agency who has a base in Norwich boasting clients such as, Visa, PwC, Elsevier, Aston Martin and Just Eat to name a few, has responded to the Covid-19 crisis by developing and building its international footprint.   Having historically had a couple of team members based around the globe, the company saw the opportunity with remote working to open up its search for leading digital personnel across the globe. In response to one of its busiest years, SocialB has recruited new team members based in Kenya, Spain, Manchester, Scotland and the Philippines.   Lynsey Sweales, founder and CEO of SocialB said,   “Covid-19 has accelerated digital growth both for businesses with an existing digital presence and those looking to revolutionise their current business models. Having taken our team remote during the pandemic when our requirement for increasing team numbers became obvious it seemed silly to restrict ourselves in our search for the best digital people.   It’s been really exciting opening up our recruitment process like this. It feels more in line with our typical operations. As an international agency pre-covid, we were travelling all over the world on a weekly basis to deliver training and to meet our clients. Having a global workforce will just support this as the world looks to open up again.”   SocialB was established in 2008 and quickly grew its international reputation delivering exciting training solutions and sophisticated digital & e-commerce campaigns that generate leads and increase profitability. With this approach, it didn’t take long for the company to grow its exceptional global client base.   Not surprisingly the pandemic saw many businesses turn to SocialB for digital solutions, making the most of their online training sessions, podcast and toolboxes aimed at helping businesses large and small build their digital presence with practical market-leading advice which has been a ‘go-to’ for hundreds of businesses throughout the pandemic.   Lynsey Sweales, CEO holds a local position on the Chamber of Commerce’s board, until recently was on the Skills Panel for New Anglia Local Enterprise, she’s a trainer for Google as part of their digital academy and a mentor for Digital Boost. As the company continues to grow Lynsey’s support for the local business community remains evident.

We are pleased to say that further to our last update in July 2020, we have continued to adapt some of our core processes and our team have adapted to working in the ‘new normal’, to continue to provide all of our regular services during the usual working hours. Our previous investments in recruiting and training the right people, combined with developing robust IT systems, have enabled ASAMS to demonstrate a good level of resilience during the pandemic. (Pictured: Andrew Page, Director, ASAMS)

All of our staff have worked hard to adapt to the changes to ensure that our company can continue to give great service to our customers, and we are pleased that we have remained open for business throughout 2020″ said Thomas Whiskin, Director, ASAMS.

  In this months issue:

ASAMS Covid-19 December Update

Christmas Closure Dates ASAMS will be closed from 24th December and open on 4th January 2021. If any urgent work is required during this period, please contact ASAMS to discuss out of hours working arrangements. Thank you to those who have supported us this year.

Reinforcing Steel Tests

SPE Conference, Aberdeen 2021

Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing

SocialB, an international digital marketing & training agency who has a base in Norwich boasting clients such as, Visa, PwC, Elsevier, Aston Martin and Just Eat to name a few, has responded to the Covid-19 crisis by developing and building its international footprint. Having historically had a couple of team members based around the globe, the company saw the opportunity with remote working to open up its search for leading digital personnel across the globe. In response to one of its busiest years, SocialB has recruited new team members based in Kenya, Spain, Manchester, Scotland and the Philippines. Lynsey Sweales, founder and CEO of SocialB said, “Covid-19 has accelerated digital growth both for businesses with an existing digital presence and those looking to revolutionise their current business models. Having taken our team remote during the pandemic when our requirement for increasing team numbers became obvious it seemed silly to restrict ourselves in our search for the best digital people. It’s been really exciting opening up our recruitment process like this. It feels more in line with our typical operations. As an international agency pre-covid, we were travelling all over the world on a weekly basis to deliver training and to meet our clients. Having a global workforce will just support this as the world looks to open up again.” SocialB was established in 2008 and quickly grew its international reputation delivering exciting training solutions and sophisticated digital & e-commerce campaigns that generate leads and increase profitability. With this approach, it didn’t take long for the company to grow its exceptional global client base. Not surprisingly the pandemic saw many businesses turn to SocialB for digital solutions, making the most of their online training sessions, podcast and toolboxes aimed at helping businesses large and small build their digital presence with practical market-leading advice which has been a ‘go-to’ for hundreds of businesses throughout the pandemic. Lynsey Sweales, CEO holds a local position on the Chamber of Commerce’s board, until recently was on the Skills Panel for New Anglia Local Enterprise, she’s a trainer for Google as part of their digital academy and a mentor for Digital Boost. As the company continues to grow Lynsey’s support for the local business community remains evident.

Parents in East of England are being urged to register the birth of their newborns, so HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can verify their Child Benefit claims.

Normally, a birth must be registered before claiming Child Benefit.  However, with some local register offices operating at reduced capacity and some parents unable to go to them because of COVID-19, HMRC announced in April that claims could be made without having to register the child’s birth first.

More than 100,000 parents across the UK have been able to take advantage of this temporary change, ensuring that they receive this vital form of financial support. But to ensure they continue to receive the benefit they should register the birth as soon as they can, if they have not done so already. Local register offices in England are Covid-secure and are all operating at full capacity.

HMRC will be contacting anyone who has claimed since April but has not yet registered their child’s birth so that the claim can be verified. Parents will receive an SMS text message or letter asking them to contact their local register office and make an appointment to register their child. If parents receive this letter or text but are currently unable to do this, they can contact HMRC to seek more time.

Karl Khan, Interim Director General for Customer Services, HMRC, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that parents have taken advantage of the change we put in place earlier this year to help ensure they can claim the financial support they’re entitled to.  “It is now crucial for parents who claimed Child Benefit without registering their child’s birth to do it now so that they continue to receive their benefit.”    

Child Benefit claims can only be backdated by up to three months, so it is important that new parents claim as soon as they can so that they receive the maximum financial support available. They should then make an appointment to register the birth at the earliest opportunity so that HMRC can verify the claim.

First time parents will need to fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 which can be found online and send it to the Child Benefit Office. If they haven’t registered the birth because of COVID–19, they should add a note with their claim to let us know.

If parents already claim Child Benefit, they can complete the form or add their newborn’s details over the telephone on 0300 200 3100. They will need their National Insurance number or Child Benefit number.

Child Benefit payments increased from 6 April this year to a weekly rate of £21.05 for the first child and £13.95 for each additional child. Child Benefit is paid into your bank account, usually every four weeks.

Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office

An exciting new joint initiative between the Norse Group and SaxonAir is set to equip aviation professionals with the skills for the future, through a range of training and development programmes.

Aviation grounds operatives, specialists and managers based at Norwich Airport will be among the 26 SaxonAir staff taking part in a wide array of apprenticeships, in what is a real boost to the local aviation industry.

As owners of the International Aviation Academy Norwich (IAAN), the Norse Group has been exploring opportunities to support local employers within the sector, which has been particularly hard hit by the current impacts of Covid-19, with many seeing large proportions of their workforce and fleets literally grounded.

With a clear focus on regeneration, the initiative, which is supported by utilising part of the Norse Group Apprenticeship Levy, will fund much needed training and development for staff at SaxonAir.

Alex Durand, Chief Executive of SaxonAir, is delighted with the initiative: “This is a perfect example of different organisations co-operating to create mutually beneficial opportunities they couldn’t achieve on their own,” he said.

“Business aviation has suffered from a lack of suitable accredited training, and it’s particularly pleasing to do this through the impressive local facility at IAAN.”

As a significant contributor to the Apprenticeship Levy, the Norse Group is keen to play an active role within the communities it serves and takes its role as a responsible employer in providing training and development to its staff very seriously.

Sam Massingham, Norse Group’s Head of Learning & Organisational Development, said the scheme outlines the Group’s continued commitment to providing valuable opportunities for people to learn and progress their careers.

“With 169 Norse Group staff members currently participating in a range of programmes covering a host of professions from finance, care and trades through to chartered surveyors and senior leaders, we are keen to continue to support individuals to grow and develop and make good use of the opportunities that apprenticeship programmes provide,” she said.

“Our programmes support both new and existing staff, so everyone can gain valuable skills and knowledge and reach their potential, with meaningful career and progression plans.”

If you have any queries, please contact the Norse Group Communications Team

Communications@norsegroup.co.uk

Pictured left to right: Alex Durand – CEO, SaxonAir Charter Limited, Danielle Cox – Apprenticeship Manager, Norse Group, Sam Massingham – Head of Learning & Organisational Development, Norse Group, and Jane Simpson – Cabin Services Manager

If you have a project that you are thinking about for 2021 or an area of your business that you feel isnt secure enough do get in touch so we can help take at least one trouble off your mind. We specialise in CCTV, Fire Detection, Intruder Alarms & Access Control.

Established in 1989, Dragon Security Systems supplies and installs the very latest electronic safety & security systems in Norfolk, Suffolk and the surrounding areas for a wide variety of clients including domestic, public and commercial. 

We specialise in the design and installation of systems to suit any budget, and our work always comes with an extended and lifetime warranty. Our qualified engineers are available on a 24/7 basis to carry out emergency attendance and repairs; this service is also available for systems previously installed by others. As part of our complete service package, our team can also carry out preventative maintenance checks.

Enquiries: mail@dragonsecurity.co.uk

Tel: 01603 783958

Website: www.dragonsecurity.co.uk

Businesses across the Great Yarmouth borough are urged to take advantage of a Government-funded jobs scheme supporting young people who might otherwise struggle to enter the world of work. 

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new six-month job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Employers of all sizes and sectors can apply.

The total grant available for employers is £6,500, covering 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week, as well as on-costs and National Insurance contributions. Employers can choose to offer a higher wage and/or more hours from their own funds.

In addition, to help the young people get a job in the future, there is a further £1,500 payable to employers to provide wrap-around employability support. This can either be provided in-house or the employer can pay for the support to be delivered by a third-party trainer.

Whilst employers offering a minimum of 30 placements can apply directly to the scheme, smaller businesses can also apply via one of the three local Kickstart Gateways. Great Yarmouth Borough Council is working with East Coast College, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and Norfolk County Council, who will collate placements on behalf of a group of employers.

Cllr Graham Plant, chairman of the economic development committee, said: “The Kickstart Scheme is part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs and is a great opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors to bolster their workforce with national financial support, whilst supporting the job prospects and aspirations of young people in their own community.

“As a council, we are helping to facilitate and promote the scheme, working with local partners, as part of supporting local economic recovery, and we will be leading the way by offering a number of new placement opportunities at the council. To qualify, you simply have to demonstrate that the role is additional, not replacing existing, and that you can provide sufficient employability support.”

Applications can be made through the Gateway organisations, with links and further information available on the council website at https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/kickstart Businesses will receive full support with their applications and be kept updated throughout the process

Espaze has launched the Procurement Audit – showing you the opportunities within your supply chain for cost savings.

It costs £1,250+VAT and it’s how you take control over your external spend and convert it into something that creates value and furthers your business goals.

The outcomes you receive are:

• Practical ways to make cost savings
• Ability to align your suppliers with your business goals
• Expert insight on how to streamline your buying processes
• How to get better value from technical engineering suppliers

We analyse your spend data and add a qualitative element with input from your key team members. This means that the recommendations are tailored to you, your team, and your processes.

All the recommendations are tailored to you and your industry and they’re designed to work for the long term.

At the end, you’ll receive a presentation with recommendations for how you can make cost savings, eliminate pain points, and highlight risk areas. These could include:

• Areas for spend consolidation
• Buying process improvements to reduce your spend
• Highlight areas of single sourcing that can be rectified
• Time saving opportunities

Call Beth at Espaze on 07588 071975 to book yours.

In this week’s episode, Mark and James talk about the pitfalls of cognitive biases and how they influence decisions in business. As usual they finish with 3 top tips, and along the way they refer to Richard Branson, Status Quo and Mark’s Mum!

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Listen here!