The streets of Cromer echoed with cheers as dedicated fundraisers took on the gruelling Norfolk Marathon, with two incredible individuals running in support of Age UK Norwich amongst the 2,500 participants. Their inspiring efforts have culminated in a fantastic fundraising total that will make a real difference to the lives of older people across the region.
Dan Skipper and Michael Barber donned their Age UK Norwich running vests and pushed themselves to the limit. Their determination and commitment shone through as they navigated the 26.2-mile course around Norfolk, spurred on by the enthusiastic support of the local community.
The final fundraising tally has exceeded all expectations, with an amazing £2651 raised for Age UK Norwich! This phenomenal sum will be invaluable in enabling the independent charity to continue its vital work supporting older people in Norwich and beyond. These funds will help provide crucial services combating loneliness, providing information and advice, and promoting health and well-being.
“We are absolutely blown away by the incredible generosity and dedication of our two marathon runners and their supporters,” said Bethany Grimshaw, Age UK Norwich “To have these two amazing people represent Age UK Norwich amongst so many participants was truly inspiring, and the money they raised will go directly towards making a positive impact on the lives of people over 50 in our community. As we celebrate our 80th birthday, this incredible achievement ensures we can continue our mission for many years to come.”
The runners themselves spoke of their pride in supporting such a worthy cause. Dan Skipper explained, “Running a marathon is hard, it’s not just about the actual race, it’s about the weeks and months of training that you have to do during the winter months and the hours of dedication leading to it. Doing it for Age UK Norwich gave me motivation – knowing my friends, family and colleagues were rooting me on with sponsorship, and knowing the difference the money would make to the charity to help local, older people live better lives, spent locally in Norwich”.
Now, you too can join the Age UK Norwich team and run for a reason!
Inspired by the incredible achievements of our marathon runners? Whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking for a new challenge, we invite you to lace up your trainers and support Age UK Norwich in future events. By choosing to “run for a reason,” you can help us raise vital funds to ensure we can continue to provide essential services and support to older people in our community, building on our legacy of over 80 years.
From local fun runs to half marathons and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Every step you take and every pound you raise will help us combat loneliness, provide vital advice, and promote well-being amongst older people in Norwich.
Ready to make a difference?
Visit our website or call us on 01603 496 333 to find out about upcoming fundraising events and how you can get involved.
Let’s continue to make a difference, together, for many more years to come!
Ensors Chartered Accountants, a leading East Anglian accountancy practice offer new and existing clients a Tailored Finance Function. A custom-built accountancy package that provides bespoke solutions, tailored to a business’ financial needs with the latest technology platforms.
With businesses facing increased financial pressure, the expansive range of services are combined into a bespoke accountancy package to assist clients in understanding their financial obligations and positioning. Clients can pick from a range of core administrative services, such as Bookkeeping, VAT returns and Management Accounts, or they can work with Ensors’ business analysis specialists to maximise business efficiency with a digital audit and overhaul. In addition, the team can also provide benchmarking, forecasting, payroll and pension compliance to provide an end-to-end service offering for all stages of the business life cycle.
The Tailored Finance Function service offers clients full flexibility over the level of assistance they require, including ad hoc requests during peak times, regular and continuous administrative support, or complete outsourcing to release valuable time and resources from within the business.
Charles Stephens spearheads the Tailored Finance Function in the West of the region:
“After the increased financial burdens placed on businesses following the Labour Budget last Autumn, now more than ever, business owners are looking for a bespoke accountancy package to provide them with value-for-money services designed to suit their specific needs.
“Too often, we see businesses having previously purchased a ‘one size fits all’ product, that doesn’t support their business objectives. At Ensors, our services put clients back in the driving seat of their business whist our team of experts ensure their accountancy processes are optimized for their success.”
The information contained within this publication is given by way of general guidance. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to your particular circumstances. No liability is accepted by Ensors for any actions taken without seeking appropriate professional advice.
We’re pleased to let you know that registration is now open for the MRS Advanced Certificate training course starting mid-July.The course is 6 months long and fits easily around your daily work.
It is a highly respected Professional Certificate which opens doors to new opportunities for both individuals and businesses.
Who is it for?
·For businesses ready to embrace Market Research to make their Marketing much more effective through highly targeted learning and support.
·For businesses in the Market Research sector with skills gaps who are needing team members to step up into more project management and strategic roles.
·For individuals working in the Market Research sector and looking to progress their career to a higher level with higher pay.
Our trainers are very experienced professionals from the Marketing and Market Research industry who will support you to learn the knowledge and develop the skills to achieve the certificate but can also advise on how to apply the learning to lift your business approach to the next level.
For more information, call Sally Harris on 07434 947944, or email on sally.h@swarmgroup.org.uk to request a brochure.If you would find it helpful, please feel free to request a meeting with one of our tutors for more specific information about the course format and content.
Due to great feedback and requests we are putting together a small group coaching event. A four-part series that cover each area of our Performance Acceleration program in an accelerated format.
The series is a first come first served basis and the group will complete the series together. due to the nature of our work, we ensure to protect the individuals in each group.
*YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR INTERESTS FIRST*
Our Leadership Coaching sessions will draw upon Chris’ 15+ years of experience working with the ‘best of the best’ in business, sport, military and performing arts. It will ensure that your present and future self will have enhanced knowledge and tools to a gain a competitive edge through:
Greater physical and mental energy.
Focus and motivation to ensure day-in and day-out commitment.
Enhanced resilience to stress and setbacks.
The ability to perform consistently under pressure.
A greater capacity to perform at your best daily.
—Starts when the first group has 7 participants—
Performance Acceleration – “Introducing the Series + Design Thinking” – Session 1
1 hour session where Chris Wilson will go through the Performance Acceleration model and will kick-start by introducing the frameworks around design thinking and the physiology of focus. The session will close with an ‘ask me anything’ roundtable and actions to take away.
Performance Acceleration – “Your relationship with Stress + Early Warning Signs” – Session 2
1 hour session where Chris Wilson will go through the physiology and stress response with insights into the brain and body interactions. Including Early Warning Signs that you are physically and mentally being negatively stressed. The session will close with an ‘ask me anything’ roundtable and actions to take away.
Performance Acceleration – “Building out your performance plan: 3+1s” – Session 3
1 hour session where Chris Wilson will go through how building out your performance plan can create a cadence of sustainable high performance. Includes Macro, Meso and Micro cycles for optimisation. The session will close with an ‘ask me anything’ roundtable and actions to take away.
Performance Acceleration – “Coaching self then others to increase performance” – Session 4
1 hour session where Chris Wilson will go through how using coaching conversations can change your perspective on stress and your capacity. Including the ‘big picture’ behind the impact of stress. The session will close with an ‘ask me anything’ roundtable and actions to take away.
Effective Imaging Ltd., t/a This is Effective, has recently expanded their current wide format print service portfolio with the acquisition of the Xerox Versant 280 Digital Colour Press, complete with finishing equipment to bind, stitch, fold and cut. The move towards an in-house small format print service is part of the company’s wider business development plan to offer their customers a single supplier option for all their printing, branding or marketing needs. This is Effective is now able to supply all types of print items on a wide variety of media with different finishes, such as business cards, leaflets, flyers, postcards, greeting cards, posters, brochures and catalogues, notepads, half-fold and trifold leaflets, menus, and much more.
To support this expansion, This is Effective has employed two full-time members of staff – one Production Manager and one Machine Operative. This is sure to creating a positive impact on the local economy – something the business takes very seriously as Strategic Partners of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. To ensure that this new development aligns with the company’s core values regarding sustainability, This is Effective is proudly Carbon Balance Certified via the World Land Trust. This goes hand in hand with their commitment to providing customers with eco-friendly solutions, such as the use of water-based latex inks to reduce the use of harmful chemicals often found in traditional solvent inks.
Company Director, Sara Docwra, spoke of the development as “a logical step for us. We already produce an enormous range of wide format print items in-house, such as banners and signage, but there is a huge gap in the local market for a business that can supply everything themselves with complete control over the production chain. This means that we’ll be able to cater to all our customers, without them needing to use multiple suppliers. It’ll be much more manageable from a procurement point of view. We are so proud to be able to do everything ourselves as it’s rare in this day and age. From their signage and workwear to their brochures, business cards and everything in between, we can offer it all in-house. We are so excited about this expansion and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
This is Effective is an independent, family-run business located in East Norfolk. Established in 2016 by company Director Jonathan Ling, a signage and vehicle graphics professional with over 30 years’ experience, and joined by co-Director Sara Docwra in 2019, the business has grown exponentially since its inception. Now comprising a team of eleven staff members, This is Effective provides a full service catering to any businesses requiring printed items, signage, vehicle graphics, industrial and commercial engraving, customised printed and embroidered workwear and branded merchandise. Each aspect of the production chain is ensured in-house by the team of well-experienced and skilled staff who manage each order with care and attention.
We’re absolutely delighted to announce our new partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity for the next 12 months! 💙
Our Hands On At Work team will be delivering seated massage sessions to the incredible staff at Worcester, Redditch, and Kidderminster hospital sites.
This exciting collaboration stems from the wellbeing events we have supported since 2023 at Kidderminster Treatment Centre, where we provide massage and reflexology sessions. The feedback from staff is always overwhelmingly positive and highlights just how impactful complementary therapies can be in the workplace.
We’re thrilled to be expanding our services to all three Worcestershire hospital sites, starting this April in recognition of National Stress Awareness Month.
The goal? To support the physical and mental wellbeing of NHS staff, thank them for their unwavering commitment, and offer them a well-earned moment of rest and relaxation during their demanding shifts.
Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, weekends, or anything in between, we’ll be there to support the heroes who care for others every single day. Because those who care deserve care too. 💆♀️💆♂️
Are you a NHS or private medical provider in East Anglia who would benefit from our service? Please get in touch as we would love to hear from you and discuss how we can help you support your workforce too.
Contact Kathy Scott on 07989 367669 or at info@handsonatwork.co.uk
Don’t know where to start with your website’s marketing or content? Are you unsure of what keyword research is or what “SEO” and website optimisation can do for your business’ online presence?
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“We have been so impressed with Smash Marketing since we joined them less than 3 months ago! They’re professional, friendly, and very efficient—excited to see how they can help us grow in another year!” – Tara, Bright Beginnings Learning UK From Page 8 to Page 1 in Just 3 Months! Bright Beginnings Learning UK came to us with low website traffic and enquiries. With our strategic SEO approach, we helped them climb from page 8 to page 1 on Google—and now, they’re seeing real results! Want to boost your rankings and get more leads? Smash Marketing has you covered.
Speed Test Challenge: How fast is your internet really?
It’s time to find out — and there’s a prize in it for you… 👉 Head tohttps://www.uptech.co.uk/speed-test/and put your speeds to the test. Then, share your results in the comments of this LinkedIn post — the FASTEST and the SLOWEST will each get a little Uptech prize in the post. (We might even hand-deliver the slowest one… you probably need a chat 😅) Here’s the challenge (should you choose to accept it): 1️⃣ Run the speed test 2️⃣ Screenshot your results or post your speeds in the comments 3️⃣ Win a prize — we’ll announce the winners at the end of the month! There are loads of things that can affect your connection — and if your results are looking shaky, we can help you squeeze more performance out of your current setup or explore smarter options.
Global lifestyle brandMINISO, which offers affordable and trendy products, is opening atChantry PlaceNorwich on Friday, 25thApril 2025, offering a free goody bag worth over £25 with each purchase*.
MINISO stocks a variety of items, from popular blind boxes, adorable plushies, trending beauty essentials, high-quality toys, and tasty snacks – all at prices that won’t break the bank. Discover exclusive collections featuring Hello Kitty and Friends, Harry Potter, Disney, Pokémon, Care Bears and more, transforming every visit into an adventure with something new, fun, and fabulous.
Jo Bates, General Manager at Chantry Place, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming MINISO to Chantry Place. We’re sure our visitors will love exploring their range, from home essentials to plush toys and beauty products. We can’t wait for our visitors to see the new store”.
Saad Usman, MINISO UK’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our latest store at Chantry Place. It’s an important part of our growth across the UK, as we continue to bring MINISO to key shopping destinations across the country. Norwich has a strong retail scene, and we‘re looking forward to welcoming Norwich residents to our store as well as introducing them to our range of affordable and trendy products“
MINISO will be on the Lower Ground Floor opposite Ben and Jerry’s.
For more information on Chantry Place, visitwww.chantryplace.co.ukor follow @chantryplacenorwich on social media.
*T&C’s apply. £5 minimum spend required. While stocks last.
We’re incredibly proud to share a major milestone… Yellow Brick Mortgages has now raised over £50,000 for The Big C charity!
Last week, we had the privilege of visiting the Big C’s Norwich City Cancer Support Centre on Dereham Road, where we saw first-hand the incredible work they do to support those affected by cancer. From welcoming spaces to specialist services, it’s clear how vital this charity is to so many.
This donation is part of our ongoing commitment to give back with every mortgage completed, and we couldn’t have reached this milestone without our amazing clients—thank you for choosing us and making this possible.
It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved when people come together for a cause that truly matters. Here’s to continuing the journey and making an even bigger impact.