Member News

Alongside Birketts, Pure is proud to once again be sponsoring the prestigious Best Employer Award at the Norfolk Business Awards 2019, which are now open for entries.

The Norfolk Business Awards are the opportunity to come together as a business community and to celebrate the many inspiring and progressive organisations in our region. Norfolk has such an incredible range of business sectors that make up a vibrant local economy. It is home to multi-nationals, SMEs, small businesses and a large number of family-owned firms who recognise the value of happy employees and the benefits of growing staff skills and retaining top talent. This is what makes Norfolk such a great place to work and to do business, and why many organisations could be in the running to win the coveted Best Employer Award and further strengthen their employer brand.

We are always particularly thrilled to be able to sponsor the Best Employer Award. As a specialist professional recruitment company we know how important staff engagement and workplace culture and values are when it comes to recruiting and retaining high-calibre employees. Even in these uncertain times, there is a continued appetite for sustainable growth, and providing opportunities for people to enjoy stimulating and rewarding careers here in our region. The working world has changed and people want to be part of a business whose success is measured by an engaging culture and its reputation in the market. This award will celebrate the organisation that has achieved great success by putting people first, having clear values and engaged employees that are excelling in their field.

By entering the Best Employer Award, organisations will have the opportunity to demonstrate how they have made significant progress in their people and talent strategy through engagement, learning and development, retention and employer brand. They can also showcase how the organisation’s vision, values and purpose are embedded, reward and recognition strategies are driving performance, positive and inclusive cultures are being created and its approach to employee wellbeing and community support.

Through the judging process we are always delighted to come across undiscovered gems that have put staff engagement at the forefront of business. The winning organisation will achieve an external accolade which highlights how its success and growth can genuinely be attributed to putting people, values and culture at the heart of everything it does. The winner’s story will share and promote why it is a business which everyone wants to be part of and how it is changing people’s lives.

For more information or enter the awards visit the Norfolk Business Awards website. The organisations entering the Best Employer category will also be required to also complete the Best Employers Eastern Region employee survey, providing real-time data on employee engagement levels within the organisation.

Our plans for The Sky House, a new home for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities that also unlocks the Grade II-listed Lasdun Wall for refurbishment over the next decade, have been unveiled following approval from the University of East Anglia (UEA). The Sky House is the most significant new build project the UEA have undertaken since the Lasdun buildings and will become home to Arts and Humanities and some Social Sciences schools from 2022. The new building will allow staff and students to move out of the Lasdun Wall and enable the start of the phased refurbishment of the Historic England-listed 1960s block. The Sky House will be located on a site at the end of the Lasdun Wall, across from the Registry, and will act as a new main reception point for the UEA campus. The c. £65 million The Sky House will include: •general purpose teaching and seminar spaces •flexible informal learning spaces •language learning lab •drama studios •rehearsal spaces •screening room •café facilities •faculty and school offices •provision for HUM’s postgrad community •PGCE teaching rooms •a new reception point for the University •learning and teaching hub The development of The Sky House is the key to unlocking the Lasdun Wall’s major refurbishment. The Lasdun Wall, completed in 1970, is listed by Historic England for its special architectural and historic interest but is at the end of its design life. Very significant investment in the Lasdun Wall is now needed to ensure it is safe, secure and fit for the future needs of UEA staff and students. UEA Vice-Chancellor Professor David Richardson said: “Investing in our UEA campus means investing in our people and the spaces they need to work, learn, study and teach both now and in the future. The Sky House will be the new gateway to UEA for visitors and provide collaborative and communal working spaces for our staff and students.”

LSI Architects have joined the Architects Declare movement, a campaign led by the UK’s leading Architectural Practices to take action on the twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss, the most serious issue of our time. Director Peter Courtney comments that: “We wholeheartedly agree that there is no alternative but for Practices to follow the commitments that Architects Declare have laid out. We acknowledge the crucial role that architects play in reducing the energy consumption of our built environment, and consequently sustainability is embedded in our core values. We believe that as a practice we are already well on the way to following these commitments, through our Sustainable Design Guide and use of environmental modelling software, whenever the opportunity allows. Our approach to sustainable design begins at first principles, as we believe this is the most effective way of engaging clients and project sponsors in the importance of a considered approach. In a project with fixed financial resource the design team must initially look to cost neutral design moves to help achieve sustainability goals as these can be more easily agreed upon with the client. In our experience securing these essential elements allows the project to be driven forward with sustainability at the heart of its concept. We are aware however that there is more work for us to do as a profession to continue to raise awareness of the issues and of the significant benefits that a sustainable approach to projects can deliver for clients. As co-curators of our future, we need to embrace a change of perception within the industry. LSI Architects confirms that we are ready to support this challenge.” Follow the link to view the Architects Declare page: www.architectsdeclare.com/

Through partnerships, innovation, student and staff spend, widening participation and public engagement, supported by world class teaching and research, UEA is committed to making a positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of the wider community.

On Thursday 6 June launched it’s new report, CONNECTING PEOPLE + PLACES, at a business breakfast hosted by Vice-Chancellor, Prof David Richardson, at Norwich Castle. Connecting People + Places is a showcase of just some of UEA’s activity. The economic analysis has been carried out independently, and the case studies demonstrate some of the wide-ranging ways UEA makes a civic and social impact in the community. These activities encourage literature, sport, art, education, volunteering and music to flourish, and promote the ethos of collaboration and social responsibility that is at UEA’s heart.

Read the full report at www.uea.ac.uk/business to find out more.

Report design by Creative Sponge, and printed by Healeys

Video created by Meantime Media

Can you offer work experience?

• Flexible to your needs • Supporting the local community • Short Term commitment • Students aged 16+

Who are St Eds? We operate a diverse range of vocational training courses aimed at young people who have strong practical skills in Construction, Mechanics, Catering and Hair and Beauty.

Want to get involved?

Get in touch with St Eds today 01603 622035 admin@st-eds.org.uk   

For more work experience information click below

Small and medium businesses are everywhere and are vital to the success of the UK economy. There are many threats against them including being susceptible to fraud. SME’s may be vulnerable to fraud because they have to focus on other aspects of the business.

The Norfolk Against Scams Partnership (NASP) is a partnership of organisations committed to taking a stand against scams and aims to make Norfolk a scam free county. We are working together to protect and support residents and businesses in Norfolk from scams, doorstep crime and fraud.

https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/scams/norfolk-against-scams-partnership

Scams Awareness Campaign  2019- Monday 10th to Sunday 23rd June

This year’s theme is to ensure that people “stop, report, talk” if they think they’re being targeted by a scam.

• Stop – As scams have become more prevalent and complex, consumers and businesses  must have the knowledge to recognise a scam to protect themselves and those around them.

• Report – Scams are massively underreported which poses problems for the authorities tackling scams across the country. Consumersand businesses  need to know how to report scams and be empowered to take action

. • Talk – Anyone can become a victim of a scam and encouraging conversations with business contacts , friends and family we can protect one another.

You can find out more about the Scams Awareness campaign and sign up as a supporter on the Citizens Advice Scams Awareness 2019 webpage

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-campaigns/all-our-current-campaigns/scams-awareness-campaign-2019/

During Scams Awareness 2019 we will be sharing more information on how to stay #ScamAware on our social media sites. You can follow us on Twtter @Norfolkccts or like us on Facebook – Norfolk Trading Standards

Businesses can sign up to our Business Alert page where we provide the latest news about business scams as well as other relevant updates. 

https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/scams

We were thrilled when Tiger Eye Consulting contacted us earlier this year to let us know they had decided to raise money for our charity by completing a ‘Tiger Trek’.

This 46 mile coastal walk took place from the 17th to 19th May and saw the determined team – Karen, Richard, Kev and David – walk from Hunstanton to Cromer, finishing at the historic Cromer Pier to raise a brilliant £500. They were joined on their Trek by colleagues Hanna and Aaron on Day 1, and Peter and Dave on Day 2.

We caught up with the team (once they enjoyed a well-deserved rest!) to hear all about their fantastic fundraising challenge.

How did the idea for the Tiger Trek come about?

“Last year, a few members of the Tiger Eye team supported Martyn Wells, IT Director at Wright Hassall, on his charity walk across Wales. He is one of our customers, who had cancer and was raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. A few of our team here are keen walkers and have walked various pathways across the UK and further afield, so the idea came naturally to them. The concept of ‘netwalking’ wasn’t a big trend at that time (when the idea of Tiger Trek was first conceptualised back in October of last year) but we felt that taking networking outside, into our beautiful countryside, was a great idea.

Once we heard the term ‘netwalk’ and realised that networking, combined with exercising, was becoming quite popular, we came up with Tiger Trek. We encourage walking meetings and physical exercise here as part of our PAWS for Health wellbeing scheme, so we loved the idea of getting outside and encouraging other businesses to exercise their bodies, to in turn exercise their minds. We always play with puns around Tigers, because of our company’s name, so Tiger Trek didn’t take too long to come to mind.”

Why did you decide to support The Benjamin Foundation?

“We then chose a range of charities – some local, some international – and decided which felt closest to our hearts. The Benjamin Foundation was unanimously voted for as the one we were going to support with the Trek. Working in our community, battling homelessness, youth disadvantage and more, we felt your charity was vital for Norfolk and Suffolk and we all felt that knowing we were raising money for your fantastic cause would encourage the team to keep on going throughout the Trek. A video really helped us to understand the work of your charity.”

What was the toughest bit of the trek?

“The shingle was pretty tough!”

What was the most enjoyable part of the trek?

“The most enjoyable part was seeing the awareness we raised for your wonderful charity. We have supported your charity for a while, and we hope to continue to do so through volunteering at The Assembly House for your Flight for Youth campaign later this summer.”

How did you feel when you finished?

The team were elated once we had finished – although, at that time, I think we were too tired to feel anything (especially our toes!) It was wonderful that even days after we had finished, the donations kept rolling in to the Virgin Money Giving page from our supporters, and the feeling of pride kept growing with every donation that came in!”

Thank you so much to the Tiger Trek team!

But the fundraising doesn’t stop there. To be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher with Dynamic Fitness, just donate £5 or more to the Tiger Trek fund at Tiger Eye’s Virgin Money Giving fundraising page. One lucky donor will be chosen at random to win the Tiger Trek prize. For any queries regarding the Dynamic Fitness competition, please contact Georgina, Marketing Assistant at georginar@tigereyeconsulting.com

Chao Pang has opened a new walk-in tax and accountancy shop on 28 Stonecot Hill, Sutton.

Chao is a CIMA-qualified accountant with a very successful 15-year career in industry, latterly as a deputy Director of Finance. 

She decided the time was right to open her own practice and is thrilled with the look and feel of the shop.

“The new shop looks great and provides the ideal environment to meet with the small business owners in the area to discuss their tax and accountancy requirements,” said Chao. “I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more to pop in for a free consultation.”

Chao explains what attracted her to become part of the TaxAssist Accountants network: “My career has progressed well, but as I started getting closer to directorship in my late 30s, I started to think about my goals for the next 20 years. I wanted something more exciting and inspiring where I could build on my knowledge, experience and hard work and that has the potential for growing – however far I want the business to grow. “I came to a discovery day in early 2018 and Karl Sandall [Chief Executive of the TaxAssist Group] and the management team were very open. After doing my own feasibility analysis and speaking to many franchisees, my husband and I were convinced by the business model and decided to go for it.

“The process of joining was very smooth and everything has gone very well so far. The Support Centre team in Norwich have been very helpful and knowledgeable and things have progressed well in terms of setting up the practice. I look forward to being a member of the TaxAssist family for many years to come!”

If you would like to find out more about joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, please give Nikki Haythorne a call on 0800 0188297.

The next step is to attend a discovery day at the Support Centre.

David Manning, managing director of cloud, connectivity and data centre experts, MIGSOLV, has become the latest ambassador for the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor.

Driven by key players in the private and public sectors, the Tech Corridor seeks to further establish the Eastern region as a ‘go-to’ location for technology firms looking to establish, grow and cluster.

“Becoming an ambassador seemed a perfect fit” says David “Not only are we proud to be located in Norwich but, as a data centre, it offers us a lot of advantages. I’m looking forward to using our experience to demonstrate to businesses outside our region just what can and is being achieved here.”

As an ambassador, David adds his voice to the rising number of companies championing the region as a strong base for technology-led products, services and manufacturing. MIGSOLV supports businesses across sectors with next-generation solutions for protecting, connecting and managing their IT and data, all from their world-class data centre in Norwich.

“We’re delighted to have David aboard” says Linn Clabburn, Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor Programme Director. “MIGSOLV are the perfect example of an exciting and innovative business doing great things in Norwich and Cambridge. Furthermore, they demonstrate the vast range of services already here to support equally technology-minded businesses who make it their home. We look forward to David helping us spread the word!”

We were delighted to hear that we’ve been recognised as a standard bearer for animation at the 40th Annual Telly Awards 2019, picking up gold and bronze in the General, Branded, Not-for-profit category.

This is the first time we’ve entered The Telly Awards, an international event honouring excellence in video and television across all screens so we feel humbled to have done so well the first time round.

Last year, the awards attracted more than 12,000 entries, and previous winners include The Guardian, The History Channel, Bloomberg, CBS Interactive, Conde Nast, HBO, HuffPost, Microsoft, NBC, Ogilvy and Mather, Time Warner and The Wall Street Journal.

Strategic Director, Daniel Spencer says: “The team are stunned. This is a really tough award to win, because the standard of entries is incredibly high. And since we were competing against long-established global players and thousands of entries, we were secretly hopeful but not expecting to win, let alone win twice!”

Curveball picked up Gold for their animated explainer for The Salvation Army called “Can you spot the signs of a modern slave”

And Bronze for the animation called “Whole Life Vision” for The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.

Other winners in the same “General, Branded, Not-for-profit” category include the American Red Cross and CNBC Catalyst, the in-house advertising agency of CNBC International.

Creative Director, Oliver Lawer: “It’s incredible. Really. We couldn’t believe it when we found out. And to win it for our not-for-profit work too is something special because it just goes to show what we can achieve when clients put their trust in us.”

Sabrina Dridje, Managing Director of The Telly Awards adds: “Curveball Media is pushing the boundaries for video and television innovation and creativity at at time when the industry is rapidly changing,” said Sabrina Dridje, Managing Director of the Telly Awards. “This award is a tribute to the talent and vision of its creators and a celebration of the diversity of work being made today for all screens.”

This isn’t the first time Curveball has won awards.

Working with PR agency Third City, the animated explainer they created for The Wellcome Trust was awarded first place in the CIPR Excellence Awards 2017 for Best Use of Digital.

While another video, again working with Third City, was awarded a PRCA City and Financial Award for their #ITPsUnfair video made for the Association of British Insurers.

KLM UK Engineering & WestJet Sign New Contract for Line Maintenance Support

Just a few weeks after signing LOI (Letter Of Intent) with AFI KLM E&M for GEnx engine support, the Canadian airline extends its partnership with the global MRO network in the field of 737 line maintenance.

Paris, Amstelveen, Norwich, 3rd June 2019 – A European leader in the regional jets & narrow body aircraft market and having an internationally acknowledged expertise on the Boeing 737, Embraer 170/190, BAe146/Avro RJ, Fokker 70/100 & Airbus A320 Family, KLM UK Engineering is delighted to confirm this new contract with WestJet.

KLM UK Engineering commenced line maintenance support with WestJet at Glasgow on their Boeing 737 fleet from April 2019.

Alan Lawson, Line Maintenance Manager at KLM UK Engineering commented: “We are delighted that WestJet has chosen KLM UK Engineering to fulfil this contract at Glasgow and we are looking forward to developing this working partnership further during the coming years.“

Jason Munroe, Senior Category Manager in Strategic Procurement at WestJet said: “This is an exciting time for WestJet’s network expansion and we are eager to enter into this new contract for line maintenance support from KLM UK Engineering to cover our Glasgow operations.”

The Captain is hugely honoured to be hosting one of America’s finest award-winning singer songwriters right here at his Kings Lynn HQ on Sunday 7th July. My dear chum, the simply superb Rachel Harrington is back here in Blighty. Much loved by audiences across the British Isles, Rachel is touring the UK before heading into the heart of the American West in late summer and onwards into Europe as the days grow short. A haunting storyteller with a compelling whisky and honey voice, she sings of broken souls, lost dreams, hard living and unexpectedly joyous dying, weaving a melancholy tapestry from the words of her grandfathers, years on the road, nights under restless skies and the mistakes and misfortunes of everyday hearts. Her yearning tales cut to the bone, straight from her rural roots, raw and absolutely true to her own experience, peppered with the humour that wards off despair when life’s ordinary hopes come tumbling down. Born to hard working stock, Danish dairymen and Irish lumberjacks, Rachel Harrington’s family has been in Oregon for six generations and a sense of place runs through her work, no doubt informing the songs for her new album Hush the Wild Horses which she’s almost finished. Huzzah! Growing up in a Pentecostal family, Rachel was raised on Gospel until an old cowboy called Dutch introduced her to the sound of Loretta Lynn, inspiring her own style of American gothic country stirred by careworn fireside soul. BBC’s legendary DJ Whispering Bob Harris proclaimed her first album The Bootlegger’s Daughter one of the best albums of 2007 and I must say I have a copy of everything she’s recorded. But to hear her live in an intimate setting really is quite something. Truly this wandering star of dark Americana is not to be missed. I do hope you can join us; all money raised on the evening will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets are a veritable bargain at only £12 in advance, £15 on the door. Book here