Develop Norwich is a specialist provider of IT and digital education. Our students are studying towards a Level 3 qualification in Computing and are ready to work with you!
We are looking for high quality IT placements with local employers.
Why should my business offer a placement?
To help address the current and future skills shortages in your industry
To strengthen your recruiting pipeline
To inspire the next generation to work in your business
What will Develop do?
Ensure our students are work ready
Help match the right student to the right placement
Support you throughout the process
What do I need to do?
Provide an extended placement to a student studying
for a level 3 Computing qualification
Have a line manager responsible for the learner
Ensure a safe working environment
For more information please call 01603 516555 or email industryplacements.norwich@developebp.co.uk
Develop Industry Placements Search for Develop Norwich
Six new franchisees joined the flourishing small business accountancy network on its last initial training course of the year, bringing the total number of franchisees recruited in 2018 to 19, including resales and partners.
TaxAssist Accountants welcomed (from left) Alex Chidlow (Horsham & Haslemere), Penny Taylor (Leamington Spa), Kam Aujla (Derby), Jeremy Gilks (Norwich South), Tressy Mpofu (Oxford West) and Zoe Tame (Winchester) and to its growing network, when they started trading in November.
Penny Taylor, who has more than 25 years’ experience in both the profession and commerce, with a wide range of experience across all sizes of businesses said: “I have always derived most satisfaction from working with small businesses and I found myself drawn to the ethos of the TaxAssist vision, as well as the robust business model. I was attracted by the high level of technical support provided, coupled with marketing, branding and assistance with client acquisition.”
CIMA qualified accountant Alex Chidlow has 18 years’ senior finance experience in SMEs and blue-chip organisations. He explained: “Over the last few years I have been nurturing a plan to move on from corporate life and start a small accountancy firm whose purpose is to help and support local small businesses. I felt (and still do feel) this change would give me greater job satisfaction and more control over my time, allowing me to spend more time with my family. I am looking forward to this exciting new challenge”.
Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome such a fantastic group of motivated and talented new franchisees to our 200+ strong network of franchisees. The Support Centre staff and I are looking forward to supporting them in their journey to building substantial practices.
“We are holding four initial training courses in 2019 spread throughout the year, with two people already booked on our February course, so would urge anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a franchisee to get in touch.”
If you would like more information about becoming part of the TaxAssist Accountants network, please call 0800 0188297.
The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, which claims to be the oldest hotel in the UK, won the Best Employer accolade at the Norfolk Business Awards 2018. The hotel was the only hospitality business to pick up an award.
Privately owned since December 2012, the hotel has embarked, over the last four years, on a phased multi million pound renovation and refurbishment programme to ensure that the historic building meets the expectations of 21st century visitors.
Christine Malcolm, General Manager, the Maids Head Hotel said: “We are thrilled to have won the Best Employer accolade at the Norfolk Business Awards. Our staff are at the heart of our renovation and refurbishment programme and are vital to the success of the business.”
This project covers all aspects of the property from bedrooms, reception and public lounges to the kitchens, where work will begin in early 2019. Much of the hotel is listed with the oldest guest accommodation dating back the 15th century. So a sympathetic treatment has been essential.
“Throughout the refurbishment work, we have continued to trade successfully and grow the business,” added Christine Malcolm, “with a reputation for friendly and professional staff and a burgeoning reputation for the quality of the food in the restaurant. The hotel has progressed from AA four star to four star silver and the restaurant from one to two AA rosettes, with ambition for a third.”
Jeanette Wheeler from Birketts Solicitors who judged the Best Employer category said: “Senior management at the Maids Head have made a major investment in driving and improving employee engagement. The hotel has gone out of its way to create an environment where staff thrive through career development and reward and recognition.”
Fellow judge, Tom Earl from Pure Recruitment added: “We were very impressed with the way that the hotel has engaged with the staff during a major change journey. Staff are not only aware of the purpose and values of the organisation; they are evident in everyday operations.”
Dee Willmott, Human Resources Director at Archant, also judged the category and said: “I was equally impressed with the way the Maids Head has engaged with their staff and am very supportive of the process.”
The Maids Head Hotel’s site has a long history; initially the location of the first palace of Bishop Herbert de Losinga in the late 11th century, it became home to an inn called the Murtel Fish or Molde Fish Tavern. The first mention of the inn in Norwich records was in 1287, when the landlord, John de Ingham accused Robert the fowler of stealing goods. The Murtel Fish was an important inn, hosting Edward the Black Prince in the mid 14th century, after he had taken part in a jousting competition in Norwich.
A Paston letter, dated 22 November 1472, confirmed that the name of the inn had changed to the Maids Head. The core of that 15th century inn stills exists. The hotel’s restaurant is located in the inn’s courtyard, and the Yard Bar and Best Beauty are in rooms which date from the period. Bedrooms above the old courtyard also date from the 15th century.
New food and drink offer for Norwich Airport Norwich Airport has announced that TRG Concessions, part of The Restaurant Group, has been chosen to operate its catering outlets as part of ongoing plans to transform the airport’s retail and catering offering.
TRG Concessions is bringing two new Costa cafés to the airport, and will create a new Navigator pub and dining experience, replacing the two existing Café Oasis outlets. The news coincides with further investment in the airport’s retail offer by WH Smith, who have opened a new airside store and refurbished their landside shop.
Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for passengers. TRG has over 25 years’ experience of providing exceptional hospitality to the travelling public and we’re delighted to be partnering with them to bring these exciting food and drink brands to Norwich Airport.
“On the retail side we now have a brand new WH Smith shop airside and their landside store has just completed a major refit – both look great. These developments follow the opening of our new duty free store in June, offering passengers even more choice.”
Nick Ayerst, Managing Director for TRG Concessions said: “We’re excited to add Norwich Airport to our list of clients and strengthen our existing relationship with Regional & City Airports as well as to offer such a fantastic choice of new brands to passengers. The openings here represent great additions to our range of Costa outlets and the development of our new pub brand, The Navigator, showcasing the best of local heritage and traditions of travel.”
Toby Keir, Managing Director, WH Smith Travel commented: “We are delighted to have opened a new airside store within Norwich Airport. This new-look store offers customers a great selection of products for their journey, including a wide range of reading materials, food to go items and travel accessories. We very much look forward to welcoming customers to the store.”
The new landside Costa at the airport opened on 1st December with work due to start on the airside improvements later this month. The airside Costa and The Navigator pub are due to open early next year. Temporary facilities will be available to passengers during the transition. In June the airport’s brand new World Duty Free store opened following an extensive two-month refit, providing 200 square metres of walkthrough retail space operated by global travel retailer Dufry.
OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN) and Norwich Cathedral Choir will be bringing their annual Community Carol Concert to the Banking Hall at OPEN on Wednesday 12th December 2018 and keeping up the old tradition of the former Barclays Bank Annual Community Carol Concert, thanks to sponsorship from Fosters Solicitors.
Taking place in the splendour of the Banking Hall at OPEN, Norwich Cathedral Choir will be performing from 1.00pm for about 40 minutes.
Local businesses and passersby are invited to drop in to OPEN on Bank Plain anytime between 11am and 2pm for refreshments and mince pies (provided by our in-house cafe). The event is free to attend and there will be a selection of crafts and gifts on sale. Donations from the concert will be split 50:50 between the Norwich Cathedral Choir and the OPEN Youth Trust.
Harriet Davies, Fundraising Co-ordinator for OPEN said: ”Please come and join us, whether you are visiting Norwich for the day or live or work in the city this is an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy carol singing in the spirit of Christmas. There will be mince pies and mulled juice. We are extremely pleased, thanks to support from Fosters Solicitors, that we are able to put on this event again that so many people in Norwich remember so fondly”.
Ashley Grote, Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral, said: “In years past, Norwich Cathedral Choir used to give an annual carol concert in the Barclays Banking Hall, which was a highlight of Christmas for many members of the local community. I am absolutely thrilled that the choir will be returning to OPEN to perform again.”
“This is a wonderful community event to start off the festive season. The choir will be singing traditional carols and some lighter-hearted Christmas songs, and there will be the opportunity for the audience to join in favourite carols with us.
“I am also delighted that we are able to support OPEN in raising money for their excellent youth work, as well as raising money for our own choir.”
Roger uses pedal power to raise £11,000 Roger Bowen, owner of TaxAssist Accountants in Llanelli was one of three intrepid cyclists who embarked on an epic bike ride in aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity and LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity.
Roger, along with his friends Craig Colborne, and Hefin Williams cycled from Barcelona to Llanelli as part of The Amigo Cycling Club’s support of #TeamBen.
It took the trio nine days to cover the 1,100 miles, in the process raising more than £11,000.
Roger said: “The reason we chose Noah’s Ark and LATCH was they helped in the treatment and support of a friend’s son, Ben Cooper, who at age 11, was diagnosed with cancer and spent over six months in hospital undergoing operations and chemotherapy.
“We decided to cycle from the Nou Camp in Barcelona, one of Ben’s favourite football teams, and finish at Scarlets rugby ground, who are Ben’s favourite rugby team.”
Roger said the ride went without a hitch with many highlights, although falling off his bike at 3mph in front of 1000 competitors of the Barcelona Ironman wasn’t one of them!
The Amigos have raised £41,500 this year for various charities and in the 5 years they have been doing this they have raised over £90,000. If you would like to support The Amigos, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/Amigoscycling
On the evening of Friday 1st December the Friends of Sculthorpe Moor (FOSM) held an evening of entertainment at Fakenham Racecourse in memory of wildlife filmmaker and supporter of Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, David Cobham and used the event to present Hawk and Owl Trust with a cheque for £18,500 towards its Sculthorpe Fen Land Purchase Appeal.
The evening was spent with Lloyd Buck, a bird trainer for wildlife documentary film-making and research, and his wife Rose, recounting fascinating anecdotes from their career raising and training birds.
The audience was delighted that many of the real avian stars were brought along, including the majestic Tilly a Golden Eagle, and Rudi, a well-known Peregrine, star of many wildlife films – although the five Starlings and Bran the Raven caused hilarity by going rather ‘off-script’.
A packed Prince of Wales stand at Fakenham racecourse was treated to a wonderful evening of warmly and entertainingly recounted tales of Lloyd and Rose Bucks life with the birds that they raise and train.
Many of the birds have had starring roles in various wildlife documentaries and a number of them were brought along.
The evening started with short films showing the process of raising a number of goslings, including having them sleep in the bed to get them imprinted on Rose so that they would follow her once they had grown.
A sequence filmed with David Attenborough was shown, featuring a flock of geese flying alongside the boat starred these geese.
The Barn Owl was the first live bird to be introduced to the audience and she happily flew amongst the audience – landing on the bar at one point! She was followed by Rudi, a very well-known Peregrine who has starred in a number of documentaries including ‘Super Fast Falcon’.
Other birds of prey were introduced and then Lloyd and Rose brought in their five trained Starlings, which all had great fun flying (and walking!) amongst the audience searching for meal worms.
In the second half Tilly the Golden Eagle, who often flies with a camera on her back and elderly Sasha the Tawny Eagle met the audience before Lloyd brought in Bran the Raven.
Bran displayed his incredible intelligence by quickly solving 3 complex problems, but then got a bit bored and disappeared behind the screen where he found a pen pot and started throwing the pens out one at a time! Having completed that he ‘mugged’ Lloyd, stealing all the food from his pouch!
During the break Dr Piers Reinhold, chairman of FOSM presented Nigel Middleton, Warden of Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, with a cheque for £18,500 raised by FOSM through their fundraising events, towards the Sculthorpe Fen Land Purchase Appeal, which had also received a £100,000 boost earlier in the week by the local LEP Growing Places Fund and is waiting to hear this week about its HLF funding bid.
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is known nationally for its wildlife, sympathetic and effective management techniques and accessibility to all. The Hawk and Owl Trust, with its national headquarters based at Sculthorpe, is currently in the process of raising £850,00 as part of a £1.7m Sculthorpe Fen Appeal to purchase additional land on either side of the existing reserve and to be able to extend its wildlife management into this area, and make it fully accessible to all.
With the Launch of St Eds and Qube Learning Parnership we are looking to for Vocational Tutor positions for Transport Maintenance and Painting and Decorating
Please contact us if you know of anyone who would have an interest in joining our team and making a difference
Training to be a dentist takes time and dedication and Lovewell Blake wanted a film to showcase in a fun way just how their dedicated team of Dental Accountants understand that!
The team at Eye Film enjoyed the challenge and so now watch Simon, lead Partner of their dedicated team of Dental Accountants, as he steps into the multitude of roles in a dental surgery………..
Great fun to make and a brilliant result we think?
Do you want to learn a skill for life to boost your resilience?
Learn the tools and techniques to a more mindful life in the comfort of your own home in a supportive group environment with Gemma Sandwell – Chief Happiness Officer.
Previous course attendees said:
“So amazing that I can do this course in such a supportive group environment but in the comfort of my own home”
“I have just finished this amazing course and I LOVED IT, Gemma is an amazing teacher who is patient and kind”
East Anglian based chartered accountants, Larking Gowen, is proud to be named as national runner up for the British Chambers of Commerce Workplace Wellbeing Award. The 15th Annual Chamber Business Awards took place last night at a gala dinner at Tobacco Dock in London.
“Attitudes to workplace wellbeing are evolving rapidly. I’m proud to be seen at the forefront of that in this region,” says Jon Woolston, Managing Partner at Larking Gowen. “For us, the wellbeing of all of our team is a fundamental part of our business culture, with positive impacts right across our business.”
Since launching its wellbeing programme, the firm has seen increases in employee retention and productivity, as well as a reduction in sickness absence. The programme is being developed through engagement with employees and Wellbeing Champions and covers physical and mental wellbeing, as well as wider career, financial, social and community aspects.
“We monitor the impact of our wellbeing measures closely,” says Amanda Ninham, Head of Human Resources at Larking Gowen. “We operate in a competitive sector where we have to work hard to attract and retain people.
“To go through the British Chamber’s judging process and to know that we stand out from entries from all over the UK, is brilliant. If our employees feel happier at work and are staying with us for longer, that’s a clear indication our approach works.”
“The partners at Larking Gowen are owner-managers,” continues Managing Partner, Jon Woolston, “and this means we still have a personal interest in and can directly influence the kind of environment we want to work in.
“The nature of our business, with strict submission deadlines, results in periods of intense pressure. It’s particularly important to create a culture where all employees are as happy to discuss mental health and wellbeing as they are to talk about physical health.”