Member News

We are delighted to announce the opening of a brand new Select Appointments office based in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Select Appointments have been operating in the recruitment industry for over 35 years and Lowestoft will mark our 16th office in the UK. We have seen great potential in the Lowestoft region for a long time and this new office has been formed from the hard work and tenacity of the team. Select Appointments Lowestoft will be the only national recruitment company present in the area and we will be bringing a wealth of opportunities with us.

The office will be equipped with state-of-the-art recruitment technologies and bolstered by the 12-strong support team at our head office in Norwich. Driven by quality, value and service, the business will be headed up by highly experienced Consultants, Rebecca Roll, Helen Pitcher, Rebecca Belcher and Tania Plank.

Boasting over 40 years combined experience in personnel solutions and many years’ experience of recruiting staff in the local area, our Lowestoft team will offer a quality recruitment service that includes, but is not limited to:

• Accountancy & Finance
• Administration & Secretarial
• Call & Contact Centre
• Marketing & Communications
• Procurement & Supply Chain
• HR
• Sales
• Hospitality
• Engineering & Technical
• Marine & Renewables
• Warehousing & Logistics
• Manufacturing & Production

The office is open to candidates and clients alike as of Monday 3rd September and is located at Riverside Business Centre, Riverside Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0TQ.

If you are looking for a new role or to fill a gap in your team, then please give the team a call on 01502 442939 or email lowestoft@select.co.uk.

As parents look forward to children going back to school, the UK’s leading specialists in IT support for independent schools including Eton, Harrow and Westminster, have chosen MIGSOLV’s data centre in Norwich to house their data.

RivaNET provides technology and infrastructure, IT support and cyber protection for Independent Schools.  The Surrey-based company boasts many of the top-ranked British private schools as clients and have chosen MIGSOLV to secure their servers, infrastructure and data.

“Protection is everything for our clients” says Nick Donoghue, Managing Director of RivaNET.  “High-profile parents entrust schools and colleges with their children’s education and safety.  We must provide the same level of assurance for their data and MIGSOLV’s first-class facilities help us do just that.”

RivaNET deliver tailored IT solutions ranging from managed outsourced services, to infrastructure projects and cyber security protection.  With an impressive customer list, they help their schools optimise their use of technology, whilst demonstrating exemplary IT governance.

“We’re very proud that RivaNET have chosen our The Gatehouse data centre” says David Manning, MIGSOLV’s Managing Director.  “Their whole ethos is based on world-class IT for some of the world’s greatest educational establishments.  We’re delighted they saw the same qualities in our services and the level of protection we can provide their critical IT.”

MIGSOLV’s The Gatehouse data centre is the East of England’s only purpose-built commercial data storage facility.  The heavily guarded building stores business’s computer servers and IT equipment, protecting them from threats including theft, extreme weather and power cuts.  RivaNET’s equipment is housed in air-conditioned and humidity control racks, with eight days back-up power and some of the fastest connectivity in the region.

“MIGSOLV’s cost were very competitive, but our decision was based purely on service and protection” continues Nick Donoghue.  “David and his team couldn’t have been more helpful, and the attention to detail in The Gatehouse is exceptional.  It matches the level of service and assurance our customers demand.”

“RivaNET is another example of an industry-leading business looking for a safe, secure and well-connected home for their data” concludes David Manning.  “It’s a pleasure to protect such a diverse range of businesses, whilst they focus on being such a success in their sector.”

More information on RivaNET can be found at www.rivanet.com.  For more details of the data centre services MIGSOLV provide, visit www.migsolv.com.

New Direction, Fresh Look!

Peerless Plastics and Coatings are relaunching with a Fresh look, new capabilities, new products, new ownership and investment.

Over the last two years Peerless have invested heavily and diversified into new areas such as large format digital print whilst also expanding existing areas such as plastic fabrication, screen print and developments works.

 We have been quietly building a stronger, skilled and more experienced team to provide our customers, new and old, with the best quality and service possible. We continue to develop our processes and offering, to provide new solutions and improved efficiencies so that we remain at the forefront of hard coatings, providing commercial solutions to our customers.

As a result of our improved quality management systems we have been able to quickly transition to the ISO 9001-2015 standard and stay committed to striving for continuous improvement.

The company is now embarking on a new period of growth with the backing of it’s majority shareholder Martyn Bromley and Managing Director Peter Llewellyn-Stamp.

Peerless will be expanding throughout existing markets such as Automotive, Rail, Aerospace, Healthcare, POS, Signage and Electronics in the UK and Europe, working closely with project partners and key suppliers.

Movement into new areas of industry are also a key focus with new applications for hard coatings becoming apparent all of the time.

Plastics and their usage are under scrutiny at present and we, as members of the British Plastics Federation and British Coatings Federation, are keen to spread the message that hard coatings should be used more on plastics.

The resistance against chemical, abrasion and UV degradation provided by hard coatings extends the life of plastic products significantly, resulting in lower usage/replacement of materials used. When hard coated plastics come to the end of their useful life, they can still be recycled just like uncoated material.

Throughout our development, Peerless will remain committed to using technology which is better for the environment. That is why our coatings are cured with UV technology rather than thermally cured. UV technology is significantly more efficient, requires lower energy levels and a smaller footprint meaning it should be the favoured coating option, ahead of thermal cure technology, for those interested in the environment.

We thank all of our customers, suppliers and contacts and look forward to working with them as we move into this new phase.

For more information on our products and services please visit our website at www.peerless-coatings.co.uk/

Email us at sales@peerless-coatings.co.uk

Or call – 01842 750333

03 September 2018

Last chance for rural Norfolk businesses to apply for nearly £3 million project funding

*Link to photos of one of the projects to receive funding at end of release*

Just over £2.8 million is still available for rural Norfolk and north Suffolk businesses to apply for through an initiative managed by Norfolk County Council.

This European ‘LEADER’ funding has been guaranteed by the UK government for all projects that are contracted by 29 March 2019 and expressions of interest are needed by 27 September 2018. This project outline is the first in the two-stage application process, and full applications will be needed by 15 November 2018.

Eligible projects need to deliver against individual Local Action Group (LAG) area priorities and must support one or more of the following: increasing farm productivity; micro and small enterprises and farm diversification; rural tourism; provision of rural services; cultural and heritage activity; increasing forestry productivity.

Since Norfolk and north Suffolk’s LEADER programme started, the five LAGs (Brecks, Broads, Waveney Valley, Wensum and Coast and West Norfolk) have approved 112 projects and committed £5.3 of the £8.1m budget.

Cllr Barry Stone, Chair of Norfolk County Council’s Business and Property Committee, said: “We are still looking for exciting projects that make a real difference to the local rural economy and help create new jobs.

“Norfolk County Council is continuing to lobby government for funding solutions post March 2019, but in the meantime we want to make sure that businesses take advantage of their last chance to apply for the current LEADER funding available.”

Duration Brewing was successful in applying for LEADER funding and will use their grant from West Norfolk LAG to establish premises for a new start-up brewery in West Acre.

Miranda Hudson from Duration Brewing explained: “Receiving LEADER funding is really helping us to establish a farmhouse brewery at West Acre, which will mean jobs and new industry for rural Norfolk and the restoration of a historic site. Our aim is to create a family venue where locals and tourists alike can come to learn about the brewing process enjoyably, over a beer, with stunning priory views.

“The LEADER team is helpful and approachable and the sums given if you’re successful are considerable. The application process does take some dedicated time and attention – but that only helps shape your strategy. The benefits are many and I’d strongly encourage people to apply for this generous fund before it dries up!”

Other recently approved projects include: • Brecks LAG – The Painted Barn, Barnham Broom – awarded a grant to support a project to restore a barn into a home and interiors shop with a café and to restore an old milking parlour into a studio available for hire by health and wellbeing practitioners in Barnham Broom • Broads LAG – The Museum of the Broads, Stalham – received funding for a replacement, more efficient steam engine for their existing steam boat, and also a new electric day boat with the aim of helping increase visitor numbers • Waveney Valley LAG – Horham Dairy and Care Farm CIC, Horham – given a grant to construct a building that will house a goat’s milk processing room and a communal/ packaging area, to connect the unit to mains electricity, and to purchase a pasteuriser for making goat’s cheese • Wensum & Coast LAG – Create, Cook and Prosper, North Walsham – awarded funding towards a project to restore an ancient listed building in the heart of North Walsham. It will provide the setting for a cafe and an arts centre with a community workshop and space for classes and performances

Rural businesses can find out more about their Local Action Group, how to apply for funding and see a list of all the application deadlines at www.norfolklags.co.uk

Notes to editors

Photos credit: Mark Newton Photography

Local Action Groups The Local Action Groups (LAGs) deliver this funding under the ‘LEADER’ approach, which means that LAGs enlist the energy and resources of local people and organisations in public, private and third sectors, through forming a partnership. This decentralises the decision and funding powers to the local level presenting a ‘bottom-up’ approach.

The five respective LAG areas comprise: • The Brecks (including parts of northern Suffolk) • The Broads • Wensum and Coast • Waveney Valley (including parts of northern Suffolk) • West Norfolk

LEADER (“Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale”), meaning ‘Links between the rural economy and development actions’), is a ‘bottom-up’ approach which enlists the energy and resources of local people who come together as an empowered group to develop an area.

This funding is from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) delivered via Defra (https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/index_en.htm). In the UK this fund is managed by the Rural Payments Agency and distributed via the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

The overarching aims of the programme are to: • Contribute towards improving the environment and the quality of life in rural areas • Strengthen the rural economy by helping micro and small businesses to create and sustain employment within the area • Improve competitiveness, particularly in the agriculture and forestry sectors

More information can be found at www.norfolklags.co.uk

For political comment Cllr Barry Stone (Conservative), Chairman of the Business and Property Committee, on 07434 905963 Cllr Colleen Walker (Labour) on 01493 782272 Cllr John Timewell (Liberal Democrat) on 07450 680879

For further information please contact: Communications Team at Norfolk County Council Tel: 01603 228888 Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk  

Do you know about Business Companion?

This is a government sponsored information website which provides free impartial legal guidance to help businesses untangle what is sometimes a complicated and confusing world of trading standards and consumer protection legislation. There is a wide variety of advice on the website including Business start ups.

www.businesscompanion.info

www.businesscompanion.info/en/news-and-updates/business-companion

www.businesscompanion.info/en/news-and-updates/business-start-ups-your-top-five-questions-answered

Long-lasting, noise-reducing, insulating, low maintenance and VERY stylish, what’s not to love about Shutters? And you can SAVE 10% this month on domestic shutters! 

Click the link for more information about our made to measure shutters, including pricing, a case study and videos.

If shutters aren’t quite your thing, why not consider wood venetian blinds? Our bespoke Venetian wooden slat blinds are manufactured in our workshop in Attleborough. 

Again, there is a 10% saving for domestic wood venetian blinds ordered by the end of September.

Just book your in-home appointment, we’ll visit, measure up, show you samples, and then give you a quote.

You can book online, visit one of ourNorfolk Showrooms,or phone us on 01603 615945.

Are we putting women off entering cybersecurity by talking about the challenges women face in the industry?

There is often a perception that pursuing a career in a male-dominated environment presents a challenge for a woman.

We know that there is a massive skills gap in STEM subjects.  And yet, 50% of the population are being put off studying these subjects because they keep hearing about the challenges they will face in their careers. 

That is what can lead them to choose subjects which they perceive will give them an easier path to success.

To read The Full Article, Click Here  

Looking for Office Space in Norwich NR1?

A rare opportunity has arisen for fully serviced offices in Norwich.

The available office will include the following:

– On-Site Parking – Air Conditioning – Next to the Train Station – Flexible terms – Fully Serviced Offices – Co-Working – Hot Desking – Meeting and Conference rooms – Superfast Internet – State of the art facilities – In-house Catering

Call to view today – 01603 473732 or email Sarah on sarah@redcatpartnership.co.uk

Long-standing client ODE asked us to develop a bespoke website and create a new brand identity – and it was delighted with the results.

We delivered a fresh and modern-looking website which is fit for purpose and encompasses the new brand identity.

The content management system gives ODE easy access to update and maintain the website, which now automatically resizes to fit whatever device it is being viewed on.

Leanne Lake of ODE commented: “Over the last 15 years of working with TMS Media, I’ve found them to be very helpful and reliable. Deadlines can often cause problems but TMS has always delivered!

“Their commitment to meeting our needs has always been on-point, and I would definitely recommend to other colleagues/industry partners.”

https://www.ode-ltd.co.uk/

KLM UK Engineering & Alliance Airlines Pty Ltd Sign Long-term Heavy Maintenance Contract

KLM UK Engineering will be supporting Alliance Airlines with their Fokker 70/100 aircraft, providing heavy maintenance support in Norwich from summer 2018.

Graham Casbourne, Sales Manager, said ‘KLM UK Engineering is delighted to continue to support Alliance Airlines with their Fokker 70/100 maintenance, following on from checks carried out in 2017. This long-term agreement further cements the relationship and trust between our companies and we look forward to developing this further during the contract.’

Lee Schofield, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Airlines, said ‘We are very pleased to lock in this long-term arrangement with KLM UK Engineering.  We will be operating Fokker 70/100 for at least the next ten years and the maintenance support provided by KLM UK Engineering will assist us greatly during this time.’

Norwich Sleep Out

Date: Thursday 15th November 2018 Venue: Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, Norwich With Norwich City Football Club as our new Norwich venue for Sleep Out 2018, we invite you, your friends and colleagues to join us for what we hope will be our biggest Sleep Out to date. We want to end youth homelessness and we are tackling the problem locally by providing a home and support to over 100 vulnerable young adults each night. We give the young people stability and support their education, training and careers and ensure they have life skills such as shopping, cooking and being able to budget their money so they can leave us to forge an independent life. Your support at Norwich Sleep Out will help make this happen. Whether you wish to take part as an individual or in a group, you can help us to keep vulnerable young adults off the streets by fundraising and gaining sponsorship for your challenge.   The event is also a great way to build awareness of the issue of homelessness in our region, whilst raising much-needed funds, which are used to deliver the work we do to tackle youth homelessness in Norfolk. Register for Norwich Sleep Out 2018: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/sleep-out-2018

Cozens-Hardy solicitors are pleased to announce that Gary Leverett has joined their city centre practice.

A past President of The Norfolk and Norwich Law Society, Gary has spend the past five years as a property litigation specialist for the multi-office London and South East firm, McMillan William Solicitors Ltd. 

Gary has considerable experience as a Civil Litigator, with a special emphasis on property litigation. He is able to act in a variety of property litigation disputes, including residential possession proceedings, commercial property disputes, long leasehold disputes, boundary and rights of way disputes, illegal evictions and trespass.

Before Gary’s move to London, he was a long standing Governor at Thorpe St. Andrew High School and Sixth Form Centre; upon his return to Norwich, the school appointed him as a Trustee of the Yare Education Trust.

Gary can be contacted by phone on: 01603 724654 and by email at: gsleverett@cozens-hardy.com.