Member News

We are pleased to announce that we have been named as the Digital Partner for Long & Waterson who have just launched a new property scheme in partnership with Knight Frank.

The company takes its name from its location which is intersected between Long Street and Waterson Street in Shoreditch, East London. The development is made up of 119 luxury apartments ranging from £695,000 for a 1 bedroom flat and around £1.395 million for a 3 bedroom flat. The design of the building has a contemporary outlook to mirror the penthouse-style of New York, with large steel framed windows. Amenities include treatment rooms, spa, gym, cinema room and 24-hour concierge service.

Our Role As a Digital Partner

With the scheme ready for completion in Spring 2018, we have a small window to maximise enquiries and help generate sales of the properties on offer. Whilst we specialise in search engine optimisation (SEO), we have had to accelerate the process and secure page 1 positions on Google and Bing for terms such as flats in Shoreditch and apartments for sale in Shoreditch. 

We have achieved this through some strong online PR in The Evening Standard and City AM. We were passionate about positioning Long & Waterson as two things: property and Shoreditch. We have executed this by gaining local press in Shoreditch news and online magazines, piggy backing off the booming tech industry in East London. For property, we have received mentions from property-specific websites such as Wharf and Homes & Property.

From a content perspective, we needed to speed up the process by adding regular content to ‘bulk up’ the website and demonstrate that it was not a site of thin content. We have focused on creating content relating to property in the local area and artists in the area including painters, sculptors and designers. This has established Long & Waterson as a resource for the Shoreditch community and positioned the company with the first two pages of Google’s searches relating to property and Shoreditch.

We continue to maximise our PR and content efforts as we approach the launch date and intend to sell each flat within the given deadline.

Lorna Townsned, Senior Associate, Birketts

Conducting a fair and thorough investigation into disciplinary allegations or an employee’s grievance will often resolve the matter. In the event that it reaches an employment tribunal, it is fundamental to the outcome of a case.

A good workplace investigation requires careful thought and planning, elements that are often overlooked in the rush to get things underway. The Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures emphasises the importance of acting promptly and without delay. However, the temptation to ‘plunge in’ should be avoided in order that proper consideration can be given to a number of issues, including the crucial question of who will be appointed to conduct the investigation.   

·         Terms of reference:  consider whether terms of reference need to be drawn up, setting out clearly the matters to be investigated, and the role and responsibilities of the investigator.  This is particularly recommended if the investigation is complicated and/or covers multiple allegations or grievances dating back a number of years.   Bear in mind that the terms of reference may need to be amended during the course of the investigation.

·         Policies and procedures:  the need to review relevant policies and procedures may sound like an obvious one, but it is often overlooked at this early stage.  Check in particular any specified timescales. If the timescale set out in your policy is unrealistic in the circumstances (as is often the case), inform the relevant parties and provide a best estimate of a realistic timeframe, updating them as necessary as matters proceed.

·         The investigator: deciding who is an appropriate person to conduct the investigation will require consideration of a number of  factors, including:

o   the level of complexity of the matter

o   which individuals may be called upon to participate at later stages in the process (such as the disciplinary and appeal hearings)

o   who has the requisite training, skills and personal attributes

o   whether the individual has sufficient capacity to devote the time necessary to complete the investigation properly

o   whether the appointment of an independent external investigator is desirable, particularly in complex cases and if there is no-one internally with the suitable skills and/or time available.

Once an investigator has been appointed, they will need to consider some important practical issues before embarking on the investigation.

Investigations often involve numerous witness statements and copious numbers of documents.  In order to keep on top of the process, it is essential that all relevant documents are organised into an appropriate filing system from the outset. This should be stored securely in order to maintain maximum levels of confidentiality.

Confidentiality is a frequent issue that arises in relation to workplace investigations. The investigator should ensure that appropriate warnings are given in advance to witnesses regarding the need for confidentiality.  It may be necessary to inform them that a failure to maintain confidentiality could result in disciplinary action.

Consideration also needs to be given at an early stage as to whether a note-taker is required to attend witness interviews along with the investigator, or whether the interview will be recorded.  If using a note-taker, ensure that it is someone with the requisite skills to take an accurate and comprehensive note of the interview. Recording the interview can help avoid disputes arising at a later stage over exactly what the witness said.

During the course of the investigation, the investigator should ensure that he/she gathers in all the relevant evidence and meets with all the appropriate witnesses. The scope of an investigation will frequently change as it progresses, so the investigator should not approach the task with a fixed mindset. A common error is not to revert to witnesses with further questions or to consider additional evidence that may come to light during the investigation. An open mind is one of the key factors in establishing fairness.

Leading East Anglian construction company Bateman Groundworks is marking its 20th anniversary by making changes at the top.

Founder and Managing Director Richard Bateman is taking on the new role of Executive Chairman of the business, singled out as a national exemplar for its operations and fast-growth.

Jason Ramsey, described by Mr Bateman as being “instrumental” in driving the company’s success in the past decade, takes over as Managing Director and the day-to-day operations from his role as Commercial Director.

Mr Bateman, who started the company in 1997, will focus on the strategic development of the business, exploring new ventures and diversifications.

Bateman Groundworks has become one of the fastest-growing and dynamic small and medium sized business in the UK for its core business of providing groundworks and civil engineering for blue chip house builders.

Mr Bateman said: “As we celebrate 20 years, the plan now is to give Jason, who has been instrumental in steering the company to what it is today, the freedom to run and operate the business, giving me the time to look at how we deliver the business in a wider sense.

“There are areas we would like to explore, new directions that complement the current business and potential expansions of our client portfolio. Any new ventures would be under the Bateman Groundworks umbrella.”

The company is expecting to report large growth this year with turnover of around £23 million, up from the £16million it achieved last year.

Its teams are currently working on 11 sites across East Anglia. About 180 staff are employed on site and at its new head office at the Octagon Business Centre, Little Plumstead, near Norwich.

Further growth is predicted for 2018 and staff are currently being recruited ready for a number of potential new projects; along with capital expenditure of more than £1.62million which has been spent this year on new plant, equipment and vehicles.

Mr Ramsey, who has been with Bateman Groundworks for 10 years, has great aspirations for the company and said that future plans shall not be inhibited by regional boundaries.

“We have worked hard over the last 12 months to develop a long-term business plan that will provide growth and sustainability to the company and its employees. The company will grow according to supply and demand in the housing sector but there are also opportunities from diversifying into new sectors still linked to our core business.

“We must however ensure that any growth does not come at a compromise to our key values and continue to provide inspiration to others allowing us to exceed expectations.”

Mr Bateman and Mr Ramsey’s new roles were announced at a party for all staff and their partners to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary at Dunston Hall, near Norwich.

Also joining the board as Finance Director is David Lefevre, who joined Bateman Groundworks earlier this year from Group Lotus, attracted by the company’s “dynamic and ambitious team that puts people and business relationships at the centre of what they do and constantly strives to improve and grow.

“I am delighted to take on the role of Finance Director and continuing to contribute towards the sustainable growth of the business.”

Beth Bateman, Richard’s wife, also takes a board seat to lead the company’s growing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Among its charity activities this year, it has committed to donating £25,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), raised £15,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, provided £12,000 funding for an employer manager to Great Yarmouth’s Anchorage Trust, which supports homeless and vulnerable young people and taken part in fund-raising for Nelson’s Journey

Bateman Groundworks is also main sponsor of Gorleston Town Football Club and supports the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

In 2015 and 2016, Bateman Groundworks was one of the Stock Exchanges 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain and was one of 12 finalists in the National Lloyds Business Awards Small to Medium-Sized Business category last November.

It was chosen by the Government as a national exemplar of excellence for its health and safety systems and leadership to be included on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Bringing the love of the countryside into the home, Norwich Sunblinds are launching their own Norfolk fabric designs.

Over many years spent visiting local homes and helping customers choose the fabrics for their handmade blinds, Norwich Sunblinds have a very good idea of what people want.

After listening to their customers, and noticing in particular that a lot of customers had poppy designs on their kitchenware, they decided to create their own designs.

Talented local artist, Mandy Clarke, has designed the fabrics, which are available immediately as a limited edition print.

The design is printed onto the fabric and can then be made into bespoke blinds. The fabric is water resistant and wipeable, which makes it ideal for kitchen windows.

There will be only 100 of each blind, and the lucky owners will receive a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.

Fiona Garwood, Director of Norwich Sunblinds says:

“We wanted some cheerful floral countryside-type fabrics, which would sit well on kitchen windows, and particularly wanted a poppy design, as lots of clients have poppy designs on their mugs and dinner plates.

The bramble fabric has some beautiful colours that will blend in with lots of colour-schemes. These clever designs bring the outside in on a dull winters day.”

The fabric designs are exclusive to Norwich Sunblinds and will be launched at the Chamber B2B exhibition in Norwich on Thursday 12th October.

Visit stand 51 on the day of the exhibition, or book a home visit. 

If you get to the stand early enough you will have the chance to grab a £50 off voucher! This voucher can be used when you order any blinds, curtains or shutters worth over £150.

Join other Norfolk businesses and training providers at this year’s  FREE TO ATTEND Golden Futures event promoting the mutual benefits of employing people with disabilities.

It is an event with one purpose and two audiences. It’s purpose is to raise awareness and understanding of the mutual benefits to employers and employees gained from employing someone with a disability. Its target audiences are employers and the people with disabilities who want to work in their business.

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said

“Norfolk businesses are always looking for the best talent to help them grow, and sometimes that comes from places where that are not always obvious. Norfolk Chamber is pleased to support the disability & employment event and would encourage its members to think positively about employing people with disabilities in roles that are right for the employee and right for the business.”

Supported by partners in Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Norfolk County Council, Easton & Otley College, Rthirteen Recruitment and the Department for Work and Pensions The event has two parts:

8.30am – 11.30am is a seminar aimed at employers, with presentations from current employers, and employees with disabilities and representatives from The BUILD Charity, Norfolk County Council, DWP, SERCO, Nelsonspirit and others sharing their own experiences as employers, employees or training and support providers to illustrate what support and benefits can be gained by positively thinking about the employability of someone with disabilities.

9.30am – 2.30pm is a Market Place aimed at people with disabilities, and those who support them where employers, training providers, welfare agencies and a recruiitment agency will be on hand to provide advice and information to people with disabilities about the kind of jobs they offer, the welfare implications and benefits, the training and support on offer along the journey to and into work, and beyond.

For more information,  e mail: james.kearns@buildcharity.co.uk or call 01603 618029

https://www.goldenfutures2017.eventbrite.co.uk

Could you be the Business of the Decade? That’s the opportunity being offered to top-performing Great Yarmouth businesses as the Spirit of Enterprise Awards marks its 10th anniversary with the introduction of a special award.

Considered the most prestigious annual celebration of business excellence in the Great Yarmouth borough, the annual awards scheme is organised by enterpriseGY, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s business support service.

Introduced specially for the anniversary, the one-off Business of the Decade Award is open to all businesses in the borough – large or small – regardless of whether they have entered the competition before. It is sponsored by facilities management and services group Norse, GYB Services and GYN Asset Management Services.

The awards has nine other categories covering a range of areas, the winners of which will be considered for the sought-after title of 2017 Business of the Year by overall award sponsor Stephenson Smart, chartered accountants and business advisors, who will choose the winner.

Businesses are encouraged to put themselves forward for the various awards by noon on Monday, October 16. The awards are free-of-charge to enter online at www.spiritofenterpriseawards.co.uk and finalists will be profiled in a supplement in the Great Yarmouth Mercury, with winners appearing in a further supplement.

The finalists and winners will be showcased in the press and at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Town Hall on Friday, November 17. The media sponsors are the Great Yarmouth Mercury and The Beach.

Each award is backed by a local organisation. Sponsors choose the winner in their category from three finalists shortlisted by a local independent panel or by the category sponsor themselves.

The categories and sponsors are:

·         Great Manufacturing/Engineering – sponsored by Goodchild Marine

·         Great New Business – sponsored by Noritake Itron

·         Great Business Growth – sponsored by Bateman Groundworks

·         Great Business Idea – sponsored by Seahorse Guest House

·         Great Customer Services – sponsored by Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area Ltd (GYTABIA)

·         Great Family Owned Business – sponsored by Birketts

·         Great International Growth – sponsored by Pasta Foods

·         Great Investment in People – sponsored by P&S Personnel

·         Great Community Contribution – sponsored by Potters Friends Foundation

Overall award and sponsor:

·         Business of the Year – sponsored by Stephenson Smart

Anniversary award and sponsor:

·        Business of the Decade – sponsored by Norse, GYB Services and GYN Asset Management Services

The Spirit of Enterprise Awards help to highlight the borough’s many and varied successful businesses, supporting one of the council’s priorities, which is to work with partners to help champion and enable economic growth and job-creation in the area.

In a joint statement, the council’s political group leaders, Cllr Graham Plant, Cllr Kay Grey, Cllr Trevor Wainwright and Cllr Adrian Myers, said: “The profile of the Spirit of Enterprise Awards as the borough’s most prestigious business awards has grown steadily over the decade, and it plays a key role in boosting confidence in the local economy.

“The Business of the Decade Award is a great way to mark this milestone anniversary. We have seen some fantastic finalists and winners over the decade, but there are lots of brilliant businesses right across the borough and this award is open to anyone who thinks they might be a contender for the title.

“It is completely free-of-charge to enter any category of these awards and we urge businesses to take the opportunity to showcase their achievements. We would also like to again thank the 2017 sponsors, without whom this wonderful celebration of business excellence would not be possible.”

This year, help and advice with entries is available from TMS Media, which is working in partnership with enterpriseGY, by calling Steve Scott or Rachel Moore on 01493 662929. Video entries are also welcome.  

Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre receives Bags of Help from Tesco fund.

Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre have received £1000 from the Tesco Bags of Help community grant scheme.

The money will go towards the construction of disabled access for the Community Garden that is located outside the main entrance of the centre.

With the support of the environmental charity Groundwork, Tesco have been using money raised from the sale of plastic bags to provide money to community projects through their Bags of Help grants.

The structural work on the garden was carried out by Freebridge Community Housing Property Services and was completed in June 2017.

The Norfolk Youth Offending Team contributed benches for the garden from their workshop nearby and fencing was provided by West Norfolk MIND.

Generous donations from Lovell, Arc Fabrications, ElecSure, KJ Plastering Ltd, Westcoast Windows, Osborn & Kent and Proctor Roofing and Ground Control helped fund the original project.

Robert Clarke, Director of Housing at Freebridge, said: “We are extremely grateful for the funding that Tesco have pledged to this project.

“Our new community garden has already proved popular with the local community and service users at Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre, we couldn’t be more delighted that we can now make this fantastic new facility accessible to everyone who visits the centre.”

Freebridge Community Housing announces new chairman.

Freebridge Community Housing is delighted to announce Andy Walder as their new Chairman, taking over the role from Ray Johnson, who has been in post for almost nine years.

Andy joined the Freebridge board after retiring from the Construction Industry Training Board, where he worked for 14 years and was responsible for their training colleges across the UK.

Andy’s earlier experience was in asset management and running multiple site licensed retail outlets for major UK companies such as Allied Domecq and Whitbread. He is currently a Director of the Ad Meliora Academy in King’s Lynn and works with others such as Wolverhampton University to promote the benefits of vocational training to support academic learning.

Tony Hall, Freebridge Community Housing Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to announce that Andy is our new Chairman. With his experience, knowledge and expertise he will be of great benefit to Freebridge in his new role, and we look forward to working with him and the rest of the Board to continue developing homes and creating opportunities for people within West Norfolk.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Ray Johnson for the time and commitment he has given to Freebridge over the years, he will be much missed, and we wish him the very best in whatever challenge he decides to take on next.”

Ray Johnson said: “It has been a privilege to be a board member and honour to be the Chair. I witnessed considerable change over the nine years and leave Freebridge in good shape, and in the capable hands of an experienced board with a competent management team and enthusiastic staff.

“I hope Andy enjoys his time as chair as much as I did. I would like to thank all present and past board members, the chief executive and all employees for their assistance during my time on the board of Freebridge Community Housing.”

Andy Walder, Freebridge Community Housing Chairman, said: “I am delighted, excited and proud to be the new chair of Freebridge Community Housing, an organisation that is doing great things here in West Norfolk.

“My Board colleagues, the Freebridge team and I are passionate about supporting a better West Norfolk through the development of more and diverse homes, leading on initiatives that will help and support people and communities to be the best they can possibly be and delivering a high-performance housing service to our customers.

“We have an exciting future and I am looking forward to working with the team and partners to ensure we deliver our plans.”

Norse Commercial Services has promoted Justin Galiford to the newly created role of Group Director of Operations for Development and Strategy.

Justin, who was previously Commercial Director, now oversees Norse’s compliance, health and safety, and environmental and quality issues across its operating divisions and public sector partnerships. As such he has overall Board level responsibility for the central Procurement Team, the Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) team and the company’s Information Technology and applications (ITaps) team.

In addition, Justin’s new role will include the negotiation and mobilisation of new local authority joint ventures: Norse currently has 14 such partnerships, representing a major element in its forward order book of £2.2 billion. Sales Director Geoff Tucker says that the company is currently in the final stages of creating a number of new local authority partnerships that will add significantly to Norse’s portfolio.

The company recently announced record profits, and significant growth in the first five months of the current year, which have led to new appointments and the creation of high-quality jobs in Norfolk.

The latest HMRC figures have shown a surge in the amount of Research and Development (R&D) tax relief savings being made by East Anglian companies compared to their counterparts across the rest of the UK, according to R&D tax relief specialist Jumpstart.

With a 48% year on year increase in the total R&D tax credits claimed in 2015-2016, analysis of the latest HMRC figures for the FYE 2016 shows East Anglian businesses accounted for 10% of the UK’s total claims.

Jumpstart’s East of England Business Development Manager, Lee Williams, comments: “These latest HMRC figures are a fantastic demonstration of how companies in the East of England have benefited from the R&D tax relief scheme in terms of tax savings compared to companies across the rest of the UK.”

Of the 26,255 claims across the UK totalling £2.9billion in tax benefits, 2,630 claims came from companies in East of England resulting in £370million back. Of these, 2,180 were claimed under the SME scheme and the remainder were claimed under the large company scheme.

The figures show a concentration of claims in three key sectors across the UK:

·         Manufacturing – 28% of claims and 32% of total claimed

·         Information & Communication – 26% of claims and 20% of total claimed

·         Professional, Scientific & Technical – 20% of claims and 23% of total claimed.

Lee continues: “Whilst uptake of the UK government’s R&D tax relief scheme is increasing across the UK and is healthy across the Eastern region, there are still companies who are not reaping the full benefits of the scheme.

Also, local companies could be under claiming or over claiming because their technical project activities and expenditures are not being accurately interpreted against government legislation. As well as the introduction of increased scrutiny over such claims by HMRC, the

process of claiming is very much a technical assessment so it is important that companies, whether in profit or loss making, instruct a specialist advisor to handle this for them.”

Since its inception, Jumpstart has helped its clients recover over £95million in R&D tax relief and has identified over £482million in eligible R&D expenditure.

Any company wishing to find out more about R&D tax relief should contact Lee Williams on 0131 240 2900 or email lee.williams@jumpstartuk.co.uk.

City College Norwich’s newly-launched Degree Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management has had an enthusiastic response from employers, with 28 apprentices from 12 different organisations starting the 3-year programme.

The Degree Apprenticeship, which is validated by the UEA, sees students gain CMI Chartered Manager status and provides an attractive new way for employers to develop their workforce and support individuals to consolidate and extend their management skills.

The employers signing their staff up for the Degree Apprenticeship are wide-ranging, from large public sector organisations, to financial services companies, as well as small and medium sized enterprises.    

Following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April this year, large employers that pay the levy can finance the degree through their levy contribution while small employers only pay 10% (with the remainder being Government-subsidised).

The Degree Apprenticeship is designed for existing managers, as well as staff new to management and those who will be taking on additional management responsibilities.  It provides staff with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive, in-depth and practical understanding of key areas of management. 

Modules covered include Leading Enterprise in Organisations, Digital Marketing and Communication, Leading and Managing People, Developing Organisational Leadership, and Project Management.

In common with other apprenticeships, a key emphasis of the programme is on developing the Degree Apprentices’ skills within their workplace, supported by their employer and regular visits by an apprenticeship assessor from the college.  The apprentices attend City College Norwich’s Higher Education Centre one day a week for lectures, seminars and workshops. 

As a result of the strong initial demand for the course, City College Norwich is planning to start a second cohort of Leadership and Management Degree Apprentices early in 2018.

Employers interested in finding out more can do so by contacting City College Norwich’s apprenticeship team on 0800 328 3616 or employerpartnerships@ccn.ac.uk.   

Ed Rose, Head of Higher Education and Employer Responsive Delivery, City College Norwich, said: 

“This is the first time that a Degree Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management has been available in Norfolk and we are delighted by the enthusiastic response of employers and their staff to this new qualification. 

“The programme offers an excellent way for staff to consolidate their management experience, whilst working towards a full honours degree and Chartered Manager status.  It is really encouraging that so many employers have embraced this new apprenticeship as a great way to develop their managers and future leaders.”  

Monthind Clean LLP are pleased to announce that they will be returning to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce B2B Exhibition again this year. We are really looking forward to exhibiting on 12th October at Norwich City Football Club and hope to make new connections and catch up with familiar faces. This year there are plenty of events taking place throughout the day including Social Media and Marketing Masterclasses. Make sure you come and see the Monthind Clean team on stand 12, and remember to book your FREE ticket here: https://www.mychamber.co.uk/NorfolkChamberBookings/event/view/id/2463