Member News

Local recruitment specialists The Recruiting Office have unveiled improved branding as they embark on an exciting new strategy to continue their growth.

The refresh of their brand marks the start of their new marketing strategy to target local businesses. “We already attract many high-calibre candidates” says Neil Scarborough, Managing Director. “We simply want to reach more businesses and help them fill their roles with staff that last”.

The Recruiting Office approached a number of local marketing agencies. “Full Mix Marketing gave us the greatest confidence” says Neil. “Rather than recommending we change everything, they explained how we could improve our existing marketing to get stronger results”.

The evolution of The Recruiting Office’s brand and strapline signal a stronger emphasis on what they deliver best. “Having many long-term clients, we simply focus on doing a great job” adds Neil. “Our new brand demonstrates our professionalism and shows we understand what clients value most. Full Mix Marketing have helped us realise our five-stage vetting process goes further than our competitors and is something we need to shout about”.

Established in 2013, The Recruiting Office specialise in finding permanent and temporary staff for office, transport and manufacturing roles. With over 30 years combined experience, they’ve developed a reputation for being the go-to recruitment partner for many local businesses.

Over the coming months, Full Mix Marketing will be helping The Recruiting Office to deliver a comprehensive strategy of digital and offline marketing. “Like many professional and B2B businesses, The Recruiting Office know who their target customers are” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing. “Our role is to help them deliver the most cost-effective marketing to reach and convert them”.

Full Mix Marketing provide all the marketing businesses need to grow, including marketing plans and strategies, branding, full digital and social media marketing, as well as direct marketing campaigns and advertising.

The Recruiting Office discovered Full Mix Marketing through a Chamber event. “Yet again being members of Norfolk Chamber has been very positive for both of us” says Sarah. “It remains a strong part of the marketing mix we recommend our B2B clients”.

For more information visit www.therecruitingoffice.co.uk and www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk.

Freebridge Community Housing Host House Swap Event

Freebridge Community Housing will be hosting a coffee morning to promote the benefits of mutual exchange on Friday 18 August at the Hillington Square Community Café from 11am – 2pm.

A mutual exchange is an easy way for two social housing tenants to swap properties and this event is a great opportunity to network and speak to others who are interested in the possibility of a switch.

The event will include free cakes, hot drinks and children’s activities, along with a prize draw where those attending have the chance to win £25 of Love2shop vouchers.

Freebridge Director of Housing, Robert Clarke, said: “We are pleased to have this opportunity to promote the benefits of mutual exchange, for those involved it can mean they can relocate to a home that is more suited to their needs.

“We are happy to facilitate these moves as much as possible, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to come down to speak to our staff and meet other tenants who have an interested in exchanging their home.”

The event is open to anyone living in social housing, not just Freebridge Community Housing tenants. If you would like to attend the event please RSVP to Lettings.Enquiries@freebridge.org.uk or call 03332 404 444.

The Brown&Co Summer property auction took place on Thursday 22nd June at The Assembly Rooms in Norwich.

In a packed auction room, there was plenty of bidding and garages, cottages, properties in need of renovation, land and larger properties all sold very well. Fifteen of the 16 lots were sold at auction, with the other lot selling immediately afterwards and in many cases the results were well in excess of the guide prices and reserves set. There were many highlights and the wide variety of property in all price ranges demonstrates activity across the board and that despite difficulties in the country, the market is buoyant in the region with plenty of demand from buyers. A key highlight of the sale was a four bedroom house in Stratford Crescent, Cringleford which sold for £100,000 over the reserve and amenity land with potential in Newton St Faith also exceeded expectations.

“We now look forward to our autumn sale with a spring in our step and as always, hope to be able to help colleagues with any suitable properties” said auctioneer Peter Hornor from the Norwich office. “Do please contact either myself or Trevor Blythe or anyone in the Norwich office if you want to know more about how auctions can work for you”, he added.

The next auction will be held at The Assembly Rooms in Norwich on Thursday 28th September 2017.

https://www.brown-co.com/pages/property-auctions

Wednesday 7th June saw the official launch of the fully merged and newly formed Brown&Co Architecture + Planning Division at an event held at Cinema City in Norwich

As Brown&Co Architecture + Planning launches, the team has more than doubled in size from that which joined the business in 2013* and now consists of 4 Chartered Architects, a Master Planner, 2 Chartered Architectural Technologists, 3 Chartered Planners and an incredibly capable and professional support team. The practice carries out a range of small and large scale housing developments, one off bespoke properties, school projects and commercial developments in addition to strong rural and conversion projects which have historically been carried out.

The wider firm sees this as a growth area for the business and the department has developed considerably over the last 3 years with specific Architecture + Planning teams in place in the Norwich and Huntingdon offices, with a future expansion planned. This ensures coverage across East Anglia, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire and beyond.

Fraser Hall, who leads the division commented “Norfolk, and Norwich in particular, has a strong architectural history and pedigree and there are many practices carrying out excellent work across the city, county and further afield. Our aspiration is to make Brown&Co Architecture and Planning a household name in the region, building on the expertise, skills and tradition we have”. ‘We are looking forward to a bright future developing this dynamic practice.’ Added Mr Hall

https://www.owenbond.co.uk/

Henry Cockerton of chartered surveyors “Cockertons” in Holt, has joined Brown&Co as a partner from 1st July 2017. Henry, together with Tim Nicholson will join the existing team of Tom Cator and Vicky Coleman in a combined office in the heart of Holt. Over the past few years Cockertons has become the foremost independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants in north Norfolk. Henry Cockerton commented “As this area continues to grow into one of the region’s most important and sought-after destinations for land and property we feel the support and backing of a firm of Brown & Co’s stature and reputation will enable us to continue to provide the best service to our existing clients and expand together as one of the region’s largest firms of Independent Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants”.

Charles Whitaker, Managing Partner of Brown&Co said “We are delighted to bring Tim and Henry into the Brown&Co business and to welcome Henry as a young and highly regarded professional to the partnership. The acquisition of the Cockertons practice and merger of our existing Holt residential office with Henry’s business will create growth for us collectively in Holt and a strong, multi-disciplinary professional practice in the heart of the region.” Henry Cockerton added “In this part of the world the names Brown & Co and Cockertons have been synonymous with expert advice and unrivalled knowledge in the field of land and property advice for decades and Tim and I are delighted to be moving forward together.”

https://www.brown-co.com/articles/brown-co-announce-the-acquisition-of-cockertons-in-holt

We have an exciting career opportunity for two Apprentice Maintenance Engineers at our Norwich Site. The Briar Apprenticeship will be both rewarding and challenging; whether that be developing practical skills and knowledge during your Training Programme; or working with experienced engineers in a fast-paced manufacturing environment of an Upper Tier COMAH Site; your working day will be interesting and varied.

The Apprenticeship Programme lasts for approximately four years and includes both practical training and further education. During your first year you will undertake off-the-job training at the EEF Training Centre in Birmingham to gain broad-based engineering skills and a BTEC qualification. You will return to site the following year to commence work in the Maintenance Department, building your skills and knowledge to achieve the Level 3 in Mechatronics Maintenance. You will also be required to attend the Birmingham Centre on a block release basis in the second year, to complete your BTEC studies.

Maintenance activities that you will be involved in include: 

• Operation and maintenance of CHP plant, which includes gas compression, steam generation, electricity generation 
• Daily and weekly monitoring of plant 
• Mechanical maintenance on a variety of Process Plant including pumps, vessels, separation equipment, heat exchangers, hydraulic /pneumatic and piping systems 
• Fault diagnosis, strip down and re-assembly of equipment 
• Basic electrical work on such items as electric motors and starter circuits 
• Equipment inspection, computerised report writing and general use of information systems

We set the bar high and our Apprenticeship Programme is no exception, providing the opportunity to gain a range of valuable skills and experiences within the Chemical Industry. As such, first year off-the-job training will take place in Birmingham on EEF’s Residential Apprenticeship Programme where you will be expected to reside at EEF agreed accommodation from Sunday evening until Friday each week.

Prospective candidates should have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C or 4 and above in Maths, English and a Science subject. Ideally with a Grade B or 5 in Maths.

If you would like to be considered for this role, please contact Human Resources – email HR.Recruit@briarchemicals.com

Visit our website for more information www.briarchemicals.com/careers

Chemistry students were invited to Briar Chemicals to gain a valuable insight into the chemical manufacturing industry and the diverse range of careers opportunities available.

Pupils from Taverham High School, Notre Dame High School and Hellesdon High School joined a team of Chemists at Briar Chemicals for the afternoon, along with their teachers.

Briar’s ‘Insight into Industry’ visits offer a unique chance for students to see how the chemistry they learn at school and college is used in a manufacturing environment. Students are given a tour of working laboratories, production plants and the control rooms and can see how energy is produced by the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and the solar panel installation on site.

Dr Sean Thurston, Royal Society of Chemistry Education Coordinator said: “It really is fantastic to get students and teachers together on an active industrial site like Briar Chemicals. Seeing and hearing first-hand what it is like to work in chemical industry is invaluable when these students make their future career choices. It also allows their teachers to talk to future students more confidently about what local careers are available.”

The ‘Insight into Industry’ events are aimed to inspire pupils to ask questions and learn more about the varied roles of the highly-skilled and qualified Chemists and Engineers working at Briar. It also offers an opportunity for teachers to learn different aspects of chemistry and how to demonstrate new and creative ways of learning. Briar actively encourages its staff to share their knowledge and skills by mentoring.

Tim Green, Site Manager at Briar Chemicals said: “We are passionate about hosting education visits for local students interested in STEM subjects. We have developed excellent relations with teachers and lecturers in the community who visit us year on year, praising our staff for their time.”

Every year Briar Chemicals welcomes a number of work experience students, summer placements and offers a student in industry placement from Loughborough University studying a degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

A student placement in 2015 recently joined the company as an employee on completion of his Chemistry degree and is now part of the team working on an exciting new project for Briar.

Briar Chemicals and the Royal Society of Chemistry have been working closely for many years; organising yearly student site visits and playing host for the annual Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Competition.

Briar is proud sponsors of the Norwich Science Festival Chemistry Day and is delighted to continue their support again this year. Working in partnership with Royal Society of Chemistry volunteers, Briar hosted a fun-filled day of experiments – the busiest day of the two week festival welcoming over 1,200 people. The festival welcomed over 75,000 people and looks to build on this success this year with the help of the festival sponsors.

Term: Full Time, Permanent   Salary: £30,785 – £34,538 per annum   Closing Date: 14th August 2017, 09:00   Interview Date: 21st August 2017

North Norfolk District Council is looking for someone with the dynamism to develop our diverse business base, working within a team dedicated to delivering the Council’s economic growth priorities. With highly develped communication skills and experience of engaging businesses and building productive relationships, you will play a leading role in driving business growth and investment in North Norfolk.

Working with individuals, networks, sector groups, and partner organisations you will help realise the growth plans of indigenous businesses and nurture inward investment opportunities. This is a pivotal role in helping businesses to make key decisions and as such you will need to be able to confidently build a network of contacts and work closely with your team colleagues in order to facilitate solutions.

A job description and application form is available at https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/jobs/business-development-officer/

 Starting a business can seem daunting especially if you’ve been in employment for a long time or are returning to the world of work.

In Diss and Beccles three, free, four hour workshops are available to Suffolk and Norfolk based people who are thinking of being their own boss and starting a business.

The Start Right workshops are let by experienced business trainers and cover a wide range of subjects including, business planning, maarketing a start-up, tax and book keeping.

Funded by the European Regional  Development Fund the courses in Beccles and Diss are available now to book on line at

https://www.menta.org.uk/menta-business-advice-for-start-ups

Holkham Studios at Holkham Hall, Norfolk is the venue for the next Coffee Means Business networking event. For the organisers, business support organisation, Genix, Friday 28th July will be the 10th networking event they’ve held in North Norfolk, and the second at Holkham Studios. Genix chief executive, Alex Till said, “Coffee Means Business at Holkham in April attracted 40 businesses who not only networked in fantastic surroundings but also had a tour of the managed office space available at Holkham Studios. “Once again, we’ve planned a memorable morning to include bacon rolls, networking in beautiful surroundings and a tour to include Holkham Forge.” Holkham Forge, which for the past eight years has been operating from the 19th century forge on the Holkham Estate are one of the tenants who uses the facilities at Holkham Studios. The collective of three artist blacksmiths, James Spedding, Roger Foyster and Helen Spedding (and their apprentice Robert Stewart-Baldrey) are passionate about creating bespoke metalwork for clients. Recently they created gates and railings for a Gold Medal winning Show Garden at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, commissioned by Blind Veterans UK and discussed the project with HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex who is the patron of the charity. James said, “It was fantastic to be recognised for the high standard of work we produce. “I’m extremely pleased Coffee Means Business is returning to Holkham Studios. On this occasion we’ll have the opportunity to showcase the varied work we produce here, in North Norfolk. The previous networking event held at Holkham was extremely useful. I met many business people who I wouldn’t otherwise meet.” Coffee Means Business will be at Holkham Studios, Holkham Hall NR23 1RU on Friday 28th July from 9.30am until 11.30am. There are no joining or membership fees, just £2 payable on arrival, thanks to Genix Patron, Box-it East who sponsor the events. North Norfolk District Council appointed Genix in 2016 to organise and host Coffee Means Business in the North Norfolk area as they could see there was a need for a regular networking opportunity for businesses which didn’t involve expensive membership fees. Genix was chosen because it is a not for profit organisation which, for over 20 years has been supporting businesses. In Norfolk Genix provides business advice sessions for established businesses and start-ups, subsidised business skills training courses and events for companies, business owners and self-employed people. More details regarding Coffee Means Business can be found at www.genix.org.uk or by calling 0800 096 3013.

Leading insurance broker Alan Boswell Group is celebrating this month, having been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award, thanks to its commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

The company decided to enter the UK Broker Awards’ Customer Service category earlier this year, because providing outstanding service every time is one of the Group’s core values. The terms of entry for the award, which is run by Insurance Age magazine, include proof of consistent customer satisfaction, responsiveness to market demands and evidence that service has had an impact on client retention rates.

ABG is renowned for its focus on customer service and has implemented several new practices to cement this core business value. The introduction of independent customer reviews via Feefo, for instance, not only reflect the high quality of customer service, but also provides an aide for appraisals and ongoing, in-house training in order to maintain standards.

This is in addition to introducing a new, mobile responsive website in 2016, which is easier to navigate and provides a better online experience for all users.

Says Marketing Manager Lee Boswell: “Being shortlisted for such an important award is a fantastic recognition of our ethos and the dedication of our staff, who all play a vital role in giving our clients a superior service every time. We can’t wait until the ceremony and wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”

The winner will be announced on September 15th at a ceremony at The Brewery in London.

Naked Element are a software development company based in Norwich looking to recruit a self motivated, outgoing, well organised person looking for variety in a small, yet progressive tech company. There is opportunity for the right person to grow into a more specialised role, based on your strengths, as the company grows.

Salary: £18-20,000 per annum salary (depending on experience)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: New Patricks Yard, 2 Recorder Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1NR

Application Deadline: 28th July 2017

Essential skills and qualities: Good client and communication skills Exceptional organisation Self motivated You thrive in a fast-paced office environment Competent user of email systems, document creation and management software packages Ability to prioritise Desirable skills and qualities: An Interest in Software, Technology, Development, or any wider part of the ICT industry Previous Administration and Office Management experience A Level 3 qualification or equal in Administration or Business Management Main Responsibilities:

Office Management Running the office on a day-to-day basis depending on the needs of the business, it’s directors and employees Purchasing stationery and equipment Liaising with suppliers Answering the phone Preparing agendas, documents and contracts Company Administration Book keeping Managing finances Financial forecasting/producing reports Paying and raising invoices Paying bills General administration Payroll Social Media & Marketing Assistant Assisting the commercial director in all elements of marketing as required Setting up daily social media Preparing and sending marketing material Attending networking events Exhibiting at events Sales Assistant Assisting the commercial director in all elements of sales as required Prospecting Warm calling Meeting prospects & clients Sandler training provided Account & Project Management Day to day running of projects Project reporting Liaising with all stakeholders during projects Regular client reviews & other account management as necessary Executive PA Managing diaries for both the Commercial Director & CEO Booking events & meetings Booking travel Benefits Pension after 3 months 6 Month probationary period A lovely, air-conditioned working environment in the centre of Norwich Flexible working hours This is the perfect opportunity for those looking for an interesting, never the same each day role to grow their skills. You will benefit from the guidance of staff with over 20 years experience in Business, Finance and Project Management. This is also a chance to gain an in depth insight into the software development industry.

If you would like to apply for this opportunity, please send CV’s to emma@nakedelement.co.uk