Member News

All of the team at Tudor Lodge Consultants are thrilled to be working on an exciting Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), content and online project with luxury car and transfer providers, Real Transfers, who have for a number of years provided luxury car services to a whole host of people from celebrities, to everyday people. They specialise in getting their clients from A to B in comfort and style, providing high levels of service and stylish and efficient service.

The Challenges

Currently, Real Transfers have a fully functioning, bookable website that allows users to seamlessly enquire and then book a car from almost anywhere to anywhere. Real Transfers have a large number of clients who use their services to go to and from London airports such as Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, London City Airport and Stanstead as well as various ports such as Portsmouth and Southampton.

Real Transfers came to us with the desire to greatly increase enquiries and bookings via their online platform. Currently, they rank well for several key terms relating strongly to their services. However, they are determined to increase the volume of enquiries and bookings, whilst ensuring they keep a high level of users across their website.

In addition, they wish to become a real resource in the luxury car transfer market and as such have been researching a great deal of useful information to turn into content. One of the challenges with the site is because it is a very large website (over 300 pages deep), there is a lot of content and data to work with in a way that is simply not the case with so many other websites. In addition, heir site is built in SQL, with some developers shying away.

The Work We Are Doing

Working with Tudor Lodge’s SEO, content and development teams, Real Transfers are undertaking a full SEO and online progression strategy. We began the process with detailed consultations with the client which then led us onto carrying out their keyword research. This allowed us to identify key industry areas that Real Transfers can make ground on and other areas for them to break into.

Having completed the keyword research, we have set up an extensive tracking platform for them and will be keeping track of the progress as it happens.

Updating the SEO practices of their site is key, with link disavows of spammy sites and directories having been applied and meta keywords removed, to better allow search engines to crawl and understand their website, content and offerings. This will also be helped by the new sitemap we will work with the Real Transfers team to provide to Google. We are also well underway with their link building strategy to establish Real Transfers as a strong website and brand in their area. Moving forward we are to be working on optimising their meta data, improving their site speed and optimising their user experiences and content offerings for both mobile and desktop to ensure they drawl in the right users and keep them engaged as required for business.

We are looking forward to continuing our work with Real Transfers and are excited about the online successes that the future will bring.

Will you be attending the Royal Norfolk Show this year?

Visit our stand in the Buy Local Norfolk marquee for a chance to win £200 to spend on blinds, curtains or shutters.

The marquee is on Avenue 9, stand 279.

Fiona and Julie will be there on both Wednesday and Thursday.

There will be lots of other local businesses exhibiting in the marquee, so it’s a great chance to meet local firms, or even join us for the Pimms and Pizza After-Show Party on Wednesday.

Here is the booking form for the evening party: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/buy-local-norfolk-after-hours-at-the-royal-norfolk-show-2017-registration-31674894462

The Norfolk Show itself looks to be amazing as usual. There is so much to see, including the only performance outside of London this year by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Last call for spaces on our Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety Refresher course taking place on 5th July at No.8 Thorpe Road in Norwich.

Aim; To refresh and update your knowledge of food safety procedures and how to manage staff

Objectives;

*Ability to implement and supervise a food safety management system

*Understand food safety procedures

*Understand the concept of food hazards and the risks associated with them

*Understand the terminology with respect to supervising food safety

*Understand the techniques involved in controlling and monitoring food safety

*Appreciate the risks linked to cross contamination

*Understand the role temperature has to play in the control of food safety

*Appreciate the importance of supervising high standards of cleanliness in food premises

Organisation

Duration; 1 day programme

Exam/Assessment; Multiple choice examination, accredited by Ofqual

Cost; £157.00 + VAT includes, notes, refreshments, lunch, the assessment & certification fees

Awarding Body; Chartered Institute for Environment Health (CIEH)

Tutor; Sarah Daniels

Differentiation;  The CIEH Level 3 Award in Food Safety taken within the last three years.

Audience; Managers and supervisors in small, medium or large catering, manufacturing or retail businesses

For more information please email mitchell@Redcat.gb.com

Dragon Security Systems is leading the region in the installation of 360-degree fast response cameras in libraries and other public buildings and has already showcased the product to supermarkets, food manufacturers, local authorities, schools and other potential clients. 

The unique package combines all-round camera technology with associated ‘de-warping software’ which transforms the images from the fisheye lens perspective into a flat image that the human eye can relate to on monitor screens.

Central to the security package delivered by the Wroxham-based company is its ability to offer all-round visibility from a single central camera rather than having a CCTV system that relies on multiple fixed cameras.

Dragon Security Systems managing Director Richard Lawrie explained: “The key benefit is that the 360 camera reduces the numbers of cameras required on a site.

 “The central camera performs the role that four or five fixed cameras currently carry out and as well as clear cost benefits it also virtually eliminates blind spots.”

Dragon recently demonstrated the system at its Wroxham base to a specially-invited audience drawn from a range of key sectors including supermarkets, department stores, MoD suppliers, food manufacturers, academy and private schools, count council city council town council, bus company, police, property developer and a football club.

Teaming up with Roys (Wroxham) Ltd department store, it showcased the technology and beamed back images from the store premises to its main offices.

“The demonstration not only showed the capabilities of the camera and system but also the remote monitoring capability to an audience that was in a separate location at our offices,” said Mr Lawrie.

The system can constantly record, or be set to record motion-only when triggered by movement, but also has the capability for the operator to focus in on a specific area and enhance the detail to view any incident or event at any given time.

“This is crucial from a health and safety perspective as well as a security position and is important in the evidence-gathering process,” he added.

Typical examples of its capabilities include helping to provide evidence if, for example a supermarket faces a claim for damages following an incident, or it can help prevent or track theft, and identify intruders. In petrol stations, it can help with drive-off offences or other forecourt incidents and accidents.

Another example is in the food manufacturing sector; if batch becomes contaminated, the camera can help isolate a suspected conveyor line and time when the contamination may have occurred.

The images can be monitored live or on a recording and with its remote monitoring capability, images can be viewed from anywhere in the world via laptop or mobile phone.

A store or premises that have several branches, for example, with a camera system in each branch will only need one central monitoring facility, reducing the need for manpower. There is also the option for split screens to view different branches at the same time.

The 360 camera constantly records the whole 360 panorama and continues to record even when footage is being monitored from a specific area, explained Dragon’s sales director John Ketteridge.

“One big advantage,” he added, “is that when a store, supermarket, library or other premises changes its layout, sometimes the fixed corner cameras will have the view amended or blocked.

“The central 360 camera, however, does not have this problem, which means that a room can be changed without affecting the monitoring position and the surveillance results.”

However, the over-riding benefit is in terms of cost with one central camera performing the role of several. A typical four-camera fixed installation will cost £5,575 whereas a single 360 degree fisheye lens system is £4,485, a saving of about 20 per cent, or almost £1100.

There are also reduced installation costs for the new cameras, which can also still be implemented in a CCTV system using a mix of camera types.

Mr Lawrie said the camera delivers a comprehensive security and safeguarding element, whether for staff, customers, products or production processes and health & safety protection.

“The combination of cameras and software working together are exceptional and the review, monitoring and analytic capabilities and options are of the highest quality,” he added.

Potential customers can contact Dragon Security Systems for a free survey for the highly-versatile and flexible system.

Home

Eye Film’s latest documentary will be broadcast on Friday 23rd June at 7.30pm on BBC1 (East). Tune in to see Dr Aarathi Prasad exploring water-related inventions from the East of England.  Whether it’s new ways to cross the sea, making filthy water drinkable or by designing lifesaving apparatus, inventors from our region have been busy making waves. See our ‘behind the scenes’ blog & photos at https://www.eyefilm.co.uk/making-waves/

On Tuesday 11th July 2017, Paston Sixth Form College is teaming up with Beacon East Careers and North Norfolk District Council to host the 2017 North East Norfolk Futures event. This year the event is significantly larger than previous years with more Universities and Employers attending. School pupils, sixth form students and their parents from all over the local area are invited to attend.  The event is designed to inspire and motivate students to research their future career goals. This year’s event will feature over 30+ Universities with students able to talk to representatives about the different courses on offer at each University, and also find out how to apply.  In Norfolk we are lucky to have a wealth of industry right on our door step and KLM Engineering, British Sugar and OPITOY oil and gas industry including many more have agreed to attend the event. Norwich, is the 4th largest contributor to medical research in the country after London, Manchester and Birmingham and with Norwich Research Park and STEM NET attending the event alongside a number Science and Technology stands, it will be a good event for those interested in science. A number of national companies such as Tesco, Lloyds Bank, McDonalds, Aldi and Marriott Hotels are also attending. Students and pupils from local schools will have over 50 employers to visit, where they will be able to find out about careers in all sorts of industries from NHS to Construction, to Music and Engineering, Law and Accountancy, Hair dressing and Hospitality.  In addition to this the Army, RAF, Navy and Police will be attending to answer questions about careers in the forces.  Apprenticeship Norfolk will also display information on careers and give out advice on apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.  All students attending will have access to a Careers Hub where they will receive advice and guidance from staff.  Kevin Grieve  – the Principal at Paston said:- ”The North East Norfolk Futures Event is now in its fifth year and it is set to be even bigger and better this year. This event will provide young people with a great opportunity to meet representatives from colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and employers.” 

Norwich, Norfolk

12 hour 4 Day/Night shift rotation

£17,000 – £25,000 per year

MIGSOLV is an award winning world-class commercial data centre in East Anglia providing ultra-secure, high-quality, flexible colocation services. We are looking for a committed, self-motivated Service Desk Technician to join our Operations team based at our Norwich data centre.

Purpose of Role

The Service Desk Technician is responsible for the day to day operation of the data centre technical (white) space and the Service Desk. To ensure that good relationships are built and maintained with its clients and to ensure that there is a safe working environment at all times.

Responsibilities:

• Installation and patching of any component within the Gatehouse facility in accordance with procedures and cabinet dressing standards.
• Rack level cable management/dressing and patching.
• Comprehensive customer support and troubleshooting.
• Routine operational tasks throughout the site.
• Service Desk administrative duties.
• Processing of deliveries/collections in accordance with customer requirements and written procedures.
• Understanding and adherence to Change Control Processes.
• Compliance with ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 written standards.
• Comprehensive understanding and compliance of all MIGSOLV HSE related procedures.
• The understanding and processing of Access Requests, Permits to Work and Risk Assessments.

Experience:

• 1-2 years’ experience within an IT environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Productivity software.
• Understanding of Network fundamentals.

Applicants must also be able to:

• Be a self-starter and delivery focused.
• Demonstrate good team work and organisational skills.
• Be enthusiastic and flexible in your approach and attitude.
• Show good communications skills, both verbal and written.

Qualifications:

• GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C or above.
• IT associated accreditations preferred.
• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Any applicant must be in a suitable position to work a 12 hour 4 days on, 4 days off (Day/Night) shift rotation.

Any successful applicant will be subject to a Basic Criminal Records check.

Apply here

Freebridge unveil new homes across West Norfolk

Freebridge unveil new homes across West Norfolk This month sees the latest in a number of new homes in West Norfolk being unveiled by Freebridge Community Housing.

The latest development, on the former site of an old police house in St Edmundsbury Road in King’s Lynn, will see work completed on three two-bed houses, two four-bed houses and one shared house, which will be leased and operated by the YMCA. Tenants are due to move in at the beginning of next month. This follows keys being handed over to the tenants of seven brand new homes on Priory Road, North Wootton earlier in the year.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge said: “Our mission is to develop homes and create opportunities for people in West Norfolk and the developments at St Edmundsbury Road in North Lynn and Priory Road in North Wootton are great examples of this.

“We are passionate about providing people with good quality homes to live in and are delighted that we’re able to continue to support the needs of the community by providing much needed housing in places where people want to live.”

In addition to these two developments work has also just begun on transforming the long closed Rampant Horse pub in Gayton into two one-bed and two two-bed houses and the site of the old Blockbusters Video site in King’s Lynn into eight flats and two commercial units.

Pure’s recruitment consultant Ruben Davis was one of the brave fundraisers to take part in a 160ft bungee jump challenge on Sunday (11 June) to raise money for Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity The Big C.

The event, held outside The Forum in Norwich, was organised by The Big C in partnership with the UK Bungee Club. The Big C is this year’s nominated charity for Pure’s Norwich team and Ruben volunteered for the daredevil challenge to play his part in raising vital funds. Surprisingly, despite being his first ever bungee jump, he said the nerves didn’t really kick in until the last moment.

He added: “In the lead up to it all I was quite nonchalant about the whole thing. It was only when I got there, saw the crane and realised just how high it was that the adrenaline started pumping. Luckily the team organising the event were so engaging and really helped to put me at ease. There was a fantastic view of Norwich which kept me reasonably distracted while I was up in the crane, and then I just had to take a leap of faith!”

The supporters, who gathered on Millennium Plain to watch the brave fundraisers, included Ruben’s wife and his nine-month old daughter, both of whom were glad to see him safely back on the ground afterwards. 

Ruben added: “Doing a bungee jump was one of those things I’d always thought about, but the right opportunity had never come up until now. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely do it again. One of the first things I did when I got home was to research the world’s largest bungee jump, just in case I can tie it into a holiday in the future! There was a fantastic atmosphere among everyone taking part and I’m delighted to have been able to help raise funds for such a fantastic organisation.”

The Big C provides drop in support and information centres across Norfolk and Waveney. These are used by thousands of people affected by cancer every year and provide valuable information about diagnosis, treatments, side effects and recovery. The support also includes trained staff who can provide emotional help, support and complementary therapies.

Pure had already raised over £2,700 for The Big C through its annual quiz night earlier in the year. Now Ruben’s fundraising plunge has raised a further £340 for the charity, with donations still coming in. There is still time to donate to Ruben’s fundraising efforts through his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ruben-Davis1

Norfolk businesses are being urged to help support young people to be better prepared for work by offering work experience placements. Norfolk County Council’s Work Experience Norfolk campaign is asking for employers to pledge a work experience placement for a post-16 student in Norfolk. Giving students the opportunity to experience work while still at school is key to ensuring their work readiness as well as helping them to decide on a future career path. Creating work experience opportunities for students and school leavers also has great benefits for employers and can help towards achieving their own objectives. It gives the business the chance to gain access to local talent by seeing first-hand what young people in Norfolk have to offer – which often includes fresh ideas and a different perspective – particularly when it comes to the likes of using social media. Offering a work experience opportunity that a young person truly values can also help to raise the profile of a business with their family, friends and the local community. This can be a powerful recruitment tool for businesses as people will then recommend them as a good firm to work for. Placements can positively impact on existing staff too by boosting morale and raising confidence through offering mentoring opportunities and supervisory experience to staff. Cllr Penny Carpenter, Chair of Norfolk County Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “For employers, work experience is about giving back to society and helping the future economy by preparing young people for the world of work. Having a work experience programme where young people can work on real projects – not just some of the more mundane tasks – means they get a true picture of what it is like to work in an industry. “Businesses in our community are often willing to offer work experience as they are part of our wider community and can support a young person as they enter such an important stage of their life. I’d urge Norfolk businesses to help our young people by offering a work experience placement – it’s a two-way process and they can also see great benefits.” Work experience placements can be of varying lengths and take place at different times of the year; schools and colleges will work with the employer around the needs of the business so that both the student and employer will benefit. East Norfolk Sixth Form College student India Biocec completed a week-long placement in the accounts department at Proserv: “Spending time at Proserv allowed me to experience real-life work, which will help me feel more confident about starting a job when I leave college. I got the chance to sample office life, and was able to use some of the knowledge I’d learnt on my AAT course. I’d say it was an excellent all-round experience and I’m very grateful to everyone involved for giving me the opportunity.” If you’re an employer interested in inspiring and motivating local young people to help them be better prepared for work, complete the short form to let us know the opportunities you can offer to a Norfolk sixth form or college student. Please complete the form by 23 June if possible as this will give schools a chance to contact you before they break up for the summer holiday.

Bigfork designed the new website for Inspiralis, based on the Norwich Research Park, who supply Topoisomerase research products to the pharmaceutical and academia markets. The brief was to position Inspiralis as supplier of high quality products, we achieved with a modern, clean design and creative photography.

For the full story please click here

The University of East Anglia welcomes Anna Douglas as their new Relationship Manager for Business, Financial and Legal Services, a role newly created to meet the growing needs of these areas within the University. Our Relationship Managers are highly experienced professionals who bring together expertise of working with a wide range of organisations and an in-depth knowledge of UEA.

Anna’s focus is to promote collaboration and partnerships between UEA, its academics and Schools of Study, with external organisations within the business, financial and legal services sectors.  Where businesses and professional firms are looking to grow, diversify or overcome a business challenge, UEA can help by providing access to academic expertise including consultancy, research, CPD and training, as well as introducing student and graduate talent via recruitment and internship programmes. Anna will be responsible for helping to create these partnerships through reinforcing existing and developing new relationships, whilst working closely with academics to help raise awareness of UEA’s research capabilities through knowledge exchange and engagement.

Anna joins the University from grant-making charity Norfolk Community Foundation, where she was Director of Marketing and Development, and worked with businesses, professional advisors, charitable trusts and individuals to support them with their corporate social responsibility and charitable giving.  Prior to that, Anna worked as Business Development Manager for Top 100 UK law firm, Birketts LLP developing sector and practice led focus groups, bids and tenders for legal services and legal directory submissions.

Contact Anna Douglas on:

Anna.Douglas@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 597076

Our Relationship Managers across the sectors are:

Chris Blincoe – Digital, Heritage and Creative

C.Blincoe@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 593445

Richard Clarke – Healthcare and Social Science

R.Clarke@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 593178

Dr Karen Smith – Medical and Life Sciences

Karen.L.Smith@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 593147

Dr Ruth Welters – Environment, Marine and Agriculture

R.Welters@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 591569

Andy Whilding – Engineering

A.Whilding@uea.ac.uk

Tel: 01603 591488

For more information on working with UEA visit www.uea.ac.uk/business.