We are pleased to welcome new Associate, Mike Gennaro, who will be leading the team in our Durham office. Mike has over 15 years’ consultancy experience across a wide range of disciplines including contaminated land assessment and remediation, environmental impact assessment and environmental planning. Mike’s previously held roles at RPS, Peak Environmental Solutions and WSP Parson Brinkerhoff.
Damian Robinson, Executive Director, said “We are very pleased to have Mike join our North East team, we strive to continually attract top talent to our business, and his appointment further demonstrates our commitment to service our residential, commercial and industrial clients within the Northern Power House region. We have strategically invested in this region over the past 12 months and Mike is a key part of the jigsaw, to which there will be further pieces added in the coming months”.
Based in Lincolnshire with offices in Norwich, Delta-Simons is a globally-operatingenvironmental consultancy, committed to delivering the best advice to projects throughout the property and construction sector.
The New Anglia Growth Hub has become the first and only organisation in the country to have secured a coveted business adviser accreditation – the equivalent of a blue flag in this sector.
The Level 7 Diploma in Professional Business and Enterprise Support is the equivalent of a Master’s degree on the qualification and credit framework scale and it means business owners across the two counties can feel safe in the knowledge that the support they are receiving has been rigorously examined and is of the highest quality available.
The award is governed by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), which sets the standard for business support services and is the exemplar standard for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
John Stenhouse who fronts the New Anglia Growth Hub, which is managed by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, explained how the fact that every single one of his business advisers had achieved Level 7 “was clear proof not only of their nine months of study and dedication, but their total commitment to always providing the best approach to advising businesses.”
“The Growth Hub will continue to have a major influence in helping our growing businesses access the right kind of financial and practical support”.
Small Business Minister Anna Soubry said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and this government continues to build the right environment for them to thrive.
“Growth Hubs have already helped thousands of businesses and, with the full network up and running, every registered business in England can access the expertise they need to succeed. The New Anglia Growth Hub’s business adviser accreditation will help entrepreneurs boost their businesses and create more jobs for people in the local area.”
SFEDI Chief Executive Ruth Lowbridge added: “The New Anglia Growth Hub are an exemplar of best practise in enterprise support. SFEDI research shows that businesses that engage in support are more resilient and more than twice as likely to experience business growth. This cannot be achieved without a quality and consistent approach to learning and skills development.”
Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The quantity of support offered by the New Anglia Growth Hub is there in black and white – over 20,000 hours of face to face advice to more than 5,000 businesses speaks for itself. This accreditation tells businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk they can also rely on the quality of support, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.”
A free appointment can be booked with a local Growth Hub adviser by calling 0300 333 6536 or email: growthhub@newanglia.co.uk
Despite being around for over 30 years, Tours for Christians had no online presence so they got in touch with the team at Tudor Lodge Consultants to help drive enquiries online through SEO (search engine optimisation).
Our task was to position the company asChristian Tourexperts and although they are based in London, to be able to reach out to all Christian communities thorughout the UK. They particularly wanted to grow their exposure for Israel tours whichremains a very popular destination for Christians as it isthe birthplace of Jesus, has countless holy and significant sites anda huge degree of natural beauty and culture tooffer.
From tours to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee and beyond, there is so much that Tours for Christians are able to offer. Working with well-renowned names in the Christian Tour industry means that they are able to offer some of the finest tours of Israel for Christians to be found anywhere.
What We have Done
Tours for Christians approached us with only a limited service to Israel. However, looking to expand their reach and appeal in the Christian market has meant that we have created for them a range of content and made many changes and improvements to their site to ensure they are found for services to Christians to Israel and otherwise.
We have added bespoke content; full of information for the Christian community and easy to read guides about the historical sites and tours you can make – which will make the sitea resource in its own right. These landing pages will make it easy for users to find information about the area and lead to potential enquiries.We have also approached a number of travel and religious websites and blogs to write about the tours on offer and in doing so, we generatenatural and highly relevant linksto the website (which boosts therankings!)
As well as adding videos, we have addedmaps and images to their website. This has increased user friendliness and makes the site more engaging and also holidaymakers to plan their trips accordingly.
Increasing the visibilityof the website has been key for this project. Since the start of our work on the site, Tours for Christians have seen their search engine rankings fly up. Now found on the first 2 pages for a number of industry searches, they are improving with every day.
While most people were making their mark in polling stations today (Thursday May 5, 2016), members of the claims department at Alan Boswell Group used the date to make a statement of their own.
They were launching the first in the company’s year of fund-raising events to raise more than £25,000 to benefit the county’s cancer patients, with a “beard-off”.
Mark Davenport, claims manager and Paul Cole, senior claims adviser, bid farewell to their beloved beards in gentlemen’s grooming barbershop Swagger and Jacks where the traditional method of cut throat shaving took about 75 minutes. Claims handler Anthony Lehman also had his head shaved at the St Benedict’s Street shop, with all tonsorial services donated by owner Mark Young.
For Mr Davenport, the loss of his distinctive carefully groomed beard is quite a talking point around the office. One sponsorship is conditional on his being clean shaven for at least six months; while at home, his 12 year old daughter is in for a surprise, when he returns home tonight …she has not seen his chin since she was two years’ old!
The idea for the event came from Anthony whose mum Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. He saw a leaflet challenging men to shave off their hair and thought this would inspire his colleagues. Asked if his mum approved of the challenge, he said she loved fun and laughter so definitely. The family is awaiting the outcome of the early diagnosis, which comes months after her retirement from Leeway Women’s Refuge, and is optimistic for her recovery.
For Mr Cole, he is thinking winter might be a bit chilly!
Every one of the 220 employees across Boswells’ six Norfolk and Suffolk offices, has been challenged by the directors to raise at least £100 to support Big C, Norfolk’s cancer charity, who staff voted to be it’s charity of the year.
Marketing manager Lee Boswell said: “The company is a big supporter of Big C having sponsored both its ladies and gent’s golf days for the past 20 years.
“We’ll also look to raise funds though our annual 7-a-side corporate football tournament at Carrow Road, dress down days and other fund-raising challenges for the charity. This year it is slightly different. We will all be taking part. Each member of staff can chose his or her challenge and already the initiative has become a talking point in the office. The entire staff is linked by a team page on JustGiving which totals the efforts as we go and is stimulating ideas. This way we can all see how much we have made and how far off we are from the target.
“Some of the directors and staff will be participating in the Bullards Tour De Norfolk at the Norfolk showground in September, taking up the challenge of the new 35mile circuit whilst a couple of hardy souls are going the full distance and have pledged to ride 100 miles!” he said.
Peerless Plastics and Coatings are one of the leading lights in applying protective hard coatings to plastics.
This brand new video gives a short and concise overview to what Peerless are able to achieve for their customers, producing a tailor-made solution to our clients problems.
Aftermarket protective and anti-glare hard coats that can be applied to nearly all types of plastic and plastic components.
LSI Architects is delighted to announce that Associate Partner Peter Courtney is to become an Equity Partner at the Practice from 1st May.
Since joining the Practice in 2009, Peter has played an integral role in the development of LSI Architects London studio, successfully delivering projects such as the Lycée International de Londres, Brent Knoll School and Queensmill ASD School.
Peter has led EFA Framework, BSF, Diocesan and Independent sector school projects with a number of notable contractors, covering traditional and D&B procurement and both new-build and refurbishment work, including the Harpley PRU in Stepney Green, recipient of two BCSE national design awards.
Previous experience in other sectors has been invaluable to the ongoing diversification of work in the London studio, including a number of office projects for the London Borough of Islington, an office project in India, and commissions at several London teaching hospitals.
Peter Courtney commented “Over the past few years the Practice has gone from strength to strength. I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to play a leading role as we continue to improve our design and our service to the benefit of our clients. I believe that the exciting opportunities ahead reflect the importance the London studio plays in the growth and direction of the Practice.”
The Practice is also delighted to announce that experienced project Architects David Bannister and Daniel Pedley are both promoted to Associates.
Since joining LSI’s London studio in 2012, David has been involved in projects such as Brent Knoll School, St John’s Green Primary School and the SS Robin Visitor Centre, with current projects including Eltham Primary School. Over his time at LSI, David has gained particular experience designing spaces for Autistic children, with projects including the conversion of a 1990s office building into a school for Autistic children to accommodate the expansion of Blossom House School in Wimbledon.
Daniel is another experienced Project Architect who initially joined LSI’s Norwich office as a Part 1 student in 2006. Since then, Daniel has achieved his Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications whilst at LSI, working on projects such as the on-shore facility for offshore energy company SCIRA and the Moy’s End Stand at Peterborough United Football Club as well as numerous education projects. Daniel is currently involved with projects at Gresham’s School in Holt, including the development of a new sixth form and music school and boarding house.
East Anglia’s largest business rescue and insolvency practice McTear Williams & Wood, has raised £2,280 for charity at its 8th popular annual bowls tournament.
Twelve teams of professionals from across the region battled for the “McTear Williams & Wood Bowls Trophy” which was held at the Diss & District Bowls Club on Tuesday 26 April 2016. The winners were the “Hawks” team, Peter Hazell of George Hazell & Co, Liam Walker of Anglia Finance, Tracy England of Birkett Long and James Knights of Knights Lowe . In keeping with tradition the contestants wore an array of novelty slippers ranging from puppy dogs to monster claws. Funds raised from the event went to the Jubilee Sailing Trust, a United Nations accredited disability charity, promoting integration through the challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing, by providing life-changing adventures to people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of physical ability. The cheque was presented by Chris Williams to Sophia Adams of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, who has enjoyed several of the sailing trips herself. Chris’s father had done three trips with the charity sailing across the English Channel, Bay of Biscay and the Caribbean; in presenting the cheque Chris said “For my father to sail across the oceans again in his nineties was a dream come true for him.”
Once again McTear Williams & Wood extend their thanks to everyone who took part and to the Diss & District Bowls Club. Plans are underway to repeat the event next year.
City College Norwich is launching an innovative new course, the Level 3 BTEC in Information Technology and Computing, which has been designed in close conjunction with information technology employers to provide a pathway for young people into this diverse and exciting sector.
Starting in September 2016, this 1-year course is designed for 16 to 18 year olds who have an interest in developing their digital skills in order to move on to a wide range of tech careers.
There will be a chance for young people to find out more about the course, talk to College staff, as well as some of the employers who have been involved, at the Information Technology and Computing Open Event on Wednesday 11th May, from 5:30pm to 7pm, in the StartUp Lounge at City College Norwich, Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR2 2LJ.
On completing the course, students will have the key knowledge and skills sought by information technology employers and will be extremely well-placed to move on to IT and computing-based Apprenticeships, a second year of Level 3 study, or on to degree courses in areas such as computer science, computer programming and website development.
With technology sector job roles and opportunities changing so rapidly, City College Norwich staff have spent a lot of time talking to local employers to ensure that the course content, and the skills the young people will develop, align with the skills that employers are looking for in their industry.
The course covers key areas of information technology, including programming, website development, mobile app development, IT systems, creating management information systems, and using social media for business. There will also be the opportunity for students to carry out some work experience with the local employers who have helped shape the course.
In developing the course, staff at the College have also spoken to young people in local high schools to find out more about their current digital skills and their knowledge of the career opportunities in the information technology and computing sector.
As City College Norwich’s Principal, Corrienne Peasgood, explains, the course has been designed to take account of the feedback from both groups:
“Rather than simply offer an existing computing qualification, we have tailored this course according to the specific skills that information technology employers have told us they are looking for. At the same time we have been talking to tech-savvy young people to ascertain where their skills and interests lie, so that we can provide an effective bridge between the two. It’s about providing young people with the right skills to go out and secure the huge range of opportunities that exist both within the tech sector, as well as in IT-based job roles across many other industries.”
John Gostling, Operations Director at Norwich-based Breakwater IT, is one of those who has had an input into the new course. Mr Gostling commented:
“Our team of enthusiastic, committed and talented engineers play a central role in our business and I am really pleased to see that City College Norwich has developed this course with a clear focus on the skills that employers are looking for. As a former City College Norwich student myself, it was a privilege to be asked to be involved in the development of this exciting new course.”
For more information about the Level 3 BTEC in Information Technology and Computing, prospective students or their parents can contact the Advice Shop at City College Norwich on (01603) 773773 or email information@ccn.ac.uk.
Peerless Plastics and Coatings are very proud to announce a new addition to the family, Direct to Media Print. Based on the success of Peerless over the last few years, they noticed a need for large format,eye catching graphics and print which can be enhanced with a protective coating for everyday use.
The new partner company is based in the same HQ as Peerless in Thetford. Allowing seamless transition from the print bed to the coating line for afully protected, UV cured hard coat. Protective coatings can be applied in both clear gloss or matte finish and givefull protection against cleaning with even the most stubborn of chemicals. They also provideabrasion resistance.
A large print bed of 2.5 metres wide and the ability to print onto rigid media up to 50mm in thickness provides endless opportunities. Alternatively reel to reel printing is available on flexible media such as vinyl or canvas.
An integral design studio is also present. Full design is available including graphics, photo correction and multi panel layouts for large wall art and buildings.
For more information contact the DTM team on0845 643 5175 or emailhello@dtmprint.com.
A long standing plastics and coating company, Peerless specialise in plastic and applying protective coatings to it. Supply product and services to the likes of the NHS, Network Rail and Mercedes Benz Peerless have the knowledge and skills to find the right solution to any project.
About Direct to Media Limited
Incorporated in March 2016, Direct to Media Limited is a brand new company born to provide Direct to Media Services, specialising in print. Launching with a brand new Signracer 2500 H-LED Hybrid Printer for both rigid and flexible media.
Able to provide rigid printing on material up to 50mm in thickness or reel to reel print on vinyl and canvas for near infinite prints up to 2.5 metres in width.
LinkedIn has become the world’s largest professional network and it is a fantastic tool for job seekers and for employers looking for new recruits. Whether you’re actively looking for a new job, or just looking to build a stronger network of professional contacts, your LinkedIn summary can make you stand out from the crowd. It could even be how your dream employer finds you!
Employers who are researching candidates, or looking for new employees, will be searching the internet and LinkedIn profiles are likely to be in the top few results. The summary section is the most read piece of these profiles, so it should never be left blank. We all know that first impressions count, but with just 2,000 characters (and that includes spaces!) allowed, how do you create compelling content? Here’s our tips to writing or updating your LinkedIn summary.
1.Enticing summary
Start with an opening which will make people want to read on. This doesn’t mean you need to write something overly witty or clever. That often looks like you’re trying to hard anyway! Simply summarise who you are and what you do e.g. include the industry you work in, the level you work at, how many years of experience you have and examples of companies you’ve worked for. This will make people want to read on as it will quickly establish if you are someone with the skills and experience they want in their network, or within their organisation.
2.Avoid jargon and over-used buzz words
When you are putting words in black and white there is a temptation to use technical industry jargon, or to rely on over-used buzz words, because you are not sure what to write. This can sound really unnatural. Think about how you would describe yourself, and what you do, if you were chatting to someone face to face, and try to use a similar language and style. This will make your summary far easier to read and will come across as much more authentic.
3.Be yourself, just at your best
Just like your CV, your LinkedIn summary is a time to promote yourself. It’s important to highlight your achievements, experience and skills. Make sure it is an accurate reflection of yourself, but don’t be shy about showing what you have to offer new business contacts or potential employers. Always write in the first person, but if this makes you feel too much like you’re bragging, break it up with some external examples, e.g. people say I am…
4.Balance personal with professional
Your summary is a great opportunity to express your personality and to include details about your values, passions and life experiences. Potential employers will be interested in looking at how you would fit with their organisation’s culture, as well as at your skills and experience. Keep it balanced so your personal achievements don’t overshadow your professional ones by aiming for a 70% professional, 30% personal, split. You can also express your personality and personal working style when explaining more about your professional career path. Think about including references to why you love what you do, how you got into your career or why was it something you wanted to do from a young age.
5.Write for people – not robots
Many articles about writing LinkedIn summaries focus heavily on including lots key words to make it as search engine friendly as possible. There’s a danger that if you become too focussed on this you will end up repeating words unnecessarily or squeezing them in when they’re not really needed. This won’t sound natural, or make for appealing reading. As long as you include details about job roles, the industry sector you work in, the skills and qualifications you have, the key words which could help potential employers or business contacts find you will all naturally be in there.
6.Break it up
Even with a limited word count, it is important to make your summary as clear and easy to read as possible. Make the key points jump out and break up the text with sub headings, for example include a heading of ‘career highlights’ and then list examples in bullet point form.
7.Keep it up to date
Once you’ve gone to the effort of writing a good summary, make sure you keep it up to date. Your summary should evolve with you and your career. Don’t forget about it until the time comes to update your job or employer details. Review it regularly and add in any new achievements or highlights.
We’re working alongsideCommunity Sports Foundation&Sellebrity Auctionthis year to promoteJamie’s Game 2016at Carrow Road later this month.
Jamie’s Game, the Community Sports Foundation’s annual celebrity football match features stars of TV, music, film, and sport, as well as several ex-Canaries.
The event has raised over £200,000 for the Community Sports Foundation in total, helping the charity to engage with thousands of people every year, including disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages, using sport as the tool.
TV’s Calum Best and YouTube star Jim Chapman will each be a captain this year, and their teams will feature a number of surprise players to be announced in the build-up to the big day.
Since Jamie’s Game first launched in 2013, over 25,000 people have enjoyed the thrills and spills of high-scoring games, and some top half-time musical entertainment.
A BIG welcome toGravity Trampoline Park Norwichthe latest business to jump on board our digital signage networks across Norfolk. Gravity are using our network of digital screens to gain brand awareness leading up to the opening of the park at Riverside May 30th. Gravity have two parks already, one in Yorkshire & the other in Kent. Trampoline parks are becoming more popular across the country and are a fun way for both children and adults to keep active. The third park opening up in Norwich will be at the old Wonderland unit at Riverside and is great news for all involved.
GRAVITY is all about getting fit, keeping fit and most of all, having fun!! GRAVITY Trampoline Parks are a great way for people of all ages to exercise by just having fun! Wall-to-wall trampolines are connected together to form a huge open play area with those at the edge literally going up the wall! These amazing open expanses of bounceable space are used for a variety of activities including; free jumping, TrampoLEAN fitness classes, group entertainment and parties with an incomparable atmosphere. There are specialised areas for basketball and dodgeball, as well as foam pits and areas for learning new skills in market leading safety.
We designed the Gravity ad combining both video and motion graphics to capture our audiences attention and offer an interactive experience. Adverts with movement gain 371% more attention than a static image. The Gravity digital-out-of-home campaign can be seen on our Domination Circuit reaching 500,000 people per week!