KLM UK Engineering & City College Norwich was please to be involved with Norfolk County Council’s recent National Apprenticeship Service Campaign. During May, NorfolkCounty Council were promoting Apprenticeships and you will have seen images on buses & washroom doors about Norwich & Norfolk.
The KLM UK Engineering / City College Norwich Apprentice Scheme was part of the ‘Earn whileyou Learn’ campaign and an ex-apprentice Jake Hishon was featured in the campaign as well as part of the Apprenticeships Norfolk website. Jake started his apprenticeship in 2010 after completing his GCSE’sand studied to become an aircraft engineer. Jake graduated last year and is now a fully fledged aircraft engineer based in our Norwich hangars.
First Buses visited KLM UK Engineering’ssite a long with Jerry White, Vice Principle City College NorwichjoiningJake and KLM UK Engineering’s Managing Director Arjan Meijer. Arjan Meijer said: ‘We were delighted to be part of this campaign and to help spread the word about Apprenticeships within the region. KLM UK Engineering has been running and supporting apprenticeship programmes for over 25 years and will continue to support for years to come with the partnership withCity College Norwich and the Norwich International Aviation Academy’.
Norse Commercial services recently added the latest all-electric van to its fleet.
The Nissan E- NV200 Acenta Rapid will be used by the company’s Transport Division for collection and delivery within Norwich and surrounding areas.
Norse’s Group Transport Manager John Mellor said; “We already operate a number of electric vehicles in our grounds maintenance department, and this latest technology all-electric van will add to the green credentials of the Norse Fleet. We constantly monitor performance and cost and we plan to use more vehicles of this type in the future, on contracts within the City of Norwich and indeed other suitablelocations in the UK where Norse has a presence.”
According to the manufacturer the vehicle has a distance of 106 miles per charge and can be charged overnight or on a rapid four hour charge at specific sites. It has a Zero Co2 gm/km and a carbon footprint of zero tonnes, compared with a similar diesel van with a Co2 rating of 115 gm/Km and a carbon footprint of 10.65 tonnes.
“Norse is committed to environmental sustainability wherever possible,” John Mellor added, “and the introduction of this latest vehicle to our fleet will make a significant contribution. Going by the Abor Environmental Alliance figures, for each similar vehicle we would have to plant approximately 10 trees, each livingfor forty years, to absorb this level carbon.”
Based on 15,000 miles per annum, the company believes it will realise a minimum cost saving of £2500 over afive-year vehicle life, for this class of all-electrical vehicle.
We are thrilled to be working with new restaurantPecking Order to help them well, get up the Pecking Order!
Pecking Order (https://www.peckingorder.co.uk/)offers delicious rotisserie chicken, burgers and cocktails. The restaurants combines a decor and flavour of shoreditch is the suburban neighbourhood of Stanmore, North London.
When we met Pecking Order, they were generating a lot of interest on social media and a lot of word of mouth marketing but they were not appearing on the first page of Google for their brand name or related searches. This means that for all those people looking to make an enquiry, they were struggling to find the company’s website and contact number. But we changed all that …
What we did for Pecking Order
Forunately when it comes toSearch Engine Optmisation we’re no spring chicken. Wehave taken two weeks to give Pecking Order some real presence on Google. As a local business, we had to pay special attention to Google’s Pigeon update – the local business algorithm.
First, we added the Pecking Order websiteto local directories such as 192.com, 118.com, Hotfrog and Yell.com. This proved to Google that they were a real company with a consistent address and telephone number.
Next, we added some more trust signals to their site. We added a link out to their TripAdvisor page to show that they were a place of business with active reviews – and remarkably they have accumulated a number of reviews in a short space of time.
We also added alt-text to the images on their current website so that Google could read the page easier and we added social media buttons so users could actively share the page to people they knew.
With these small amendments, the rankings quickly boosted to the first page for keywords such as Pecking Order, Pecking Order Stanmore and Pecking Order London and this is visible in the graph on the right.
We also set up a PPC campaign in the meantime so that the restaurant can still capture customers for various keywords until all their rankings on number 1.
We are excited about continuing to work with Pecking Order on SEO, PPC and Social Media.
We are thrilled to announce that the new website for Educating Matters is now live. Tudor Lodge Consultants have been working with Educating Matters since January to develop the new look and feel of their website. Educating Matters was started by Rachel Vecht in 2001 and offers parenting classes and seminars in the home or workplace. Ideal for busy working parents with lots of childen, the lunch-time or after-work sessionsprovide parents with techniques and ways to make the most of their time with their children and help them manage things like homework, sibling rivalry and bullying. The classes have been so popular that Rachel has been asked to speak in major organisations across the UK including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.
What we did for Educating Matters
If you look at the images on your right, you will see the difference between the new and old website.We were passionate about bringing more colour to the Educating Matters website and more visual elements. As a result, we workedwith a video production company to created an animated gif which loops every 15 seconds. So as you enter the website, it plays this type of video and you can see exactly the type of thing that Educating Matters offers. For prospective clients, they get an idea of what the company offers immediately and can visualise this taking place in their offices.
So in addition to more colour and visual elements, we created a site that was easier to navigate and is fully responsive on both mobile and tablet too.
We also worked on the Search Engine Optimisation for the website, because this is our speciality. We started by doing thorough keyword research and sitting with the founder Rachel to determine the most target keywords and what we couldrank for such as parenting courses and work life benefit.
So we created individual landing pages which are easily accessible on the header or footer of the website and each has a page filled with relevant content, Youtube videos and images. In addition to the content, we added trust signals to the site including links to the recent news articles, clients, case studies and testimonials. We also incorporated social media buttons on each page and a Google map to show that Educating Matters is a business with a real location.
We look forward tocontinuing to work with Educating Matters to add more contextually relevant content and buildclean and reputable links from authoritative websites.
Having established themselves delivering CIPD and ILM qualifications across East Anglia, Blue Sky Professional Development are pleased to announce their approval to deliver Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) programmes at a new location in Essex.
Kate Woods, Director of Blue Sky, reported that enquiries from HR professionals across East Anglia have steadily increased with much more interest from Suffolk and Essex than in previous years so they have decided to expand their services.
All Blue Sky students benefit from the support of experienced tutors at group workshops and now they will have a choice of attending these and tutorials at either our existing Norwich base or our new venues in Colchester.
Blue Sky are delighted to be delivering CIPD programmes at all levels: Advanced, Intermediate and Foundation from Weston Homes Community Stadium, home of Colchester United FC, and the North Colchester Business Centre. Both these venues are just off the A12 giving easy access to clients traveling from Ipswich, Chelmsford and Southend, as well Colchester itself.
Blue Sky are looking to start their new programmes from Colchester in the Autumn and are running course briefing session for prospective students throughout the summer.
If you would like more information or would like to book onto a briefing session please contact Beth or Kate office@blueskypd.co.uk
Norse Commercial Services is once again sponsoring Danny Nobbs in his bid to be part of the British Paralympic team going to Rio in September 2016.
Danny, who changed discipline two years ago when his Shot Put category was dropped from the Paralympic programme, is now working his way up the Javelin event ratings.
“Looking back at the 2014 season, it was a steep learning curve,” Danny said. “It was my first full season since switching disciplines to the javelin and I had achieved both personal goals I had set for myself; to claim the British Record, and to be selected for Team GB at the Europeans. A good start, but as with every athlete, you always want more!”
“In April I joined a squad of athletes and coaches at a training camp in Monte Gordo, Portugal, thanks to funding from Norse. They’ve also helped me buy a new Nordic Indra javelin which has been a tremendous help. Until this point, I had always thrown with javelins which I had been given or those provided in the competition, but this new one rivals the best out there.”
Danny says that he has plenty still to work on, and six more IPC-sanctioned events to go before the team is selected for the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, but he’s hoping for a great summer.
He is now 5th place in the world rankings; “Four places lower than I aim to be,” he comments.
Norse Sales Director Geoff Tucker said, “Danny has always been a great ambassador for sport in general, and a real role model for budding Paralympians in particular. We are delighted to be able to support him in his new chosen discipline; everyone at Norse wishes him well and we will keenly be following his progress.”
Did you knowthat under current legislation,employers are legally responsible for employees safety whilst driving for work – even if they are using their own car? You could face prosecution and huge fines if an employee is involved in a crash – whether they caused it or not.
Norfolk County Council can help you meet your legal responsibilities. We offer cost effective seminars and workshops for small to medium sized companies in a relaxed, friendly environment. Sessions can betailored to your business needs and we also offer a consultancy service to help youwrite your driving for work policy.
Norse Commercial Services catering division has recently started providing catering at seven Suffolk Primary Schools in a series of new contracts worth around £250k over the three-year agreements.
The seven new agreements, including three with large academies in Ipswich, will see Norse providing an average of 800 meals a day.
Clare Jordan, Norse’s Business Support Manager for catering said: “For some time we have been building relationships with academy trusts, head teachers and governors in Suffolk schools and are delighted to now be supplying some of the leading educational establishments in the county.”
“Before the contracts began, we took a lot of time to introduce Norse catering to the parents and children by attending parents’ evenings and new intake evenings, as well as organising taster sessions at each school,” she added.
Jeremy Pentreath, Headteacher at The Oaks Primary School, Ipswich, said: “We have been delighted by all aspects of Norse’s service. The transition for kitchen staff to new management and systems has been seamless and, most importantly, the quality of ingredients and meals are high.”
Terrance Isaac-Griffiths, Commercial Director at Norse commented, “As well as our delicious menus and excellent quality ingredients, it was our passion and enthusiasm for feeding children great food that won us the contracts. We are absolutely delighted to be working with these Suffolk Schools and see this as a big step forward in our mission to become East Anglia’s first choice provider for school meals”
The company says that following the successful mobilisation of these new contracts it has already received a significant number of enquiries for further contracts ready for the new academic year inApril 2016.
As part of the new arrangements, 21 members of staff transferred to Norse under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) TUPE regulations.
A Court of Appeal decision in March 2015potentially opened the floodgates to claims from individuals for data protection breaches.
Over the past few years, the Information Commissioner has made significant use of its powers to levy fines on businesses and other organisations. However, the Information Commissioner has no powers to grant compensation to the individuals affected.
The Data Protection Act (DPA) has always provided a route for individuals to seek compensation for damages that they suffer as a result of a breach of the DPA. However, there have been relatively few claims brought. This is largely because it is relatively rare that individuals can point to any firm financial losses that they have suffered as a result of the breach. The DPA restricts the ability to claim compensation for distress caused by a breach, unless it is also possible to establish a financial loss.
However, the Court of Appeal has now determined that this restriction in the DPA fails to comply with EU law and as such, has effectively removed the hurdle and allowed individuals to claim compensation for distress caused by a breach of the DPA, even where there is no financial loss.
Many breaches of the DPA, such as loss of credit card details or tracking of internet browsing, for example, affect many thousands of individuals. To date, it has been difficult to bring a claim on behalf of these individuals, as there is rarely any financial loss (credit card companies will refund individuals for fraudulent activity). However, this change to the interpretation of the law opens up the possibility of these affected individuals claiming compensation for the distress caused by the misuse of their personal data.
Individually, such claims are unlikely to be significant, perhaps £500 to £1,000, but multiplied across many thousands of affected individuals, the impact for business could be substantial. There would at least be a certain irony if in the future we see claims companies seeking to entice us all to recover losses that we have suffered from data protection breaches!
Although we understand that Google, the defendant in this case, is seeking to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court, there are, in any event, plans for a new European law on data protection which will further strengthen individuals’ rights and substantially increase potential fines for breaches.
Although most businesses are now aware of the importance of protecting personal data, compliance is rarely high on the agenda and there continue to be many breaches of the law. Very often breaches are a result of businesses failing to sufficiently raise awareness of data protection obligations within their business.
For more information on data protection compliance, please contact James Tarling, DirectorinSteeles Law’scommercial team,on jtarling@steeleslaw.co.uk or 01603 598025. James will also be giving practical advice on how businesses can ensure their compliance with data protection laws at a free ChamberSession – Be Better at Personal Data -on 7 July.
So it was February 2015 and the team at JMS were only just getting over the Christmas rush when we were approached by The DRTV Centre to discuss production of a festive TV campaignfor their client Santa’s Lapland!
Despite Christmas 2015 being quite some considerable time away, JMS was engaged to create two TV commercials of different durations using existing footage. With all the shots of sleigh rides, reindeer and of course Santa himself, it had us all feeling surprisingly festive for Spring!
Once we had completed the script and gained Clearcast approval we got on with the main edit and soundtrack recording of the commercials. This involved selecting the most striking images and creating graphics that tied in with the brand, as well as adding Christmassy music to complement the visuals.
The script is written from Santa’s point of view, so to avoid confusing children with a multi-Santa scenario we had to find a narrator who was not only jolly but who also had a convincing Finnish accent to match the European footage – needless to say a bit of a challenge! However we rose to the task and cast an accomplished voice artist who specialises in Santa, who after careful auditioning came through with the perfect voice for the campaign.
With a strong call to action urging viewers to visit the website or call for November and December bookings, the 60″ ad airs nationally from 26th May 2015.
Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome new member of staff Marija Markovic to its growing Corporate and Commercial Team.
Marija studied for her law degree at the University of East Anglia and trained at a local firm before joining Leathes Prior. Previous to studying the law, Marija worked for the UK’s largest insurer as a sales coach for over 10 years. This experience has given Marija commercial awareness and the ability to provide the client with a great level of service.
Marija can assist with a range of Corporate and Commercial matters including buying or selling businesses and companies and general company, commercial and contractual issues.
In her spare time, Marija enjoys music, travelling and spending time with friends and family. She sings and will often perform at gigs or weddings. Marija is passionate about keeping fit and enjoys participating in such events at Tough Mudder, Spartan and The Devil’s Challenge.
Paul Warman, Head of the Corporate and Commercial Team says:
The team has experienced a phenomenal increase in transactional work over the past twelve months. Following the recession, there has been a shortage of people qualifying into this area. We were therefore delighted when Marija approached us and I am very pleased that she will be able to assist the Team in continuing to provide the service our clients expect from us. Just so long as she doesn’t want me to take part in Tough Mudder, Spartan, or The Devil’s Challenge.
Leathes Prior Solicitors has promoted a key member of their Wills Trusts and Probate Team, Tessa Bonser, to Associate level.
Tessa joined Leathes Prior as a Trainee Solicitor in 2008 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2010. She specialises in Wills and Estate Planning, Trusts, the Administration of Estates and matters relating to the Office of the Public Guardian and the Court of Protection including Powers of Attorney and Deputyships.
Tessa is a committee member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Norfolk and Norwich Branch and an Associate Professional Member of Solicitors for the Elderly. She is also a Trustee of a local charity offering counselling.
Hazel Gill, Head of the Private Client Team says:
“We are delighted to welcome Tessa back from her recent maternity leave as an Associate. Tessa is a highly talented and valued member of the Wills Trusts and Probate Team who has been very much missed by both her colleagues and her clients. Her promotion to Associate reflects the fact that Tessa is already a very experienced and skilled practitioner and we look forward to seeing her go from strength to strength.”