Member News

Private air charter operator SaxonAir announces the addition of a Gulfstream G550 heavy jet to their aircraft fleet. The Gulfstream began operation in late May and will be the only G550 type operated from its base in London Stansted airport.

With the addition of the G550 SaxonAir have successfully gained a worldwide AOC enabling them to fly to the most popular destinations all over the globe. This aircraft has almost unrivalled range with the capability of journeys in excess of 6000nm, meaning it can fly nonstop from London to Los Angeles, Cape Town or Hong Kong. The G550 is a proven aircraft with a worldwide fleet having collectively flown over 1 million flying hours.

Operating a long range heavy jet accommodating up to 16 passengers in the fleet brings many advantages to SaxonAir in the wide capability that they can now offer to their clients. This particular aircraft features a generous modern stand up cabin, individual passenger entertainment systems, Wi-Fi and a full size galley providing a full bespoke menu of freshly prepared hot food on board. The interior layout comprises of three luxury cabin zones including dual opposing four place divans that can be joined together creating a comfortable double bed or two individual single beds.

Group Commercial Director, Christopher Mace says ‘The Gulfstream offers ultimate refinement and is very much the pinnacle of the aircraft charter market. It is a class above its competition on long range flights. Entering another aircraft into the London market also strengthens SaxonAir’s presence significantly and joins our other London base at Luton as well as bases at Antwerp, Carlisle and the company’s headquarters in Norwich.’

To charter the Gulfstream G550 contact SaxonAir’s dedicated charter team by calling +44 (0)1603 518118 or email charter@saxonair.com.

Porkstock is back with the backing of more than a few Chamber members including organisersNorfolk Country Cottages, Redcat Partnership and Naked Marketing and sponsorship from Comms Supply, Breakwater IT, Signs Express and Grant Thorntons.

Porkstock is a free-to-attend celebration of artisan food and drink from across our region, and it’s all part of the Norfolk Food and Drink Festival.

The event will be at Redwell Brewery in Norwich on Saturday 25th July 2015 and is set to welcome thousands of people during the day to enjoy some great local food and drink. In 2014 the festival organisers made over £3,000 for two local charities and this year profits will support local charity Ormiston Families; you can find more details here www.ormiston.org

As well as more than 30 stalls selling food and drink from fantastic local producers, there will be music and dance, loads of games and activities for kids and grown-ups, and cookery demonstrations from top local chefs.

There will also be a fantastic opportunity during the day for mums and dads to get hands on with some pork butchery and sausage making workshops led by The Fruit Pig Company.

The kids’ zone will include creative activities for the ‘little piglets’, games to play and we also hope to have some real live magic and children’s entertainment too. And of course there will be plenty of street food treats (including vegetarian options) and wonderful craft beers, wines and soft drinks to enjoy throughout the day. So come along and join the fun.

The daytime event isfreeto attend and doors are open 9.30am – 5pm.

In the evening Porkstock turns into good old fashioned knees up. There will be music inside the brewery from CC Smugglers, The Vagaband and mariachi band “Beato Burrito”, plus lots more beer and tasty street food. This year will also see the creation of an electro-swing Gin Palace in a marquee at the back of the brewery, where The Goodtimes Republic will be airing some swinging beats to get everybody in the party mood. The evening is ticket only and they cost £15.00 each. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to visit www.porkstock.co.uk today to buy your evening passes or to find out more about the free food and drink event.

If you would like a pitch at the daytime event be quick because there are only a few spaces left, so please visit the website today for more details. If you are as passionate about Norfolk food and drink as we are, we would love to have you on board.

We are also extremely grateful to all of our sponsors including Comms Supply, Breakwater IT, Grant Thornton, Charlie’s Food Heroes, Archers Butchers, Signs Express & Icarus Hines for their valued support without which we couldn’t make this all happen. We do have a few sponsorship packages still available if you are interested please get in touch.

Fendercare Subsea Services have successfully completed their UXO project on behalf of Sandbank Offshore Wind, a joint venture from Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest operator of offshore wind farms and Stadtwerke München, one of Germany’s utilities heavily involved in renewable energy.Unexploded ordnance (UXOs) are explosive weapons (bombs, shells, grenades, land mines, naval mines, etc.) that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, potentially many decades after they were used or discarded.

The UXO project was conducted at the Sandbank offshore wind farm which is the second largest power generation project undertaken by Vattenfall and Stadtwerke München in the German North Sea. The operation itself identified 120 potential contacts of which 26 were highlighted as UXOs and disposed of in controlled environments.

Fendercare Subsea Services’ role as an operator was to relocate the contacts using state of the art surveying equipment, excavation of contacts using dredging tools on the Work class ROV, identification of contacts by qualified UXO experts and disposal by their experienced Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. Due to the controlled, ROV based disposal method and the robust safety approach of all parties, the operations were conducted without an incident in which the safety of personnel was at risk.

By having the means of identification and disposal on board at the same time, Fendercare Subsea Services were able to switch quickly between the two different types of operations, resulting in time and commercial savings for their client.

The Sandbank project area is located 90 kilometres off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, and in total, 72 Siemens 4-megawatt class wind turbines will be erected there. With an overall capacity of 288 megawatts, the wind farm will start generating low-emissions power in the German North Sea in 2017.

Fendercare Subsea Services is a new division from the Fendercare Marine Group, bringing together established world class diving and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) brands to provide solutions to their customer’s subsea requirements.

This successful Sandbank project was carried out as part of a joint venture between Fendercare Subsea Services and GSS Hansa Offshore GmbH. The joint venture enables the Group to provide fully compliant diving solutions and UXO identification and recovery in accordance with German Federal laws.

Martyn Muntingh, Fendercare Subsea Services Director commented “Working with GSS Hansa, we now have the capability to detect, identify, remove and dispose of the UXO’s using experienced and qualified personnel who bring an extensive portfolio of successful live operations to the fore. We are delighted with the success of this ground-breaking project which was completed safely without any incidents and proud of our involvement in supporting the Sandbank project.”

Norwich based IT solutions company Tiger Eye announce the appointment of Matthew Cleverdon as new director with responsibility for business development. Mr Cleverdon joins Tiger Eye from HP Autonomy where he was Subject Matter Expert Legal EMEA, and he brings twenty years of experience in the legal IT sector to the new role.

Matthew Cleverdon will be working with Tiger Eye director and founder Dave Wilson to continue Tiger Eye’s growth across the UK and into Europe. As Matt says

“My appointment with Tiger Eye is to build on Tiger Eye’s success by developing the business to offer more solutions, services and innovation to our customers and prospects.”

Dave Wilson added

” As compliance regulations become tougher, firms are finding they have to upgrade their IT systems and we want to continue to give the best advice. Matthew will help us do that”.

Before joining Tiger Eye, Matthew Cleverdon worked with the sales and marketing team at HP Autonomy advising legal clients across Europe and the Middle East on how to make the most of their systems. Prior to that, he was IT director and Partner at law firm Wright Hassall where he was responsible for the IT strategy of the business. Mr Cleverdon also has experience from his time as a consultant at Interwoven, software development at Wragge &Co and pre-sales at Greystone Systems.

More information at www.tigereyeconsulting.com

An employment tribunal can decide whether to make a costs order. The recent case of Chadburn v Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospital NHS Foundation Trust makes it clear that, in making its decision, the tribunal will not only consider what the claimant can afford to pay at the time the costs award is made but may take future income into account.

Background

Mrs Chadburn brought claims for unfair dismissal and race discrimination against her employer, an NHS trust. The employment tribunal considered the unfair dismissal claim was “reasonably pursued” but found that she had fabricated the discrimination claims so that the tribunal could hear her complaints for harassment.

The tribunal made a £10,000 costs award against Mrs Chadburn for unreasonable conduct, holding that the employer’s costs were increased by approximately £35,000 in defending the discrimination element of her claim (out of a total of £72,500 excluding VAT).

Despite evidence that Mrs Chadburn had limited means to pay, the tribunal made the costs award considering that she was 39 years old and would be likely to improve her financial position in her future years of work. The tribunal also noted that Mrs Chadburn’s future divorce was likely to improve her financial means.

Mrs Chadburn appealed, arguing that that her debts were greater than originally represented and that the tribunal should not have taken into account her future divorce.

Decision

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) dismissed her appeal. The award was made on the grounds that Mrs Chadburn’s financial position was likely to improve in the future, as she would be able to earn enough to pay it. The tribunal did consider that the future divorce might play a part in discharging the costs award but this was not their main consideration.

The EAT further held that the tribunal did not have to take Mrs Chadburn’s financial means into account at all. The question of costs did not have to be decided on what Mrs Chadburn could afford when the costs order was made and the tribunal was right to consider Mrs Chadburn’s future ability to pay.

Comment

This case does not establish new principles but serves as a reminder of how tribunals may exercise their broad discretion to make costs awards and do not have to make a precise assessment of what each claimant can afford. The decision also illustrates to employees the dangers of exaggerating or inventing claims, as the rules on costs can operate harshly against them.

Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) were delighted to hear they had won an award at the first annual Jostle Awards for their vibrant and engaging intranet receiving an enviable 80% or more engagement level each week. This award celebrates its people, and reflects its knowledge and values.

Launched in 2009 with a focus on employee engagement, Jostle provides cloud based intranet software to companies in 110 different countries with a quest to make workplaces more vibrant and productive. Jessica Hollander, Director of Marketing from Jostle said “As an organization Pure Resourcing Solutions exemplifies what it means to live your culture. This can only be achieved with strong vision and engaged leadership. The Jostle Awards allowed us to recognize their achievements, which we felt were extremely noteworthy. So much so, that Jostle created a unique culture award specifically for Pure, outside of the set awards categories. The Vibrant Culture Award – something Pure has demonstrated in spades.”

Gill Buchanan, Director from Pure said: “With offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich, it is important for us to have a clear way of communicating internally and we have found Jostle to be a great way of doing this. Every member of staff contributed to this award as all are able to contribute, allowing them to share news and announcements, host instant group discussions and access the Jostle library which contains all our company information”.

For more information about Pure or their Jostle Award, contact Gill Buchanan on 01223 209888 or gill@prs.uk.com.

Vicki Mitman of Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team has been awarded the first Encouraging Women Into Franchising ‘Young Woman’ award.

The fifth annual Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) Awards Ceremony was held yesterday at RBS House, Bishopsgate, London. The Awards Ceremony was well attended with approximately 130 supporters, finalists and guests.

A new award has been added this year for young women (those 30 years old or younger) who have made a flying start to their role / career in franchising and who also mentor others and give back to the industry. Vicki is the first winner of the new award. Vicki was also a finalist for the ‘Woman Service Provider of the Year’ award.

Leathes Prior congratulates all the other award winners and finalists. Full details are available on the EWIF website here www.ewif.org/ewif-news/ewif-awards-2015-the-winners

For further information about Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team or Encouraging Women Into Franchising, please contact Vicki on 01603 281185 or vmitman@leathesprior.co.uk

Leathes Prior Solicitors proudly joins the list of sponsors to support the Norwich City of Ale Festival as glassware sponsor. Norwich City of Ale is a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to promote Norwich, nationally and internationally, as the UK City of Ale.

The glassware used for the event will feature an etch effect of Leathes Prior Solicitors’ logo for the fifth annual event, which runs from 21st – 31st May. The firm’s brand will feature on the glasses which will be 20oz (pint size), in the modern conical style. They are marked with half and third lines to encourage responsible tasting of a variety of fine ales and will be used at the launch event, the Brewers’ Market and other events such as pop-up parties.

Last year’s City of Ale festival was the most successful to date, with 44 public houses and 39 breweries taking part in the festivities including ale trails, pub quizzes, live music events and tutored tastings of speciality beers.

The event attracts more visitors to the city every year with a fifth coming from outside of our local region in 2014, which was nearly double that of the year before!

The event will again be a ten day celebration with local pubs and breweries taking part to promote real ale. With a variety of events happening over the course of the festival, there will be something for everyone.

Leathes Prior is delighted to be partnering with the Norwich City of Ale and looks forward to the festival atmosphere in the city, which will hopefully engage those in the local area and far beyond.

Leathes Prior Solicitors has partnered up with Swardeston Cricket Club to sponsor their growing youth section.

Swardeston can trace its club history back over 150 years and in 2010 were crowned the ECB’s Cockspur T20 national champions after claiming victory under the live Sky cameras at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground. The club has also won the East Anglian Premier League title three years running.

Swardeston Cricket Club now fields four adult Saturday teams, two on Sundays and has six junior teams from Under-9 to Under-15. They are also actively growing the girls’ section.

Leathes Prior will join existing Swardeston sponsor The Parson Woodforde. The firm’s Business Development and Marketing Manager Charlotte Disney said: “We are delighted to be able to support Swardeston as youth section sponsor and look forward to supporting the club’s developing role in the local sporting community.”

Under the deal, Swardeston’s youth coaches will wear Leathes Prior branded kit and the firm will explore opportunities via the club’s weekly summer Tuesday night coaching sessions which regularly attract about 90 youngsters.

Swardeston chairman Mark Taylor said: “We are thrilled that Leathes Prior has agreed to become our youth sponsor. The youth section has been growing steadily at the club for a number of years. 2014 saw the formation of a girls section and we are pleased to announce that we will also be running an additional team at Under-13 level this summer.

“We are determined to continue building a club which thrives at the heart of a community and as such we are thrilled that Leathes Prior’s backing has also enabled us to offer discounted coaching in three local schools this season. Swardeston coaches will be working with the pupils at Mulbarton Junior School, Cringleford CE VA Primary School and Avenues Junior School.”

Contact information:

Swardeston CC: Stuart Bartram, Sponsorship and media officer, tel: 07714 126337, email: stuart.bartram@brandexinsight.co.uk

Leathes Prior Solicitors: Charlotte Disney, Business Development and Marketing Manager, tel:01603 281137, email: cdisney@leathesprior.co.uk

As of today, 26 May 2015, law is in force which prevents employers who utilise zero-hours contracts from having exclusivity clauses in those contracts, or enforcing such clauses if they are already included in the contracts. Employers will no longer be able to enforce any clause or provision in a zero-hours contract which:

• prohibits a worker from doing work or performing services under another contract (or any other arrangement); or
• prohibits a worker from doing work or performing services without the employer’s consent.

It is important to stress that in spite of all the hype and media attention that they attract, zero-hours contracts are still legal. They can be a useful tool for employers, in particular those who require a flexible or seasonal workforce. What is clear, however, is that what employers can do under a zero-hours contract is changing; further laws and regulations on the use of zero-hours contracts are expected later this year. The Government had discussed introducing legislation to create a new protection from detriment for zero-hours contract workers who take jobs under other contracts, however as yet no such legislation has been brought into force.

In addition to the new changes for zero-hours contracts, the maximum financial penalty that can be imposed on employers who fail to pay their employees the national minimum wage has increased. The penalty imposed can now be calculated on a per worker basis (rather than on a per employer notice basis) up to a maximum of £20,000.

If you are concerned about zero-hours contracts or any other aspect of this article you should first speak with a member of our Employment Team on 01603 281153.

Note: The content of this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken in any specific circumstance.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Call Wiser’s new website. Working closely with them on design, the site offers a very easy way to navigate for various insurance products include bike insurance, van insurance, home insurance and car insurance quotes. Features of the site include:

Design

The site is very simple and easy to navigate. For us this was key because competitor analysis showed too much going on and it was distracting to the user.

We have kept with the traditional two colours for websites and a white background and black writing. The pastel colours of aqua and torquoise creating a calming feel which we wanted for people shopping for car insurance, especially if it was urgent.

Mobile Friendly and Responsive

The site is completely friendly for mobile users and is responsive for all devices such as desktops and tablets. This means that the size of the browser adjusts to makes it easy for users to shop around for insurance no matter where they are. On April 21st 2015, Google made an algorithm update that will favour websites on the search rankings if they have a mobile friendly site. So overall, the responsive site is what’s best for the customer.

SEO friendly site

The site has been built in a very SEO friendly way, minimsing the unnecessary code where possible. In addition, there is a nice blend of relevant content, images and videos to create a healthy user experience, also known as semantic SEO.

The site has been linked to authoritative domains including car sites, the AA, wikipedia, Govt and awards that the company have won. We also add a very informative About Us page thereby creating trust signals to Google that this is a strong company with a real company background and history.

We are very excited for Call Wiser and their new site and look forward to delivering strong SEO results moving forward!

Due to some excellent procurement deals, we are currently able to offer New Car Hire from as little as £99 per week including VAT, fully comprehensive insurance and unlimited UK mileage.

As well as this deal on our smaller cars, we also have fantastic rates on all vehicles throughout our extensive range ofcars and commercials for daily, weekly or long term hire.

We offer acomprehensive range of Quality New Cars starting withsmall economical hatchbacks through to family estate cars and even executive cars for that special occasion.

Our commercial range starts with car derived vansthrough to extra long wheel base Hi-top models and continues to include Luton vans and 7.5 tonne box trucks both of which come complete with electric tail lifts. The range is complimentedwith the inclusion of ourrugged and robust tippers which have a payload of approximately 1.5 tonnes and feature ahydraulic tipping system.

For all of your Self Drive vehicle hire requirements and an excellent deal please contact our helpful staff on 01603 624275 or visit our website at www.firstselfdrive.co.ukand mention the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.