Member News

Business Growth Consultant Emma Gooderham teams up with Naked Element

Norwich based Naked Element have joined forces with Director of Gooderham Consulting Ltd’s, Emma Gooderham to help define a strategy for business growth over the coming months.

Working on a contract consultative basis, Emma will help the technology business identify and engage with prospective clients and develop a longer term business development strategy.

Naked Element’s co-Director Paul Grenyer explains “We’ve teamed up with Emma with a view to her helping us define the business and where we want to go and how we can get there. We chose Emma in particular as we liked her structured approach, we’d met at a networking event in the past and when I started thinking about teaming up with a business development professional Emma was recommended by a peer. So on the back of both of those we chose to work with Emma. She was immediately engaged and very early on it was clear that she knew what she was doing.”

Naked Element have enjoyed many successes with both the regional and national tech communities as well as developing products for household names. As Paul describes “Matt, my co-director, and I are techies at heart. We love what we do and know how to do it well but when it comes to business development and marketing ourselves, not only are we busy with client work but, we felt we needed a steer from someone with specific experience in exactly that”.

Emma has a proven track record in helping businesses identify opportunities for growth and helping companies understand their offering in comparison with other products and services, and perhaps most importantly, how to then communicate this to the market. With a background in running a software development company for 7 years as the Managing Director, Emma built up an impressive knowledge of not only running a business but the regulations, process and a range of requirements involved in bringing a product to market. She has spent the last year carrying out consulting projects from startups to established business, identifying opportunities and barriers to growth and putting firm business and growth plans in place.

Emma comments “Naked Element’s service has demonstrable client benefits and when I first discussed the project with Paul, I immediately felt that I wanted to help spread the word about the advantages of their methodology. Coming from a software industry background, I knew this might be challenging, but I am completely engaged with what they are trying to do.”

Based in Whitespace, the collaborative space for Norwich’s digital businesses, Naked Element provide a comprehensive service for the design and build of cross platform mobile apps, web applications, and enterprise software solutions. For more information on Naked Element’s service go to www.nakedelement.co.uk or follow them on twitter @NakedElement

A simple adaptor could transform TV viewing and gaming for colour-blind people – thanks to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The innovative Eye2TV adapter, launched today by UEA spin-out companySpectral Edge, enhances video content – making it easier for colour-blind people to distinguish between red and green and making on-screen objects more visible.

The new adapter works with video sources such as cable or satellite set top boxes, DVD players or games consoles.

It is initially available via aKickstartercampaign, and the company hopes to raise £100,000 through pre-order sales and donations from supporters in order to bring the adapter to market.

Around four per cent of the world’s population suffers from colour-blindness.

Their viewing experience is particularly affected when watching particular content types. For example, it can be difficult to tell sports teams apart, particularly if one is playing in red and the other in green, while programmes about wildlife, cookery and art are severely impacted.

Playing video games which feature predominantly red or green characters and those with subtle colour differences between good guys and monsters is also difficult.

Colour-deficient people may find it difficult to tell the teams apart

The Eye2TV adaptor works with any HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) video source, such as a DVD player, games console or set top box. It connects between the video source and the display, which can be an HD TV or monitor with an HDMI input.

How the Eye2TV adaptor will look when installed

The video is then enhanced on a frame-by-frame basis through Spectral Edge’s patented Eyeteq image enhancement technology, offering a dramatically improved viewing experience.

Based on research from UEA’sSchool of Computer Sciences, Eyeteq uses mathematical perception models to modify image colours. Uniquely, Eye2TV does this with minimal impact on the image seen by those who do not have colour blindness – enabling both to watch the same screen together.

The picture quality can be adjusted via remote control to suit the unique colour-vision of the individual viewer. And an iOS and Android app will also be developed.

Christopher Cytera, managing director of Spectral Edge, said: “The inability to enjoy watching TV or to play video games alongside friends and family is a major frustration to those suffering from colour-blindness, significantly impacting their quality of life.

“Our image enhancement technology is proven to solve this major accessibility issue, and the Eye2TV adapter is poised to transform how colour-blind people, and their families, watch TV and video content.

“By launching the project on Kickstarter we can accelerate bringing our technology to the consumer electronics market, giving those with colour-blindness the chance to become early adopters and improve their viewing experience.”

Provided that adequate funds are raised by the deadline June 13, Eye2TV will be developed in 2015, for production and shipment worldwide by March 2016. To find out more, advance purchase an adapter or to make a pledge visit theirKickstarterpage.

Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) wants more professional women in the East of England to progress into leadership roles so the firm has teamed up with Christina Youell at People & Performance Ltd to run a great development programme for senior women.

Many women face barriers which prevent their career progression. Tackling such obstacles can be very challenging, and by participating in our innovativeWomen’s Leadership Programme(WLP), women can receive essential development and support, specifically designed for women.

Sponsored place

Additional support for women is available thanks to a 50%-funded place on WLP. Sponsored by the Blossom Charity, which helps women build their confidence and skills, the place is on the next course in Cambridgeshire taking place in two parts in June and September. Women from SMEs, start ups, not for profit or charities can apply for the place, and other non-funded places are also available (see below for more details).

“This is the third time I have sponsored a place on the Women’s Leadership Programme,” says Bridget McIntyre, Founder of the Blossom Charity. “As a business woman myself I aim to help other women develop the confidence to go for senior roles, while remaining true to who they are and managing a positive work-life balance. I am very much looking forward to meeting the delegate on the next course in June.”

Mentoring helps breakdown barriers

WLP provides women with the opportunity to explore their own leadership style, build a future career plan, and develop the confidence to deliver it, and ultimately increase their chances of performing at senior executive level in the future.

“What makes WLP unique and so effective is the opportunity for delegates to work with sponsors from their own organisations,” explains Christina Youell, WLP Co-founder and Director of People & Performance. “This approach means that, together, they can identify and tackle obstacles at work that could prevent women reaching executive or board level.”

Lynn Morgan, CEO of the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity previously sponsored a delegate on a recent programme . She remarks: “The Women’s Leadership Programme has been of tremendous value to Donna Talbot, who has been promoted to Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the charity. It was clear that Donna was a very capable and a natural leader, but I have been delighted with the way that the programme has given her the time and opportunity to explore issues around leadership and personal development with other very bright young women. The facilitation on the programme has been first rate and I believe the participants have benefited significantly by being involved.”

Immensely rewarding

Started in 2014, the programme is already having an impact. Over the last year, 24 women have completed the course, with some going on to secure directorships.

Katrina Gardiner, Senior Policy Officer at Suffolk County Council, is one of those graduates. She says: “I just wanted to say how rewarding I have found the course and how grateful I am that I have had this opportunity to develop as a leader and contribute to the development of the other women on the course. It has been immensely rewarding all-round.”

Women’s development can help increase salaries

Women’s leadership development is also essential in helping women secure the same salaries as their male counterparts, and there is still plenty of scope for improvement.

According to recent statistics taken fromCompare My Salary, the UK’s only live salary comparison website, men in the East of England earn an average of £46,900 – that is £14,600 more than women. In addition, on average, more men than women are unhappy with their current salary, and they expect an average of an additional £8,200 in a new job, whereas women only expect an additional £5,100. This would suggest that as well as there being fewer women in senior-level jobs, they also have lower expectations when it comes to their earning potential.

How to apply

If you would like to tackle such obstacles on your own career path, register for the programme taking place on June 24thand 25that Tuddenham Mill and September 15thand 16that Paddocks House

To apply for the sponsored place, simply email a copy of your CV with a brief overview of how you and your organisation would benefit from WLP to:lucy@prs.uk.com.

The deadline for applications and registrations is Monday April 20th.

For further information, call Pure on 01223 209888 or emaillucy@prs.uk.com.

A quantity of SSCS Weighted Frond Mats were supplied to Bibby Offshore Singapore on behalf of Total Myanmar for installation along one of their pipelines on the Yadana field in the Andaman Seato provide freespan rectification and future protection from scour in water depths of approximately 50m.

Bibby Offshore executed the deployment of the Mats from the DP2 ROV support vessel, Bibby Spring, utilising the SSCS installation frame and the Quasar Work Class ROV. The ROV was able to manipulate the Frame subsea without any issue, and deployment of the Mats was executed within the allocated time frame; a total of 2 days was allocated for Frond Mat installation, and the full quantity were deployed in under 24 hours.

Initial feedback from Bibby following Mat deployment indicates that “Total are happy with the installation”.

Cooper Lomaz have signed an exclusive Managed Service agreement with Kinnerton Confectionery,Britain’s largest independent manufacturer of chocolate confectionery. Cooper Lomaz willrecruit all salaried and professional roles for the company’s flagship site in Fakenham, Norfolk.

The agreement means that Kinnerton will have all theirhiring needs filled in a simple, hassle-free way. Cooper Lomaz will market all of their vacancies, seek out the best candidates and thoroughly screen them against the job description before presenting them to Kinnerton for interview.

Why is this important? It lets the busy staff at Kinnerton get on with doing what they do best, making delicious chocolate!

While Kinnerton are famous worldwide for their character-themed items (e.g. Advent Calendars and Easter Eggs), they are also known for their commitment to manufacturing allergen-free products. Half of their factory is completely nut free, with a wall and airlock separating it from the ‘nut-zone’. They also make egg free, dairy free, and gluten free confectionery.

Aftereverything was official, representatives from Cooper Lomaz visitedthe factory siteto speakwithKinnerton again and discuss how best to help grow their business by attracting the very best talent (and have a factory tour!). After all, they are the current holders of the EDP Business Awards – Best Employer 2014 tile. It was decided that to make the most of their award winning track record and, in addition to providing their benchmark recruitment services, Cooper Lomaz would undertake a marketing campaign to raise the awareness level of Kinnerton as an employer of choice in the food industry. This willinvolve social media, online and printed marketing, and content creation,but will also include a dedicated microsite for Kinnerton on the Cooper Lomaz website.

Overall, the aim is to make the process of hiring new staff as easy as possible for Kinnerton. Cooper Lomaz have spent time getting to know the company and its staff so that our specialist recruitment consultants can sourcehigh calibre candidates thatwill fit in with the chocolatier’s company ethos.

Want to see how we can simplify your recruitment process? Contact our Managing Director Richard Mould for an informal discussion:RMould@cooperlomaz.co.uk

Swarm as asocial enterprise is focused on supporting and developing young people in employemnt to deliver the greatest possible impact.Now there’s an opportunity for even greater impact with the introduction of a Level 5 apprenticeship in ‘Innovation and Growth.’

Unlike the Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships Swarm supports, there is no upper age limit for Government funding. That reduces the likely cost to the learner or their employer, making this qualification a realistic and affordable option for many wishing to grow their entrepreneurial skills.

Chris Perry Swarms Managing Director comments- ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for people to gain a degree level qualification in the workplace that concentrates on business growth and development. It unlocks new doors for both Swarm and the business community, enabling organisations to upskill existing employees or recruit new people to high calibre management roles.’

He continues, ‘We recognise that to grow opportunities for young people you need to grow businesses. With this qualification we have a unique opportunity to support the senior leader’s business to drive innovation and growth which will have a wider impact, not just for young people but for the whole regional economy.’

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber comments “Exciting news for Norfolk businesses and young people and another first for Swarm. Another step forward in the provision of apprenticeships”

Robert Ashton, Swarm’s founder and Chairman added: ‘this new qualification will challenge people to see, and then seize their opportunity to lead innovation and growth at work. It’s accessible, affordable and as with everything Swarm does, has enterprise at its heart.’

The first group of ten will start this May, with the qualification being delivered by Swarm in partnership with Norfolk County Council Adult Education. If you’d like to be one of the ten, or to find out more, ring Chris Perry on 01953 609752 or visit www.swarmapprentice.org.uk

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic communications professional to shape the strategic direction and resources of North Norfolk District Council’s communications at a time of exciting changes.

Building relationships

As our lead advisor on every aspect of communications, you will work closely with the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive, as well as councillors and staff. You will engage with residents and businesses across the district and forge relationships with local and national media.

Supporting change

In raising the profile of the council and promoting our initiatives, you will begin with a strong focus on our significant business transformation programme. We are improving efficiency and customer service, while driving greater value across services .You will lead our growth communications programme to help us boost everything from employment and creating jobs, to our efforts to enable the provision of new homes and infrastructure.

Developing brands

North Norfolk was recently named one of the nation’s best places to raise a family and we’re committed to protecting the coastline and the character of the countryside. As well as making sure people know about our important work, you’ll develop creative strategies for the evolution of North Norfolk’s place brand.

Your credentials

You will need proven experience of leading a communications team, developing and implementing strategies. An inspirational and influential leader, you will bring exceptional relationship building skills and political acumen to the role. Your demonstrable expertise ranges from brand development to maximising the use of digital media. Crucially, you will have the sound judgment and management skills vital to balancing many competing priorities.

Please note this is a politically restricted post.

Please note that we do not accept CV’s unless accompanied by a fully completed application form.

For an informal discussion, please contact Julie Cooke, Head of Organisation Development on 01263 516040

Closing date: Wednesday 22 April 2015

Interview date: Friday 1 May 2015

National home efficiency company ENTU with their Southern Division are the latest company to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). ENTU have signed up to the nook business network scheme pledging to raise at least £25,000 for the cause.

The nook business network is a corporate scheme which will help EACH to deliver a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk. The scheme encourages local companies small, medium and large to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support that the charity will provide.

ENTU, which specialises in energy efficient products including windows, boilers, solar energy and cavity wall insulation, has a long history within Norfolk, supplying energy efficient products within the area for over 40 years. The company have supported a number of different charities over the past few years and this year have selected EACH as their chosen charity.

With representatives of the company attending the launch event of the nook appeal, in the presence of EACH Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, the nook appeal fundraising team were delighted to learn ENTU’s Southern Division wanted to be part of the appeal and have committed to raising at least £25,000 throughout the duratio of the appeal.

Natalie Douglas, Group Marketing Director of ENTU’s Southern Division, said: “EACH is a great local charity offering fantastic support and care for children and their families within the community and we are delighted to be working with Gary Cook and his team throughout 2015 to help raise money for the new children’s hospice in Norfolk. We look forward to getting started with our fundraising initiatives and hope to involve the local community in our fundraising activity.”

Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “It was great to hear from ENTU so soon after our launch event saying that they wanted to get involved in the appeal in some way. Committing to raise £25,000 is absolutely fantastic and we’re very much looking forward to working with Natalie and the team.

“We won’t be able to realise our vision of a much needed new children’s hospice for Norfolk families without the support of all elements of the Norfolk community – individuals, community groups, schools and of course the business community plays a huge part in this so we are delighted that ENTU are on board joining a number of other Norfolk companies supporting our nook appeal by signing up to the nook business network.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01953 666767 or funding@each.org.uk and for more information about ENTU please visit: www.entu.co.uk

Airvolution Energy, the developer proposing to build two turbines off Sporle Road near Swaffham, known as ‘Washpit Drove’, is calling on Norfolk-based companies to register their interest in supplying goods and services to help build the project if approval is granted.

The developer states there are many businesses which already provide a range of goods and services to construction projects like this, ranging from civil engineering to fuel providers, plant hire and plant operators to site investigation.

There are a number of additional benefits associated with this proposal, including the provision of enough clean, renewable energy to supply 3,100 homes each year and a Community Benefit Fund of £23,500 per year for local causes over its 25 year life-span.

Breckland District Council is likely to determine the planning application in summer of 2015.

Tom Walker, Development Manager at Airvolution Energy said, “It is a main focus of our company to bring investment to the areas in which we operate. As such, the business community here in Norfolk deserves to reap the benefits from our investment in this project.

“After attending the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce ‘Meet the Buyer’ event back in March, we are now calling on local businesses that may not have had the opportunity to attend that event, to contact us directly with their expression of interest to supply to our project. If we receive planning permission for our two turbines, their details will be included with documents to those invited to pitch for the overall construction contract.”

Local businesses who would be interested in registering as local suppliers are encouraged to download a supplier interest form from the project website or contact Tom Walker (Development Manager) directly by phone: 020 3030 5073 or by e-mail: tomwalker@airvolutionenergy.com.

Fendercare Marine sign contract with Defence Support Group for provision of wet blast facilities

• Wet blast provision to be provided on AM2 Helipad matting
• Demonstrates the versatility of the Blastgreen wet blast services offered by Fendercare Marine
• Contract win provides further evidence of the close working relationship between Fendercare Marine and Defence organisations

Fendercare Marine, the world leading marine products and services supplier, has announced the signing of a major new contract with Defence Support Group (DSG). The three-year frame agreement is for UK wide sub-contracted general engineering services for blast-cleaning on items such as AM2 Helipad matting.

The Defence Support Group provides assembly, maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrade and support services for the UK Armed Forces including current and future MOD equipment acquisition and support strategies. In December 2014, Babcock International purchased the Defence Support Group in a deal worth £140million. The deal included a ten-year contract with Babcock to maintain, repair and overhaul the British Army’s vehicles and light weapons, including Challenger tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles, which carry infantry soldiers into combat.

The wet blast facilities are provided through Fendercare Marine’s subsidiary company Blastgreen who design, develop and manufacture wet blast cleaning equipment for sale, hire and service. Their wet blast machines do not use chemicals or toxic abrasives but instead use a combination of water and natural, environmentally friendly media – Olivine and Garnet. The water and media are combined and applied in minimum quantities ensuring the blast jet is easily contained, with a minimal dust cloud and very little waste.

Brett Ward, Defence Project Sales Manager commented “We are delighted to have been selected by DSG for the provision of their blast cleaning requirements. Following on from our recent contract agreement with BAE Systems for equipment to supply their OPVs, this just demonstrates the breadth of quality products and services that Fendercare Marine can deliver.”

Blastgreen’s wet blast service has proved a popular and versatile addition to the Fendercare Marine portfolio of services. Blastgreen was originally purchased by the Group for use with boat builders and marinas due to its excellent performance coupled with its environmentally friendly “green” credentials. However, the versatility of the Blastgreen service soon became apparent with contracts being secured for wet blast facilities at airports, the London underground and for white line removal on the countries roads. Fendercare Subsea Services also use wet blast facilities on many of their underwater operations – proving it effectiveness both above and below the water.

Fendercare Marine has been a supplier of services including marine hardware to the MoD since 1999 and also supports navies throughout the world, winning a $29 million contract with the US Navy in 2012. Fendercare Marine also recently received praise for their fendering support to a flotilla of NATO warships in the Port of Cardiff during the NATO summit. Earlier this year, Fendercare Marine announced a significant new contract with BAE Systems Naval Ships. The contract is for the provision of rudder blades, rudder stocks, sleeves/liners for rudder stock, anchors, chain and deck equipment for three new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the UK Royal Navy.

Norwich Puppet Theatre seeks to continue to raise its game in arts management as well as arts performance! As a result the Board of Trustees and the Staff are reshaping to increase their ability to analyze and forecast financial performance I these challenging times. If you or a colleague are interested in helping us through our part-time vacancy, please have a look athttps://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/support-us/vacancies

Mattressman, Britain’s biggest mattress specialist, are the latest company to sign up for the nook business network scheme to raise funds to enable East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) to build the nook, a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk.

The nook buisness network scheme asks for companies small, medium and large throughout Norfolk to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support the charity will provide.

Staff at Mattressman collectively voted to support the charity, and the nook appeal in particular, following the nook launch event in the presence of EACH Royal Patron HRH THe Duchess of CAmbridge in November. Mattressman Managing Director Andrew Kerry has pledged the company’s support in raising £25,000.

Mattressman has 14 stores across East Anglia and London, many of which are in the areas where families receiving care and support from EACH live, making the relationship a perfect fit. The company also has a hugely successful online operation, which will be utilised in various ways to raise funds, as well as communicate to customers news on the appeal and the appeal target.

Staff at each of the stores and Head Office, based in Norwich, are well on their way in planning ways to fundraise, and loyal customers will also be invited to contribute should they wish to do so.

There’s also talk of an exciting link up with Mattressman and EACH with a unique children’s mattress, made in their Norwich factory, being made available for purchase. This initiative will in turn support the aim of building the new hospice.

Andrew Kerry, Mattressman Managing Director, said: “The nook appeal is a fantastic cause that will make a real difference to people in the local community, and I’m very proud to be giving our support to the appeal this year. The team at Mattressman and I are putting our heads together and coming up with lots of exciting ideas for fundraising, and we’re looking forward to working with EACH over the coming months to help them make the nook a reality.”

Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted Andrew and all the team at Mattressman have really got behind our appeal for the nook and signed up to our business network scheme.

“While Mattressman is Britain’s biggest mattress specialist, it’s also a company that was born in and still resides in Norfolk and its stores are in the same areas that EACH operates so it really is a case if the company and its staff really playing its part in their local community effectively helping local families within that community.

“To make our vision of a new hospice for a local life-threatened children and their families a reality we need the support of all sectors of the Norfolk community – individuals, schools, community groups as well as the business sector, so Mattressman’s support is fantastic and we very much look forward to working with them.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01603 666767 or funding@each.org.uk and for more information about Matteressman visit: www.mattressman.co.uk