Member News

Question: “What’s your strategy for handling a stressful day at work?” Answer: ‘Go home and open a bottle of red’. Question: “What’s your greatest weakness?” Answer: ‘Chocolate.’ OK – we all know it’s true but these are not the answers to give in a job interview – although both of these exchanges actually occurred. Your CV has opened the door for you, but these answers just banged it shut! Those smart people at Harvard have shown that interviews are one of the weakest methods of predicting a candidates future performance – the bad news is that practically every company uses them, so with an interview coming up, what’s your plan? It needs to involve more than red wine and chocolate!

You’ve got about an hour to convince your interviewer that you are their best candidate for your dream job…. here at Pure Resourcing Solutions, we have come up with a 3 step plan to help you achieve it.

Step 1 – Research and Prepare

As the well-worn saying goes – fail to prepare and prepare to fail.

The company: Review and add to the information you already have on the company. Check their website and the press, do web searches, speak to friends and family and collect all and any information you can. Your recruitment consultant will also be a font of knowledge. Understand and sample their products or services; know their history, goals and competitors. Build your knowledge of the specific requirements of the role but also, most importantly, the company’s broader values. Whatever your skills and experience, the person interviewing you is concerned with, and judging you on whether you will fit into the team and company’s culture.

The interviewer: Who are they? What’s their role? Will there be more than one person interviewing you? Google them and check LinkedIn.

The questions: Worried about the questions they’re going to ask? You’d perhaps be over confident (or arrogant?) not to be. We’ve gathered all our experience together and put a list of questions on the Pure website (we know that many interviewers use the same basic questioning techniques). Some questions are designed to highlight personality traits that are sought by companies, such as confidence levels or the ability to think under pressure. This means you can prepare thoroughly and have some unique, impressive replies ready. Do this ‘homework’ research and be a step nearer your goal. It’s in your hands…

Step 2 – Plan To Make A Positive First Impression

Remember you never get a second chance to make a good first impression!

Dress to impress. Neat and tidy and as smart as you think your boss will be. Your care here reflects how seriously you are taking the interview. Don’t think about whether you should polish your shoes – do it!

Plan your route to the interview. And aim to arrive 10 minutes early. Running in, even as fast as Bolt, is likely to be combined with sweating like a 100m sprinter – and then dropping your keys while apologising about getting caught in traffic. Bang! The job door could be shut and you’ve not even started the interview. However, do take the company’s telephone number with you just in case the worst happens and you are delayed and need to go into damage limitation mode.

Be polite and friendly to everyone. One interviewer we know likes to sit in reception so he can see how polite and engaged his candidates are to all members of staff. No Tom Cruise jumping around, however excited you feel; nor cynical asides, no matter how witty you think they are.

Greet your interviewer with a smile, a handshake, good eye contact and walk in.

Step 3 – The Interview

You’re going to a strange place to meet someone (or a few people) that you don’t know and they are going to ask you questions – the answers to which could change your life. Of course you’re going to feel nervous! It’s natural and the truth is that there is pressure. This is your future. However, being terrified won’t help and so – return to Step 1 – you need to prepare yourself mentally.

Your CV got you in. Settle your nerves. Your interviewer is another human and they wouldn’t take time interviewing you unless they genuinely thought you could do the job. You do get to answer some questions personally about your history and the sort of person you are – remember you’ll be talking to someone who is interested in your thoughts and wants to hear good things about you. They have even given you a list of things they want (in the job description) and we’ve given you a list of possible questions, they could ask and you should ask, on our web site! Your preparation is to give you confidence because you have thought of (practically) everything. Rarely will you be given the chance to list your strengths and attributes directly and so you need to be relaxed as you weave them into your responses.

Practise your questions, ideally role play them with someone. Give yourself plenty of time on the day. Be as natural as you can. That’s not to say act a part, be yourself and let your preparation and genuine interest shine a light on you. Work on relaxing but remaining focused.

After the interview, follow up with a ‘thank you’ email directly to the interviewer or via your recruiter. It’s polite and demonstrates your receptiveness, enthusiasm and wish to continue the conversation.

The interview was over, the candidate smiled and stood up, and the interviewer held the door open for him to leave. It was over and he was starting to relax. With the door open the interviewer paused and, turning, smiling said, ‘Give me three good reasons why I should remember you.’ The interviewee stood speechless – he froze and couldn’t answer the question. This really happened. Never let your guard down…or at least wait until you are about ten miles away!

Good luck with your next interview!

For more information, please contact Anna.hill@prs.uk.com

A 200-strong delegation from EEEGR (the East of England Energy Group) was promised Government support and recognition for the region’s energy industry, at a House of Commons reception

Business Secretary Vince Cable said there was a determination that a higher portion of the billions of pounds to be invested by international companies in sectors such as offshore wind should go to the UK supply chain.

And Communities Secretary Eric Pickles saluted the excellent work of the region’s energy sector and said delegates should understand that the country’s energy future rested on their shoulders.

Mr Pickles also officially launched the EPISCentre project, a skills and training hub in Great Yarmouth to bring more training provision into the region rather than sending trainees as far afield as Aberdeen or overseas. It will save companies significant amounts of money in travel and accommodation, reducing the costs of delivering projects and increasing competitiveness. By acting as the focal point for energy industry skills, it will increase the ability of local people to be able to access employment opportunities in the industry.

Such a centre of excellence would help ensure that the region took advantage of its strategic position to cash in on opportunities of the £50bn of capital to be spent in the energy industry over the coming decades.

Much of the action would be in the Southern North Sea with interest not just from the UK but across Europe.

“If the East of England is to be a magnet for that work it must be able to offer the skills,” said Mr Pickles.

Dr Cable told delegates that international energy giants chasing the business must make good use of local suppliers.

“I had to call in one of the big offshore wind operators when I discovered their UK content was 20%,” he said. The company assured me they couldn’t find firms in the UK with the relevant experience but admitted they hadn’t tried. They are now trying and the purpose of our industrial strategy is to work with them. “

Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis, who co-hosted the event, said there had been a great start to the year for the region with Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft gaining Assisted Area Status; a three-year extension on business rate discounts for companies moving to the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zone; and now the launch of EPISCentre.

Bruce Provan, chairman of the Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Alliance (NSEA) said it was vital for Government to be resilient and strong in encouraging good UK content within investments into the East of England Energy Zone.

“We must ensure we gain from these huge projects, which will be subsidised by the UK taxpayer but often delivered from outside the country. We welcome international companies to join us and work with us in the East of England for the advantage of all,” he added”

EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray said afterwards the reception was a huge success.

“To have two Secretaries of State and many MPS attending was a real coup and a testament to EEEGR and the region’s energy industry. It was good to have next generation representatives such as Lowestoft College, the University of East Anglia and Colchester Institute attending. It shows how bright the future is for our industry.”

For more information please contact Simon Gray or Martine Watker at EEEGR, 01493 446535

Business launches initiative to help local community

The storm and tidal surges of December 2013 battered the whole of the UK but the East Coast was particularly hit hard with many towns and villages seeing disruption and significant property damage.

The East Coast village of Hemsby, just north of Great Yarmouth, hit the national media headlines when the raging North Sea attacked the shoreline so badly that five properties were actually lost in to the sea leaving residents homeless and loosing virtually all of their possessions. At the time the local community rallied to help those involved and residents came forward to offer emergency accommodation and support.

The Hemsby residents, have for a while, been working together to raise awareness to the problems their village was facing and in fact been so concerned about the threat of coastal erosion they had started to build a 200 metre stretch of their own sea defences, raising money, buying the raw materials and hiring plant equipment to make 3 cubic metre concrete blocks and positioning them on the beach in an attempt to slow down the effects of the sea. This battle continues and as their fund raising efforts gain momentum they have received a big boost by local business R Todd Insurance Services who has launched a campaign to make financial donations to the Save Hemsby Coastline project.

The initiative will see Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Member R Todd Insurance Services donate the equivalent of 5% of the value of new insurance premiums generated from within the NR29 post code area, which covers Hemsby and the surrounding villages.

Business Development Executive Steve Tubby said “the residents of Hemsby are not only being affected directly by the effects of the North Sea but also indirectly as many are finding insurance premiums rising and in some cases insurance being declined. Our aim is to do our utmost to offer residents and business owner’s competitive insurance solutions and in doing so we will also support the Save Hemsby Coastline scheme financially.”

In the few days since the scheme was launched, one such Hemsby business has really benefitted from the expertise of R Todd Insurance Services, Steve explains “we have just helped a Hemsby business reduce its insurance costs by over £750.00, a saving of 46% compared to their renewal proposed by their existing insurer. This massive saving underpins our determination to reduce costs as well as donate to the charity.”

Steve Tubby adds “R Todd Insurance Services have been the area’s independent insurance brokers for over thirty six years and we are looking to use our extensive experience and local knowledge to offer competitive personal and commercial insurance. So if residents and business owners in the NR29 post code areas are looking for insurance for their home, car, van, boat, or their business then we would certainly encourage them to talk to us and get a no obligation quotation, as not only will we work hard to be as competitive as we possibly can be, but if they choose to use our services they will know that together we are helping the local community. As an independent broker we are not tied to any specific insurer so have the wide UK insurance market open to us, with many schemes only being available to brokers and we would pitch ourselves against the endless online comparison sites thereby offering competitive prices but with the added advantage of dealing with a real local person, making resolving any claims or queries so much easier.”

In 2012, Suffolk creative agency Spring scooped the Best Employer, Eastern Region award for innovation in employee engagement.

As a medium-sized agency, Spring proved to everyone that it’s not just global corporates that are able to be innovative in encouraging loyalty among its staff (who are known as ‘Springers’ in this case), while creating a great place to work.

Innovation means different things to different employers, but it does have a place in all kinds of organisations, and across all industries. The East of England is home to very talented professionals who want to be engaged and motivated, and employers certainly don’t need a trendy London postcode to justify injecting creativity into their engagement strategy.

In fact, Spring’s home is the bustling town of Southwold, and is an example of how East Anglian businesses can deliver fantastic work for clients, while providing a positive working environment, regardless of size.

The Best Employer award is a stamp of quality

Spring is clearly very proud to win the award, and believes it is evidence of the support that they give to its most valuable asset – its Springers. The agency has mentioned the accolade in marketing materials, demonstrating to customers that it knows how to look after the team, which is responsible for producing quality marketing programmes for local and national brands.

Since the award-win, Spring hasn’t had to alter their strategy, which in itself is a sign that they have been getting it right all along. Erika Clegg, Founder and Executive Creative Director, says: “As an employer we always strive to ensure Springers feel like an active part of the company’s growth and management.” And this long-term vision is one of the reasons that their 2012 survey results were so impressive.

What is innovative employee engagement?

Innovation isn’t just for hi-tech firms, although it does take an imaginative mind to give employee engagement that unexpected twist! Spring’s approach to investing in its team’s sense of belonging involves a spectrum of original initiatives. The agency’s cultural expansion grants get its employees out and about, broadening their cultural horizons. Twice a year Spring pays for individual staff members to travel within the UK to an event, see a show or get involved in other activities. Lunch is even part of the deal.

The ‘Spring Hero’ lectures see senior experts from other organisations visiting the office to give lunchtime talks. With the firm also offering fitness training and making long-term workers shareholders, Spring is certainly taking exciting measures to make Springers feel “motivated, rewarded and inspired”.

Taking the proactive approach

With all of its focus on engagement and success to date, you’d be forgiven in assuming that Spring wouldn’t bother doing the survey again. Yet, Erika is taking the proactive approach and is asking staff to take part in the 2014 BEER survey in the coming weeks. She explains: “I have had an enforced absence from the business over the last few months, and this is a good opportunity to gauge whether that has had any impact on morale.” It seems the award is a bonus, but, only in its second year, the Best Employer survey has already become a vital HR tool.

Top tip for other Best Employer survey participants

There is no doubt that Spring has benefited from the survey and award on many levels. So, based on first-hand experience, what would Erika advise to other employers in the region?

She says: “I believe that the best companies, irrespective of their output, should respect and nurture their people. This is my top tip for a shipshape business, as well as a happy life.

“I highly recommend that other employers take part in this survey. We found staff very happy to answer the questions, and it’s really helped us keep track of what our employees feel about working for Spring. We were delighted with the results in 2012, and we look forward to receiving the Springers’ feedback in this year’s survey.”

Thanks Erika, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves!

A big thank you to Erika for contributing to our blog, and everyone at Pure and eras ltd would like to wish the Springers the best in this year’s Best Employer survey and awards.

Would you like to win a Best Employer award? Why not ask your employees to do the free, 15-minute survey? Find out more from Anna Hill, Pure’s Marketing Manager: 01223 209888 or Anna.Hill@prs.uk.com.

Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) was recognised at the recent 2014 FDs’ Excellence Awards, held on 1 May. The awards, sponsored by the ICAEW, saw Pure shortlisted for the third consecutive year for the prestigious Recruitment Firm of the Year Award. Pure were thrilled to be acknowledged once again for the award.

The prestigious event saw Tim Score from ARM Holdings in Cambridge accept the well-regarded FTSE 100 FD of the Year award. Also, Joe Lister from UNITE group took home FTSE 250 FD of the Year.

Established by Real Business and supported by the CBI, the FDs’ Excellence Awards recognise finance directors and service providers that support Britain’s finance community using the results of a survey, in which UK finance directors and financial decision-makers recorded their opinion.

Ian Walters, Managing Director of Pure, said “It is such an honour for us to be recognised on a national basis. Although we are based in the East of England, our exceptional reputation as a first class recruitment consultancy firm has ensured that we were considered alongside larger, nation-wide companies.

Ian adds, “Although we may not have taken home the award this year, we continue to be inspired to develop Pure to provide our clients and candidates with excellent customer service and specialist regional recruitment knowledge.”

Pure was judged, alongside other shortlisted companies, on criteria including business knowledge, innovation and quality of advice. The firm continues to enhance its expertise and develop new and relevant initiatives such as the Best Employers Eastern Region, Women’s Leadership Programme, auto-enrolment seminars and senior finance forums which add value for our broad range of clients.

To find out more about Pure’s professional recruitment services, contact Anna Hill, Marketing Manager, on: 01223 209888 or Anna.Hill@prs.uk.com.

Steeles Law is a supporter of Dying Matters Awareness Week (12-18 May 2014), which has been organised by the Dying Matters Coalition to encourage people to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement.

The theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2014 is “You only die once”, or #YODO, an action-focused phrase emphasising that we only get once chance to have our dying wishes met, which is why it’s vital to talk, plan and make arrangements for the end of life – before it’s too late. Dying Matters will be encouraging members of the public to take five simple steps to make their end of life experience better, both for them and for their loved ones. These are:

• Write your will
• Record your funeral wishes
• Plan your future care and support
• Consider registering as an organ donor
• Tell your loved ones your wishes

Angela Ireland, Chartered Legal Executive in Steeles Law’s wills, probate and tax team, said: “We are proud to support Dying Matters Awareness Week. We look after many local clients who want to ensure that their future wishes are taken care of – whether these relate to protecting their family finances, or important decisions regarding their own care and well-being. We would encourage people of all ages to discuss these issues with their families, and give careful consideration to making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Advance Decision.”

Steeles Law is one of 30,000 members of the national Dying Matters Coalition, all of whom have an interest in supporting the changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards dying, death and bereavement. Members include organisations from the health and care sectors, community groups, social care and housing, faith groups, the legal profession and the funeral sector.

Set up by the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) in 2009, the Dying Matters Coalition aims to encourage people to talk about their own end of life issues with friends, family and loved ones in order to make “a good death” possible for the 500,000 people who die in England each year.

Research for Dying Matters has found that many people have specific wishes about their end of life care or what they would like to happen to them after their death, but a reluctance to discuss these issues makes it much less likely that these will be met. There is a major mismatch between people’s preferences for where they would like to die and their actual place of death: 70% of people would prefer to die at home but more than half currently die in hospital.

Claire Henry, Chief Executive of the Dying Matters Coalition and the National Council for Palliative Care said: “Every minute someone in England dies, but many people still feel uncomfortable talking about end of life issues. Talking about dying, death and bereavement is in everyone’s interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care and support we want, where we want it, at the end of our lives. Through being more confident in talking about dying and taking the five steps we are promoting during Dying Matters Awareness Week to plan for the future, we can make a big difference.”

Steeles Law is holding a free Legal Clinic at its 2 Mount Street, Diss offices on Friday 30 May, with pre-bookable 15 minute consultations available between 3.00 and 6.00pm. Please contact 01379 652141 to make a booking to discuss any of the matters mentioned above with a legal professional.

Did you know that you can claim free training credits for this Marketing Course in Norfolk?

Contact: Nial Adams

t. 0843 289 6877 e. apply@thepushacademy.co.uk

The PUSH Academy has recently announced the release of Training Credits for their Summer Term Foundation Course in Norfolk.

This Learning Gateway provision is available to small business owners and managers under the Regional Enterprise Initiative. Giving you the chance to apply for £100 of training credits towards this next course.

The current batch of Training Credits are strictly limited but will be offered to Chamber Members first. So please read details and act quickly if you would like to claim yours.

More details can be found here –

www.thepushacademy.co.uk/norfolk-chamber-gateway/

“How You Can Claim £100 of Free Training Credits For This Marketing Course”

The PUSH Marketing Academy supports the Regional Enterprise Initiative for Small Business Training.

We’re delighted to announce the release of a batch of Free Training Credits that can be redeemed for our next Foundation Course in Norwich.

Training Credits can be use to reduce the cost of training and support your gateway to learning. They are offered conditionally and on approval, with certain Terms & Condition (see below).

We are releasing £1,000.00 of Training Credits for the forthcoming course

The Foundation Course – Learn Sales & Marketing in Norfolk

The most valuable thing you can do for your business this year is to increase you knowledge and skills in the areas of Sales & Marketing. The two are fundamentally linked and yet so many business owners and managers leave this to chance.

Designed specifically for the SME business owner or manager, The PUSH Academy is a new way to get the knowledge that will help propel your business forward. These marketing courses are not online, home-study or distance learning, They’re up-front, ‘live and unplugged’ if you like!

This course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to create powerful change in your business, fast! Training and support is practical, not text-book theory, and is drawn from years of live business experience.

Our Programme is also regularly updated to ensure you’re learning about the most powerful marketing concepts of the moment.

We know these tactics and strategies work and have the evidence to prove it. What’s more, our delegates give testament to the value of this experience:

If you want to know more about marketing, are stuck in a rut, not sure which way to go, or just not getting anywhere with your business then you must enroll on The Push Academy. The amount of valuable information and knowledge Nial gives you is phenomenal.

Not only does he give you all this knowledge but he helps you to apply it directly to your own business immediately, working through ideas with you and giving you his valuable input. It’s like having your own personal mentor! – Claire Williams, Director, The Business Base, Norfolk.

On this Marketing Course you’ll to attend one Group Study Day each month with a small group of like-minded peers and learn direct from the personal experience and knowledge of Nial Adams, our Principal Tutor.

The Course Programme is centred on current and relevant information that’s been assembled to ensure you can apply it to your micro or SME business in real-time and watch the new results you’re getting.

There are some great academic courses out there on sales and marketing, and you can learn all about how the big names apply strategic and brand marketing to capture large chunks of the global market; but we’re guessing that you’re much more interested in knowing how you’re going to improve your own business, without massive budgets, or a marketing team the size of Saatchi & Saatchi!

Our Foundation Programme will help you become confident with the essential basics of marketing. This Programme is ideally suited to the owner/manager of a new business or start-up, as well as the more established enterprise looking to dial up results through better marketing.

Read this Personal Invitation to join The Academy from Nial Adams

Norwich based digital marketing agency, Bigfork, have developed the new Cosy City website for Norwich City Council. Cosy City is a new scheme to help Norwich householders save energy and money. The website allows visitors to register to see of they are eligible for grants and an assessment. An information video and energy saving tips are also included on the website. To find out more visit the website here.

Bigfork – we make websites stand out Tel: 01603 513080

Elaine Green says that those appraising academy leaders need to develop within themselves more resilient judgement skills.

Click here to view the article in full published by Academy magazine (p.46).

McTear Williams & Wood, East Anglia’s largest business rescue and insolvency practice, raised £1,600 for charity at its annual bowls tournament.

Eight teams of professionals from firms across the region battled for the “McTear Williams & Wood Bowls Challenge Trophy” at the event which was held at the Diss & District Bowls Club on Tuesday 29 April 2014 and continued with the usual tradition of contestants wearing an array of novelty slippers.

The individual winner was Peter Hazell who was also part of the winning team from Thetford-based auctioneers and valuers George Hazell & Co.

During the event we were delighted to receive a visit from the current Ladies World Bowls Champion Katherine Rednall who challenged some of the contestants to a game.

Funds raised from the event have gone to Autism Anglia which provides a range of services to enable people with autism to live as independently as possible and experience choice and inclusion in society.

The cheque was presented by associate and organiser of this event Roger Barnbrook to Anne Ebbage from Autism Anglia.

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.

Relocating is a big deal, especially when you’re taking a leap of faith and looking for a job after the move.

Making a fresh start somewhere new can be a stressful time that’s mixed with the feelings of excitement and apprehension. So, before you pack up and hand over the house keys, take a few minutes to read our tips that’ll get you bouncing back to the job market in your new neighbourhood.

Plan ahead

Even if you’re already in the late stages of preparing to move it’s worth researching your new location. Look at the kind of businesses in the area and search for job vacancies online. There are plenty of national and international job websites that list a wide variety of roles.

Bear in mind that if you apply for jobs from afar the employer may still want to interview you face-to-face, so be prepared to travel. But some companies are happy to do phone or Skype interviews. You may find you have no luck until you move, but don’t be disheartened.

Tune into local media

Regional newspapers, TV and radio stations are treasure troves of information about their communities. Many also have websites so take a look at job adverts, business news and forthcoming events. In fact, look for anything that can open the door to your new business community.

Update your CV

Don’t forget to update your contact details on your CV before sending it to potential employers and recruitment agencies.

If you have a LinkedIn profile update that too and add your last job to the ‘Experience’ section.

Local recruitment agencies

Regional recruitment consultancies such as Pure know their business communities inside out, so register with the ones you feel can help you with your job search. Talk to a consultant about what you’re looking for – you may pick up some invaluable advice!

Social media is a fantastic way to find out about the latest vacancies. It’s worth signing up and following your chosen recruitment agencies.

Do your homework!

If you want a big change in both your home and work life, consider a role that enables you to work at home. This is ideal if you’re relocating to a rural setting that is a long drive to the nearest places of work. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, however.

Remote working can also bring you flexibility if you have a young family and it has the added benefit of allowing you to save on those petrol costs!

Have a ‘Plan B’

Relocating and finding work may prove more challenging that you originally expected, so make sure you have a ‘Plan B’!

If you’re ultimately looking for a full-time job, be open to part-time, temporary or even voluntary roles at first. All of these can help you get to know the local area, make new contacts and prevent any career gaps on your CV.

Should the job search be really difficult, perhaps your fresh start could include re-training or going self-employed. Before doing so, however, do your research and don’t rush into any decisions!

Specialised Management Services Ltd (SMS), a leading specialist in hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical control systems is celebrating its 15th anniversary since inception on 30th April 1999.

In its earliest incarnation SMS was a small support company which manufactured small and low value control units in Great Yarmouth. Following an intensive period of business development and international support of parent company, Alderley plc, SMS has grown into a well-established global manufacturer of large control system packages, successfully delivering over 150 units with a total value over £34 million since 2005.

Through investment in infrastructure SMS now boasts a strong operations team of coordinators and technicians offering a vast range of offshore hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical services on a global basis. The SMS projects team has grown from strength to strength and has more than doubled in size since 2007. Through strong collaboration across the whole team, which consists of project engineers, CAD engineers and a QHSE department, they ensure all projects are delivered on time and customers are fully satisfied with the service provided.

Innovation has always been an important element for SMS and in 2012 they developed and successfully delivered the first containerised IWOCS HPU (Installation and Workover Control Systems Hydraulic Power Unit) to a leading international oilfield services company. Since then SMS has seen a surge of enquiries and successful contract wins for similar Well Intervention equipment from various major end-users.

SMS has established themselves as a recognised quality service provider and trusted partner for major EPC’s and producers. This is reflected by ongoing positive client feedback, demonstrated recently by receiving a gold award from a major client for their high standard of customer services, project management and consistent delivery of product excellence.

Dave Howlett, Managing Director of SMS, comments “We are thankful to our many clients for their support over the last 15 years. This coupled with the loyalty and focus of our employees has made our growing success achievable. Through this ongoing commitment we will continue to successfully meet and exceed customer requirements in an increasingly varied and challenging industry.”

Timeline of events

1999 SMS was established2000 SMS acquired C&M Hydraulics2001 SMS doubled its employees2002 Moved to bigger facilities in Great Yarmouth2003 SMS acquired by the Alderley Group2004 SMS opened Aberdeen facility2005 Launched training services2006 SMS awarded its highest value manufacturing project to date2007 SMS employed 10 apprentices from Lowestoft College2008 Delivered the first NORSOK project2009 SMS achieved ISO 14001 & BS OHSAS 18001 certification2010 SMS scored top marks in FPAL audit2011 Dave Howlett became General Manager of SMS2012 SMS achieved 55% financial growth2013 Expanded its electrical onshore and offshore service department2014 Celebrating 15 Years of Innovation