Member News

Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers, who have their Head Office in Norwich, have agreed to sponsor the popular Norwich City of Ale festival, as it returns for a fourth year.

Norwich City of Ale is a ten-day celebration of local pubs, breweries and real ale. The festival, which takes place between 22nd May and 1st of June, involves over 80 pubs and breweries and aims to promote Norwich both nationally and internationally as the UK’s City of Ale.

Chris Gibbs, managing director of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Norwich City of Ale. Many of our existing pub clients have already ‘signed up’ so it was an easy decision to get involved.

“We have more than 17 years’ experience arranging insurance for the pub and brewery industry and we are always looking to build closer ties with the licensed trade in Norwich. City of Ale provides us the perfect platform to do so.”

Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers can help pubs and breweries of all sizes with their insurance. For more information, visit www.pubinsure.co.uk or call 01603 70 80 90.

Rapidly-evolving energy services company Proserv has been awarded its largest contract yet for subsea controls by a leading oilfield service company, bringing a significant jobs boost to the Great Yarmouth area.

The contract, which is worth around $40million (approx £24m), reinforces Proserv’s global footprint and market-leading position in the subsea technology sector. It will see the company provide nine subsea control systems to support deepwater workover controls services for several projects in Brazil up to 2,500m water depth.

Overall project execution along with the engineering and build of the subsea control systems will be carried out at Proserv’s Great Yarmouth facilities. The company’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, will deliver the accompanying hydraulic power units.

The systems will be delivered to the client in a phased approach throughout 2015 in line with key project milestones.

Proserv is already on target to create 90 new jobs in the Great Yarmouth region this year as a result of this contract win and due to continued business growth.

David Lamont, Proserv’s chief executive officer, said: “This significant contract award is testament to the hard-work, expertise and experience of our entire team and further evidence of the great reputation we have built, and continue to build globally.

“At Proserv, we are able to offer clients the latest developments in technologies and can back it up with industry experts who have a real depth of knowledge in the area they work in. This, combined with our track record for delivering value-added products on time and in budget, were crucial factors in securing this contract.”

John Willmott, general manager of Proserv’s Great Yarmouth facilities, said: “Winning this award is a huge achievement for the company, but especially for our team here in Great Yarmouth. The skills and expertise of our people is in high demand and we are exporting some of the most technically advanced subsea equipment to clients all over the world.

“In line with the company’s rapid global growth, we are continuing to invest in our people, facilities and technologies to support our future sustainable expansion and strong order pipeline.”

Proserv, which operates worldwide through 31 operating centres based in 11 countries, has a 40-year track record in delivering bespoke technologies and services for the energy industry, particularly in the drilling, production, subsea and marine market sectors. In February Proserv announced it had acquired precision engineering firm KRG Industries, a well-established provider of machining, welding, inspection and testing services to the oil & gas, aerospace and defence industries.

The deal comes several months after Proserv acquired Australian-headquartered Velocious, a pioneering subsea intervention and tooling company.

For further information, visit – www.proserv.com

Loddon-based independent consultancy, Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) have again been awarded a place on the Environment Agency’s National Framework Agreement for Applied Environmental Economics. In 2009, RPA were also successful contractors on the previous EA Environmental Economics Framework, which this new commission succeeds.

The Framework Agreement will cover environmental and ecosystem service valuation, cost-benefit analysis, economic appraisal and impact assessment across the complete range of the Environment Agency’s work. This includes flood risk management, climate change, agriculture, fisheries, waste, water, and business regulation and local economic partnership.

RPA has been a service provider to the UK government since 1990, carrying out more than 100 studies for the Environment Agency – most involving economics. Projects have ranged from strategic policy studies through to scheme level assessments on bathing water quality, river water quality and flood and coastal erosion risk management, as well as providing advice and training.

RPA Project Director, Meg Postle, commented, saying “To be able to continue to support the Environment Agency in economic policy decision-making means we can build on previous work and experience built up over the course of the last framework, and our work for the Agency prior to that.”

Having recently commenced, the contract will run for two years, with a potential third year extension. Support on this Framework will be provided by sub-consultants from HaskoningDHV, ACTeon and Cambridge Econometrics (CE), as well as academic experts.

Contact RPA on: T: +44 (0)1508 528465 or enquiries@rpaltd.co.ukLinkedIn or @RPALtd

Cozens-Hardy LLP is pleased to announce that solicitor Christina Stöhr has joined the firm’s busy private client department.

Christina, who qualified in 2000, is a highly experienced private client solicitor, providing advice on wills, estate planning, the administration of estates and trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. Christina has a special interest in advising elderly clients, particularly care provision and funding and is currently enrolled on the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Diploma programme.

Commented Michelle Collins, Partner and head of the firm’s Private Client department:

“Christina will be a real asset to our team and will play a key role in helping us continue to deliver the firm’s high levels of service and exceptional client care.”

Christina added:

“Cozens-Hardy is particularly well known for its private client work and I am looking forward to joining such a well respected and motivated team.”

Cozens-Hardy’s private client practice offers a full range of services including wills and codicils, obtaining probate and the administration of trusts, disputed estates, living wills, Powers and Attorney, Court of Protection work and Charity Law. The team also offers expert advice on wealth management, planning for business or property succession, tax planning and tax efficiency.

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For further information please contact: Clare Haylett ph: 07764 270570 and clare@clarehaylett.net

Matt was previously Commercial Director at Devon Norse, in charge of the company’s catering operations.

He takes over from Ray Beale, who is remaining with the company in a consultative role overseeing the transfer of additional facilities management operations from Devon County Council.

Commenting on his new role Matt said, “This is a very exciting time for Devon Norse, as we expand our partnership with Devon County Council and continue to grow our portfolio of public and private sector clients. We have a tremendous, committed and enthusiastic team at Devon Norse, and I look forward to continuing the excellent leadership Ray has given since the formation of the company three years ago.”

Norse Managing Director Peter Hawes, commented, “We are delighted that Matt has accepted the role of Managing Director for Devon Norse. His varied experience across a number of divisions of the company, and his proven management expertise, meant that he was an obvious choice for the position. Matt is a perfect example of how anyone within the company can, with the right attitude, skills development and commitment, make a career with Norse that leads them to top flight roles.”

Matt has worked for Devon Norse’s parent group for fourteen years, starting as a cook in residential homes and progressing through the catering team before transferring to an Environmental Services Manager’s post. He moved to Commercial Services Manager at Norse’s head offices in Norwich, managing the cleaning services throughout East Anglia and for Enfield Norse in 2010, and in 2013 became one of the company’s first BTEC Level 7 graduates.

Devon Norse has a staff of over 1300, who provide a wide range of cleaning and catering services to education, NHS, civic and private establishments across Devon and the South West. The company provides over 200,000 meals to schools across the county every month.

Yes way back in April 1999 – Sarah started the RedCat Partnership Ltd- we have had a fantastic journey! We are strong, we are reliable, we are professional, we offer a bespoke customer focussed solution to your Health and Safety needs!

But you know all of that don’t you? if not …we are happy to advise over tea & cake!

We thought we would focus on the number 15….

1. Fifteen is the smallest natural number with seven letters in its name.

2. In tennis, the number 15 represents the first point gained in a game.

3. Fifteen is the number of letters in the words “uncopyrightable”, “dermatoglyphics”, and “hydropneumatics”, which are the longest words in the English language that do not repeat a letter

4. Fifteen total individuals in the mollusc species Donax variabilis. (Mollusc’s are also one of the top 14 allergens)

5. Fifteen is the number of players in a Rugby team.

6. The jersey number 15 is worn by the starting fullback in Rugby Union.

7. 15 is a restaurant in London owned by Jamie Oliver

8. 15 is the atomic number of Phosphorus.

9. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan

10. Fifteen is the number of checkers each side has at the start of a backgammon game.

11. In the UK a minor can be sent to prison to await trial at the age of 15.

12. 15 is the number of balls in the eight ball variant of billiards

13. 15 is the smallest number that can be factorized using Shor’s quantum algorithm.

14. Group 15 of the periodic table are sometimes known as the “Pnictogens”.

15. In all four of the major Gaelic games each team has 15 players on the field at any given time.

Can you think of any other interesting facts to do with the number 15? If you do please let us know! Remember we are on all platforms of social media – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and you can of course contact us through our website www.redcat.gb.com Come and join the conversation and lets celebrate the next 15 years

Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA), which celebrates its 24th birthday today, has also been honoured this month with recognition for its long-standing membership of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Based in Loddon, Norfolk, RPA provides expert advice to both public and private sector clients around the world, assisting decision makers with the development and implementation of sustainable policies.

Director, Meg Postle, said “We’re very proud to be where we are today, and the reassurance of knowing we have the support of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, as well as our great business community, is invaluable”.

Since its formation, RPA has been commissioned to work on more than 800 projects, covering a broad range of policy areas, including chemicals and REACH compliance, impact assessment and evaluation, environmental economics, managing water, flooding and coastal erosion, ecosystem services, and consumer policy.

Our main clients include the UK Government bodies (such as the Environment Agency and Defra), EU industries and the European Commission.

Contact RPA on: +44 (0)1508 528465

www.rpaltd.co.uk / @RPALtd / LinkedIn

Today sees the launch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Code for Will Preparation in England and Wales.

This new framework has been designed to give members of the public the assurance that, in choosing a STEP member to draft their Will, they are protected by a set of ethical principles and quality standards.

The STEP Will Writing Code is based on 12 principles, covering such topics as: transparency surrounding costs; dealing with vulnerable people; and being committed to ongoing professional training and development.

Steeles Law has long been a supporter of greater regulation in the Wills industry, having seen many local people experience the difficulties that can arise from a poorly, or incorrectly, drafted Will.

Whilst the Lord Chancellor decided in 2013 not to officially regulate Will Writing, the STEP Code can be seen as a positive step in the right direction. STEP members who fail to adhere to the Code could face disciplinary action.

For further information on drafting or updating your Will, please contact STEP members Karen Bacon or Angela Ireland on 01603 598000 (Norwich), 01379 652141 (Diss) or probate@steeleslaw.co.uk.

FLYBE ENHANCES SCHEDULE ON NORWICH – EDINBURGH ROUTE

-Norwich City FC player Steven Whittaker and local piper see off afternoon service as Flybe franchise partner Loganair takes over the route-

Norwich City FC defender, Steven Whittaker and a local piper visited Norwich International Airport yesterday to send off the first service of Flybe’s afternoon business schedule between the city and Edinburgh.

Steven Whittaker, who hails from Edinburgh, joined Dave Harper, a Norwich born bag-piper, to mark the first day of an improved, business schedule, which was introduced by Loganair after taking the service over from partner Flybe.

Loganair has increased the frequency of its services between Norwich and Scotland’s capital, basing a second Dornier 328 aircraft at Norwich International Airport and taking on six locally based staff.

The carrier has started a double daily weekday service, adding a third rotation after the Easter holidays to provide a convenient business schedule. As an extra boost to passengers, a Sunday service will also be added, with Sunday frequency increasing to two flights during the peak summer season.

The airline will operate:

Norwich 06:50 08:10 Edinburgh Edinburgh 08:40 10:00 Norwich Norwich 13:50 15:10 Edinburgh Edinburgh 15:40 17:00 Norwich Norwich 17:30 18:50 Edinburgh Edinburgh 19:20 20:40 Norwich

Phil Preston, chief operating officer at Loganair, added: “Our Norwich to Edinburgh service has been specifically tailored to suit the needs of business passengers travelling between the two cities.

“Additionally, once travellers from the East of England reach Edinburgh they have ease of access to the entire Central Belt of Scotland plus Flybe’s network to Wick, Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles.

“The extra Dornier aircraft has allowed us much greater flexibility when planning our services, which should be a benefit to the entire region of Norfolk. We’re also extremely happy to be able to take on six local staff to help with operations in the area.”

This is the third service which Loganair operates from Norwich Airport, complementing operations to Manchester as well as a seasonal link with Guernsey.

With tickets currently on sale, fares from Norwich to Edinburgh start at £69.99 one way including a free 20kg bag.

Yesterday, Loganair’s inaugural service between London Stansted and Dundee also took to the skies, replacing the CityJet service from London City. Loganair will operate a twice daily weekday service, and once on a Sunday.

Speaking about the link between Norwich and Edinburgh Andrew Bell, CEO of Norwich International commented “Restoring the frequency of services between Norwich and Edinburgh has been a key target for the airport over the past 18 months and I am pleased we have now achieved this.

“Loganair’s additional commitment to Norwich Airport is very welcome, and we hope that business passengers and those wishing to travel to visit friends and relatives or take short breaks at either destination will take advantage of the improved offer.”

For more information about the service or to make a reservation please visit www.flybe.comor telephone 0871 700 2000.

ENDS

For any Loganair enquiries please contact Tim Malseed at the BIG Partnership on 0141 333 9585 or email tim.malseed@bigpartnership.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

ABOUT LOGANAIR Loganair is the only major UK airline owned and headquartered in Scotland. The airline was founded in 1962 and employs approximately 440 staff to undertake over 500 air services each week using a fleet of 26 aircraft. It carries over half a million passengers and connects Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles to key destinations in Scotland, as well as providing other regional air links from its operational bases at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Kirkwall, and Norwich. Loganair is a franchise partner of Flybe, a codeshare partner of British Airways, and has arrangements with other airlines to provide interline connections. The company is privately owned and consistently profitable.

UFS Ltd, the Thetford based European Road Freight Operator was a Finalist in the BIFA (British International Freight Association) Freight Service Awards 2013

This secured a hat trick of nominations in as many years, a fantastic achievement for an independent, family owned business

2011 – European Logistics Category

2012 – European Logistics Category

2013 – Project Forwarding

Company owner, Mr Ray Ludlam is pictured (2nd from right) collecting the Finalists Certificate at the Awards Luncheon in London

KLM re-introduces fourth daily frequency to Schiphol

Yesterday saw the reintroduction of a fourth daily KLM service from Norwich International Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol following a very successful introduction for summer 2013.

The increased frequency will provide better connections to destinations such as Dubai, Lima and Toronto. In addition, point to point business travellers can also benefit from the convenient flight schedule out of Norwich, which enables them to conduct a full day’s business in the Netherlands removing the need and cost of an overnight stay.

KLM, via their award winning hub airport in Amsterdam, offers local travellers over 100 worldwide destinations on its intercontinental network and over 650 destinations across KLM’s Skyteam partner networks. All accessible with just a one hour check-in at Norwich and baggage checked through to final destination.

The addition of the fourth daily service again this summer further cements Norwich’s position as one of KLM’s most successful departure points on its extensive UK network.

Andrew Bell CEO of Norwich International Airport commented, “KLM’s additional commitment to Norwich Airport is very welcome and we hope that business passengers and those wishing to travel to visit friends and relatives will take advantage of the improved worldwide connectivity”.

For more information on KLM visit www.klm.com or call 0871 231 0000.

ENDS

A free culture and engagement survey launches this month, providing organisations in Cambridgeshire with an invaluable opportunity to gauge their success as a ‘Best Employer’ by asking employees to answer key questions.

Developed by recruitment consultancy firm Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure), and eras Ltd, provider of psychometric and talent solutions, the ‘Best Employer, Eastern Region’ (BEER) survey is open to organisations until July.

Taking place every other year, the free survey concludes with tailored employer reports and the Best Employer awards in October. Normally worth around £2,000, the confidential staff survey captures honest opinions about how staff feel about working for their organisations. It provides employers with a precious opportunity to develop corporate culture, and workplace practises and environment, to benefit both employees and business.

Lynn Walters, Director of Pure, explains: “Asking your staff to take part in a survey is absolutely essential in enabling your business to develop successfully. The results help you identify the adjustments you need to make, in order to increase employee engagement, which is proven to boost productivity, increase customer satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and improve profitability. “Not only that, but the survey produces benchmark data, which enables you to compare your standing against similar employers in Cambridgeshire, and across the East of England. This is critical in terms of knowing what to do to retain staff, especially now the job market is picking up.” Alex Pearce, Managing Director of eras, adds: “The free survey is an unmissable opportunity. With Pure, we provide guidance, advice and material to help employers communicate and deliver the survey. We are also committed to raising the profile of the diverse range of businesses across the region and we present awards based on survey results to small and large employers across the East of England.”

Awards include an overall Best Employer Eastern Region award, and specific awards for areas such as innovation and customer focus.

The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity was a previous survey participant and award-winner. CEO Dr Lynn Morgan recalls: “It was tremendously encouraging to win a Best Employer award. We have developed our plans for the future with all the team behind us. We continue to work together to provide even better care.”

The 15-minute online survey is suitable for organisations of all sizes in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Survey data and results are 100% confidential.

To find out more, visit www.prs.uk.com or contact Anna Hill, Pure’s Marketing Manager, on: 01223 209888 or Anna.Hill@prs.uk.com.