Photo caption: Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, with Suzanne Comaskey, retail operations manager at Big C, rolling out the bins at Big C’s distribution centre.
Norfolk-based Big C Cancer Charity is diverting waste from landfill and increasing its recycling rates, thanks to a new partnership with Anglian Waste Recycling.
Having carried out a waste audit, Anglian is now rolling out 16 new bins across 10 Big C shops to collect three different types of waste – dry mixed recycling, glass and general waste. Everything is then being collected by Anglian Waste Recycling for sorting and processing locally at its licensed facility in Attleborough, with zero being sent to landfill. A monthly waste report produced by Anglian will also enable Big C to monitor recycling rates and identify any additional opportunities. Suzanne Comaskey, retail operations manager at Big C, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Anglian which will help us to dispose of waste from our charity shops in a more sustainable way. The new contract with Anglian not only stops our waste from being sent out of the region to be processed but, by adding in new bins and segregating it as it comes out of our shops, we will be doing our bit to recycle more.” Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, said: “We’re delighted to help Big C make its operations more environmentally friendly. Waste has become a key focus for any kind of retail outlet looking to improve their sustainability credentials and for a charity such as Big C, this can also provide a way to potentially save some vital funds. By carrying out a waste audit to see what they currently throw away, we were able to identify additional ways for them to segregate their waste which will enable them to recycle more. As a local business, we are pleased to be supporting such an important charity on our doorstep.” Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses and organisations looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see www.anglianrecycling.co.uk
Walking With The Wounded lights beacons atop UK’s four highest peaks and Normandy beaches in commemoration of 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), a leading Armed Forces charity, recently played a pivotal role in commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6th, 2024. Four dedicated teams representing WWTW ascended four of the UK’s highest peaks to light beacons, symbolizing remembrance and honouring the sacrifices of all those who served during the historic D-Day campaign.
Selected as the chosen charity for this momentous occasion, the charity lit beacons atop Scafell Pike (England), Mount Snowdon (Wales), Ben Nevis (Scotland), and Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland). Each team, comprised of 8 to 12 individuals, including WWTW staff members, volunteers, and supporters from Sunbelt Rentals, carried a beacon to be lit in memory of the courageous Armed Forces personnel who fought during ‘Operation Overlord’ in 1944. The beacons were lit between 9:15pm to 9:45pm, marking a solemn tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
Tony Hulton, CEO of WWTW, stated, “Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) is honoured to stand alongside the nation in remembering the bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces personnel during ‘Operation Overlord.’ This significant anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role played by our servicemen and women in shaping history. It is our privilege to pay tribute to their courage and resilience.”
Norfolk Community Foundation has officially launched their ‘Good for Good’ programme, a groundbreaking initiative to make it easier for local businesses to achieve greater social impact.
What is Good for Good?
Good for Good helps Norfolk businesses of all sizes with the charities that need their time, expertise, and resources. Whether it’s offering professional skills, donating assets, or providing funding, Good for Good ensures local businesses’ contributions help those who need it most.
Why did we start it?
Good for Good is brought to you by Norfolk Community Foundation. We wanted to offer a way for businesses to support causes close to their hearts and achieve more by coordinating their efforts. We also wanted to help charities by directing support and energy where it will really make a difference. Connected to over 2,000 voluntary sector organisations and 100 local businesses, we have real-time knowledge of the most pressing needs in our community and the ways businesses can help to meet them.
How do we ensure everyone benefits?
As part of Good for Good, businesses get what they need, and charities do, too. Good for Good offers a framework for businesses to direct resources where they are needed most to create thriving communities, all while helping them to articulate their ESG impact to stakeholders, colleagues, and customers.
What’s new with Good for Good?
Building on the success of Norfolk ProHelp, which paired charities with professional skills, Good for Good offers an enhanced platform. It allows businesses to strategically address the needs of local charities through targeted giving, staff time, and sharing assets. Good for Good makes the process more efficient and impactful, working consciously, systematically and sustainably to serve local community needs.
Join them in making a difference! Together, we can create thriving communities across Norfolk.
It’s no secret that hydration is key to productivity in the workplace, and as experts in workplace hydration, we’ve got the guide to harnessing the power of water to improve employee wellbeing and performance. Read our hydration report here: https://hydration.zipwater.co.uk/ From top tips for keeping employees hydrated in the office, to the most water-rich foods to snack on, there’s something to learn for everyone. Did you know cucumber is 96% water? Or what the best hydration alternatives to water are? There’s also a guide to the top 5 tips for keeping employees hydrated at work, and much more. And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a hydration upgrade for your workforce, we have a solution for every workspace. Find out more: https://specify.zipwater.co.uk/our-ranges
Up Connect is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Best Business Services to the Fibre Community accolade at the prestigious 2024 UK Fibre Awards. The ceremony, held on June 6th at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, recognised our outstanding contributions to the fibre community. Read more
Small businesses constantly seek the most effective advertising strategies to promote their products and services in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. While both marketing and advertising are essential to a business’s outreach, marketing outlines the broad strategy of identifying and meeting customer needs and designing a comprehensive approach to marketing a product or service. This can be through tailored content, strategic placement, and direct engagement with consumers. However, advertising focuses on creating ads that directly promote a product or service through various channels, such as TV or online, aiming for immediate impact and customer response. The opportunities for advertising your small business span many online and offline platforms. Based on insights from industry leaders, here’s an exploration of the best advertising methods for small businesses. Understanding Your Business Needs Assessing your business’s specific needs is crucial before exploring the many advertising options available. Whether your primary goal is driving traffic, generating leads, increasing brand awareness, or boosting sales, identifying your primary goal will significantly influence your choice of advertising method. Types of Advertising for Small Business Google Ads Pay-Per-Click Google Ads PPC offers the advantage of targeted visibility on search engines. It encompasses search ads, website display ads, video ads on YouTube, and shopping ads for product listings. This diversity ensures there’s a PPC campaign suited for all business types and goals, making it a highly cost-effective strategy. Businesses can reach audiences across various platforms and formats, optimising visibility and engagement in a financially savvy way. Social Media Advertising Social media lets small businesses easily talk to their target audience on their favourite social networks. Businesses can promote their products and services through paid posts on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, creating brand awareness and fostering a community around their brand. The ability to target specific demographics in social media advertising ensures that messages reach the most relevant audiences. This multi-platform presence is vital for staying competitive and establishing a dynamic, visible brand in the modern marketplace. Many of these platforms also offer tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to see what visitors do after they reach the website. DTV: Digital Television Advertising Digital Television (DTV) advertising on platforms like Netflix and Sky can be a game changer for businesses with larger budgets. DTV allows for targeted ads that are affordable and effective. This method offers precision in reaching specific demographics, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to make a significant impact and stand out in a competitive market. Offline Advertising Methods Despite being in the digital age, offline marketing sources such as newspapers, magazines, and billboards continue to hold substantial value for small businesses seeking engaging marketing strategies. These tangible materials offer a physical presence that digital channels cannot replicate, creating lasting impressions in the minds of potential customers. Direct mail provides a cost-effective way to spread detailed information about products, services, and promotions directly to your target audience. On the other hand, billboards offer unparalleled visibility in high-traffic areas, allowing businesses to broadcast their brand message on a grand scale. Incorporating offline marketing sources into a broader advertising campaign can significantly enhance reach and effectiveness, creating a well-rounded approach that captures the attention of a diverse audience. Other Marketing Tools for Small Businesses On Page SEO Search Engine Optimisation means creating content for your website that search engines will prioritise at the top of their search results. This can be done by adding ‘keywords’ throughout your website’s copy and making your copy useful, digestible and easy to read. Businesses can also attract and retain audiences by creating valuable and relevant content, from blog posts to video content. This can enhance your brand’s recognition and position your business as an authoritative figure in your industry. Email Marketing Email marketing is a highly effective tool for small businesses to contact their customers directly. As a cost-effective solution, it allows for personalised engagement, delivering targeted messages straight to the inboxes of existing customers and prospects. Whether it’s newsletters, promotional offers, or informative content, email marketing provides a platform for businesses to nurture their relationships with consumers, encouraging loyalty and repeat business. Google Analytics Google Analytics is an indispensable platform that offers insights into website traffic, audience behaviour, and content engagement, enabling businesses to understand how users interact with their sites. Google Analytics helps set and track specific goals, such as form submissions or product purchases, providing tangible metrics to measure the success of your website and apps over time. Google Search Console Google Search Console is another critical tool that complements Google Analytics in fine-tuning your SEO strategy. It focuses more directly on your website’s visibility in Google’s search results, offering invaluable information on how Google views your site. This tool helps identify crawl errors, understand your site’s mobile usability, and see which queries bring users to your site. Social Media Social media is a great tool for reaching various audiences, regardless of your business aims. Each platform, from Instagram’s lively visuals to LinkedIn’s professional network, attracts a different kind of audience. This means you can pick and choose where to share your content based on who you want to talk to. Even without spending money to promote your posts, being active on social media boosts your brand’s visibility. By posting content that speaks directly to the interests and needs of your target audience, you’re not just spreading the word about your business but also building a recognisable presence. This keeps your brand fresh in people’s minds, so they’re more likely to think of you when they need your services. Choosing the Right Mix The best advertising method for small businesses often involves blending the abovementioned strategies. The key is to find the right mix that aligns with your business goals, target audience, and budget. Smash Marketing is committed to helping small businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing with a tailored approach that blends online advertising, SEO tactics, content management, and social media presence. They understand that every business is unique, so they take the time to listen to your vision and challenges, ensuring that their strategy is effective and bespoke to your specific needs. Conclusion In pursuing advertising success, small businesses must adapt to the changing trends and leverage the most effective strategies available. With their range of SEO and PPC services, Smash Marketing can provide tailored advertising and marketing services that align perfectly with your business goals. Need help to decide on the best advertising method for your small business? Contact Smash Marketing for personalised assistance, and watch your business smash through the barriers to success.
HR Consultant Gemma Crane is the Founder of Mindset-HR as well as an NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, and Mindset Coach. Here, the new key partner for Folk Features shares her journey.View the full article here
LUNCH & LEARN – HOW TO HAVE A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION IN MENTAL HEALTH
Should you start a conversation about Mental Health? Absolutely! Starting a conversation about mental health is essential for breaking down stigma and fostering understanding. Remember, listening is crucial. Rather than giving advice, guide them toward sources of support. Mental health problems are more common than people think, and anyone can experience them. Join our Lunch & Learn Event for tips to initiate meaningful discussions. Contact Eudaemonia on info@eudaemonia.uk to book your space!
10th July, 12:15pm – 1:45pm – 30pp
LUNCH & LEARN – DEALING WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY
Stress & anxiety can help us to focus or take extra care when needed, but if it gets too much or goes on for a while, it can affect our daily life. Luckily, there are ways to deal with stress & anxiety that really work, and spotting the signs is the first step. Find out about common symptoms of stress & anxiety, possible reasons for it and what to do when you’re in the grip. Contact Eudaemonia on info@eudaemonia.uk to book your space!
14th August, 12:15pm – 1:45pm – 30pp
LUNCH & LEARN – BUILDING RESILIENCE
People can survive the most challenging ordeals – some even thrive. And yet, they may be unaware or unclear exactly how they got through the challenges they faced. Inner resilience is an important resource that appears to be the secret to Success Versus Happiness – What is More Important? in the outer world and the basis of good mental health.
Join our Lunch & Learn Event to explore how you can improve yours, and other resilience.
ABA has joined the Norfolk Anti-Slavery Network! We’ve joined the Norfolk Anti-Slavery Network (NASN)’s Business Group. The group is led by the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office under the ‘hidden victims’ fund. The business group, which ABA are a part of, exists to raise awareness of modern slavery and share best practice for how to identify, tackle and prevent modern slavery in Norfolk. There are four types of modern slavery: Forced labour When victims are controlled in where and how they work, with the money being taken by another Bonded labour When victims are forced to take on some kind of debt which restricts their ability to leave a workplace Child labour Children who are forced to work Human trafficking The forced movement of people from one location to another There are an estimated 49.6 million people in modern slavery across the world. High risk areas include agriculture, mining for precious metals and textiles. It’s easy to assume that slavery is a problem for further down the tiers of our supply chain, but it happens here in the UK, too. In 2023, there were 17,004 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office. Of these, 25% were British nationals and 76% were male. In Norfolk, 269 victims were identified between July 2022 and June 2023 and half of the victims were young people. Procurement professionals are in a really important place in our organisation because we have a view of our whole supply chain and make real changes to try and reduce the world’s dependence on modern slavery. The objectives of the NASN are to:
Identify, support, protect and empower victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Support agencies, the business community and local organisations who are tackling MSHT (modern slavery and human trafficking) by ensuring the right skills, knowledge and processes are in place.
Promote collaboration and joint working amongst partner organisations and community-based agencies.
Increase reporting of suspected MSHT.
Raise awareness of MSHT within the communities of Norfolk
Some signs of modern slavery include:
Being reluctant to interact with others
Appearing frightened or withdrawn
Working excessively long hours
Fear of authorities
Limited opportunities to move freely
Wearing the same clothes all the time
In the CIPS course, Procurement professionals are also pointed towards international bodies who are working to reduce modern slavery across the globe. One of these is the International Labour Organisation, which is an arm of the UN devoted to promoting social justice and human rights. It brings together governments, employers and workers and recognises that no single organisation can stop exploitation. Many British businesses with global supply chains are part of the Ethical Trading Initiative. These include Sainsburys, Primark, M&S and TfL. You will come across the ETI Base Code in your CIPS studies, which has nine principles, including:
Freedom of association (trade unions)
Safe working conditions
Paying a living wage
Closer to home, we’re looking for other businesses in Norfolk who would like to join the business group. In particular, if you operate in high risk industries such as agriculture and food production. Get in touch with ABA Procurement who can pass you on to the right people or contact NASN directly through their website. If you are worried about a potential victim of modern slavery and they are in immediate danger, always call 999 and speak to the police. Other useful contacts include: Modern Slavery Helpline (open 24/7) 08000 121700 GLAA – Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority Tel: 0800 432 0804 EAS – Employment Agency Standards Tel: 020 7215 4477 Email: eas@beis.gov.uk ABA Procurement website here: www.abaprocurement.com
Business leaders were invited to a dinner on Tuesday 4th June, to kick start the recruitment of business representatives for the new Norfolk Business Board by Norfolk County Council. Recruitment is now open for this voluntary role which is aimed at inspirational, experienced, and influential Norfolk business people. Following the end of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Board in April 2024, this is an exciting time for the new Business Board to form. It is also aligned with the possible opportunities provided by Devolution. This representative role will be vital in shaping the economic future of Norfolk. Norfolk Business Board members will help oversee an ambitious, evidence-based economic strategy for Norfolk. Learn more about the Norfolk Business Board. Responsibilities As a Norfolk Business Board representative, you will: · Be responsible for shaping the economic growth agenda for the county · Use your significant expertise to shape and influence strategic thinking, policy, and funding decisions for the county · Be a voice for industry to advocate across sectors, geographies, and business types. This will be at a local and, when required, a national level. · Help us to create an environment where local business can flourish and grow our economy Commitments As a representative, you should be willing and able to commit time to: · Meeting 4 to 6 times a year · Read papers and prepare for meetings · Maintain your local currency as an expert in your sector This should equate to 1 day per month or equivalent. Who are Norfolk County Council looking for? They are looking for people from across Norfolk, from businesses of different types and sizes. They are seeking sector representation from: · Agrifood · Clean Energy · Digital · Financial Services · Tourism and creative · Health and social care · VCSEs · Other sectors. Such as from organisations that are for profit, not for profit, social enterprises, or representatives of businesses. Norfolk County Council are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups. This is to ensure the Board reflects the diversity of Norfolk. Skills: Applicants should have the following skills, experience and outlook: · A drive to put what is best for Norfolk first · Significant experience in a senior appointment · Natural collaborators · Dynamic and successful representative for their sector · Analytical thinking · Evidence-based problem solving · Excellent communication skills · Influencing Renumeration: This is a voluntary role, with no renumeration. How to apply: Send your CV to norfolkbusinessboard@norfolk.gov.uk by the end of the day on 30 June 2024.
Barkers Photo Fun were hired by Norfolk County Council to work at SENDFest, an amazing festival for young people (and their families) run over two days at Easton College. Special guest star on the Sunday (pictured: Chesney Hawkes) hung around for selfies with fans at the end
Barkers Photo Fun were out with their Paparazzi style camera and taking photos of visitors and giving out instant photos with a commemorative border which people can treasure for years to come.
With their unlimited prints, they were a massive hit – Tim Brain the interim Music Hub Manager said: ‘(Barkers Photo Fun) topped the icing on the cake’
At Warren, we are thrilled to share the latest developments in our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. We recently had the honour of welcoming Chris Starkie from Norfolk County Council (NCC) to open our new laser cell officially. This event marks a significant milestone in our company’s history and showcases the collaborative efforts that drive progress in our industry. A major investment in cutting-edge technology The new laser cell represents Warren’s largest single investment to date, totalling £1.5 million. The project has been a long-term vision brought to reality, and it is only through the generous support of Norfolk County Council’s grant of £100,000 that we were able to achieve this ambitious goal. Partnership with Norfolk County Council Our collaboration with NCC has been instrumental in the realisation of this project. As part of our application for the grant, we worked closely with NCC on a comprehensive decarbonisation plan. This plan not only justified our investment but also aligned with our commitment to sustainable practices. Creating jobs and opportunities The benefits of this investment extend beyond technological advancements. We are proud to announce that the establishment of the new laser cell has already enabled us to employ seven new staff members. Among these are four apprentices, who represent the future of our industry. By providing these young professionals with the opportunity to learn and grow within our company, we are investing in the next generation of engineering talent. Supporting the transition to Net Zero This project is part-funded by Norfolk County Council through the Business Transition to Net Zero Scheme. This initiative is designed to support businesses in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable operations. At Warren, we are committed to playing our part in this vital global effort. You can learn more about the Business Transition to Net Zero Scheme and how it supports businesses like ours in achieving sustainability goals. For more information, please visit this link. Thank you to Chris Starkie and Norfolk County Council for their invaluable support.