Member News

Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, with Sarah Smith, operations manager at Castle Quarter, marking the start of the new waste management contract.

Attleborough-based waste recycling company Anglian has been appointed by Castle Quarter to manage all commercial waste from the Norwich retail and leisure destination. This significant contract is expected to boost recycling rates and will enable waste to be processed here in Norfolk.

This new contract, which started June 3rd 2024, sees Anglian taking on the entire waste contract for Castle Quarter. The contract has commenced with the roll out of a whole host of large bins and skips for dry mixed recycling, glass, metal, card and paper, and tube lights, with the aim of collecting as much waste as possible to be recycled. All waste will be collected by Anglian Waste Recycling for sorting and processing locally, with zero being sent to landfill. Using its state-of-art reporting system, Anglian will provide monthly analysis for Castle Quarter to show a breakdown of waste collected and identify any additional opportunities to increase recycling further. Anglian has been working with Castle Quarter to recycle its food waste since September last year. By installing dedicated food waste bins, Anglian has helped Castle Quarter to divert it from general waste. Food waste is being collected and sent for anaerobic digestion which creates bio-energy (gas) used to power local homes in Norfolk. Sarah Smith, operations manager at Castle Quarter, said: “It’s really important for us to be environmentally responsible and we’re always looking for ways to do better. This latest partnership with Anglian is all part of our wider sustainability strategy at Castle Quarter, and our commitment to operating and managing a sustainable place. We’ve recently had an installation of PV solar panels on our roof and are already working with Anglian to recycle our food waste to create biofuel to power homes. We look forward to teaming up with Anglian on this latest contract, as we invest in new and better ways to manage our waste and minimise its environmental impact.” Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian Waste Recycling, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to service Castle Quarter in its entirety, on the back of the great progress we have already made to find a more sustainable solution for their food waste. We have been working in partnership with the team at Castle Quarter to identify the needs of each business within the centre and ensure we provide the most suitable bins to maximise the amount of waste we can segregate, collect and recycle. We are pleased to be playing our part in helping Castle Quarter to bolster its environmental credentials.” Castle Quarter is a member of Norwich BID, which partnered with Anglian Waste Recycling last year as part of its goal to achieve Net Zero by 2040. Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses 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.ukhttp://www.anglianrecycling.co.uk

This blog explores the significant advancements and real-world applications of AI in mobile technology, highlighting its profound impact on user experience and industry standards. View full blog here

Future Skills NOW, a partnership between Norfolk County Council and North Norfolk District Council, is here to help small and medium-sized businesses in North Norfolk upskill their workforce and overcome skills barriers. Future Skills NOW Leaflet – May 2024

Peerless Plastics & Coatings, an industry-leading manufacturer and applier of innovative hard-coatings for plastic, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the title of “Best Bespoke Protective Hard Coating Solutions Company 2024 – UK.” This prestigious accolade recognizes the company’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the protective coatings industry. The award, presented by Acquisition International Magazine, highlights Peerless Plastics & Coatings’ dedication to delivering high-quality, custom-tailored solutions that extend the usable life of plastic products. The company’s flagship product, PolyGuard™, has been instrumental in achieving this recognition. PolyGuard™ is renowned for its superior protection, incorporating cutting-edge UV technology and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of various industries. Key Factors for Recognition:

• Innovative Technology: Peerless Plastics & Coatings’ proprietary coating technology offers unmatched protection for plastic surfaces, ensuring durability and longevity.
• Sustainability Commitment: The company’s use of UV curing technology and solar panels for energy demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Customer-Centric Solutions: By providing bespoke solutions tailored to specific industry needs, Peerless Plastics & Coatings ensures that customers receive products that are fit-for-purpose and beneficial to their projects.
• Industry Leadership: Peerless Plastics & Coatings’ continuous efforts to expand global distribution and establish PolyGuard™ as a leading sustainable plastic solution have solidified its position as a market leader.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this award,” said Mr Peter Llewellyn-Stamp, MD of Peerless Plastics & Coatings. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. It underscores our commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions to our customers. We will continue to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible in the protective coatings industry.” Peerless Plastics & Coatings’ success is built on a foundation of strong industry relationships and a deep understanding of customer needs. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, electronics, healthcare, automotive, rail, aerospace, retail, offshore gas & oil, and agriculture. By partnering with key distributors and maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction, Peerless Plastics & Coatings aims to further its mission of extending the usable life of plastic products. About Peerless Plastics & Coatings: Peerless Plastics & Coatings is a UK-based leader in the manufacturing and application of protective coated for plastic substrates. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the company provides bespoke protective coating solutions that enhance the durability and performance of plastic surfaces. Peerless Plastics & Coatings is committed to delivering high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions to a global market. For more information, please visit https://www.peerless-coatings.co.uk/

“We seek a talented and experienced senior-level Paid Marketing Specialist to join our dynamic team at Pivotal. In this crucial role, you will lead, innovate, and expand our paid marketing strategies across diverse platforms. As one of our Senior Paid Marketing Consultants, you will drive strategic initiatives, mentor team members, and ensure the successful execution of paid advertising campaigns that deliver outstanding results for our clients.

Working with a diverse range of clients, from SMEs to blue-chip companies across various industries, the successful candidate will be adaptable and eager to work in a fast-paced environment. If you have years of experience within paid media and digital marketing and are looking for an exciting new challenge, this role could be for you.”

Read more about this role: https://pivotal.digital/careers/paid-marketing-specialist

View other careers at Pivotal here: https://pivotal.digital/careers

LinkedIn reminded me last week that it’s been 11 years since I sat at the kitchen table with my £5k credit card and an idea to disrupt the local recruitment marketplace with Spider, the region-dedicated multi-job board advertiser offering SMEs a fixed fee way of advertising and recruiting online…Fast forward 11 years, and we have now helped thousands of companies recruit thousands of great candidates and, on average, run 60 recruitment campaigns for companies of all shapes and sizes across various industries every month…I couldn’t be any prouder!  Fixed fee recruitment advertising is here to stay! It’s not been an easy ride, though, as most business owners will understand.  Most companies celebrate 10 years of business but last year I was feeling disheartened, deflated and kind of fed up that we hadn’t achieved the goals that I’d always dreamt of and I wasn’t running the kind of business that I longed for.  Since then we’ve made changes, addressed issues, and subtly “tweaked” various areas in the business.  We are now seeing growth again, the team is happy and we continue to build a loyal client base of companies who love what we do.  I now feel comfortable in celebrating our 11^th birthday… This milestone is not just a celebration of our company’s journey but also an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported us along the way. We know that not every business has grown, survived or thrived and we feel lucky that we can say that we have.  To celebrate our 11 years, we are excited to announce that we will be supporting 11 charities across the region by helping them recruit great people, free of charge over the next 11 months.  More details will follow, so stay tuned to our socials over the coming days to find out more! I remember the beginning like it was yesterday….the highs and lows that have shaped us. Each year has made us stronger and more resilient, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and genuinely placing our clients at the heart of everything we do.  We’ve won many awards and accolades a many…including Small Business of the Year at the East Anglian Business Awards and IOD SME Director of the Year, and we have previously been selected for the Future 50.  Whilst this is fantastic, our success is deeply rooted in the partnerships we’ve built over the years, and in the past three years alone, we’ve had the privilege of working with 467 companies, each contributing uniquely to our growth and, in turn, us helping them achieve their people goals. Our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating Brexit’s uncertainties to weathering the COVID-19 pandemic’s unprecedented storm, we’ve faced numerous obstacles. Yet, we’ve remained staunch, adapting with agility and resilience.  Always pivoting and looking for the opportunity to be better and be more to our client base.  In 2020, we made a strategic leap forward with the acquisition of Polkadotfrog’s assets, a traditional recruitment agency, solidifying our position as a leader in the local recruitment industry and allowing us to broaden our services and better meet the evolving needs of our clients and candidates. Throughout the rollercoaster ride of running a business, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to innovation. We’ve continually invested in cutting-edge recruitment technology and embraced new ways of working to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving recruitment marketplace.  And without our team at Spider HQ we are absolutely nothing.  A very wise man once said look after your team, and they, in turn, will look after your customers.  To say I’m an avocat of this is an understatement. As we celebrate 11 years of Spider, we extend a genuine thank you to our clients, candidates, partners and Spider fans who have been instrumental in our success. Your trust and support have been the driving force behind our journey, and we look forward to many more years of being part of the business community here in the East of England. Here’s to the next chapter of our Spider adventure…bring on another 11 years. http://www.spiderrecruit.co.uk

Credo is thrilled to announce the appointment of Julian Pilkington as the new Head of Sales at Credo Capital Finance. Julian brings an impressive 30-year career in asset finance to the role. His extensive experience includes six years at Credo, which concluded in 2016, followed by positions at JCB Finance and Propel Finance. He rejoins Credo during a period of significant growth and transformation within the STAR Asset Finance Group. Julian’s expertise will further bolster the team, ensuring to continue in delivering exceptional service and solutions to their customers. Credo has had a fantastic few months, assisting businesses with tailored finance solutions, helping them raise much needed cashflow into their business and to get them the most competitive quotes for their funding; all delivered with a personal touch. The team enjoy going to visit local customers to strengthen relationships, show appreciation for their ongoing support, and better understand their needs. Additionally, they were honoured with a ‘Highly Commended’ status in the recent prestigious Business Moneyfacts Awards, a national recognition of their commitment to excellence. With Julian’s appointment, Credo is poised to continue their upward trajectory as they reach the half-year mark and look forward to helping many more businesses achieve their growth and expansion goals. Call us today on 01603 703180 to book an appointment for one of our managers to come and see you…

Jazz in June is back by popular demand. Join Francesca & Clifford for an intimate evening of Jazz in our pretty courtyard. Unwind with colleagues and friends and enjoy good food, summer drinks and good company. Booking is essential cover charge £12 per person, add a sharing board for just an additional £12 per person. Friday 6th June 6.30pm -8.30pm. To book one of our Jazz in June evenings, call 01603 272008 or email events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk

The rumours are true. Content has become one of the most important strategies in SEO recently. Why, you may ask? Well, for starters, it’s like the secret sauce that makes your website irresistible to search engines and users alike.

Which is what we will be dipping into in this blog. With Google’s latest updates, high-quality content is helping improve a website’s traffic and visibility online now more than ever. In the world of SEO, content isn’t just king, it is the whole court!

The Power of Keywords in SEO Let’s take it back to the basics of SEO: keywords. These can be strategically placed on your website to help it rank organically for your chosen terms. Using keywords within your content is like giving search engines a roadmap to understand what your site is all about, which is crucial when you’re trying to appear in front of your target audience.

Take Fuelsource, for example. They provide fuel delivery across the UK and publish frequent blogs about industry topics and the services they offer. Because they deliver a variety of fuels, it’s important for them to showcase their knowledge about these fuels and answer any questions users might have.

So, a blog post about marine gas oil will include keywords like “bunker fuel,” “MGO,” and, naturally, “marine gas oil.” This not only educates their audience but also helps their site get noticed by search engines. It’s a win-win situation!

This is equally important for an e-commerce website like Rhino Security who supply and install a range of telescopic bollards and security barriers.

Many customers conduct thorough research before making a purchase, comparing different makes, brands, and product types to find the best option. Providing informative descriptions and detailed content about the products is crucial to assist them in making well-informed decisions.

Keeping Content Fresh Now you know what to write about, the next step is to encourage the search engine to prioritise your content. To do this, you need to make sure the content is high-quality and meets users’ needs.

It’s important to make sure your content is geared up for search engines by making sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Regularly updating your content can help to improve rankings. Think of it this way: Google always has the scoop on the newest trends, and it’s more likely to rank content with up-to-date facts since that’s exactly what users are searching for.

Athena Games is a board games shop that really knows how to play the content game. By regularly posting updates about new game releases and providing detailed guides on how to play, they keep their audience engaged and informed. Answering users’ queries thoroughly and making the content valuable and as rare as a collectable card helps them rank higher.

Keeping up to date with industry updates can take a lot of work, especially when your competitors are also in the race to answer the latest questions.

There may be numerous questions about specific topics in your industry that require detailed explanations. For instance, consider Bowles & Walker, a plastic injection moulding company. The injection moulding process involves a lot of technical details, and they strive to offer informative, easy-to-read content that simplifies complex information.

Our tip? Keep your content easy to read and free of heavy jargon. You want your readers to feel like they’re chatting with a friend. Just like we hope this blog does for you—informative, engaging, and maybe even a little bit fun!

Internal Linking Another great strategy to up your content game is to try and include internal linking. Put simply, this is when you link to other relevant pages on your site in your blog post. It helps search engines understand the structure of your site while also shining a spotlight on your individual pages’ importance.

Let’s take Invoke as an example, they supply advertising screens to help businesses with promotion. Suppose they write an informative post about why you should use a window advertising screen to promote your business. It would be a no-brainer to link to their shop window page within that post. This not only gives users a clear path to find out more, but also helps Google learn more about this service.

It’s like giving Google a treasure map with all the X marks pointing to your site’s best content. Just think of it as guiding your visitors and Google through your site, showing off all the highlights.

Let’s hammer home the point: content is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. By creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging content, websites can climb those search engine rankings, bring in more organic traffic, and (fingers crossed) increase those all-important conversions.

If there’s one thing you take away from this blog, it’s this: focus on understanding your audience’s needs and delivering value through your content.

We appreciate this can be time-consuming and even a little overwhelming at times… that’s where we come in. Enter Nu Image! We offer digital PR packages that take care of your website content for you. So, if you’re ready to take a load off, just get in touch with us on 01603 859007 and we can have a chat about how we can help you. 

Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, has opened a new store on the upper ground floor of Chantry Place shopping centre in Norwich.

The store, with a selling space of close to 400 m2, exclusively stocks the Woman line and features the New Med store concept, inspired by the Mediterranean and characterised by the spirit and freshness of the brand. Sustainability and architectural integration are key to this new design, which is why new stores feature elements such as eco-efficient lighting and heating and ventilation, and a design which incorporates sustainable materials such as natural paint.

“The United Kingdom is one of our priority markets for Mango’s international growth. Our opening in Chantry Place will help us consolidate the Mango brand in the country,” says Daniel López, director of expansion and franchising at Mango.

Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, comments: “Mango is a fantastic addition to our fashion line-up, giving our visitors more choice when shopping with us. The design of the new store looks brilliant and we can’t wait for people to see it.”

Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, is a global company with design and creativity at the heart of its model and a strategy based on constant innovation, the pursuit of sustainability and a complete ecosystem of channels and partners. Founded in Barcelona in 1984, the company closed 2023 with a turnover of 3.1 billion euros, with 33% of its business coming from the online channel, and a presence in more than 115 markets.

For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk or follow @chantryplacenorwich on social media.

Photo credit: Andrew Gooding

Put your local businesses in the spotlight with programme advertising opportunities in Norwich Theatre’s in-house programme for shows at our Royal venue.   The newest commercial offering is the perfect platform for a business’ message to be seen by the theatregoing audience across a wide range of genres.   For more information visit norwichtheatre.org/your-business-in-the-limelight/ Programme advertising space is available to all businesses. Corporate members and sponsors will receive discounted rates.   For more information about advertising in our programmes, visit here or email corporate@norwichtheatre.org.     

England’s oldest registered whisky distillery The English Distillery and Norfolk charity Walking with the Wounded have come together to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day with the launch of an incredibly special commemorative bottle. Bottled by hand at its Norfolk distillery, the single malt whisky has been expertly aged in a perfect marriage of ex-bourbon casks and virgin oak casks. Limited to only 1200 bottles, this beautiful decanter can be treasured for years to come as a special keepsake of this momentous occasion. £2 from every bottle will be donated directly to this wonderful cause, which leads the way in developing and delivering best-in-class services in veterans’ support. “I think it’s pretty cool that the whisky, a spirit in its own right of course, now embodies a spirit of solidarity and support. The English Whisky Co’s D-Day 80th commemorative bottle not only honours history, but also champions the future, aiding Walking with the Wounded in its mission to help veterans thrive in life following military service” Joel Oxberry – Walking with the Wounded.