We’re honoured to be named finalists in the Professional Business category at The Small Business Awards.
The voting period is live now until 1 October, and your support could help us go all the way.
Vote here https://thesmallbusinessawards.co.uk/nationalvoting/
Despite the fact that around 10% of the workforce are affected by domestic abuse and the significant cost that it has on businesses, it is not something that is often considered a “workplace issue.”
Very few businesses will have specific policies or procedures around domestic abuse and it’s probably fair to say that knowledge around domestic abuse is also patchy, particularly when it comes to spotting the signs or providing effective support for colleagues.
Leeway’s goal is to change this, supporting businesses to understand the impact that domestic abuse is having on their organisation, as well as equipping them with the knowledge and tools to support colleagues.
A key part of this is understanding what domestic abuse is and how this may be identifiable in a workplace context.
For instance, you may have noticed that an employee has suddenly started to frequently turn up to work late having previously been reliable and punctual, or maybe they start to take sick leave on a regular basis.
The instinctive first reaction might be anger or frustration, but it is important to fully understand their situation and tackle any conversations in a sensitive way.
Domestic abuse isn’t an issue that people can simply leave at home. They can’t switch it off and not worry about it again until 5pm.
As many as 75% of people are actually targeted at work, reiterating the fact that it is not a solely “home” issue that can be ignored whilst working.
Despite this, people experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to be disciplined or even lose their jobs as a result of higher levels of absence from work, poor time keeping or reduced productivity.
Not only will this have an adverse impact on someone experiencing domestic abuse, but it will also have a financial impact on your business too through recruitment costs and lost output.
Understanding domestic abuse and the impacts it has on those that experience it can go a long way to supporting colleagues affected by it, as well as reducing the costs to your business.
It may be that you make adjustments to someone’s working arrangements, providing them with greater flexibility to attend appointments or to access specialist support.
Employers have a duty of care and are responsible for the physical and emotional health and safety of employees, which should include domestic abuse.
A Bill has been put forward to introduce paid domestic abuse leave in the UK, following the lead of countries like Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.
This is landmark step forward for victims and businesses, providing a legal framework outlining businesses’ obligation to support employees experiencing domestic abuse.
Get Ahead of The Curve
With a Bill supporting paid domestic abuse leave going through parliament, it is clear that businesses have an increasingly important role to play in tackling domestic abuse – and Leeway can help you get ahead of the curve!
We provide Domestic Abuse Awareness Training which aims to equip businesses and organisations with the knowledge and ability to spot the signs of domestic abuse, whilst also being able to signpost employees or clients to access support.
This provides a great platform for your business to understand domestic abuse, the impacts that it is having on your organisation, and the role that you can play in tackling it.
We also provide bespoke sessions specifically tailored to meet the needs of your business, as well as support around updating or drafting policies around domestic abuse.
Not only does this help you to meet your duty of care to your employees, but it will also help to provide a seamless transition if new legislation around paid domestic abuse leave is introduced.
To find out more about how Leeway can support your business, email training@leewaynwa.org.uk or visit our website www.leewaysupport.org/training.
We are also running a free Domestic Abuse Training taster session exclusively for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce members! For more information about this or to book your place click here.
If your website isn’t showing up on Google, it’s not because what you do isn’t valuable. It’s because search engines can’t quite see you yet. That’s where SEO comes in. With the right approach, you can show up where your customers are already looking, so the right people find you at the right time.
Local social enterprise, Rippleacts CIC have launched ‘Neurodiversity at Work’ training, designed to help businesses and nonprofits create more inclusive and supportive working environments for neurodivergent employees.
Supported by funding from the UEA Enterprise Fund, the training has been co-created with and is delivered by people with lived experience of neurodiverse conditions. This has been done to ensure that the content accurately reflects authentic voices, real needs and offers practical solutions.
Founded by Verena Niyadurupola in 2022, Rippleacts supports people who are long term unemployed back into work through coaching, projects that help the local community and peer mentoring.
“We recognised that many of the barriers people were facing weren’t about ability, but about a lack of inclusive support in workplaces,” said founder Verena Niyadurupola. “By working directly with neurodiverse people to co-create this training, we’re giving employers the tools they need to build environments where everyone can thrive.”
The training was officially launched at Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s staff conference last week and is now available to book online.
Believing that inclusive employment benefits everyone, Rippleacts is offering a discounted rate for nonprofits and a flat rate for all businesses. As a social enterprise, all of their profits are reinvested back into their services which means that when you pay a fee for training, you know it is going towards supporting people back into work.
If you want to learn more about how you can support your neurodivergent colleagues whilst making a positive impact, book your training here
Today, the team at Banham Zoo are proud to share the inspiring story of Mahiri, our much-loved 16-year-old female reticulated giraffe, who is now receiving daily respiratory support through a pioneering inhaler delivery system – the first ever used with a giraffe in the UK.
Mahiri, born in Osnabrück, Germany as part of an important European breeding programme, has lived with a chronic nasal condition for much of her life. Believed to be linked to an autoimmune disorder, this condition makes breathing through her nostrils difficult and causes persistent discomfort.
For the past three years, our dedicated animal care and veterinary teams have worked patiently, day after day, to gently train Mahiri to accept treatment voluntarily.
This extraordinary level of trust means Mahiri can now take part in her own healthcarecalmly and willingly, without the need for sedation or restraint – ensuring her comfort and dignity are always preserved.
Her new inhaler-based treatment builds on years of careful work with a nebuliser. Now, Mahiri receives precise doses of Salamol CFC-Free and Clenil Modulite 250 inhalers, specially adapted to suit her unique anatomy and clinical needs. This tailored approach opens her airways, reduces mucus build-up, and provides long-term support for her respiratory health.
“Giraffe as a species can be quite nervous of anything new, so introducing medical equipment takes enormous patience and trust-building. Our keepers adjusted daily routines and worked at Mahiri’s pace to help her feel comfortable. The fact that she now calmly accepts her inhaler is a real testament to the bond between her and her care team.” – Deborah Harris, Animal Manager at Banham Zoo
This achievement is more than a veterinary first – it is a reflection of the compassion, expertise, and commitment that our staff bring to every animal in our care. Mahiri’s journey not only improves her own quality of life, but also contributes to advancing knowledge in giraffe healthcare worldwide.
As a charity, ZSEA relies on the generosity of visitors, members, and supporters.
Withvyour continued support, we can build on successes like Mahiri’s, delivering world-class care for every animal at our zoos and contributing to the conservation of endangered species across the globe.
A big change starts small. To donate £4, text 4WILDLIFE to 70470.
Together, we can give animals like Mahiri the very best chance to thrive.
You’ve got a list of emails… but when’s the last time you actually used it?
Your past clients, enquiries, and subscribers are warm leads, people who already know your brand.
Yet for most businesses, that list just collects dust while competitors show up in inboxes weekly, building trust and making sales.
Every week you don’t send an email is a missed opportunity.
We had to pleasure of attending FWD: London this month, Mailchimp’s biggest conference, and one thing’s clear: email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to grow your business without spending a penny on ads.
We create email campaigns that:
– Build relationships and drive repeat sales
– Speak to the right people at the right time
(segmented and personalised)
– Look slick and on-brand
– Include welcome and sales sequences that run while you sleep
– Actually get opened (and clicked)
Ready to stop ghosting your audience and start seeing results?
Get in touch for a free chat.
A Norfolk-based financial advice firm is urging local people not to overlook their retirement savings, as new figures show billions of pounds in UK pensions are currently unclaimed.
To mark Pensions Awareness Week, 15th -19th September, Planit Financial has launched a free Pension Health Check, a quick online quiz that helps people understand if they’re on track for retirement.
“Most people wouldn’t ignore their health or skip an MOT on their car, but when it comes to pensions, too many people put it off,” said Rebecca Penny, Managing Director at Planit Financial. “We know from speaking to clients that pensions feel complicated and overwhelming, which is why we’ve designed this free tool to make it simple and accessible.”
The health check takes on average five minutes to complete and includes 25 simple questions. At the end, users receive a personalised report highlighting the health of their pension and any steps they may need to take.
According to recent research, over £31.1 billion worth of pensions are currently unclaimed in the UK, often because people have lost track of old workplace pensions or don’t understand what they’re entitled to. Planit Financial hopes the free Pension Health Check will encourage more people across Norfolk to take action.
The tool is available now at https://getinvolved.planitfinancial.co.uk/pension-health-check and is open to anyone, with no cost and no obligation.
“Even if you only spend three minutes on it, it could make a big difference to your financial future,” added Penny.
Celebrating Shortlisting for Managing Agent of the Year 2025 (5,001-15,000 units)A proud moment for Watsons Property Group
We’re thrilled to announce that Watsons Property Group has been shortlisted for Managing Agent of the Year 2025 (5,001 – 15,000 units) at the 2025 Ace Awards!
It’s an honour to be recognised by The Property Institute among such outstanding peers in the industry. Being shortlisted is a testament to the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of our incredible team, who go above and beyond every day to deliver the highest standards of service to our clients and residents.
Having recently been named Lettings Agency of the Year 2024, and shortlisted for Valuer of the Year 2025, this latest recognition cements Watsons’ reputation as one of the most trusted and forward-thinking full-service property professionals across the nation.
Shaping the future of property management
The Ace Awards 2025 showcases TPI’s leading talent and industry contributors, all working to enhance the lives of millions of leaseholders across the UK. This shortlisting is a celebration of our successful growth, from a small local firm serving the Eastern Region to a well-established mid-size firm offering specialist property management services across the nation. We take pride in our integrity and transparency, maintaining an open and honest approach with our leaseholders and homeowners, and are thrilled to see these efforts recognised amongst the leading businesses of our industry.
A testament to our innovation, integrity, and teamwork
At Watsons, we understand that no property or portfolio is the same, and our tailored services allow us to meet the unique needs of each leaseholder and homeowner. Our services are designed to enhance and protect property investments.
Our commitment to clear communication, tailored support, and innovative solutions sets us apart as a leading property management firm. From our property managers, clients can always expect:
This recognition serves as a testament to our team’s hard work, expertise, and continuous efforts in raising the standards of property management services across the nation.
A commitment to residents and leaseholders
Receiving this nomination reinforces our dedication to making every client feel heard, valued, and informed.
Every client receives the same high level of service thanks to our structured internal processes and dedicated in-house teams, who ensure no query goes unanswered and no detail is overlooked.
Thank you
We’re incredibly proud to be recognised at this national level and remain committed to delivering service that’s not only reliable but remarkable. Thank you to all our clients, leaseholders, residents, and colleagues who continue to put their trust in Watsons Property Group.
Contact Our Team
Our property management specialists are here to enhance and protect your property investments. Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Property Management Specialists
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
Phone: 01603 226500
Email: management@watsons-property.co.uk
James, Senior Leasehold Surveyor, awarded Highly Commended as a finalist for Valuer of the Year 2025 Exciting news at Watsons Property Group
We’re delighted to share James Laughlin LLB (Hons), PGDip, AssocRICS, our Senior Leasehold Surveyor & Registered Valuer, achieved Highly Commended following his shortlisting as Finalist for Valuer of the Year 2025, at News on the Block’s The Apartment Adviser Awards.
At the heart of Watsons is a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering excellence in property services. From expert Chartered Surveyors and Registered Valuers to Property Managers and finance professionals, every member plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless experience. We pride ourselves on the expertise and dedication of our team, and this recognition is a well-deserved spotlight on James’ outstanding contribution to both our business and the wider property sector over the last decade.
Formerly known as the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards (ERMAs), The Apartment Adviser Awards is a celebration of the latest developments and leading talent in the leasehold property sector – celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions within enfranchisement, right to manage, and more. We’re incredibly proud to see James’ exceptional efforts recognised amongst such fantastic industry peers.
Having recently been named Lettings Agency of the Year 2024, and shortlisted for Managing Agent of the Year 2025, we’re thrilled to see this success continue for Team Watsons in 2025.
A leader in leasehold valuation
Over the past 12 months, James has made a significant impact in his role, combining technical excellence with a passion for education and thought leadership. From leading internal training sessions for our nationwide surveyor network to advising solicitors across the UK, James has played a pivotal role in demystifying complex leasehold issues – particularly around the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
His expertise in enfranchisement valuation has directly benefited our clients, many of whom have secured considerable savings thanks to James’ deep understanding of the property sector and ongoing developments impacting valuation. Whether delivering the latest insights at Watsons’ Annual Surveyors Conference or supporting a leaseholder through a challenging negotiation, James approaches every case with expertise, support, and confidence.
This achievement is a testament to his commitment to excellence in client communications, service, and quality of service. In every case, James focuses on simplifying complex leasehold matters and delivering clear, tailored advice.
Our commitment to excellence for leaseholders and solicitors
James’ award recognition is just one example of our commitment to delivering property services of the highest standards to the nation. From valuation to property management, we invest in industry accredited training and qualifications, the latest technology, and regularly review feedback from our clients to ensure every client receives a service that is prompt, reliable, and informed by leading industry expertise.
As national property specialists with over 130 years of property experience, our mission remains the same – to support our clients with honest advice, local knowledge, and professional insight you can trust.
Thank you
We’re very proud to see James regognised at national level, reflecting his remarkable efforts to our clients and the wider leasehold sector. We’d like to thank our clients, colleagues, and professional partners for the continued trust you place in Watsons. With your support, our professionals like James, can make a difference to the lives of leaseholders, solicitors, and more, across the nation.
Contact Our Team
Our property specialists are here to support you through enfranchisement valuations, ensuring ground rent is accurately valued, and you are best prepared for negotiations to pay an equitable price for your leasehold valuation.
Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Leasehold and Valuation Specialists:
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
Phone: 01603 751577
Over the past few years, domestic abuse has been an increasingly trending topic but, despite this, knowledge around the many forms it can take and the impacts it has remain patchy.
It’s an issue that affects millions of people across the country every year and is estimated to be experienced by 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in their lifetime.
Many campaigners have described it as a “national emergency”, not only reflecting the vast number of people affected but also recognising the wider impact it has.
Domestic abuse does not only impact those experiencing it, but it also has a massive effect on our society, our key services, and the economy.
Figures released alongside the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) estimated that domestic abuse costs society £66bn every year, with a staggering £14bn coming from lost output – the costs to businesses and organisations through staff absence, lack of productivity, or recruitment.
People experiencing domestic abuse are also likely to be disciplined or even lose their jobs as a result of higher levels of absence from work, poor time keeping or reduced productivity.
Knowing how to respond to domestic abuse is a challenge for many businesses, particularly when it can be hard to spot the signs someone is experiencing it and many are unsure how to provide effective support to those affected.
There will also be many that do not have policies or procedures around domestic abuse, making it difficult to know how to respond effectively and consistently.
Whilst many employers will have clear guidance around issues such as mental health, the picture around domestic abuse is unclear and could be costing businesses.
At Leeway, we believe that by undergoing domestic abuse awareness training we can support businesses to reduce the costs of domestic abuse to their organisations, whilst also supporting them to fulfil their duty of care towards employees.
Our training has supported a variety of organisations, ranging from the health sector and local authorities to financial institutions and local businesses – something that we are incredibly proud of.
We believe that tackling domestic abuse is everyone’s business and that we all have a role to play to support those experiencing it.
Leeway’s Training
The training provided by Leeway aims to equip businesses and organisations with the knowledge and ability to spot the signs of domestic abuse, whilst also being able to signpost employees or clients to access support.
Our Domestic Abuse Awareness sessions break down the different forms of domestic abuse, how to spot the signs – providing real life examples of what this might look like – and how to approach conversations around domestic abuse and signpost someone to support.
We also provide bespoke training sessions tailored to meet the needs of businesses and organisations, specifically covering the issues that are most relevant to their area of business.
Leeway can also provide support for businesses and organisations that are looking to draft or their policies and procedures around domestic abuse.
Not only will this support businesses and organisations to meet their duty of care to their employees, but we also believe that this can save them money too.
To enquire about our training services and how Leeway can support your business, please email training@leewaynwa.org.uk. More information can also be found on the Leeway website – www.leewaysupport.org/training.
Be in the know and don’t miss out on any new workshops, grants, coaching opportunities and special business programmes!
Sign up to our Norfolk newsletter, here.
LinkedInXFacebookEmailShare Grant news, New Anglia Growth Hub, New Anglia Growth Hub newsletter, newsletter sign up, Norfolk workshops
As a society, we have invested greatly in helping people live longer. Now we face the challenge – and the opportunity – of ensuring those extra years are lived with purpose, independence, and dignity.
The Healthy Ageing Norfolk Partnership is at the forefront of this mission. Together, Norfolk Citizens Advice, Voluntary Norfolk and Age UK Norwich bring sector-leading expertise in advice, volunteering, and healthy ageing to create a community-first service that tackles frailty, reduces isolation, and empowers older people to thrive.
We are now recruiting for three vital new roles that will help shape the future of ageing support across Norfolk. Each role is designed to strengthen how we work with individuals and communities, making sure older people can live the later life they choose.
Why Join Us?
At Age UK Norwich, we believe Norfolk should be somewhere everyone can enjoy later life. Working with our partners, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking programme that is making a real difference to people’s lives every day. These roles are more than jobs, they are opportunities to help redesign the way we support older people, giving them the tools, confidence, and community connections to live well.
The Roles
We are recruiting for three vital positions:
· Service Delivery Lead – Lead a team and work with partners to create joined-up, person-centred services that help older people live well.
· Community Support Worker – Support older people and families through change, helping them stay safe, confident, and connected.
· Health Coach – Motivate and guide people to improve their health, build confidence, and stay active in later life.
Be Part of the Change
These new roles mark an exciting step forward for the Healthy Ageing Norfolk Partnership. Together, we can reimagine what it means to grow older, moving away from a focus on decline, and instead building communities where people can age well, connected and supported.
If you share our passion for transforming later life, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more: Age UK Norwich charity job opportunities
Apply here: Age UK Norwich Application Form
About: Age UK Norwich