Water is a finite resource, yet many businesses remain unaware of the role they play in the UK’s growing water scarcity challenge. The Water Literacy Programme is an accredited course designed to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools to reduce their water impact and drive sustainable change.
Through this interactive training, participants will gain a deeper understanding of water challenges in the UK, learn practical strategies to reduce water consumption, feel empowered to lead your colleagues, support your communities, and influence your industry to consciously adopt a sustainable water-use approach.
The Water Literacy Programme is funded by Ofwat’s Water Breakthrough Challenge, Northumbrian Water, Groundwork East, Waterwise and their partners. More details:
The first 2,000 spaces are FREE
Available in England, Scotland and Wales
Online or in-person sessions, created by water industry experts
Courses require 7-8 hours of learning
Modules driven by scientific research
Multi-media tools and resources to enrich the learning journey
Book directly onto the November & December courses: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/water-literacy-programme-4015383
Making Business Feel Lighter – One System at a Time
After a brilliant welcome into the Chambers community (and some great conversations already!), I wanted to share a bit more about what Budease actually does, starting with one of the most popular things I help business owners with: operational modernisation.
For many small businesses, things grow quickly… but the behind-the-scenes processes don’t always keep up. That’s where things start to feel heavy: too many manual tasks, unclear roles, and too much time spent doing things that should be easier.
At Budease, I help small businesses redesign the way their business runs, simplifying admin, tightening workflows, and setting up systems that scale with them. It’s not about making things more complex; it’s about making things feel lighter.
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “surely there’s a better way to do this,” there probably is and I can help you find it!
I’m also gearing up to launch some practical, friendly workshops this autumn, designed to give local businesses the tools and clarity they need to move forward faster. If that sounds up your street, keep an eye out – more on that soon!
And as always, if anything’s feeling stuck in your business, drop me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
If your leads are drying up or your site isn’t converting, it might not be your product, it might be your visibility. Here’s what SEO does when done right: – Gets your business seen by the right people (not just more traffic, better traffic) – Helps you understand what your audience is actually searching for – Positions you as the go-to expert in your space – Gives you real data to make smarter marketing decisions – Makes it easier for customers to find you, without cold calls or hard selling Stop chasing leads. Let them come to you!
Jess, a student from the College of West Anglia, is set to take on an incredible challenge — a charity skydive in support of a great cause, The Joe Dix Foundation.
To help make the most of this opportunity, Jess has launched a JustGiving page to raise vital funds. Every donation, large or small, will help her turn this daring leap into meaningful impact.
You can find out more and make a contribution through the link below, or by scanning the QR code provided.
Let’s show our support and help Jess make a real difference.
Joe’s Story
Joe was just 13 when he was groomed into a county line drug dealing gang in Norwich. It was a life that he struggled hard to get out of for many years.
When he turned 17 he was given a youth referral order which really helped him escape this life style and start work. However, when Joe had turned 18 he was brutally attached and stabbed 7 times by 3 males from a rival gang, on his way to help a friend.
Banham Zoo is thrilled to share some wonderful news about one of our most charismatic residents. Aurora, our playful three-year-old snow leopard, has successfully undergone cataract surgery and she’s already back to padding around her habitat with her usual confidence and charm.
The operation took place in the final week of November 2025 after our veterinary team confirmed that Aurora had a mature cataract in her right eye, a condition she had likely lived with since birth.
Although she adapted brilliantly, the cataract gradually reduced her vision. Thanks to the skill of a specialist ophthalmic surgeon and the dedicated support of our animal care team, Aurora now has a much clearer outlook.Deborah Harris, Animal Manager at Banham Zoo said, ‘It’s great to see that Aurora is recovering well from her surgery. Procedures on big cats are always a little nerve wracking, especially a long procedure but thanks to the dedicated care of the keepers and veterinarians the whole day went smoothly. Aurora is accepting her eye drops for some tasty treats from her keepers and is recovering well.’
Since her surgery, Aurora has been enjoying some gentle recovery time, with extra enrichment and plenty of keeper care, adding eyedrops for healing to her daily routine.
Visitors may spot her taking things a little slower than usual, but don’t be fooled. Her playful spirit is very much intact, and she’s already showing that familiar spark that makes her such a favourite with guests and staff alike.
Snow leopards are listed as Vulnerable and the wild population is continuing to decline, so every individual cared for in zoos play a valuable role in the global conservation efforts for this species. Aurora’s successful surgery supports her long-term wellbeing and helps ensure she remains a strong ambassador for her species.
For a limited time only! Support our conservation efforts and Aurora’s operation costs with a donation of £10 and receive a genuine limited-edition print of Aurora the Snow leopard’s paw print. Hurry – final orders are being placed on 16th December, order here: https://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/support-aurora
We will continue to share updates as Aurora’s recovery progresses, and we can’t wait for visitors to see her thriving with her newly improved vision over the Christmas period.
Protect Your Workplace with Shield Health & Safety Solutions
In today’s fast-paced industrial and corporate environments, workplace safety is more critical than ever. Shield Health & Safety provides comprehensive safety solutions designed to protect your most valuable asset—your employees. Whether you’re seeking top-quality safety training, risk assessments, or compliance guidance, our expertise ensures your business stays safe and compliant.
Why Choose Shield Health & Safety?
At Shield Health & Safety, we understand the complexities of occupational health and safety regulations. Our tailored safety solutions reduce workplace accidents, improve employee wellbeing, and help your business meet legal standards. We offer a complete range of Health & safety RTITB, AITT training program, risk assessments & Safety Consultations, we are an IOSH accredited training provider: Identify hazards before they become problems. Safety Training & Compliance: Equip your staff with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe working environment.
Benefits of Prioritizing Workplace Safety Investing in health and safety not only safeguards your employees but also benefits your business through: Reduced workplace accidents and injuries Lower insurance premiums Improved employee morale and productivity
Contact Us Today! Ready to enhance your workplace safety?
Contact Shield Health & Safety for customized solutions tailored to your industry. Our team of safety experts is committed to creating safer work environments—because safety is not just a requirement, but a priority. We serve businesses across the region. Call us on: 01603 652029 or see more details on the website to learn more. Boost Your Workplace Safety with Shield Health & Safety.
By choosing Shield Health & Safety, you’re investing in a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. Get in touch now and take the first step toward safer operations!
At Swarm we are well known in Apprenticeship Training circles for our Market Research Apprenticeship course which has been transforming careers and departments in Marketing as well as in specialised Market Research itself!
The best way to understand the Market Research Apprenticeship and how it has helped transform Marketing departments and their effectiveness for the business, is to hear from apprentices and employers themselves.
We’re pleased to be able to share these interviews with you from 3 of our Market Research apprentices on the course with us. If you would like to hear more, if you have specific questions, or would like real stories from employers too, give us a call on 0800 086 8199 or email Louie on louie@swarmgroup.org.uk
You can take a look at the details of the Market Research course here on our website:
We’ve still got a few August refresher training dates available:
📅 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th & 29th
📞 Get in touch to secure your spot!
It’s great to see lots of bookings for September already – planning ahead makes all the difference. We’ve also welcomed new customers this week and we’re always grateful for the continued support from our long-term clients. Building lasting relationships is what we’re all about.
💬 Recent feedback has been brilliant:
🩺 First Aid Training – “Great trainer, well communicated, educational, friendly & professional… the most engaging first aid course I’ve had in 13 years.” Reach Truck Training – “Formal, easy to understand, friendly & supportive… really eased my apprehension.”
Feedback like this keeps us consistent and ensures every course is a positive experience.
👶 One of our instructors became a proud father again this week – to a litter of adorable puppies! 🐶
🌾 And finally, we shared a beautiful photo of the Norfolk countryside – a freshly harvested field, a reminder of the hard work our farmers put in all year round despite the challenges of the British weather. And yes… the Shield van made it into the shot!
Get in touch & send us a photo of your local countryside!
I’m excited to share that I’ve recently joined the UK Government’s Help to Grow: Management Programme as an official business mentor.
If you’re in Norwich and Norfolk, I’m here to help you:
. Get clear on where you’re heading (and how to get there)
. Build a stronger business strategy
. Make more confident decisions
. Create a better work–life balance
. Keep your business strong for the long term
For me, it’s all about helping local businesses and self-employed people not just get by, but actually enjoy running their business.
If you ever fancy a coffee and chat about your business ideas, challenges, or next steps, I’m always happy to meet up. Talking things through makes a huge difference.
Click here to find out more about how I can help your business. –Rob
A new cross-sector partnership involving Norfolk Citizens Advice, Age UK Norwich and Voluntary Norfolk has launched Healthy Ageing Norfolk, a coordinated programme designed to strengthen preventative support for older adults across Norwich, South Norfolk, Broadland and Great Yarmouth.
This partnership brings together established, high-impact services that already operate across the county and aligns them into a single, integrated offer. By combining decades of expertise in advice, community support, health coaching, volunteer mobilisation and ageing services, Healthy Ageing Norfolk aims to provide a seamless, non-clinical pathway to help adults aged 50+ maintain independence, resilience and wellbeing for longer.
Norfolk faces significant challenges around frailty, falls and the rising occurrence of multiple long-term conditions. National data, such as Age UK’s State of Health and Care of Older People in England (September 2025), shows that healthy life expectancy at 50 is declining, while more older adults are living with two or more chronic conditions. At the same time, access to statutory support has reduced, leaving many people managing increased levels of need with fewer resources.
Healthy Ageing Norfolk has been developed as a practical, locally focused response to these pressures. The programme strengthens the preventative end of the health and care system, offering earlier, community-based interventions that can reduce avoidable deterioration, delay the onset of frailty and support safer, more independent living.
What the new service looks like…
The partnership adopts a person-centred, strengths-based model that builds capability, confidence and connection. Core elements include:
Health Coaching and Group Workshops focused on strength, balance, nutrition and self-management.
Frailty Screening and Post-Fall Support to help maintain independence, reduce risk and prevent escalation into clinical pathways.
Community-Based Activities that build social connection, tackle isolation and promote active ageing.
Information and Advice Services to help people navigate financial, social care and housing challenges that affect wellbeing.
By aligning these existing services under one coordinated programme, Healthy Ageing Norfolk provides a clearer, simpler route for professionals and residents to access preventative support, reducing duplication and improving continuity.
What the service means for residents…
Referral into Healthy Ageing Norfolk is managed through local councils’ artificial intelligence (AI) system, ensuring that individuals with emerging or increasing needs are identified early and directed toward appropriate support. This targeted approach strengthens multidisciplinary working and complements clinical services by addressing wider social, financial and functional factors contributing to frailty.
Mark Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer of Norfolk Citizens Advice said “We are pleased to collaborate on a unified preventative service for Norfolk residents. By bringing leading services together, we can expand our reach and support more people to address their life challenges and improve their overall wellbeing.”
Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich added “Frailty is one of Norfolk’s most complex challenges. This partnership consolidates our respective expertise to offer a comprehensive package of support that strengthens independence and quality of life for older residents.”
Belinda Axten, Head of Volunteer Services at Voluntary Norfolk said “Healthy Ageing Norfolk strengthens the connections between statutory, voluntary and community services. By working together, we can coordinate support more effectively and ensure that older people receive timely, preventative help long before a crisis point is reached.”
Many UK employers rely on standard drug testing panels to maintain workplace safety and compliance—but these tests don’t always tell the full story.
Routine drug screens typically detect substances like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. However, a wide range of other drugs—including some prescription medications, synthetic substances like Spice, ketamine, and certain opioids—may go completely undetected unless specifically tested for.
This gap in testing could leave employers unknowingly exposed to safety risks, especially in safety-critical industries.
To help you better understand which substances may be missed, we’ve published a full guide:
