news

Cyber attack concerns? You’re not imagining it. You’re just paying attention.

When even M&S and Co-op are getting hacked, it’s probably time to stop relying on the digital equivalent of cling film to keep your business safe.

Cyber attacks are on the rise — and SMEs are firmly in the crosshairs. Why? Because hackers know smaller businesses often have weaker defences (and yes, they will try “password123”).

At Beacon IT, we’re on a mission to make cyber security feel less like a panic button and more like common sense.

✅ Phishing simulations

✅ Password managers

✅ Proper backups

✅ Multi-factor authentication

✅ AI-powered protection (set up by real humans — hi 👋)

We break down the risks, the red flags, and the simple steps to keep your business safe — all in plain English, no jargon goggles required.

📖 Read the full article: https://www.beaconit.co.uk/cyber-attack-concerns

💬 Or get in touch if you’d rather talk it through.

Because yes — cyber attack concerns are real. But with the right support, so is your peace of mind.

Create are thrilled to welcome Martyn Broom as the latest addition to our award-winning Acoustics team, led by Jody Blacklock.

Martyn brings 6 years’ experience in the acoustics industry, joining us from Adrian James Acoustics where he progressed from a junior role to independently managing complex acoustic projects. His portfolio includes detailed building acoustics design for commercial, educational, and residential developments; environmental noise assessments and modelling; and acoustic commissioning and pre-completion testing of large-scale residential schemes.

Martyn holds a BSc in Music Technology from the University of Kent and a Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control from the Institute of Acoustics. He is a Member of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA) and has been a registered Pre-Completion Tester with the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) since 2019.

He is also skilled in using industry-standard tools such as CadnaA and CATT-Acoustic, and has delivered CPD seminars, demonstrating his commitment to knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development.

Martyn will be based in our Norwich office, where he will work alongside Principal Acoustic Consultant, Mat Tuora. Together, they will strengthen Create’s regional offering in Norfolk while providing additional capacity to support clients further afield.

Welcome to the team, Martyn!

“It’s great to have Martyn on board. His hands-on experience with sound insulation testing, noise propagation, and room acoustics modelling will help us increase not only our capabilities but also our capacity to deliver for clients. He’s only been with us a few days and is already making a positive impact. His enthusiasm for acoustics is clear, and he’s slotted seamlessly into the team. I’m excited to see what he can achieve.” – Jody Blacklock, Technical Director

Are you looking for better ways to support your teams and colleagues with their mental health?

Local social enterprise Rippleacts CIC, will soon be launching new ‘Mental Health at Work’ training designed to offer practical support for organisations in supporting the mental health of their colleagues and teams. The training, which is developed in partnership with St Barnabas Counselling Centre, has been co-created and is co-delivered by unemployed people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Understanding mental health conditions in the workplace has benefits for everyone, as it creates a safe and supportive environment for staff leading to a reduction in absences and better productivity at work. 

Over the course of a three hour workshop you will learn practical ways to support people with their mental health, build an understanding of different mental health conditions and learn healthy ways to navigate stress and promote wellbeing. 
To be the first to hear about our course as it launches, email hello@rippleacts.org or go to their website here

We’re a friendly little team in Norwich with over 40 years’ combined experience in getting businesses seen online.

Whether you’re a plumber in Peterborough or a florist in Fakenham, we’re here to help you:
📈 Show up on Google
📲 Get clicks on social
💻 Have a website that doesn’t scare people off

We know our stuff, and we care. It’s that simple.

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Book a quick call with us on 01603 343640 

Join us for this special event to celebrate Norwich Wine Week. Enjoy 1.5hrs of unlimited wine with a choice of a main from our French themed Brunch menu in our pretty courtyard.

Just £35 per person.

To book please call us on 01603 272008 or email events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk

Keep up to date with all our events and follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Contract Personnel is proud to announce that we will continue our valued partnership with Norwich City Football Club for the 2025–26 season, marking our 10th consecutive year as an official Regional Partner.

Over the past decade, we’ve been delighted to stand alongside the Club, supporting both on and off the pitch. This milestone is a reflection of our shared commitment to the community, and we are excited to celebrate another season of collaboration.

As part of our partnership this season, we are proud to back defender Ruairi McConville as our sponsored player for 2025–26. We wish Ruairi and the whole Norwich City team the very best of luck for the campaign ahead.

At Contract Personnel, our goal is the same as it has been for the past 36 years – helping people find rewarding work and helping businesses find the right staff to succeed. Whether you’re a fan looking for your next role or a company looking to grow your team, we’re here to help.

We are also delighted that in recent years, Darren Huckerby, Grant Holt, Adam Drury and Darren Eadie have all created content and acted as ambassadors for Contract Personnel and the recruitment services they provide.

Sarah Hooper, Managing Director at Contract Personnel, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 10 years as a Partner of Norwich City Football Club. Our relationship with the Club has always been about more than sponsorship – it’s about community, opportunity, and shared success. We look forward to continuing our support this season and wish the team every success on the pitch.”

To mark the milestone, some of the CPL team recently visited Carrow Road for a quick tour and to capture some updated photographs with our bright LED branding in the background.

For more information, contact the team today on 01603 764044 (Norwich) or 01842 750222 (Thetford).

This week, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a talented work experience student to Brancaster House Financial Planning in the form of Mcauley Holmes, 17, from Taverham Sixth Form.

Currently studying Economics at A-Level, Mcauley has been able to connect his studies with real-world financial planning, from observing market behaviour, going through financial annual reviews with clients, sitting in on marketing meetings and learning how economic decisions impact savings and investments.

Mcauley said: “I’ve enjoyed my week at Brancaster House Financial Planning. It ties into my interest in economics, financial markets and investments. I’m still deciding whether I want to do an apprenticeship or a degree, but this week has given me a firm grounding in the sector.”

Work experience students offer small businesses fresh perspectives. They can enhance productivity, provide a potential pipeline for future hires, and allow staff to develop mentoring skills. Hosting students also strengthens community ties.

Shane Julian, Director of Brancaster House Financial Planning, said: “We have been really impressed with Mcauley’s enthusiasm and curiosity – it’s great to see there is interest in this industry and to nurture the next generation of talent.

“It’s been a privilege to support Mcauley’s development and watch his confidence grow. At Brancaster House, we believe nurturing future talent is one of the best investments we can make.”

Nicola Hall, Finance Manager at 101 Websites & Apps, will be
lacing up her walking boots this May as part of a 26.2-mile charity walk, along with walkers from other local firms, raising vital funds for Nelson’s Journey and Fight Bladder Cancer.

Nicola is joining a team from the popular Norwich gym at Wensum Valley Leisure Club, whose website
design is handled by 101, to tackle the full marathon distance,
following a scenic route from North Walsham along Weaver’s Way to Aylsham, then
continuing along Marriott’s Way to Taverham. Around 50 people are expected to
take part, with many opting for either the half or full marathon walk. 

The walk aims to raise £10,000 for two charities close to
the organiser’s heart. Nelson’s Journey supports bereaved children and young
people in Norfolk, while Fight Bladder Cancer offers patient-led support and
campaigns for greater awareness and improved treatment options. 

The event is being organised by Jenny O’Dowd from E-Zee Insurance Solutions,
whose personal connection to both charities has been the driving force behind
the initiative. Jenny hopes this challenge will not only raise much-needed
funds but also help bring more attention to these causes. 

101 is proud to be one of the sponsors backing the walkers
as they take on the challenge. Several other Norfolk-based businesses have also
lent their support, demonstrating the strong community spirit behind this
initiative. 

Nicola said, “It’s a big challenge, but it’s for two
incredible causes. We’re all hoping for kind weather and generous donations to
help spur us on!”

To find out more about the event or to make a donation,
please
visit the fundraising page. 

This February Half Term will see the return of
‘Chantry Plays’ at Chantry Place Norwich – a free soft play and games area for families to
enjoy.

Law
firm Birketts is reinforcing its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
by being shortlisted in two categories for the Legal 500 ESG awards. 

The
law firm has seen Senior Partner, Chris Schwer make the shortlist for Social
Mobility Champion, while the whole firm has made the shortlist for the Women in
Law: Best Initiative to Improve Female Representation within Senior Ranks. 

Chris
has made social mobility a central tenet of his tenure as senior partner.
Together with the leadership team at Birketts, he has been instrumental in
supporting up and coming lawyers to deliver the project. This initiative,
originally conceived and put into action by our junior lawyers, highlights
their innovative thinking and dedication to making a positive impact 

The
firm’s Social Mobility Insight into Law Experience (SMILE) initiative sees Year
12 students, who are interested in a career in law and meet the PRIME social
mobility criteria, spend a week at Birketts. Students are buddied with trainees
and NQ solicitors, and gain experience in several seats in addition to
workshops relating to legal based tasks and how the business services arm of
the firm work together. 

The
SMILE initiative, though only introduced in the firm’s Ipswich and Chelmsford
offices in 2024, was such a success that it will be rolled out to other
offices, including Birketts’ new Bristol office, in 2025. 

Thanks
to Birketts dedicated female representation development programmes, including
‘Clearing the pathway to leadership’ and ‘Pathway to Partner’ 41% of Birketts’
Partnership are now women, up 14% since 2020, with ambitions to increase this
to 45% by 2026 and 50% by 2030 

Clearing
the Pathway to Leadership and Pathway to Partner initiatives involve workshops
designed to significantly enhance female representation in senior roles. These
workshops provide targeted training and mentorship, equipping women with the
skills, confidence, and networks necessary to advance their careers. By the end
of the workshop, participants will have their own roadmap to progress their
career on their terms and the resources to be more confident in their
day-to-day role. 

Bernadette
Baker, Chair of Birketts People and Culture Committee, stated: “Amidst the
discourse on scaling back diversity and inclusion efforts, Birketts proudly
takes a divergent path. Our exemplary record of women in leadership inspires us
to set even loftier goals. 

“Social
mobility is also a critical focus for us. We are committed to creating an
initiative that goes beyond superficial gestures, providing young individuals
considering a legal career with an authentic insight into the profession and
the inner workings of a law firm. We hope this experience will ignite their
passion and instil the confidence needed to advance. 

“By
embracing a wider talent pool and promoting more women to leadership roles, we
enhance our collective expertise and send a powerful message that Birketts is a
place where careers can flourish, irrespective of background or gender.” 

Birketts
will join other shortlisted firms and individuals at Park Plaza Westminster
Bridge, London on 25 March 2025 for the Legal 500 ESG UK Awards ceremony. 

About
Birketts 

Birketts
is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we
have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge,
Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich, Sevenoaks. We advise businesses,
government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and
internationally across four principal practice groups: real estate, corporate
services, litigation, and private client advisory.