In this podcast, we’re joined by Richard Seppings, Founder of Anglia Car Charging, an independent installer of electric car charging equipment.
From working in his family-run business on a Norfolk farm, getting into Newcastle University with tons of determination and grit and working within the agricultural sector before discovering the world of green energy. This podcast is full of sustainability, electric cars, and environmental issues.
Delivering EV charging solutions for businesses and organisations of all sizes across East Anglia
We are number 1 in East Anglia for the supply and installation of EV charging systems. Based just south of Norwich, we cover the whole East Anglian region.
Flagship Group’s first ever higher level apprentices undertaking its pioneering ‘Bright Futures Programme’ are well on their way to gaining a degree and a career in housing. During National Apprenticeships Week (5-9 March), Flagship are celebrating the new qualification and the value of apprentices within the business. The innovative degree sponsored management training programme, which is a first for the housing sector, brings together the best of higher and vocational education. Matt Levesley, 18, and Ellie Colk, 19, both from Norwich, started their Housing Policy and Practice Apprenticeship last summer and will complete the course in 2020. At that time, both will have gained a degree and have permanent employment with Flagship. Matt said: “When I saw the apprenticeship advertised I thought housing would be really interesting as it’s so topical, especially at the moment. “The course is fantastic as you get to work across a broad range of departments such as HR, Development, Response and Housing so you quickly learn about all aspects of the business and meet lots of different colleagues. “Flagship is a really welcoming organisation and there are so many exciting things to get involved in.” Ellie said: “This particular apprenticeship really appealed to me as it looked different to many of the others which focus a lot on admin. Already we’ve been involved in lots of projects. I like the variety as you’re always doing something different so no two days are the same. “It’s a great opportunity to learn valuable skills such as social and IT skills which you can apply anywhere.” The Programme brings together the next generation of housing employees with leaders and mentors from the industry. From September 2018, two new positions will be available on the Bright Futures Programme. The apprentices will split their time between the workplace and university study. Most of the university study will be online with some attendance at Salford University, dependent on the needs of the apprentice and Flagship. Lisa Collen, Director of People at Flagship, said: “We’re passionate about growing our own talent which is why we value our Apprenticeship Programme so much. With over 20 years of experience in the housing sector, our skilled staff are keen to pass on their knowledge to the next generation, hoping to make a difference in the housing industry. “Ellie and Matt have been fantastic, really embracing our new course. It’s proven to be an excellent way for our apprentices to gain professional training and hands-on practical experience at the same time. This not only allows them to develop a good understanding of our business, but also means they make valuable contributions to our teams.” Since launching its Apprenticeship Programme in 2014, Flagship Group has had 13 young people complete their qualifications, and currently 27 apprentices are working towards qualification completion. For more information about all of Flagship’s apprenticeship opportunities please contact the Learning and Development Team on L&D@flagship-group.co.uk A film of Matt and Ellie talking about their Bright Future apprenticeship can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/85MZkERSUIc
Reacting to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) World Trade Report 2022 released at COP27, Nova Fairbank, CEO at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:
“World leaders will do well to pay attention to this report. The WTO’s call to action is clear – trade in environmental goods and services to mitigate climate change isalso good for Norfolk jobs, productivity and investment.
“It is so important that we seize this moment now;any failure to raise levels of green trade will otherwise damage supply chains, lead to production shortages, and weaken infrastructure in the future. “We need to see a step change in the political response. The report finds green trade has multiplier effects in achieving the transition to low-carbon technologies across the world. Reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers now, could increase green exports by 5% by the end of the decade and cut global emissions too.
“Business is ready to meet this challenge – but we also need global leaders and trade ministers to step up and provide the trade opportunities that allow us to develop growth and lower carbon emissions hand-in-hand.”
An executive summary of the WTO World Trade Report 2022 can be found here.
Commenting on today’s Bank of England interest rate rise, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The decision by the Bank of England to raise the base rate to 2.25% is further evidence they are taking a hard line on tackling inflation. Our research shows that unrelenting inflation, largely driven by rising energy costs, is by far and away the top business concern at present.
“But the Bank faces an increasingly tricky balancing act. The interest rate is a very blunt instrument to control inflationary pressures that are largely driven by rocketing energy costs and global supply chain disruption. The Bank’s decision to raise rates will increase the risk for individuals and organisations exposed to debt burdens and rising mortgage costs – dampening consumer confidence.
“Recent energy price cap announcements will have provided some comfort to businesses and households alike and should place downward pressure on the rate of inflation.
“Friday’s fiscal statement by the Chancellor is now a critical moment. He has the unenviable task of shoring up the economy whilst avoiding additional inflationary stimulus.
“The Bank, looking to dampen consumer demand, and Government, looking to increase growth, could now be pulling in opposite directions.
“What businesses will want to see is a plan to address the short-term drivers of inflation as well as a long-term strategy to promote investment that gives them confidence for the future and counteracts the recessionary pull of rising interest rates.”
In August 2025, Grade
(UK) Limited, trading as Vision Plus, entered administration following several
years of challenging trading conditions. Vision Plus is a well-established
manufacturer and distributor of television antennas and related products for the
caravan, motorhome, and marine markets.
Despite investment in
innovative new Wi-Fi-enabled antenna technology, the company struggled with:
·A 25% drop in sales in
2024, followed by a further 25% decline in the first quarter of 2025
·Shifting consumer
demand and increasing competitive pressures
·Long-term declining
market conditions in the recreational vehicle sector since 2018
With the business
unable to achieve the turnaround required, Leading Business Services were
appointed as joint administrators.
The Solution: A
Pre-Pack Sale
Our team secured a
pre-packaged sale of the business and its assets to an unconnected buyer. This
approach allowed us to:
·Preserve the ongoing
value of the business
·Secure employment where
possible
·Maximise returns for
creditors
What is a Pre-Pack
Administration?
A pre-pack
administration is a restructuring process where a sale of the company’s
business and assets is arranged before administrators are formally appointed.
Once appointed, the administrators complete the sale immediately.
This strategy offers
several advantages:
·Continuity of
operations, reducing disruption to customers and suppliers
·Safeguarding jobs
wherever possible
·Achieving better
returns for creditors than if the business were broken up and sold piece by
piece
Why This Matters for
Local Businesses
This case highlights
how rapidly market conditions can change, particularly in niche industries. For
directors, taking early advice when challenges arise can create space for
solutions that protect jobs and maintain value.
At Leading Business Services, we work closely
with directors, stakeholders, and professional partners to explore all
available restructuring and insolvency options. In cases like Vision Plus, a
pre-pack deal can provide the best possible outcome for both
employees and creditors, while allowing the business to continue under new
ownership.
If your business is facing financial pressures,
early professional advice can make all the difference.
“Spending time in the pool can help reduce pain, increase flexibility and mobility, stimulate senses and improve balance” – shop customers are being asked to donate 25p to help fund hydrotherapy sessions for the next 12 months
Customers at leading charity shops across the region have the chance to club together and help fund hydrotherapy sessions for families receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The new Help Hydrotherapy Happen campaign is being rolled out in EACH’s 48 shops across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
When paying at the till, customers will have the option to donate an extra 25p and the target is to raise £9,000 – enough to fund a hydrotherapy session every week for the next 12 months.
Ian Nicolson, EACH’s Director of Retail, said: “We’re calling on all our customers to help raise just £23 a week in every shop from 5th August to 29th September.
“If just one in four customers donates 25p we’ll raise over £9,000 during the campaign and that would help pay for a hydro session every week for the next year!
“Of course, there’s no obligation to donate and customers certainly don’t have to give anything extra when they pay for their items.
“However, just 25p would help us greatly, when added together with money raised across the region.
“It’s an exciting campaign that will undoubtedly make a tangible difference to the children and families receiving our care and support.”
EACH has hydrotherapy pools at each of its hospices – at Milton, near Cambridge, The Nook, near Norwich, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
They are warmer than recreational pools and allow families to take a dip together in a private, safe and supportive environment.
“From a child’s perspective, spending time in the pool can help reduce pain, increase flexibility and mobility, stimulate senses and improve balance,” added Ian.
“It’s a wonderful way to enable special memories for families.”
EACH Physical Therapies Technician Lauren Wright hopes customers give generously and says hydrotherapy has become a real passion.
“It’s incredible and has such benefits for the children, for so many different reasons,” she said.
“We’ve got a young girl who lost the ability to walk on land. However, when she gets in the pool, she’s able to take steps in the water, which is huge for her.
“Then we’ve got slightly older children who aren’t able to have much physical contact with their parents, because they’re in wheelchairs and their movement is so restrictive.
“When we’re able to get them in the pool, they’re able to hug their parents, which is very emotional and so important for families.
“It’s an amazing thing to witness and experience and I consider myself very lucky to come in and do this as my job. It’s a real passion of mine.”
International Men’s Day is approaching, and we spoke to Jason Carlton, Director of Uptech on the importance of raising awareness of mental health in organisations.
“International Men’s Day is a good talking point to embrace the people around us and take the opportunity to check in with loved ones, family members, friends and work colleagues on how there are….is anything troubling them that they may be willing to share and open up with.
A high percentage of men are very good at masking their true thoughts and feelings and not sharing with others with their real problems. We have the tendency to allow our thoughts to build up challenges and problems that confront us which in turn can trigger our vulnerabilities that leads to an unclear state of mind into what we think is the way out.
Our mental state and wellbeing is clearly not just down to gender or age its a massive problem across for board and is wrapped around different layers in what is perceived to fit in culturally and accepted in our environments and communities which can isolate us and single us out and have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing feeling alone.
If there is a takeaway in awareness of mental health issues – I would encourage business owners – leaders to roll out mental health champion training within their organisations.
For family members and friends to get involved in your local organisations within your community in learning skills be part of how you can help.
It’s so important with many of us losing someone because we couldn’t see the symptoms …. So to be able to try and recognise when someone is screaming for help but no one hears them!
From personal experience first-hand what I know now has helped me understand more about having the tools and the ability to help others and point them to seek the right help before it’s too late.
Being a mental health champion is not about being the fixer or giving professional advice, for me it’s being the beacon and being able to act when there are obvious signs, when talking to someone who may well be suffering on the inside but doesn’t know how or won’t cry for help!”
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Lauren Farley, Business Development & Events Coordinator at Norwich Theatre Royal.
Lauren discusses her jam-packed year at the Theatre – with some of the most incredible performances from Carlos Acosta to Waitress and Les Miserables as well as Jack and the Beanstalk our 2022 pantomime!
“We have re-launched our corporate scheme, enhancing the offering for businesses and employees alike, offering more benefits as well as unique opportunities through the corporate scheme. Our Creative Engagement team are about to launch an unbelievable Autumn programme of events, which kicks off with our Open Day and Family Festival in July, where we are opening our doors once again and giving people an opportunity to see behind the magic and stand on our very own stage.”
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Neil Foley, Founder of the Business Growth Club.
Neil helps small business owners in Norfolk to stop competing on price, increase sales and grow.
“I’ve run my own business for over twenty-six years, so completely understand the trials and tribulations we small business owners go through.
My first business started from scratch and I have never forgotten how hard it was to gain traction. So many different hats to wear, all at the same time!”
Small Businesses have been under intense pressure over the past two years, and with energy costs rising – growth of the small business is going to be challenged even further.
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in this episode Haze Carver is chatting to Lorraine Bliss, MBE and CEO of St Edmunds Society.
Lorraine is heading up a dedicated, passionate team at St Edmunds Society. St Ed’s are the Leading provider of employability skills for young people, providing support for young people living in poverty and struggling with mainstream school.
Lorraine talks about the difficulties, challenges, and wonderful successes that every student at St Ed’s faces and goes through. From the challenges of funding, and donated kitchens for the students to fit, to their recent awards ceremony earlier this year at The Halls in Norwich, Loraine’s determination and passion for her resilient students shines – she remembers every student and each and every story.
Since recording the podcast we are thrilled that St Ed’s won at the recent CSJ Awards! Enormous Co.ngratulations to Lorraine and everyone at the St Ed’s family!
You can listen to the full podcast below
Short on time? Listen to the bitesize Co.next version here
St Edmunds Society are a Norwich-based charity, offering vocational training and employability skills training to young people aged 16-18 (or up to 25 if you have an EHCP). We work with tutors and in partnership with industry experts, to give young people the skills and experience to build their future.
Jordan talks to Haze about Curlyworm’s beginnings in 2019, keeping it going through covid when she lost all her income overnight, up to building her agency from a 5 figure turnover in 2 years to the point where she is bringing in someone else to join the team.
If you missed Jordan’s workshop at our recent flagship B2B event, then listen in to this brilliant podcast to find out more about female empowerment, job titles with a twist, and working your socks off as a family-run business.
We’re proud anti-hustlers
You won’t find us bragging about being part of the “5am club” in fact, we love a good lie-in. Curlyworm Creative was founded to give us the freedom to live life on our terms. And that’s exactly what we do for our clients. Hell, we’ve even helped people give up their 9-5s, all through our awesome content.
“The challenges facing businesses in the UK labour market remain very much the same. We have a critical shortage of skills and labour that is damaging firms and holding back growth.
“Once again, the data shows the number of job vacancies remains at record highs, adding to inflationary pressures.
“With confidence waning as we enter recession, and the expectation of even tougher economic times ahead, we may see more recruitment freezes, job losses and business closures.
“But the underlying problem is unaltered – unless we address the ongoing mismatch of skills available and business needs, this drag anchor on the economy will persist and hinder recovery.
“Concerns are growing about the numbers of people who are leaving the labour market through long-term illness – as well as those choosing early retirement. This will damage opportunities for individuals and the economy.
“The government and employers must work together to solve the labour market conundrum. We must look at ways to help people experiencing ill-health stay in work and to encourage skilled and experienced retirees to return to the workplace.
“We need to remove barriers to work, by offering flexible workplaces, rapid re-training opportunities and better access to childcare and public transport.
“And, crucially, we need to invest more in the training and upskilling of everyone in the workplace so that we are ready to grasp new opportunities for growth.
The Chancellor has an opportunity on Thursday to start fixing the labour supply problem in our economy. If he misses it, growth will remain hard to come by.”
