Norwich International Airport’s travel show, which is now in its sixth year, achieved record visitor numbers last weekend with circa 2,000 people attending, all keen to find out as much as possible about the wide range of holidays and flights available from their local airport.
Over 20 airline and tour operator exhibitors attended the event including KLM and Thomson with many commenting that Norwich International’s event is one of the busiest and most successful they attend across the UK and all were delighted with the response this year.
The evening prior, Norwich International, the airlines and tour operators hosted a local travel agents event with over seventy travel experts enjoying an informative, fun evening at Sprowston Manor Hotel. Andrew Bell, CEO, Norwich International Airport commented “This year’s show was undoubtedly the best we have put on in the six years the event has been running, with record visitor numbers. Its a fantastic opportunity for everyone within the Airport’s catchment area to meet airline and tour operator representatives and obtain first-hand knowledge and advice on the destinations they offer from our airport. Our travel show and travel agent event are the only time each year we have so many key travel industry personnel together collectively in Norwich and its testament to the support local people give to these events that they are willing to come. “
An added attraction at the year’s show was the unveiling of ‘Wish you were here’ the airport sponsored dragon which will be part of Break’s 2015 GoGo Dragon trail in Norwich.
The success of last weekend’s travel show comes as an added boost for the airport following recent announcements of new flights for holidaymakers in 2015 to Menorca, along with the news that Thomson Holidays will be offering twice weekly flights to Tenerife next winter.
E-cigarettes (also known as personal vaporizers or electronic nicotine delivery systems) are becoming increasingly more prominent in society. Whilst met with odd looks only a few years ago, they are now widely accepted as ‘the norm’ for those who are trying to give up smoking. The fundamental distinction between e-cigarettes and the traditional tobacco cigarette is that the former contains nicotine, without the tobacco. As it stands, e-cigarettes fall outside the scope of domestic smoking legislation – meaning that it is legal to smoke them indoors.
Employers are often uncertain to what extent they can prevent their employees from smoking e-cigarettes in the workplace. The fact that it is legal to smoke e-cigarettes indoors is often cited by employees for reasoning as to why they should be allowed to use them at work. In fact, it is useful to remember that just because e-cigarettes can legally be used indoors, employers can lawfully prevent employees from using them in the workplace if they so choose to.
Employees are under a duty to obey the reasonable and lawful instructions of their employer. For example, if an employer wished to prohibit employees eating at their desks, for health and safety reasons or otherwise, an employee would be under a duty to abide by that instruction to the extent that it was reasonable and lawful. Failure to do so would be a breach of that duty, and could be treated as a disciplinary matter.
There is therefore nothing to stop employers (if they so wish) from preventing employees from using e-cigarettes in the workplace. It would be a reasonable management instruction that employees must obey. If an employer has a concern that the vapour from the e-cigarette may irritate other employees, or the employer’s clients, is unsure about the health implications of such use, takes the view that it looks unprofessional or has any other sensible reason, it is absolutely justified in prohibiting use during working time.
Conversely, it may be that in an effort to help or encourage its workforce in stopping smoking tobacco cigarettes, the employer decides to allow the use of e-cigarettes at work.
Either way, it is important that an employer is clear about its rules on smoking e-cigarettes in the workplace. We recommend that employers communicate their position on the issue to employees, and some may wish to put a policy in place to govern smoking at work (including the use of e-cigarettes). It is important that employers set out the consequences of use of e-cigarettes at work (if that use is prohibited), which may well include disciplinary action for failure to follow instructions.
If you would like more information on any of the above, please contact a member of our Employment Team on 01603 281139.
Note: The content of this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken in any specific circumstance.
Pure is the very proud sponsor of the ‘Employer of the Year’ award at the Cambridge Evening News Business Excellence Awards. And as the big night approaches on Thursday March 19th we think now is a good time to look at tips on how to be a great employer!
We often talk to our clients about engaging employees, supporting their careers, providing flexible working options and other positive practices. But how much attention do employers give to the physical working environment? The places we work affect our ability to work, so it’s just as important.
Here’s some advice on how you can use your office space to help people do good work and to boost their wellbeing.
Improve air flow It’s official! A well ventilated office can boost business. Research claims that a flow of air and reducing pollutants benefit employees’ health, and reduces sick leave. All of this can result in better productivity and concentration levels among everyone in the office.
Go green Introducing more plants into the environment will improve air quality, and they’re also lovely to look at! They’re a fabulous way of bringing more life to the office (literally!) without costing the earth. Carefully placing potted plants around the office so everyone has one in eye shot can make a big difference to people’s moods. But if you want to be more ambitious, and impress staff and clients, why not opt for a swanky living wall?
Let there be light! Letting plenty of good quality light into your office is one of the keys to keeping people’s energy at optimum levels. Employees tend to be happier (and therefore better workers) if lighting is designed with their wellbeing in mind. Natural light coming in through big windows is ideal – especially if there are also lovely views. Whatever you do, avoid ‘glary’, flickering or dim bulbs – they’re a health risk, potentially causing migraines and eye strain.
Inspiration from feng shui If convincing your boss to hire a feng shui (pronounced ‘fung shway’) expert is going to be a long shot, you can still draw a few tips from this ancient Chinese practice. By simply clearing clutter and encouraging people to organise files so they have their most important documents at their fingertips, the office should feel less chaotic and easier to work in.
Tidy cables A simple task such as tidying cables can spruce up an office no end! Ask your IT team to hide wires and make sure they’re not posing a health and safety hazard.
Space to relax Not every office is suited to having a ‘chill out zone’, but the concept of a space where people can go to take a break from the buzz is great. Over the years, workplaces have become less formal environments as wellbeing influences office design. Whether you create an area where people can go to read, enjoy lunch or just to get away from office activity, there’s no doubt that dedicating a space to calmness can only help employees maintain positive mental health.
Essential ergonomics Back pain, sore necks, aching muscles, eyesight problems, headaches and repetitive strain injury can all be minimised or prevented by good ergonomics. It’s not just another HR buzzword – it’s actually critical to workers’ health. Although it’s a legal requirement to set up employees’ desks correctly, ensuring people maintain a comfortable working environment between assessments is just as important.
Colours create moods Choose the colour for your office very carefully. You might want to include some of your brand colours in the décor, but think about the impact of those shades may have on employees. Some colours are more calming and more grounding, while others are more inspiring. Red tends to bring out the more cautious side to people, while blue seems to make people more creative!
Of course there’s a lot more to it when it comes to being a good employer! But creating an excellent quality working environment can help your business succeed and increase the chances of people staying longer. After all, the days of dull, grey office blocks are long gone!
UK regional airline, LinksAir, operator of the North-South Wales air-link between Cardiff and Anglesey has today announced a new Daily Weekday Norwich service from Cardiff Airport, commencing in April.
With effect from Monday 20th April, LinksAir will commence the new daily service on weekdays, with competitive air fares from just £59.00 one-way including all taxes and charges.
The Cardiff-Norwich service will depart Cardiff Airport, South Wales at 10:20 AM each morning, arriving at Norwich Airport a little over an hour later at 11:25 AM, saving over 4-hours on existing rail or road journey times.
With a well-timed 2:20 PM return service (1.20 PM on a Friday), this new air-link will allow significant time and cost savings on the current difficult cross-country journey so many have to endure.
Spencer Birns, Aviation and Business Development Director, Cardiff Airport said “It is great to see LinksAir adding new routes from Cardiff and taking advantage of the opportunity to connect Wales even further. Norfolk and the East Anglian region will appeal to both business and leisure customers as well as bring visitors in to Wales.”
Norwich Airport Chief Executive Andrew Bell commented “The introduction of the Cardiff route and the new onward connection to Anglesey is another positive step in the airport’s strategy to deliver regional connectivity to both leisure and business travelers as it will not only benefit those working within the energy sector but other industries and those wishing to travel to visit friends and relatives in Wales.”
This service continues LinksAir’s expansion in Wales adding to their recent Welsh Government award of the 4-Year Anglesey-Cardiff service which operates twice daily in each direction in both the morning and evening.
The new Norwich link will also be bookable from and to Anglesey via Cardiff connecting the Energy Island of Anglesey and North-Wales to the East Anglian region which is one of the UK’s busiest regions in the energy sector, especially with gas and offshore renewable developments.
LinksAir Commercial Manager, Roger Hage, added “We are committed at LinksAir to growing the accessibility to both North and South Wales and the UK regions so are delighted to add this new link to our growing network for Wales. With the combination of affordable fares, flexibility in booking and quality service we expect this route to be popular for business and leisure alike to compliment our new twice-daily weekday Cardiff-Anglesey service alongside our other charter and contract flying commitments as a growing regional airline.”
Councillor Ieuan Williams, Leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, said, “I warmly welcomed the introduction of the new additional flight option from Anglesey, which extends the Cardiff service, through to Norwich. Both locations play an important part in the energy sector, therefore, having efficient transport links between these areas with a common interest can only be of benefit to Anglesey and Norfolk.”
Flights are available to book from today at www.linksair.com or via 0844 8002411 or via your local travel agent on all GDS systems as Flexflight. A special “launch” fare of £99 return including a free bag each-way is bookable via our reservations line only until February 13th, for travel between 20th April and 31st October 2015.
The new website for the Ormiston Families “Walk with a Fork” charity event is now live at www.walkwithafork.org. When we saw the name of the event and were then asked if we would design the website for it, we knew we simply couldn’t refuse!
Ormiston Families is a very worthy local charity helping children throughout East Anglia and do lots of great work in Norfolk. Like most charities they rely on donations to keep going and this event is a great idea if you love walking and love food. The idea is you walk 8 miles sampling food from local food and drink suppliers along the way. The Norfolk “Walk with a Fork” takes place on Sunday 5th October at Sennowe Park, see you there!
Age UK Norwich recently organised a magical day out for a group of adults in later life, taking them to the Norwich Theatre to enjoy the enchanting Aladdin panto.
The day began with a delightful lunch at the historic Coach and Horses pub, where attendees enjoyed delicious food and warm company. Following lunch, the group embarked on a fascinating tour of the Theatre Royal, learning about its rich history and the many talented performers who have graced its stage.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Aladdin panto itself. The group was captivated by the talented cast’s energetic performance, filled with all the classic panto fun, laughter, and audience participation.
“We were thrilled to receive a special shout-out during the performance,” said Charlotte Govier, Health and Community Support Lead at Age UK Norwich. “It was a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.“
The event was even more special thanks to the participation of children from Lakenham Primary School. The intergenerational interaction fostered a sense of connection and joy among all attendees.
Charlotte continued “We’re incredibly grateful to CLIF and Norfolk Community Foundation for their support. Intergenerational activities like this are vital for bringing communities together and creating lasting memories.”
The Countering Loneliness Innovation Fund (CLIF) seeks to support projects aiming at reducing loneliness in the Lakenham Ward of Norwich and Reepham and its surrounding area.
The inaugural CTS Transport Compliance Seminar took place on the 5th November at Knight’s Hill Hotel in Kings Lynn, with speakers from CTS Training & Consultancy, JMW Solicitors and the Norfolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit.
This event was attended by around 50 professionals in the logistics industry, from transport managers and planners, business owners, directors and consultants.
The CTS Transport Compliance Seminar was a great opportunity for local transport professionals to expand their knowledge of important compliance issues, keep up with the latest industry developments, and connect with fellow businesses.
Tom Cornwell from CTS Training & Consultancy kicked off the night with the launch of CTS Companion. This new membership service from CTS offers regular support, updates and discounts to help transport operators stay on top of their fleet compliance. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about CTS Companion.
Scott Bell, Partner and Head of Commercial Road Transport from JMW Solicitors delivered a presentation on Keeping Compliant covering Traffic Commissioner powers and avoiding Public Inquiry, as well as a quick round up of ‘hot topics’ in the road transport law sector.
Finally, we heard from Robert Hardingham and Chris Leah with the Norfolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit about their role and the investigations that they carry out. They also touched on plenty of relevant subjects such as load security and bridge strikes, and also did some myth-busting of common misconceptions about their work.
In a dynamic industry like transport and logistics, it’s essential to keep up to date with industry changes and to continuously improve compliance. CTS Transport Compliance Seminars are the ideal place to stay aware of any news and also have the opportunity to ask questions to industry experts. Attendees last night certainly made the most of the speakers’ knowledge and were able to see compliance issues from both the police and the solicitor’s perspectives.
Attendees described the evening as highly informative and appreciated the interactive engagement with the speakers. Many highlighted that the combination of speakers was particularly valuable as their knowledge and experience naturally complemented each other.
Our director Craig said:
“What an outstanding first event for CTS!
I am immensely proud of our team for bringing this initiative to life and deeply appreciative of the positive feedback we received from attendees.
My sincere thanks go to our exceptional speakers for their valuable insights and contributions, which played a key role in the event’s success. We look forward to building on this momentum and hosting our next event in spring 2026.”
Thank you to Knight’s Hill Hotel for the great venue and refreshments.
The next CTS Compliance Seminar returns in the spring, where we will hear from the Norfolk Police Commercial Vehicle Unit again, this time on Safe Loading.
Our recently refurbished offices and meeting rooms are the ideal venue for your meetings, seminars, conferences, training sessions, interviews, a place to grow your business or as a location to give your business a local presence. Set in the centre of Thetford our flexible rooms can be configured to accommodate most needs. Wireless internet access is available in all rooms. Audio visual equipment is also available.
Choose from our range of meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 14 people.
Rooms can be booked for a whole or half day, and are fully equipped with:
Tea, coffee and water
Flip charts and pens
Wireless internet access is available in all rooms
Audio visual equipment is also available
Ample free parking close by
We also provide hot desking facilities where desks can be hired by the week
We all love great customer experiences. Let us be honest, these days it is expected as the absolute ‘norm’. How do you get your most important customer to be as passionate as you are about this hot topic. We at www.shopperanonymous.co.uk specialise in helping you with this. In the meantime, read on and find some great yet simple tips and advice in our monthly newlsetter.
Norwich‐based Metalfrog Studios Limited Presents New Social Media Website to Business Entrepreneurs at ICC Arena in Birmingham
Last Friday, Chris Wheeler, Managing Director of Award WinningDigital Marketing Agency, Metalfrog Studios Limited, presented a new interactive, responsive website, live on stage at the ICC Arena in Birmingham, with Serial Entrepreneur and Head of the newly formed Theo Paphitis Retail Group, Theo Paphitis.
Chris and Theo delivered a live demonstration of the site and showed its instant positive search engine impact upon winners of Theo’s Small Business Sunday Twitter initiative, to over 1000 business entrepreneurs.
The Metalfrog team has created a fantastic, bespoke web centre for the Winners to enable them to privately blog, add offers for general viewing, receive business tips, advice from Theo himself, and much more besides. The designers and developers, alongside the social media management and marketing team, at Metalfrog Studios have been working on this project for six months. This is the second version of the site Chris has delivered with Mr Paphitis.
Chris said ” It is an honour, a privilege, and also slightly nerve-racking, to be standing and presenting with such a prolific and influential person as Theo. The Ryman team and my company have become a great partnership, which has extended from simply being #SBS Winners, into creating the brand, the official badges, and the website. We have worked with (what was) Ryman Group for over three years now, and I am delighted that I can call Theo and his senior management team ‘friends’.
Theo said ” Chris and his team have done an amazing job on this website, working well with my team at Ryman. Chris has always had my admiration as someone who always delivers, for me and for other clients he has, and I would not hesitate in recommending him and Metalfrog to anyone. I am impressed.”
If you would like to visit the website you can find it here:https://www.theopaphitissbs.com #SBS is an initiative created by serial entrepreneur and head of the new Theo Paphitis retail group. Every Sunday he gives six lucky winners the opportunity to be showcased by re-tweeting their tweet, a powerful benefit endorsing your company to his 460,000 followers. To date there are now over 1100 winners, reaping the re-tweet rewards. Want to become a #SBS winner? www.theopaphitissbs.com
Metalfrog Studios Limited is a leading digital marketing web design company based in Norwich. Working with businesses large and small, to increase on-line presence through creative marketing techniques, intelligent investment, and understanding brand culture. If you would like to see how Metalfrog could shape your future online, whether with website design and development, digital marketing and search engine optimisation, or any other on-line services Metalfrog offers, please contact 01603 861830 or view the website :https://www.metalfrog.co.uk
Age UK
Norwich is delighted to announce that the Carols by Candlelight event, hosted
by The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel on December 15th, was a resounding
success. The event raised an impressive £1,185.06, which will be matched by
Aviva, bringing the total to a generous £2,185.06.
The
evening was filled with the spirit of Christmas, featuring traditional carols,
heartwarming readings, and beautiful music performed by the church’s adult
choir. The event created a warm and festive atmosphere, bringing together the
community to celebrate the season.
“We
are incredibly grateful to The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel for hosting this
event and to everyone who attended and donated,” said Bethany Grimshaw,
Marketing and Communications Lead at Age UK Norwich. “The funds raised will
go directly towards supporting older people in Norwich, helping them to live
independent, fulfilling lives.”
This
year’s Carols by Candlelight event was a testament to the power of community.
The Salvation Army Norwich Citadel generously offered their venue and their
choir to support Age UK Norwich’s mission. Age UK Norwich is committed to
improving the lives of older people in the Norwich area. The charity provides a
range of services, including advice and information, befriending, and social
activities.
One of
Age UK Norwich’s clients, Gordon, shared his heartwarming story about how the
charity has positively impacted his life. Gordon, a retired gentleman of 85,
found himself feeling isolated and lonely after the loss of his wife and
children. Age UK Norwich provided him with much-needed support through
companionship, cookery classes and regular attendance to some of the weekly
clubs including walking football and Riverside Multi-games. Gordon said “They
[Age UK Norwich] took me by the hand and led me in the right direction”.
As the
holiday season approaches, it’s a time for giving back and supporting those in
need. By donating to Age UK Norwich, you can make a real difference in the
lives of older people in our community. Your generosity can help provide
essential services, combat loneliness, and ensure that no older person faces
the festive season alone.
Aspiring aviation students are one-step closer to achieving their ambitions after New Anglia LEP secured £3m Growth Fund money to kick-start the development of the aviation academy at Norwich International Airport.
The £12.5m project, unveiled in September 2013, will create an internationally-recognised centre of excellence for education and skills in aviation with a unique collaboration between the region’s employers, education groups, the LEP and local authorities.
It will be the first of its kind in the UK and support 80 engineering apprenticeships per year, as well as degree-level and further and higher education courses in engineering, airport operations and cabin crew training, for hundreds of students. The £3m secured by the LEP will pay for the creation of the centre at the airport.
Mark Pendlington, chairman of New Anglia LEP said: “This project is the centerpiece of all our ambitions to create an aviation cluster around Norwich Airport. The benefits of this academy will be felt by aviation businesses across the UK and the world, it will be a powerful draw for further inwards investment and once again give our region a strong competitive advantage over other key European locations. The academy presents a whole new world of opportunities for local students and we are delighted to have been able to support its creation.”
Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport, said. “The Norwich International Aviation Academy addresses two key issues. Firstly it helps to satisfy the demand for diverse skills at Norwich Airport, a demand which is increasing as the airport, and the businesses that are based here, grow. Without the right skills, the potential of these businesses, and of the Airport, will not be realised.
Secondly, it projects a clear message both across the UK and internationally that we are intent on becoming a centre of excellence for aviation. There is a well-documented global skills deficit across a range of aviation activities which the academy will help to address. This facility will enable local students to go global in their career ambitions, and will attract students into the region from the UK market and overseas.”
KLM UK Engineering Limited has been a founding partner in the project. Arjan Meijer, managing director, said: “KLM UK Engineering is looking forward to delivering its Aircraft Engineering courses to a much larger group of students through the NIAA than can currently be managed at our own college. This will allow the company to transfer its excellent skills and knowledge to the aircraft maintenance engineers of the future.
I am very excited about the academy as it will significantly increase the availability of local technically trained staff for our company. To interest future generations early-on for jobs in aviation is crucial, not only for sustaining our current aircraft maintenance business, but also to allow for further growth of our industry worldwide. The NIAA will position Norwich firmly on the international aviation industry map.”
Simon Witts, Chief Executive of Aviation Skills Partnership said: “We are delighted that we have been able to play a pivotal role in bringing the partners together to make this project a reality. With our main skills partners City College Norwich and University of East Anglia and main project partners NPS Group and WT Partnership, we are immensely proud that we can launch the first of our planned Aviation Skills Hubs in Norwich, a City within a region that I believe offers exactly the right ingredients for a successful academy”.
The remainder of the £12.5m investment is expected to come from loan funding and the private sector, who will provide the “real world” training experience with a full size aircraft, plus additional equipment and aviation facilities.
It is supported by a core group of founding partners, including KLM UK Engineering, Norwich International Airport, Aviation Skills Partnership, City College Norwich, University of East Anglia, New Anglia LEP, Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and Broadland District Council.
The Academy plans to open its doors in September 2016 although a ‘feeder’ programme with City College Norwich started in September 2014.