We pledge to uphold five key commitments: ensuring inclusive and accessible recruitment, effectively communicating vacancies, offering interviews to disabled individuals, providing reasonable adjustments, and supporting our existing employees.
At OPCoachUK we describe ourselves as organisational psychologists and coaches. We also have deep HR expertise. However, we know that doesn’t automatically describe our offering. Particularly with our focus on SMEs, we know that we need to outline what we do, and how it creates positive impact. We don’t expect any CEO to cry out, “Help! For the love of Mike, I need an Organisational Psychologist!”. However, experience tells us that we have a lot to offer any growing SME with ambitions to be a top employer.
At the highest level, we enable organisations to give to and get the best from their people in a way that is fully tailored to business goals, culture and individuals. We have over 10 years of experience of being the oil that gets the engine into perfect performance and allows the leaders to drive the supercar.
That still isn’t very descriptive, so in more detail, what we do depends on the size of business. In organisations that are pre-HR, we can set you on the road to building effective and efficient mechanisms that enable your team members to grow with you. We know how to accurately define an organisation’s culture so that the culture feeds the organisation’s success. All the best People/HR processes feed and refine that culture, while boosting the success of the business.
We can also start from a point of enabling you to manage your team’s performance in a meaningful, but lightly engineered way. The words “performance management” can be very off-putting to a CEO who values their team already, but performance maximisation is quite a different thing. Light touch, heavy impact performance maximisation enables leaders, managers and their teams to stay firmly on a path of professional growth.
In larger organisations that are more “M” and already have an HR/People team, we work to ensure that the nuts and bolts of people management are aligned to your business goals. We can provide training and upskill your managers in the smooth running of their team. If it will work in your business, we can introduce the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to smooth working. Alternatively, we can embed CliftonStrengths to help people to focus on their talents. We also offer straightforward, traditional coaching to leaders and managers. Your people come to sessions with something they want to work on professionally, and we enable and encourage them to succeed within your framework. Coaching is very powerful; it powers growth, reduces stress and drives up retention.
In terms of duration, we can do short-order pieces of work, such as a culture diagnostic. We can do medium-term projects, such as setting up/refining people processes. We can even do long-term work, where your team gets to work with the same coach over a longer period. In these instances we become the oil that keeps the team growing and we vastly reduce the time a leadership team spends on negative People issues.
Regardless of size of business, this begins with discussion around your business goals and your aspirations for your team. Tell us your ambitions and we will suggest how we can support you. If you are situated close to Norwich or Bristol, we’d love to come and meet you. Otherwise, we have traditionally performed most of our work remotely, so you’re more than welcome to speak to us through video call.
We naturally won’t charge for the initial consultation or the resulting proposal. The first 10 leaders who respond to this post and decide to go ahead on the first project of any size will get a 10% discount on our usual prices for that project. For more information, please contact us through opcoach.uk and mention NCC August 2024.
Commenting on the labour market figures for January 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The marked increase in employment is further evidence that the jobs market remains a major positive for the UK economy. Although some firms report that Brexit uncertainty and recruitment difficulties are weighing on hiring intentions, the high degree of flexibility of the labour market continues to limit the impact of a sluggish economy on UK jobs growth.
“With earnings growth rising once again, pay growth is now comfortably outpacing inflation. However, achieving meaningful real wage increases over a sustained period is likely to prove challenging without delivering a marked improvement in productivity and easing the high upfront business costs which stifle pay increases.
“The continued rise in the number of vacancies is further evidence of the growing struggle for firms to hire the staff they need, which is weakening the UK’s growth and productive potential. Against this backdrop, more must be done to protect the long-term health of the UK labour market, including delivering a future immigration system that helps, rather than hinders businesses ability to invest, grow and support the economy. The Prime Minister’s announcement that there will no longer be a cost for EU nationals to apply to the Settled Status Scheme is a welcome move for the many businesses that are concerned about losing European employees after Brexit.”
Can your firm still benefit from CBILS?
Yes! And even if you were one of the lucky few businesses that have secured a CBILS facility already, there is still time to apply for another. Fortunately, here at Credo, we have access to additional lenders who can consider a further facility of up to £250k.
The scheme has been extended to 31st January 2021!
This means that you can still lodge an application via Credo until 31st January 2021. As it stands new applications cannot be lodged after this point.
As of 18th October, just over 73,000 firms had benefitted from a CBILS facility, a total lend of £17.16bn. Many of these firms have benefitted from multiple facilities.
If you’ve already accessed a facility via your bank and still feel your business could benefit more from the scheme, there’s potential for further access. If your current borrowing on the scheme is less than 25% of your company’s annual turnover, then please get in touch as we could help you further.
Questions to ask yourself before considering this;
If you would like to discuss your options then give us a call today and let us do the hard work.
NABAS, the National Association for Balloon Artists and Suppliers, has launched an exciting new balloon recycling initiative with Terracycle. Local NABAS member Claire Carney Floral and Balloon Designs Ltd has signed up to the scheme and is accepting used balloons and partyware from their customers to be recycled instead of going to landfill.
Terracycle specialise in recycling traditionally hard-to-recycle waste, turning it into alternative materials that can be used to make other products. Foil, latex and plastic balloons can all be recycled, along with ribbons, bows, party hats and supplies.
NABAS Co-Chairs Victoria Cooke and Claire Carney said “We are delighted to facilitate this exciting scheme that will make it easy for our members and their customers to recycle used balloons and party products. Diverting these items from landfill and turning them into reusable materials has to be good for the environment. It also demonstrates our commitment to helping customers enjoy their celebrations knowing they can responsibly recycle their party products after the event”.
NABAS is the UK’s independent trade association for the balloon and party industry. For more information visit https://nabas.co.uk/environmental or contact NABAS member Claire Carney at claire@clairesfloralandballoondesigns.co.uk.
Tech Educators are pleased to announce a new course aimed at supporting businesses based in North Norfolk. A tailored version of their existing Digital Marketing with AI bootcamp will focus on the needs of the local region, offering in-person and online sessions that will give you and your business the necessary skills to thrive in todays every changing and evolving digital landscape. You will unlock tools and learn techniques to increase your efficiency using AI.
Funding could be available through the Future Skills NOW grant:
Home | Skills and Training Programme (north-norfolk.gov.uk)
To avoid disappointment, register your interest today:
https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1yDJYQPxJRVeclKbHtg6sfA2dssr9
Captain Fawcett Ltd, Manufacturer and Purveyor of simply ‘First Class Gentleman’s Grooming Requisites’ based in King’s Lynn, has been flying the flag for West Norfolk on the epic BarbersRide motorcycle adventure across Europe to raise funds for international children’s charity Make-A-Wish.
On the 3rd August Richie Finney, owner of Captain Fawcett and co-founder of BarbersRide, set off from Fawcett HQ to join a fellowship of mad-cap motorcyclists, united by their passion for bikes and barbering. The mission? To raise much-needed funds for ‘Make-A-Wish’, a charity which turns the dreams of seriously ill children into real life magic.
Covering 972 miles / 1564 km (excluding getting there and back), a motley crew of over 30 riders roared through their a 5 day mission raising over £25K. Indeed, with BarbersRide now in its eighth consecutive year, since the Ride’s inception, total funds have climbed to over £143K – and donations for 2024 are still coming in! Huzzah!
Captain Fawcett, a West Norfolk Champion and East of England Export Champion, is a key sponsor of BarbersRide. The company founder, Richie Finney, is also one of BarbersRide’s founding members. He says: “It is a true pleasure to be part of bringing barbers and bikers together on these extraordinary annual journeys of camaraderie, mayhem and just fantastic goodwill. 2024 was BarbersRide’s first time taking to the highways of mainland Europe. Suffice to say, the warmth and hospitality of Europe’s barbers never fails to rise above its already legendary reputation. They truly excelled themselves, with live music, food and drinks laid on to revive the somewhat weary riders. We simply couldn’t do it without them. My personal thanks to Jenna at Fawcett HQ for her superb support and (almost) infinite patience!”
Regular BarbersRide Sponsors BARBICIDE® say: “We’ve been with BarbersRide from the start, we believe in what they’re doing for Make-a-Wish and hope that the Captain and his riders had a great European tour this Summer. Barbers do so much for our industry and it’s a chance for Barbicide to give something back.”
BarbersRide have supported Make-A-Wish since 2019, saying: “Make-A-Wish grants special wishes for sick children when they are most in need and bring positivity and happiness in times of distress. We decided to work with a national children’s charity so that children from each region could benefit and Make-A-Wish were the perfect organisation to partner with. In 2024 we were delighted to work with our European friends and extend that support to Make-A-Wish in Germany and the Netherlands. This incredible charity is truly a global phenomenon.”
Make-A-Wish Chief Executive Jason Suckley said: “We are hugely grateful to BarbersRide and all those who have supported their brilliantly unique way of fundraising for Make-A-Wish over the years. Any money they raise will help us with our ambitious mission to light up the lives of every child across the world who has a critical condition, by granting their wish. From the moment they are diagnosed, the joy of childhood is often brought to an abrupt end while treatment, medical appointments and worry take over. It can’t be underestimated how powerful a wish can be in bringing light and joy to those children, as well as their loved ones, creating positive moments and cherished memories that have a lasting impact on all their lives.”
In 2025 BarbersRide will take to the road again. Get involved!
Barbershops and brands
If you are a barbershop who would like to be considered to host an event or if you work for a brand that would love to be involved in sponsorship, then the BarbersRide team will be thrilled to hear from you.
Please email jenna@captainfawcett.com
Barbers and bikers
The event organisers would also be delighted to hear from riders who would like to join them for the ride of a lifetime.
Contact BarbersRide here: https://barbersride.com/
BARBERSRIDE 2024:
Key Sponsors:
• Captain Fawcett
• Barbicide
• Hair Pomades
• Reuzel
Associate Sponsors:
• Lind Newmarket
• Denman Pro
• Denman Brush
• Depot Male Tools
• WAHL Europe
• Uppercut Deluxe
Principal Media Partner:
• BarberEvo
Media Partner:
• Barber Society Magazine (Netherlands)
Hosts:
– Seton Kappers (’s-Gravenzande)
– District Barbers (Amsterdam)
– Herr Feldmann (Monchengladbach)
– FON-iX Coiffeur (Mainz)
– Charlemagne Barbershop (Aachen)
– Schorem (Rotterdam)
Greater Anglia has today (2 September) launched series two of its Life on Rails podcast with Michael Portillo featuring as the special guest in episode one.
Presented by Lucy Wright and Dominic Rosso from the company’s Corporate Affairs team, the Life on Rails podcast gives passengers a peek behind the curtain of one of the largest train operators in the country.
Across this brand-new series of the magazine-style podcast, Life on Rails will welcome a wide variety of special guests who will share their incredible stories. Greater Anglia employees who are at the heart of operations will also explain how they have helped make Greater Anglia the most punctual and reliable train operator in the UK.
There will also be special features that will showcase how Greater Anglia is working tirelessly to give its passengers better journeys. Guests include fleet and operations colleagues who will be discussing how the new fleet of trains have helped to transform rail travel across East Anglia. Later in the series, senior leaders from the Greater Anglia Executive Leadership Team will join the podcast, as well as representatives from Network Rail to discuss how they are continuously investing in rail infrastructure and the role they play in helping us achieve record-breaking performance.
Each episode will delve a little deeper into some of the recent Greater Anglia news highlights. Lucy and Dom will examine some of the company’s most talked about stories and share some previously unknown information.
In a new feature called Destination in the Spotlight, the podcast will welcome Community Rail Partnership Officers from across the network who will share some of the beautiful locations on their route and talk about some of the exciting activities that they are hosting.
In the first episode which launches on Monday 2 September, the journalist, broadcaster, and railway advocate Michael Portillo joins the podcast to discuss his Railway Journeys, what made him fall in love with rail travel, and what he finds most attractive when travelling on the Greater Anglia network.
Michael Portillo, said:
“I have a lot of fondness for Greater Anglia, and it was a pleasure to join their Life on Rail podcast.
“The introduction of the new trains has been particularly impressive, and I have been struck by their acceleration and punctuality. They also look very smart while being quiet and therefore do not upset my soundman if we are ever filming.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to spend time in East Anglia and the Greater Anglia staff very often come out and greet us. They want to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible, and I am truly grateful.”
Also in the first episode, Lucy and Dom will speak with Greater Anglia’s Safeguarding and Community Safety Manager, Georgia Payne. With World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, Georgia will be discussing how we support people struggling with their mental health.
L-R: Georgia Payne, Dominic Rosso, Lucy Wright (Credit. Greater Anglia)
Thalia Rushmore is the Community Rail Partnership Officer for the East Suffolk Lines between Ipswich, and Lowestoft and Ipswich and Felixstowe. She joins the podcast to speak about some of the beautiful locations along this route and share some of the exciting activities that they are hosting.
Dominic Rosso, Greater Anglia’s Senior Media and Public Relations Manager, said:
“The Life on Rails podcast is back. We are truly excited to give passengers a peek behind the curtain of Greater Anglia and showcase how we are putting passengers first.
“It was a true delight to welcome Michael Portillo to the podcast and hear how his affinity with the railway began and why he believes that rail is the best way to travel.”
(Credit. Greater Anglia)
Life on Rails series 2, episode 1 is now live. It is available on all usual podcast platforms and www.greateranglia.co.uk/podcast. The podcast will be issued bi-monthly.
Whilst COVID-19 has dominated the conversation of late, and many of us had almost forgotten about the ‘B-word’, movements around Brexit have continued. With the deadline of 1 January now looming, MHA Larking Gowen, chartered accountants and business advisors, has an online Brexit Hub. Their team of experts will be compiling their insights through blogs, helpsheets, podcasts and more!
Recent additions to the Hub include brochures on Customs Grants Extension and Authorised Economic Operator Status, as well as the following blogs:
Partner at MHA Larking Gowen and Brexit expert, Chris Scargill, recently launched a new Bitesize Brexit podcast as part of MHA Larking Gowen’s Insights series. Episodes so far include:
You can visit the dedicated Brexit Hub at www.larking-gowen.co.uk/brexit-hub/
If you have any questions about Brexit and how it affects you and your business, please get in touch with your usual MHA Larking Gowen contact, or alternatively, call 0330 024 0888 or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk. If you want to contact our team directly for advice or support, you can reach out on Our People page.
Green Duck has been confirmed as an approved supplier for G-Cloud 12.
Green Duck has been approved across all three sections of the Governments Digital Marketplace, known as G-Cloud 12. It is the latest version of the Crown Commercial Procurement Framework for Cloud services which covers Cloud Hosting, Cloud Support and Cloud software.
G-cloud is designed to make it easier for the public sector and government departments to access cloud technology and services. It gives public sector organisations access to a marketplace of cloud suppliers that have been approved through a rigorous assessment process.
Now part of the supplier network, Green Duck’s range of Cloud Services and solutions can be delivered under the G-Cloud 12 Framework.
Green Duck is planning for growth in 2021 and part of that can now be achieved by working with the public sector enabled by our G-cloud 12 supplier status.
Graham Duckworth, Co-Founder at Green Duck says “We are proud to have been accepted as a supplier. G-Cloud represents a great additional opportunity for us, as a cloud service provider, to offer solutions for projects offered by the public sector. More and more government organisations are putting their trust into suppliers that work within the G-cloud framework as they move into a more cloud-based way of working.
“Not only are our core services built around reliability and dependability, but we have a whole department dedicated to cyber security which adds additional weight to our G-cloud supplier status.”
Green Duck is also certified in:
ISO 27001 – Information security
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
ISO 9001 – Quality Management
Greater Anglia is showing its support for World Suicide Prevention Day, on September 10, by training more staff in suicide prevention to help keep people safe on the railway.
Greater Anglia staff have already helped to save 20 lives so far this year, through interventions where they have helped vulnerable or distressed people at stations across the network.
In the last three years, 141 staff have completed Samaritans’ managing suicidal contacts course, which is a one-day course tailored specifically to people working within the rail industry.
The course focuses on the benefits of a short conversation with someone who may be experiencing suicidal feelings and the techniques required to sensitively support that person and help begin their recovery.
These first aid skills are also beneficial when responding to family and friends who may visit the location following a loved one’s death and when supporting a colleague affected by trauma. In addition, they are valuable in our personal lives, listening to friends or family in need.
The aim is to continue to increase the number of staff who have completed the course.
The course is now delivered in-house by Greater Anglia’s learning and development facilitator, Dan Ribbits. A session will take place at Norwich railway station next Wednesday, which is planned to take place the day after World Suicide Prevention Day.
Greater Anglia has recently introduced a Lifesaver award for colleagues who have completed a suicide intervention. As part of this, staff receive a certificate and a badge to thank them for their efforts.
Georgia Payne, Greater Anglia’s Safeguarding and Community Safety Manager, said:
“We work in partnership with the Samaritans, British Transport Police and Network Rail to prevent suicides on the railway.
“We are doing everything we can to keep people safe while using our rail network. More staff than ever before have completed the Samaritans’ managing suicidal contacts course, which helps train rail staff to approach vulnerable or distressed people.
“For every life lost, six are saved and we are very proud of our colleagues who have carried out interventions. The Lifesaver award is a nice scheme to show our appreciation for what may be the hardest part of the job, and it has been well received so far.”
Anyone who needs to talk can call the Samaritans on 116 123.
To hear more about how Greater Anglia is supporting World Suicide Prevention Day, listen to Georgia Payne’s interview on the Life On Rails podcast.
NCSL is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website, now live at Norwich City Services | LATCO | Norwich, UK. This significant milestone marks a transformative step in our digital presence, designed to better service our clients, attract top talent, and increase brand visibility.
The new website offers an intuitive and engaging user experience, showcasing our services, values, and company culture with enhanced imagery and streamlined navigation. Prospective employees will find a dedicated careers section, providing a deeper insight to the exciting opportunities and inclusive environment NCSL offers.
By enhancing our online presence, we are positioning NCSL for greater engagement, stronger recruitment efforts and increased brand identity. We invite everyone to explore our new site and discover what NCSL is all about.