Member Blog

Last week a vicious, and highly effective, computer virus infected IT systems across the globe. Commercial and educational organisations in Asia were down, Germany’s railway system was affected, even US courier giants Fedex weren’t immune to the virus and here in the UK our health system was hit worst. The NHS, including GP surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals were left with reduced functionality, with some facilities cancelling appointments altogether, including planned surgeries. The majority of this cyber-attack is ‘ransomware’, where the aim of the virus is not just to cause disruption, but to hold information and systems to ransom, promising to grant access to data and the return of a fully functioning system, only after a fee has been paid. As with any malicious demand for money however, there is no guarantee that the agreement will be upheld from the ‘kidnappers’ side once the ransom has been paid. Many speculated that the NHS IT systems were vulnerable because they were still using outdated software – Windows XP – which was more susceptible to hackers, but this has since been shown to be true in only a small number of cases. Some commented that old versions of Windows continued to be used by the NHS because the hardware in hospitals would not run on any later versions of the operating system. We may never know all the factors that left the health service so open to attack, and it is likely to be a combination of many variables, but the important question is ‘what can we do about it?’ As software developers, security is a primary concern from the outset when writing any commercial, or private, software. At Naked Element we build systems with the future in mind, in a way that allows for updates and adjustments. We use predominantly non-Windows based operating systems, such as Linux, to develop and host the software we write. Among the many advantages to developers, non-Windows systems are also less appealing to hackers, as they are not widely used on desktop computers, but they also tend to have fewer security loopholes as they are not as accessible to the everyday user. We also choose our cloud storage provider based on security, as well as cost, because a hacker cannot hold your data for ransom if you already have it backed-up safely elsewhere! As the NHS and other big organisations around the globe wrestle with this latest cyber attack, it is a reminder to us all that, in our ever increasing digital age, cyber security is critical. As hackers become a central concern for institutions who might be vulnerable in the future, it is vital that software should be designed to be as ‘futureproof’ as possible. Words by Lauren

“It’s been a long time coming” David Higgins is a self-proclaimed ‘cyber-security geek’, used to working all over the world with the Foreign Office, now resident in Norfolk. He recently founded the county’s first cyber security cluster and is keen to get everyone talking about it. “In the past, it was generally hard to get people interested in security – they don’t think it’s something they need be concerned about – but nowadays people are getting a little more savvy”. Similar clusters are dotted all over the UK, seventeen in total, with the nearest one in Cambridge – David plans to get the Norfolk branch up and running before beginning a similar group in Suffolk. The cluster aims to meet once a month at various Norfolk locations, with the inaugural event in June. The regular meet-ups are free for SMEs, but larger companies are welcome for a modest charge. “I’m hoping it will be a big networking group to get the word of cyber security out. We’ll get developers, other techies and interested businesses in, even just to chat about what they do and how they do it” says David. The events won’t be limited to tech-talk either. Remember the young lad from Norfolk who was convicted of hacking mobile giant TalkTalk a couple of years ago? “I think I’ve got the solicitor that got him off coming to speak at some point!” As well as looking for members to join the cluster, which is free to do through the website, David is also asking for bloggers to contribute interesting and relevant pieces, as well as speakers for future events. “I’d like the cluster to be a big sharing portal where we can all learn and help each other in the Norfolk business community”. To join and find out about forthcoming events visit https://www.norfolkcyber.net/ To email suggested blogs, speakers or other ideas – contact@norfolkcyber.net Words by Lauren

Everyone has been on the receiving end of a “We have updated our T&Cs” email from the likes of Google, PayPal, Twitter, eBay etc. There may be legitimate reasons for this such as a change in the law, company restructuring or changes in working practices. But should you care? Well the short answer is yes.

Why you should care

It is easy to fall into a false sense of security, particularly for trusted brands that you buy from or regularly use their services. If you are a consumer then you may feel more relaxed on the basis that there is a large body of Consumer legislation which sets out a basic standard for suppliers of goods and service providers to comply with. However, this is far from saying that the terms are in your favour, and they are generally not.

It is therefore crucial to know your rights and obligations so that you can make an informed decision when you are signing up to purchase goods online, download an app or use a service. However, this does have to be balanced against how much you want to receive the goods / app / services as there is usually no room for negotiating the terms with giant multinational companies.

For example, in a recent email from eBay we received entitled ‘Updates to your eBay agreements and privacy notice’, eBay clearly state that: “If you choose not to accept these updated terms or the assignment of your agreement to your new eBay company, then you must cancel your eBay account.” So essentially they are saying, accept our terms (and a new contracting entity) or go away.

Because of this, if you still want to receive the service, we can see why you wouldn’t bother wasting your time reviewing the terms, particularly if the changes are not clearly stated. This highlights the risk of a party having the unilateral right to change the contract – they can change key terms and the changes may be hidden in a lengthy document that they know you won’t read.

Scope for negotiation

However, the situation is slightly different in your own business agreements with suppliers and having a good understanding of the ‘reasonable’ contractual position can greatly help increase your bargaining strength. Demonstrating that certain terms are clearly unreasonable to the other party can be a very effective tool in moving the terms towards a mutually agreeable position.

We negotiate contracts for clients every day and by knowing where the key issues are likely to arise, we are able to significantly decrease our clients’ risk, and in particular, remove any right for the terms to be revised without our clients’ knowledge and consent. This ensures that there is certainty in the relationship and reduces the risk of disputes arising.

We would be delighted to help with reviewing and/or negotiating your commercial agreements so please give Cracknell Law a call today on 01603 339044 to discuss your requirements.

“Coming out of uni having had that experience is really valuable in this industry”   “Last summer I carried out a week’s work experience with Naked Element. At the end of the week MD Paul sat down with me and said I’d impressed them, that I had the right attitude and skills set to be a trainer developer, and invited me back for a week’s paid work in my October half term. From that he offered me the chance to come back each holiday since!”   Tom Alabaster was (and still is) a student studying computer science at 6th Form when he was introduced to Paul and the Naked Element team. After having a disappointing start in the world of work experience and being let down by another company, a school trip showed him the variety of tech companies available, and led to him working as an trainer developer. “My 6th Form went on a school trip to nor(DEV):con – that was a great day, I loved that! It was fascinating speaking to all these people from the tech industry, then I arranged work experience with Naked Element.”   “Being there for that first week was such an enjoyable experience,” Tom explains, “it was exactly how I envisioned a software development job being. The Whitespace office was nice and relaxed, it’s a great layout. The Naked Element team were all really friendly too.”   When trying to describe why he likes software development, Tom struggled. Like many of us who find our passion, it is difficult to put into words exactly why it is we enjoy doing it! “I like the challenge of making computers do things we want them to do. The idea of being able to control the way things work by writing exactly what I want it to do. It’s difficult to explain! It’s just buried in me, almost natural. It feels satisfying writing a few lines of code and then having it work and making the computer do something.”   “I’ve been teaching myself since i was around 14” he goes on to explain. “At school they only really did the basics, so learning it myself has given me more confidence in my abilities. It’s also a skill I’ll need in future jobs. Hopefully in September I’ll be going to university to study Computer Science. Beyond that I hope to get into a software development job, as that’s what I’m really into. It was a choice between Leeds Uni or UEA. While they’re both great, Leeds offers the chance to get out there and be more independant. I can remember the day I told Paul that Leeds was my choice, he was actually wearing his Leeds Uni hoody which was a coincidence!”   A combination of natural ability and honest passion, along with an attractive opportunity has meant Tom has real work experience to take with him in September. “I wanted to go back to Naked Element more so for the experience than being paid for it. At the end of the day the experience was the most valuable thing for me. After Uni I’ll be able to come out saying that I have a number of hours actually working for a software development company. Coming out of three years studying having had that experience is really valuable in this industry today.”   Speaking about Naked Element as a whole and what he feels he has gained directly, it is obvious that Tom has gotten a lot more than just work experience hours from his time with the company. “Naked Element have been really supportive in developing me as a software developer, not just specifically to work for them but for moving on in my life and career as well. Paul has said that if I want to go to work for a larger company elsewhere he completely understands that and is supportive of that, recognising that his isn’t the biggest company out there! They’re interested in me as a person, not just as an asset to the company. His influence, and that of Naked Element as a whole, has been really great.”

by Emma Roache ISBN-13: 978-1523989560   I sat next to Emma (complete with orange jumper) at a Norfolk Chamber breakfast in Great Yarmouth. We had the best table for the event and the conversation ranged from Trivium (modern Thrash Metal band) to the Kings of Leon. It’s incredible how, when you get away from business, the conversation flows. Of course everyone talked about what they did and I was delighted to hear that Emma was a coach and that she had a book!   ‘You Can’t Do That’ is like nothing else I’ve read. It’s not science fiction or fantasy and it has absolutely nothing to do with software development or management. The style was easy and simple and very readable. This isn’t a self help book, it’s a travel diary. In most cases you have to read between the lines to see the personal issues which Emma is overcoming, they are in no way exaggerated or over played. Although I’m in no two minds about her dislike of spiders!   Something came across loud and clear. Emma loves people. I found this inspiring. Despite working to break the classic software development mould I still struggle with ‘small talk’ with people I don’t know (unless of course we’re talking Rock & Metal).   This book won’t take you long to read and is well worth it! Could only be improved by being available for the Kindle.

Firstly, I have to apologise – this isn’t a scientific discovery about how eating chocolate will help you find meaning and purpose in your life. Or is it…?

I’d love to be a polymath like Leonardo Di Vinci or Galileo, swanning around the renaissance era being excellent at art, science and architecture but I’m not – I’m definitely not. Or, I’d be very happy to be someone with expert knowledge, to have a specialist subject like the contestants on Mastermind. But again, I don’t.

I am a “Jack of all trades and master of none”. If you’re anything like me, you’ll know how this often leads to those big scary questions like “what’s my calling?” and “am I doing the right thing?”. This ultimately causes confusion and worry about what direction I should be heading in life.  In essence, I am lacking purpose.

In true “Jack of all trades” style I’ve read a few books and have watched various TED talks on purpose over the past few years – it seems to be everywhere at the moment. However, I feel like the questions they pose, intended to help me find purpose, are still too difficult for me as an individual to answer.  I love how powerful and important having purpose is for a collection of people, or a business, but how can I, as me, find it?

Last week it was my birthday and I was bought some fancy chocolates.  In those chocolates was a little note, much like you would get in a fortune cookie. It said…

“Did you plan much of what’s happening right now?”

This question, I believe, unwittingly holds a great way to put a stick in the sand.  Are you in control of your destiny or not? And, whatever the answer is, are you happy with it? And that’s all purpose is really – the steely determination and dogged persistence to not let things get in the way of a goal.

So, if you understand where I’m coming from and struggle with purpose sometimes, here’s a little exercise I did. You’ll need two pieces of paper, and a pen. Hopefully it’ll help you get a handle on things (or at least start to)…

Step One

In the middle of one piece of paper, write “Did I plan much of what’s happening right now?”. Draw a circle around it.

Step Two

On the other piece of paper, list everything that’s important to you right now and for the foreseeable future. Don’t forget to include the ‘negatives’ – your fears are just as helpful, if not more so, than the things you’re looking forward to.

Step Three

Back to your first piece of paper. Move everything from your list of important things into two columns, either side of the question you wrote down. Put things in your control on the right and things out of your control on the left.

Step Four

Now number each item in order of importance, 1 being most important.

Think

You now have in front of you the things you find important, in order. They’re either in or out of your control. How do you feel about that?

If you have more on the left – that suggests you are going along with wherever the tide takes you. And that’s fine, if are you happy with it.

If you have more on the right – that suggests you are forging ahead in control. And that’s also fine, if you’re you happy with it.

Is there anything really important to you that you would prefer to swap sides?This isn’t going to be the answer to everything but, if you do get the purpose, wobbles hopefully you’ll find it useful to take stock of where you currently are.

Please share if you give this a whirl as I’m genuinely curious if a) anyone gives it a bash and b) if it was a useful exercise.

A number of years ago, when I started to develop a workplace wellbeing plan, someone asked me ‘why?’ It was a good question, and a fair question, and it is one that many companies may be considering now as the subject of employee wellbeing gains prominence, not least during this Mental Health Awareness week.

Why? What are the benefits of supporting employees to protect and maintain their wellbeing? Some may argue that it’s just a ‘nice to have’ which really doesn’t make a difference nor have a tangible impact. But I would disagree passionately – I believe there is a very powerful case for placing wellbeing at the heart of an organisation.

Not least because it can have a very real impact on sickness absence. Stress and mental health are in the top five causes of long-term absence¹. This costs companies hugely in many ways – in lost time, in productivity, in providing temporary cover, and in individual and team morale. And the longer that someone is absent, the likelihood of them returning diminishes. But what if companies took a proactive approach and tried to mitigate some of this absence by offering counselling, for example? Such an approach could stop someone who might be struggling from going off sick. And the upfront investment is minimal – around £35 – £55 per session which totals a few hundred pounds: long-term absence costs UK business £4.17billion a year².   The same could apply for those with back pain or other musculoskeletal problems which prevent them from doing their role. Providing physiotherapy could help people get back to work quicker – which will also have a positive impact on the employee’s mental health.

Embedding wellbeing into an organisation empowers managers to have better conversations. If companies have a culture where it is not only safe but positively encouraged to talk about mental health issues, then managers and their direct reports will be able to chat honestly. So, the phone call coming in saying ‘I’ve got the flu’ because the employee daren’t share the truth will be replaced by pre-emptive conversation that ‘I’m struggling at the moment.’ The latter allows the manager to adjust and offer support which can help the employee at that point when they need it most – and this may stop them going off sick. Managers may need help to have these conversations, through workshops – such as the training offered by Bamboo Workplace Mental Health – as well as guidance about what tools they can access to support the employee.

Having an effective wellbeing programme in place will also help employees to remain productive. According to the CIPD and Time to Change, people who are struggling with stress or their mental health say they have difficulty concentrating, will take longer to perform tasks, and will find it difficult to make decisions. Ultimately it will impact upon their ability to deliver their role. It may not always be obvious straightaway that a poorly performing employee is suffering and so managers must look out for dips in productivity as it could be a sign of an underlying issue.

And wellbeing helps to retain people. If employees feel that they are working for a caring company where their needs are understood and met, they are more likely to stay. It will help with attracting new employees too – after all, who wouldn’t want to work somewhere that is supportive, caring and where it’s ok to say, ‘I’m not ok?’

Workplace wellbeing is more than a one-off activity. It is a strategic and practical programme which impacts culturally. It needs to be led from the top, and leaders must role model behaviours that promote good wellbeing: it’s not good enough to say, ‘we don’t have an out of hours’ culture’ then email direct reports in the evening. It’s about supporting managers to have conversations around wellbeing, and giving them a practical toolkit they can use. It’s about training and development, such as Mental Health First Aid. It’s about communications, and making wellbeing part of the everyday dialogue. It’s about targeted activities and interventions which make a difference. And it’s about having the right HR policies and practices to truly embed wellbeing into the culture.

This week, I am looking forward to running a workshop during Freebridge Community Housing’s Week of Wellbeing. The week offers an opportunity for employees to participate in events and activities that promote wellbeing across a range of themes such as ‘physical wellbeing’. The week is fun, engaging and thought-provoking – but the biggest impact is that it leads to conversations about wellbeing, meaning this is just part of the Freebridge way of working.

So the question isn’t ‘why’ to workplace wellbeing it’s ‘why not?’

For more information about ways to empower workplace wellbeing, I can be found at michelle@engaging-people.co.uk or @engagepeopleco I will be speaking about workplace wellbeing at a Chamber workshop on Friday 9th June from 12-2 at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce offices on Whiting Road.

https://bamboomentalhealth.co.uk/

https://www.freebridge.org.uk/

¹https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/relations/absence/absence-management-surveys

²https://www.cebr.com/reports/long-term-sickness-absence-costs-uk-businesses-4-17bn-a-year/

The launch of Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May) and the success of the recent ‘Heads Together’ campaign have inspired me to launch my own blog as part of my business at Feel Well Therapy.

Although I gain great satisfaction from working with patients, I often feel the need to express my opinions on, and support for, a range of issues related to mental health and psychotherapy and a blog seemed to be the ideal way to do so. I am also interested in hearing the opinions of colleagues, clients and organisations – what better way to get the conversation started?!

The Mental Health Foundation is a charity that I admire greatly. They provide outstanding support for patients and mental health practitioners alike. I have been inspired by their new campaign, “Surviving or Thriving?” for Mental Health Awareness Week (#MHAW17) and have been reflecting on what it means to survive or thrive?

During my clinical work, I treat many clients that have survived traumatic events in their lives, such as a road traffic accidents, past abuse or the bereavement of loved ones. Equally I see many clients who talk about struggling with day-to-day life who present with stress, anxiety disorders or depression. Whilst there are many ways that we might learn to thrive in life, for some people this process is achieved with the help of therapy.

Patients often talk about the transition from surviving to thriving when they discuss how they have gained in confidence, how they have learnt to feel more in control of their life rather than being controlled by life, and how they feel that they can move on from difficult issues, or have learnt new skills to cope with challenges. For me, thriving is all of the above, but also about helping patients to live lives that are meaningful to them where individuals learn to value and take steps to achieve positive mental health for themselves.

If like me you would like to follow the Mental Health Foundation’s campaign, then check out their activities here.

Following on from this, the charity also talks about thriving in the context of needing to understand the drivers of poor mental health in society. Stigma is a big factor within this. In the 22 years that I have worked in mental health services, I cannot remember a time that mental health issues has been more in the news in a positive way. Long may this continue!

Destigmatising mental illness is essential to promoting mental wellbeing for all. Princes William and Harry, along with the support of the Duchess of Cambridge, have managed to do this humbly but effectively with their latest ‘Heads Together’ campaign. By revealing the obstacles that they have had to overcome – and the ways in which they overcame – the Royals have proved to be inspirational figureheads for us all, in particular the millennial generation.

So in summary, as we start Mental Health Awareness Week let’s hope that both individuals, clinicians, charities, politicians and society as a whole see this as their opportunity to seize the day, spread the word and talk about mental health, ensuring that future generations are indeed thriving, not just surviving.

In my next blog, I want to consider how teenagers cope with stress and exam pressure. Through my practice, I am well aware of the pressures faced by those aged 15 and over both in life itself and in studying for exams. In the meantime, have a look at BBC Bitesize which provide a practical, supportive webpage for young people called the Mind Set.

For now, wishing you all ‘Good Mental Health’.

Best regards,

Michelle

You may have heard us mention that we like to run a “User Stories Workshop” with our clients to understand requirements before we produce any software. You may also have thought what is it, and why?   User Stories Applied, along with Agile Estimating & Planning, both books by Mike Cohn form the basis of, and have strongly influenced Naked Element’s Agile processes. There is some crossover between the two books, but, as you would expect, User Stories Applied looks in detail at User Stories.   A user story workshop (referred to by Cohn as a Story-Writing Workshop) is a meeting which includes developers, users, key stakeholders and other parties who can contribute to writing the stories. Although the primary objective of the workshop is to produce user stories which enable all parties to understand the requirements of the software and that can be used for estimating and planning, the first step is to identify the User Roles within the system.   User story workshops usually last between two hours and a full day, depending on the scope of the software solution. Naked Element charge a modest rate for the workshop to cover our time. This also includes the proposal and estimate document which is produced by Naked Element following the workshop.   What we ask from the client before the workshop:

• To ensure the necessary people are available, without distraction, for the duration for the workshop.
• To ensure the key stakeholders are included. At the very least you should have someone who can represent:
  • Decision makers
  • Users
  • Domain experts
• To ensure all those attending understand the problems which the software solution will be solving.
• Where possible, ensure all those attending have read chapters 1 to 4 of User Stories Applied by Mike Cohn
• No materials needed. Naked Element will bring all materials needed to capture the user roles and storie

As the client there is some preparation which needs to be done prior to the workshop. However, we don’t expect you to write any stories prior to the workshop – that’s what the workshop is for. A good idea of who will use the system, what you want the system to do and how you’d like it to work is all we need.   A User Story describes functionality that will be of value to either a user or purchaser of a system or software. User stories are composed of three aspects:

• A written description of the story used for planning and as a reminder
• Conversations about the story that serve to flesh out the details of the story
• Tests that convey and document details that can be used to determine when a story is complete.

We can then use these details to work out the estimated time and cost for the initial phase project!   If you feel your current system is inefficient or consists of errors, our Commercial Director, Emma Gooderham would love to hear your ideas.   Contact Emma on 01603 383458 or emma@nakedelement.co.uk.

Did we mention that we make soft furnishings?

No? OK, so we might mention blinds and curtains a lot, but one thing we don’t often mention is that we can also make matching soft furnishings.

Take cushions, for example. We can source from a huge selection of fabrics to complement your handmade roman blinds or curtains. There is something to suit every style and taste from classic to contemporary, cosy cottage to city apartments and everything in between. All our work is made to measure by local craftspeople, and designed to your exact requirements.

To complement your blinds and curtains, we can help you design some other great finishing touches that will add flair to a room and pull your entire design scheme together.

For example, if you are decorating a bedroom you might consider covering the bed headboard in a material that matches or adds contrast to your other soft furnishings. Equally, you might like a range of cushions, or even lampshades, for your bedroom in different sizes and fabrics to add subtle variety to your decorative scheme.

You might also want to consider pelmets and valances for your rooms. These can be created in any fabric and style of your choice. In the appropriate setting, they add a wonderful elegance to a room.

We can even make table runners to create a focal point in your dining-room, tying in all the other soft furnishings. Having a table runner made to measure can also be useful if you have a particularly large table and are struggling to find one of a suitable size and style.

So don’t forget, if you are planning new blinds or curtains for your decorative scheme, have a chat with us about how we can also co-ordinate your soft furnishings for you.

You can visit our Showrooms in Norwich or Attleborough, phone 01603 334035 or book an appointment online for a free consultation at your home or office.

A version of this article originally appeared on our Norwich Sunblinds and Cambridge Sunblinds website.

Today [Wednesday 26 April] is known as Administrative Professionals Day, so everyone at Pure would like to give a big shout out to all the fantastic office support workers across the East of England.

We’ve placed hundreds of people in office support roles across the region, and helped numerous organisations find the high-calibre administration employees they need to keep the business running smoothly. Not to mention the fantastic team of administrators we have here at Pure!

We know these positions are integral to the success of an organisation and that those who hold them are often the unsung heroes of many businesses. For organisations looking to expand their administration team we do more than just fill positions. We offer support and advice to both clients and candidates throughout the whole recruitment process. Our temporary recruitment team is also able to offer the highest quality temps, filling vacancies quickly and efficiently.

Office support roles are extremely diverse and, despite misconceptions, provide excellent career opportunities. Our dedicated office support recruitment team covers roles including: Executive Assistants, PA, office management, administration, customer service and secretarial positions.

If you’re looking for your next career move within the field of business administration, get in touch with us today. We don’t just place people in jobs, we also offer advice on your career path and options for development.

For more information on the support we can provide contact your local Pure office or click here to see the current office support roles we are recruiting for.

When equipping an office with new commercial blinds, functionality is one of the most important factors. Particularly vibrant colours are unlikely to be suitable, but it will depend on your office and the environment you’re trying to create. In the majority of cases though, neutral colour schemes and timeless corporate colours are a safe bet.

Points you should be considering:

• Are you decorating for a single company or for a floor which will be host to several businesses?
• Are you looking for privacy?
• How long do you want the blinds to last?
• Have you got any guidelines on style or colour?
• Do they need to fit with an existing colour scheme?

There might be more things to consider as well, but consider these a starting point.

First things first: which commercial blinds will be best for the space. Functionality and the kind of blinds you choose tend to go hand in hand. Typically an office space will use vertical blinds or a roller blind.

Unlike the sorts of blinds you might be purchasing for use in the home, blinds in offices primarily need to keep light out effectively. Glare can affect how well your employees are able to work on a day to day basis. Reflections and an ability to properly see the screen are all part of it. Even if your staff don’t regularly use computer screens, they will still run in to trouble if they’re having to compete with bright sunshine on a regular basis.

Most commercial blinds will need offer a degree of privacy. The amount needed will often depend how visible the office is. For example, you might need more privacy in a ground floor space than you would from a third floor open plan office.

Blinds can also be used in between offices to offer more privacy. Glass walls look stylish but mean your meeting rooms can be quite visible. A simple horizontal blinds are ideal, as they can be adjusted and folded away when they aren’t needed.

For complete privacy and to block out light effectively, roller blinds are often a wise choice. 

Vertical blinds are particularly common in offices. These work well because you are able to adjust the amount of light let into a room while allowing airflow through the panels. Often these are made of a slightly thinner fabric so that the effect is to dampen the light rather than block it out altogether. The soft and natural light will make for a more pleasant work environment than using harsh fluorescent lighting to compensate for the lack of natural light. Offices which are either over or under illuminated can even contribute to eye strain.

Hygiene is also an important factor in a workplace environment. Commercial blinds often have antibacterial and antifungal properties which keep them looking fresh and new for longer. A more hygienic workplace will lead to lower staff illnesses and a higher rate of productivity in the long run.

Norwich Sunblinds offer a wide range of commercial blinds, which can be made to reflect your corporate identity if desired. To get started, contact us to book an appoint for free measuring. Our fitting service is also free, so the price for the blinds themselves is the only cost you’ll need to pay.

You can visit our Showrooms in Norwich or Attleborough, phone 01603 334035 or book an appointment online for a free consultation at your home or office.

A version of this article originally appeared on our Norwich Sunblinds and Cambridge Sunblinds website.