Member News

Cyberattacks on high-street retailers Marks & Spencer and Co-op have sent a clear message to UK businesses: no organisation is too large – or too established – to fall victim to cybercrime. As threats grow more complex, investing in cyber security management is now essential to protect business continuity and reputation. 

At Netmatters, we provide expert cyber security management services to businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and the wider UK. Our services include comprehensive cyber security assessment services, advanced penetration testing, and incident response planning to help organisations stay ahead of emerging risks. 

We also offer free external vulnerability testing – a valuable first step for identifying potential weaknesses in your publicly accessible systems. 

M&S and Co-op Hit by Major Attacks 

Over the Easter weekend, Marks & Spencer experienced a serious cyber breach that disrupted its online operations for weeks. Customer names, contact details, and order histories were exposed – causing not only financial losses but reputational damage and shaken customer trust. 

Co-op faced similar disruption through a supply chain attack that brought deliveries to a standstill, leading to empty shelves and operational setbacks expected to last for weeks. 

These incidents are part of a growing trend. The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 revealed that 43% of businesses – over 600,000 companies – reported a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months. SME’s specifically lose around £3.5 billion a year to cyber attacks. Phishing remains the most common threat, but ransomware and supply chain attacks like these are increasingly damaging. 

What This Means for Your Business 

Larger retailers might have the resources to recover, but for smaller organisations, a similar attack could be catastrophic. Without regular cyber security assessment services or penetration testing, many businesses won’t detect vulnerabilities until after it’s too late. 

At Netmatters, we offer businesses a free external vulnerability scan. This is a security assessment performed from outside a network to identify potential weaknesses in its publicly accessible systems and services. It simulates attacks from a remote attacker, looking for vulnerabilities in things like web applications, open ports, and exposed services. 

This gives you an easy, no-cost way to gain insight into your risk exposure. 

Real-World Results: Theatre Royal Norwich 

Netmatters recently helped Theatre Royal Norwich, one of the UK’s leading regional theatres, strengthen their cybersecurity posture after they recognised vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure. 

Through a comprehensive audit and implementation of advanced security measures – including cyber security penetration testing and endpoint protection – we helped them: 

• Identify and close critical security gaps 
• Minimise operational risk 
• Build a sustainable, long-term cyber defence strategy 

This transformation gave Theatre Royal peace of mind and allowed them to focus on delivering excellent experiences without fear of cyber disruption. 

It’s a clear example of how effective cyber security management can protect even the most public-facing organisations. 

The Cost of Inaction Is Too High 

Cybersecurity should not be treated as a one-off investment or a checkbox for compliance. It must form part of your long-term strategy for resilience. The financial and reputational cost of a breach far outweighs the cost of prevention. 

Netmatters is here to help you stay secure with tailored solutions, whether you’re a retail giant or a growing SME. With locations in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, we offer local expertise backed by national experience. 

Start with a free external vulnerability test – and take the first step towards securing your business. 

Don’t wait to become the next headline. 

Visit our Cyber Security page or contact us today to learn how Netmatters can help protect your business from the growing threat of cyberattacks. 

Come join us for coffee, bacon rolls and a morning of all things Gas at the College of West Anglia! This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow plumbing enthusiasts and air source professionals. 

Full-Time Experienced Vehicle Graphics and Sign Technician 

We are delighted to announce that a very exciting position has arisen within our team for a Full-Time Experienced Vehicle Graphics and Signage Technician. 

We are a small but mighty, family-established business located in the coastal town of Great Yarmouth. We specialise in increasing brand awareness through a broad range of specialist, bespoke services from signage, vehicle graphics and engraving to promotional merchandise and branded workwear. 

We take brands and showcase them in the real world through the design and production of creative signage and eye-catching vehicle graphics, ensuring that our customers gain as much recognition in the real world as they do online. This is where you come in. 

Following rapid expansion since our creation in 2016, we are now actively looking to entrust the Very Important Position of Vehicle Graphics and Signage Technician to a person with solid experience in the following essential areas: 

Key Responsibilities:

• Proven hands-on experience in printing, cutting, weeding and preparing vinyl for vehicle application, along with all aspects of vehicle vinyl removal, application and wrapping

• Proficient in producing finished signs from a variety of materials onto various  substrates

• Operating machines such as large-format printers, vinyl plotters and laminator

• Vinyl weeding

• Stock maintenance of production materials: vinyl, laminates, substrates and consumables

• Running regular print machine maintenance routines and keeping computerised production software up to date

• Assist in onsite signage installations

• Knowledge of signage software (preferably Flexi but training can be given)

Essential Qualities:

• Full, clean driving licence 

• Demonstrate excellent organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work under pressure, meeting tight deadlines when required

• Excellent communication skills

• Adaptable to our fast-paced environment 

• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative

• A passion for accuracy and producing high quality signs and vehicle graphics

• Time management and prioritising workflow

• Ability to multitask

• Able to move heavy materials around the production environment

• Confident to work at customer locations for on-site installations

In return, you will enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for overtime and role development, regular pay reviews, free parking at our premises, holiday allowance + bank holidays, company uniform and the rare chance to work with a team of awesome people in a growing family business. 

Think you’ve got what it takes to join our team? Send your CV and Covering Letter, outlining your incredible experience and skills to our Hiring Manager on sales@thisiseffective.uk. 

Leeway is delighted to join Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, which is a fantastic platform for organisations across the county to come together and connect with each other.

Over the coming months we will be highlighting some of the important work that we do to support those experiencing domestic abuse across Norfolk, as well as raising awareness of domestic abuse and related issues.

Not only does it provide an opportunity to increase the visibility of the important work that Leeway does across the local community, but it also helps the charity create new connections with businesses and organisations.

Connections like these are vital for charities like Leeway as it can help bring in additional revenue through support of fundraising events, corporate sponsorship, or charity of the year initiatives. It also helps us to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support that we provide.

We know that around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. That means that someone you know, whether that is a family member, friend or colleague, will be likely to experience domestic abuse.

Despite its impact across society, domestic abuse remains an issue that is often not openly discussed. That needs to change, and it is Leeway’s mission to deliver this, but we cannot do this alone.

We need the support of business, organisations and individuals to help us to tackle domestic abuse. We believe that domestic abuse is everyone’s business and we all have a responsibility to tackle it.

How can you support Leeway?

·       Support our fundraising events – We have a range of events throughout the year, suitable for everyone! Our events are listed in our member profile so you can see what we have coming up.

·       Corporate Sponsorship – Sponsor Leeway’s events or campaigns and help us to raise money to enhance the services that we provide in Norfolk and Suffolk. Not only does this support us, but it can provide additional exposure for your organisation too!

·       Charity of the Year – Nominating us as your Charity of the Year helps us to support even more people across our local communities, whilst also underlining your commitment to helping those in need.

·       Follow us on social media – This is the best way to stay up to date with our events, campaigns and news!

·       Share our social media posts – This is really simple but helps us to reach more people, including those who may need our support.

·       Contact us – We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to work with us or support us in some way! 

We are thrilled to share that Gail Shemming, our Key Account Manager, has recently been appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Access Community Trust, a remarkable charity that’s been transforming lives across Suffolk and Norfolk for 50 years, supporting people experiencing homelessness, to promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Read more about Gail’s journey to Vice Chair and how you can support Access Community Trust here: https://spiderrecruit.co.uk/news/stepping-up-my-journey-to-vice-chair-at-access-community-trust

The Benjamin Foundation is delighted to welcome you to celebrate it’s 30^th Anniversary at the Butterfly Ball!

Taking place on Friday 26^th September at the Mercure Hotel Norwich, guests can enjoy a three-course meal, with a charity auction and entertainment throughout the night – remember to dress to impress!

Early bird tickets are currently available for £50, which you can purchase here: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/butterfly-ball/

With thanks to sponsorship from Osiris IT, money raised from tickets will go towards supporting local young carer groups across Norwich and Norfolk. For more information you can get in touch at events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk

Norwich will take centre stage in a powerful national campaign to confront the stigma surrounding suicide when the Baton of Hope tour arrives in the city this September. On Wednesday, 17 September, the symbolic baton—created to inspire hope and drive action in suicide prevention—will be carried through Norwich for the first time as part of a UK-wide relay.

Selected as one of just 20 cities across the UK to host the event, Norwich’s involvement comes during World Suicide Prevention Month. Organisers hope the tour will ignite crucial conversations about mental health and wellbeing, while encouraging local communities, charities, and businesses to show their support.

Designed by renowned goldsmiths Thomas Lyte, official silversmiths to the FA Cup, theBaton of Hope has been described as a mental health counterpart to the Olympic torch. It will be passed between more than 40 baton bearers as it travels through the city, stopping at key landmarks and community spaces including:

– Royal Norfolk Showground (departure point)

– Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

– Eaton Park

– Norwich Samaritans branch

– Chapelfield Gardens

– Norwich Lanes

– Norwich Cathedral

– Norwich Rail Station

– Norwich City Football Club (final stop)

The event is being led locally by Norwich Samaritans, working in collaboration with local charities and businesses.

Jane Brown, Director of Norwich Samaritans, said:  “We’re honoured to host the Baton of Hope and help shine a light on such an important issue. Every suicide leaves families, friends, and communities shattered by the loss.  We believe this will be a landmark moment for mental health awareness in Norwich. Our commitment to suicide prevention in the city is long-term and deeply rooted. The Baton of Hope tour is a powerful and moving expression of the strength of feeling across our community—a shared determination to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide. Above all, it reminds us that no one is ever truly alone. Help is out there, and hope is always within reach.”

The Baton of Hope charity was founded by families bereaved by suicide and aims to deliver the UK’s biggest-ever suicide prevention campaign. With suicide remaining the leading cause of death among men under 50 and young people aged 20–34, organisers say the baton’s journey is both a call to action and a message of solidarity.

Further details visit the Baton of Hope Norwich website www.batonofhopenorwich.org.uk or follow Baton of Hope Norwich on Facebook and Instagram

Want to Get Involved?

• Any local businesses or charities interested in supporting this event please email bohnorwich@norwichsams.org.uk 

Not your typical Summer Garden party. Chamber Members are invited to join us for an afternoon of entertainment, drinks, canapés and business networking at one of South Norfolk’s best kept secrets, Applewood Hall.

An event supported by Naked Marketing and SLM Toyota, with drinks and nibbles provided by Florentina Catering.

🗓️ 4pm-8pm on Thursday 12th June
🍾 Complimentary Prosecco and canapés
🚗 View the Toyota new car & van range
📍 Kenninghall Road, Banham, NR16 2HE (next to Banham Zoo!)

This event is free, please simply RSVP before noon on 9th June, via Eventbrite

Happy Volunteers’ Week!

As ever at this time of year, we welcome the opportunity to say a heartfelt thanks to those who so generously, dutifully spare time to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them, and what better time to shout from the rooftops than during this important national awareness week?

It’s firmly etched on the calendar here and only right we publicly recognise the mammoth contribution these people make, from helping in our shops and offering support to families to volunteering in our hospices and at fundraising events.

Selflessly, they give their time to do something incredibly positive and make a difference not only to our charity, and the children and families receiving care and support, but also within their communities.

They’re wonderful people, and I’m always pleased to hear and read of the fulfilment they get from volunteering. Rightly so.

Our legion of volunteers have an impact that washes and swirls throughout the whole organisation, reaching every corner of East Anglia.

They play a game-changing role, and the exceptional care and support we provide is only possible with their help.

Every single person is an important cog in a well-oiled machine, and, to them all, I’d like to say thank you.

Of course, while grabbing the opportunity to celebrate the power of volunteering, it’s also a perfect time to welcome extra pairs of hands.

We can never have too much help, and there are so many roles available, to suit people’s skills and interests. From serving customers and marshalling at bubble rushes to taking on admin duties or maintaining our immaculate hospices, there’s something for everyone.

To find out more, please take a moment to click here or visit www.each.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering

Kind regards,

Kevin Clements, EACH Chief Executive

Up Connect has been shortlisted for three major categories at the 2025 UK Fibre Awards, marking a significant moment for the property surveying experts who work across sectors including leisure, utilities, as well as telecoms.

After winning Best in Services last year, Up Connect is now in the running to defend its title while also competing for Best Vendor/Supplier and Best Rollout Challenge Buster—a testament to its expertise in delivering surveying solutions to the telecoms industry enabling fibre broadband rollout across the UK in both cities and rural settings.

The UK Fibre Awards will take place on June 5th, where Directors Scott Curtis and Charles Thomas will be representing Up Connect at the ceremony. They are looking forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing the moment with fellow industry professionals.

As Up Connect marks its fifth anniversary this June, and with the company’s roots in Norfolk, the nominations add another layer of recognition to its continued growth and success.

Best of luck to the Up Connect team!

We’re thrilled to announce a significant step in the growth of Leading Business Services as we further expand our presence into the Midlands, with the addition of three highly experienced professionals to our team, based in Nottingham.

Having joined us in April 2025, Michael Roome brings nearly 30 years of experience in the Business Recovery and Insolvency industry. A qualified Insolvency Practitioner, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in supporting both individuals and businesses through financial difficulty. He also works closely with lenders to develop strategies that mitigate risk and maximise recoveries.

Also joining Michael are Ross Welham and Kimberley Wapplington — both bringing vast experience and proven capability in the insolvency and restructuring space. Their combined expertise further strengthens our growing team and enhances our capacity to support more clients through challenging times.

This expansion is an exciting milestone for Leading and reflects our continued growth, both in reach and reputation. We’re delighted to welcome Michael, Ross and Kimberley on board.

Your Partner in Planning for a Stronger Tomorrow

At Leading Business Services, we believe that no business should wait until a crisis hits.

Whether you’re experiencing financial strain or simply want a health check to strengthen your foundations, our business advisory team is here to help.

You can contact our friendly and experienced team on 01603 552028 or email us at mail@leading.uk.com.

From 18^th June, we are preparing to have a pool of keen Carpentry Apprentices of varying experience levels ready to start work, training, and progress your Carpentry work tasks.  If you would like us to match the right person with you, we can do that for FREE.  The training costs are also covered for you because Government funding covers the cost of the course with literally no costs to pay if you select to take on someone under 21 – or you just pay 5% if your apprentice is over 21.

Take a look at the course page here for details:  Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship

You can, of course, register anyone in your team for training to begin their course with the new cohort in July and we welcome you to register by emailing Louisa at lou@swarmgroup.org.uk

With regards to the apprentice you will have for your business, we take quality and behaviour in the workplace very seriously and will be training them to be reliable, accurate and safe in the way they conduct themselves and care about their work.  We push for best practice in every way and are passionate about preparing the next generation of apprentices to not only care about quality but also be commercially aware.

The training will take place in our well-equipped Swarm REAGIT engineering centre in the heart of Norwich which is a highly controlled environment whilst apprentices learn that all important Health & Safety awareness.  They will spend an initial 4 weeks training with us followed by 4 weeks in your workplace. After that, they will progress through cycles of 2 weeks in the engineering centre and 4 weeks on their jobs with you.

Did you know?

72% of businesses taking an apprentice report increased productivity. That uplift on average showed to be around £214 weekly saving.

73% reported improved staff morale after upskilling an existing employee.

93% of apprentices remain with their employer as they have been so productive and successful for the business.

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Minimum wage (or higher) is your only financial commitment. They are under 25 years old, so there is no National Insurance to pay!

If you would like a Carpentry Apprentice, or maybe more than one, register your interest with us as soon as possible so we can start looking at the matching process, there is no obligation! 
Or to register an existing staff member on the July course, please just email Louisa at lou@swarmgroup.org.uk