Member News

Pictured: Rob Bush, General Manager of the East of England Energy Group Photo credit: East of England Energy Group / CHPV Pictured: Sophie Skipp, joining the East of England Energy Group as Head of Energy Skills in December 2022 Photo credit: Sophie Skipp “Providing a single, unified voice to drive forward the East of England” – EEEGR announce strategic appointments ahead of “promising” 2023 East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) announces strategic appointments of people & skills expert Sophie Skipp and business relationship professional Karim Massaad. A new era is on the horizon for the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR). Following the success of Wind Week 2022 East of England, EEEGR announce the strategic appointments of Karim Massaad as Business Relationship Manager and Sophie Skipp as Head of Energy Skills. Sophie, who joins the organisation from the University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN), will be vital in uniting the skills agenda in the East of England to ensure industry is speaking in a common language around energy skills. With the Offshore Wind Industry Council predicting the need for nearly 100,000 jobs nationally by 2030, the eastern region will deliver a significant portion of anticipated offshore wind farms. Sophie’s transition from UTCN to EEEGR will be a seamless one, using her pre-existing network to link industry and education in a much more streamlined way. Ahead of her official appointment as Head of Energy Skills in December, Sophie Skipp said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at EEEGR to champion not only their important Skills for Energy programme but support our members in addressing the skills gap as we hurtle towards net zero.” “I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and connecting with our members to understand their priorities when it comes to skills, alongside increasing EEEGR’s impact on students and reaching more educators,” she concluded. Karim Massaad, who has extensive experience in project management and business development, is already making waves as the organisation’s Business Relationship Manager: “Since joining EEEGR in October, I have been fortunate to connect with so many of our members and learn about the great things they are doing, whether it’s the important wellbeing services offered by members like KW Life Solutions or the innovative solutions being offered by companies such as PPI Quality & Engineering.” “I joined the company just in time for Wind Week 2022 East of England, which was a fantastic introduction to the lively, vibrant energy community we have here in the East of England. I look forward to attending future events the coming months such as our End of Year Awards and Gala Dinner, House of Commons Reception and SNS 2023 and connecting with even more of our members.” The organisation’s role in the East of England’s energy sector has never been more relevant or more important, says General Manager Rob Bush: “Our members are the most important and exciting part of what we do here at EEEGR; they’re our reason for existing. With the appointments of Sophie and Karim, this will bolster the impact we have on our region’s skills agenda, the benefits to the supply chain in our region, as well as providing a single voice to drive forward the East of England at Westminster and beyond.” “I have recently made the move from Operations Manager to General Manager and our hope going forwards is that we will offer our members a level of consistency. We have plans to undertake a Member Survey in 2023 allowing our members the opportunity to have their voice heard and for us to understand how we can best support them going forward,” he finished. As 2023 rapidly approaches, EEEGR’s Customer and Stakeholder Manifesto will be refreshed to reflect the progress made over 2021 and 2022 and what’s to come in 2023. First released in 2021, the manifesto outlines EEEGR’s road map for 2021, 2022, and 2023. EEEGR are also taking their events to the next level, working with Norwich company Huxley to deliver future events including SNS 2023. The partnership has already seen great success in the form of Wind Week 2022 East of England, with promising prospects for 2023’s suite of events. – ends – About EEEGR The East of England Energy Group is an industry specific membership organisation representing over 200 organisations ranging from energy producers and developers through to supply chain companies. EEEGR is a key voice for the sector, putting the East of England and its expertise on the radar of major international players and influential politicians at regional and national levels. EEEGR has close links with education and training institutions through its Skills for Energy programme. A programme created to ensure that there is an ongoing pipeline of talented individuals for the current and future wellbeing of the energy industry.

Wear a festive hat or a silly scarf, or create crazy hair and get every single person you know to do the same! Then donate £3 – it is that simple! You don’t need to buy anything new, why not get crafty and decorate an old one. You could even pop along to your local Break shop and see what they have on offer? Spread the word! Share with your network and friends, download your Hatty Christmas poster here. Tag Break on social media and use #hattyxmas to show us how Hatty you are! Donate It’s just a simple text to take part! Text HATTYXMAS 3 to 70085 to donate £3 Text HATTYXMAS 5 to 70085 to donate £5 Text HATTYXMAS 10 to 70085 to donate £10 Texts cost your donation pledge plus one standard rate message Your money this Christmas will directly go to support vulnerable children and young adults. Working together we can make amazing things happen. https://www.break-charity.org/charity/

Farewill has been voted best rated on Trustpilot and won National Will Writing Firm of the Year 2019 and 2020. That’s why we have teamed up with them to offer free wills to our supporters. As a small, independent charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to help animals in need. We exist to help pet owners and local animals through adoption and rehoming, financial aid and our reduced cost microchipping and neutering schemes and every year we help thousands of vulnerable animals across Norfolk and Suffolk. You can claim a free will without leaving a gift to us but we hope that after you have catered for your loved ones, you would consider leaving even a small share of your estate to the animals in our care. With your help, we can create a kinder future for animals. You can choose to write your will online or If you would prefer to speak to someone you can also call them. Every will is checked by one of their specialists so you can be confident that your wishes will be respected. Get started now Go to www.farewill.com/rspcamn-news Or call 02080502686 and quote ‘RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk Branch.’

This survey is being carried out to help Norfolk County Council understand the needs of local businesses and to help inform the development of its emerging investment strategy. This strategy is intended to achieve a “step change in pay, productivity and skills, to drive sustainable growth in the county over the medium to long term”. It identifies four challenges which need to be overcome in order to achieve this ambition. These challenges include: ·       Grand Challenge 1: Opportunities for residents ·       Grand challenge 2: Efficient public services ·       Grand Challenge 3: Future–proof business clusters ·       Grand Challenge 4: Protect from climate change In completing this survey, we are keen to understand the appetite of businesses across Norfolk in relation to their future financing needs. We welcome your thoughts and views on the current funding landscape. The survey should only take 10 minutes. Your views are key to helping the council to identify gaps in funding and investment for local businesses and social enterprises across Norfolk and different sectors and business stages. Complete the survey here

Nicky Stainton, Communities Manager introduces Voluntary Norfolk, the new volunteer platform Get Involved Norfolk, and their trading arm CBR Business Solutions, in this short video…find out how they can support your organisation.  

Caring Together is a charity helping unpaid carers across Norfolk. Local children as young as 5-years-old are helping look after a family member. The charity is raising funds this Christmas to give these children a break, days out and time to simply have fun! You can make a donation at https://caringtogether.enthuse.com/Christmas-Appeal#!/ Help us support children who look after someone, giving them time off to have fun and simply be a child. View Sarah’s story below https://www.caringtogether.org/help-us-help-others/christmas-appeal-2022/

Local cancer charity, Big C, has announced it will be hosting ‘Remember in December’ an evening of reflection, readings and carols to be held at Norwich Cathedral on December 7^th, to which all local people are invited. This special event is an opportunity for everyone to come together and reflect on the past year and perhaps remember loved ones who poorly, or who are no longer with us. The occasion will also offer the chance for Big C to say thank you to everyone who has supported the cancer charity over the past few years, especially with the ‘Nearer to Home’ Appeal, which has enabled the building of a new Cancer Support Centre on Dereham Road. Tributes will also be made to the charity’s amazing supporters, staff and volunteers who work so hard across the organisation to help local people affected by cancer. Dr Chris Bushby, CEO of Big C said “We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to this special event in this majestic and peaceful setting. The occasion will provide a moment for reflection during the festive period, which is important to so many of us. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the evening and enjoy a service of well-known readings, carols and festive music in the beautiful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral. “Whether you’ve had a recent bereavement, or are remembering loved ones at Christmas-time, you’ve been helped by Big C, are a supporter of the charity, or you would like to come along and be part of the evening as part of the local community, you are warmly invited to attend.” ‘Remember in December’ takes place at Norwich Cathedral at 7.30pm on 7^th December 2022. For more information, visit Remember In December – Big C Fundraising (big-c.co.uk)

We’ve launched our annual Surviving Winter campaign to combat isolation and loneliness and support people’s wellbeing during the colder months. As energy, food and other prices continue to rise, many are growing concerned about the impact of the winter months. From worrying about putting the heating on to concerns about getting into debt, or feeling anxious about going out and spending money to join things and so end up trapped at home, more and more people’s mental and physical health are suffering. Recognising the increasing impact of the cost-of-living crisis, we are using this year’s winter campaign to create a network of warm spaces in every community where people can take a break from the cold, meet with local people and access any support they may need to help them through the winter months. This winter, we’re asking you to #DonateTheRebate to help people across Norfolk stay warm and well this winter.

St Edmunds Society are very proud to be awarded Best Supporting Organisation (14-18 year olds) at YouthBuild UK – Young Builder of the Year Awards at the House of Commons in October. They were thrilled that 3 of their students were shortlisted as finalists: 2 received commendations and 1 was highly commended! Great work and very well deserved all of you. YouthBuild UK champion the cause of disadvantaged young people in the Construction industry and celebrate young people’s success through their prestigious annual awards. Every year, St Eds are amazed at the resilience of these young people, overcoming trauma and barriers in their life, to go on to lead a successful career in the industry.   St Eds are transforming lives in Norwich by providing support, training and life opportunities to disadvantaged and marginalised young people. You can show your support by donating via PayPal at www.paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/3223483 Website www.st-eds.org.uk

Hope for Tomorrow, mobile cancer care charity, have launched their brand-new fundraising event Cuppa for Cancer Care. It takes place from Monday 30^th January to Sunday 5^th February 2023 to mark World Cancer Day on Saturday 4^th February 2023. They’d love you to join in and organise your very own Cuppa for Cancer Care event during the week to support NHS cancer patients in your local community. What better way to catch up with friends and family or work colleagues, serving tea, coffee, and delicious cakes, all whilst supporting local cancer patients. What is Cuppa for Cancer Care? Hope for Tomorrow patron, Gloria Hunniford explains: “Cancer can take a terrible toll on individuals and their families. Travelling for repeated treatment is often difficult, stressful, and time-consuming, for so many people. The mobile cancer care units and specialist NHS nurses drive out to patients’ communities rather than them having to travel to hospital. This makes a difficult time that much easier for them. Patients regularly comment on how great the nurses and drivers are, with the team immediately making them comfortable and offering them a cup of tea or coffee. That’s where the idea of Cuppa for Cancer Care came from, and we hope that people across the country will get together for this wonderful cause. The mobile units are a fabulous asset in their communities.” Every Cuppa for Cancer Care event is a chance to provide mobile cancer care closer to a patients’ home or workplace. As you come together, the funds raised will enable Hope for Tomorrow and their NHS trust partners to reach and support more cancer patients. Whether you’re serving a classic Victoria sponge or a gooey brownie, every donation enables them to do what they do best. Sign up today to receive your FREE Cuppa for Cancer Care fundraising pack and help bring cancer care into communities – www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk/cuppa

East Norfolk Sixth Form College has been at the forefront of preparing students for the future for nearly 40 years and we are now in the position to invite you to join us in preparing the workforce of the future! T Levels are 2-year courses, developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, providing them with specialist knowledge in a range of sectors. We are looking for employers to host T Level Placements which consist of 45 days across 2 years, in the following areas:

• Digital production, Design and Development
• Design and Manufacturing Engineering
• Construction
• Media and Broadcasting
• Business
• Legal
• Finance
• Health
• Healthcare Science

How you can help us:

• Offering work placements
• Providing talks and workshops to give students insights into the industry
• Educational visits
• Sharing your experience of pathways into business

We can offer you:

• Access to 1600 high-calibre students for short and long-term work placements
• Opportunities to gain direct access to your future workforce and promote your business and career opportunities
• Access to facilities on the EN campus

Email alerpiniere@eastnorfolk.ac.uk for more information.  

In the face of the cost-of-living crisis and a financially challenging environment, small and medium sized business are trying to do all they can to support their customers. This requires access to liquidity otherwise an order may be lost. Maybe you are an experienced exporter or considering scaling up by selling your goods to an overseas buyer for the first time. You will be concerned with being paid on time, managing quality and having goods delivered on time. This can be tricky when you have upfront costs as well as other overheads to pay. But for businesses that occupy the ‘S’ in SME we are hearing that support from mainstream lenders is dwindling particularly for exporters. We understand trade flows and how to mitigate risk providing the support, advice and consultancy that clients require. We focus on the relationship with client, get to know the business that helps us understand the transaction being funded then connecting them with flexible funding partners helping them seize every opportunity that comes their way. No longer will you have to decline an order because you didn’t have the cash to make it happen. Today SMEs are having to look for ways beyond traditional bank lending to overcome cash flow gaps. Trade Finance is a simple way to fulfil your businesses growth ambitions. Whatever your requirement we have solutions that unlock working capital including international trade, new equipment and scaling up.