Member News

Two shining Norfolk stars have been selected for a scholarship uniquely aimed at leadership and mentoring. Mollie Speed of Ormiston Victory Academy and Lucia Gamble of Aylsham High School are the first ever recipients of the Nelson Scholarship, an award for fully-funded entry into Sixth Form at Langley School. They succeeded after an arduous application and selection process modelled on a Graduate Training day. Based upon kindness, curiosity, confidence and integrity – Langley’s values – the Sixth Form scholarship will provide Mollie and Lucia with close links to Norfolk peer mentoring and social impact business, Nelsonspirit, and founder Nigel Cushion, who nurtures future leaders. Planning to study English Literature, History, Geography and a psychology-based EPQ, Mollie aims to become a lawyer, with a particular interest in Human Rights Law. She comments, “For me this scholarship is going to provide the education and opportunities that are going to get me further in life than I ever dreamed of. I believe that it is an investment into my future that I will be forever grateful of and will use to its full potential in my upcoming education and career. “The young leadership mentoring from Nigel Cushion is a fantastic and unique opportunity and I feel that it will change my life forever, so I cannot wait to get started with Langley and Nelsonspirit.” Lucia has a passion for Business Studies and is looking for a career in the future running her own business. She is looking forward to immersing herself into Langley life. Lucia says “I am excited to explore the phenomenal range of opportunities and extra-curricular activities available to all students at Langley. I cannot wait to try new things which are out of my comfort zone, as well as take part in things which I already love. I feel incredibly lucky to know that I will have close links with Nigel Cushion through Nelsonspirit. His mentoring and support will really help me to develop my business interests as well as my own personal leadership skills.” Two Nelson Fellows were also announced as Jacob Eke of Framingham Earl High School and Zoe Hubbard of Langley School, who will both receive financial support for their learning, as well as mentoring from Nelsonspirit during the next two years. Langley School will open applications for the next Nelson Scholarship in September 2022. langleyschool.co.uk/sixth-form/the-nelson-scholarship/  

“Being a part of our corporate community here at Norwich Theatre is an integral part of our work, with all funding received heading straight back into our creative work on stage and with the community. There has never been a better time to join us, at a time where we have an exciting range of packages and opportunities designed to suit all business sizes and requirements. You will find further information out regarding our membership and sponsorship packages as attached. To find out more information about how you can become a part of the Norwich Theatre Corporate Community, you can visit https://norwichtheatre.org/friends-support/corporate/ or email corporate@norwichtheatre.org to find out more.”

Job descriptions are often quite streamlined and focused. The hope is that professionals will have a clear sense of what is expected of them. That said, performing as expected doesn’t always impress superiors. Many people feel compelled to grow beyond the confines of their roles, desiring to be noticed and applauded for their abundance of initiative. Others may wish to mix things up and escape the routine monotony their current role offers. However, some people now claim that ‘a cult of overwork’ is taking form, as professionals in all industries test their boundaries and push themselves to new extremes. Going above and beyond in your job role is a noble ambition, but if you approach things in a toxic fashion, you’ll only incur career setbacks instead of progression. How can you navigate this side of your career without oversteering? Here’s how to go above and beyond the parameters of your job role.   Refine Time Management Many workers are swamped in the workplace. Seemingly endless responsibilities demand their attention, making going above and beyond seem all but impossible. An improvement to your time management skills may be called for. It’s worth reviewing expert tips on the issue, such as using scheduling tech, breaking down large tasks, and honing and understanding the fluctuations in your productivity. Managing stress levels will also be worthwhile, enabling you to focus on tasks for longer without delay or distraction. Everything behind a successful career starts with time management. That being said, it’s important not to get overly ambitious, or you can risk burning yourself out. Discuss these matters with your colleagues and superiors and collaborate with them. What expectations can you set that are both realistic and aspirational? Remember, the goal is to optimise your workflow, not overextend yourself. Time management takes stamina and commitment as well. Once you find a rhythm of working that helps you excel, it’s important to maintain it. These efforts need to reframe your thinking and unlock your potential rather than provide you with bursts of energy at intermittent periods.   Review KPIs Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) enable you to assess where your business is strongest and weakest. It’s important to be aware of this data to tailor your abilities appropriately and devote more time and resources to a particular area. Even the government has KPIs set for numerous parts of its operations, helping it measure the effectiveness of its most important contracts. Still, not all of this data may be made available to you, depending on where you rank in your firm. While more sensitive information may be reserved for the higher ups, you should still be able to access some KPI data, particularly that which pertains to you. Showing initiative in these circumstances can reflect positively on you. It highlights that you’re willing to take the initiative and delve deeper into your company’s affairs. You won’t be a passive presence in the business but a proactive problem-solver instead, digging beneath the surface of your role to right wrongs. It’s not just about improving your performance either. Reviewing KPIs will give you greater insights into how your company strategises and operates. Many firms have overseen enormous overhauls of key processes in recent times. If you can chart similar changes in your firm, you can then work in sync with each phase of your firm’s evolution, offer credible commentary, and showcase your aptitude.   Build Your Skills Going above and beyond in your job role sometimes means exploring opportunities outside of it. Sourcing skills from multiple sources can help you evolve into a more well-rounded professional who can tap into many perspectives and strategies. Institutions like The London School of Economics and Political Science have online courses in managerial finance, data analysis for management and more. Upon completion, you’ll be better equipped to make more informed financial and managerial decisions. You’ll also have greater capabilities to analyse important reports, evaluate investment projects, and communicate findings and concerns. You can also register for a group booking on online courses. If you can enrol yourself and some colleagues into these programs, it showcases your proactive attitude. It may also indicate your leadership potential, showing that you’re interested in improving the business as a whole rather than getting ahead of your peers for more self-centred career advancement purposes. Going ‘above and beyond’ in a job role can often seem like a flowery statement. It’s important to have real, tangible results at the heart of what you’re trying to achieve here. These courses only last for 6 weeks for 8-12 hours per week, so paired with your improved time management skills, you should have a great deal to show for yourself once the period has elapsed.   Make an Effort to Socialise Socialising can often feel counterintuitive to work. However, giving your professional life a personal touch can work in your favour, allowing you to integrate yourself more seamlessly into the fabric of the company culture. You should make an effort to attend any social events that your colleagues and superiors organise. These can be drinks after work, parties celebrating company milestones and birthdays, or festive gatherings. There may also be events for the departures of much-loved colleagues, which you should also try to attend. Of course, trying to be nice costs nothing. Social events are great for putting your best foot forward without behaving overly obsequiously to attract your boss’ favour. People perhaps like to know they’re working alongside relatable humans rather than soulless machines. It also highlights that you want to spend time with the business beyond your contracted hours and that you’re fond of those around you. Social events also enable you to establish better relationships with your colleagues that could later facilitate better teamwork in the workplace, working harder to make each other’s lives easier. You’ll also have plenty of anecdotes to discuss, helping you to continue building rapport.   Listen to Your Colleagues The ability to listen is important when wishing to go above and beyond in your job role. You must be attentive to every word that’s spoken in the workplace. Some of your peers will be more prone to complaining than others. After all, job-related grievances are hardly uncommon, and many employees will have plenty of private grumbling about how things can be improved in the firm. Nobody likes listening to moaning. However, while some professionals will be bothered by those that complain, you should instead try to see each criticism as an opportunity – the same way one would with a poor customer review. For instance, workers may become irate when workplaces or communal areas are unclean. They may want better shifts to tend to personal matters. These are the circumstances where you can personally intervene, make a real difference, and get noticed, shouldering additional responsibilities for the betterment of those around you. Some complaints may be harder to address, especially if the worker wants to see more seismic changes take place in the company. Even if you can’t put these developments into motion yourself, you could always make polite suggestions to the higher-ups on the complainant’s behalf. That way, you can be seen as a mouthpiece for your colleagues and someone they will come to look to.   Be flexible when going above and beyond the parameters of your job role, and embrace both personal and professional methods of fulfilling that goal.

The quicker and easier way to pay for parking. When you arrive Instead of taking a ticket at the entry barrier, you can use your payment card or contactless device. No need to worry about losing your ticket. When you leave Simply go straight to the barrier and use the same card or device to pay and exit. No need to queue or pay at the pay machines. If you do take a ticket, you’ll need to use the Pay Machines in the Centre, before you leave, as payment of tickets cannot be accepted at the exit barrier. Original article – https://chantryplace.co.uk/give-tap-go-a-go/ 

We can now reveal the opening date for the arrival of high-end brands Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight when luxury fashion retailer group TFG London brings them to Chantry Place.The contemporary and luxury womenswear brands will open on the upper ground floor at Chantry Place on Thursday 21st April at midday.To celebrate the opening, shoppers will be treated to a choice of gifts on any transaction over £150 while stocks last. Spread across two levels, the store will also feature a styling suite and visitors will be able to shop effortlessly stylish wardrobe solutions for work, weekends and special occasions. Original article – https://chantryplace.co.uk/date-announced-for-opening-of-phase-eight-whistles-and-hobbs-at-chantry-place/  

• Global roll-out of sculptural and artistic new retail environment continues
• “As we evolve and expand our product range, we are enhancing the Lotus customer experience” – Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales
• More Lotus Centres will adopt new visual identity in coming months

The ongoing transformation of the Lotus global retail network continues apace, with showrooms worldwide now upgrading to the brand’s new visual identity. The UK, North America and mainland Europe now have sites fully installed with the new look, and more will follow in the coming months. The first Lotus showroom to integrate the new retail identity opened in the Kingdom of Bahrain last autumn. Sculptural and artistic in its execution, it draws directly on the company’s design and engineering prowess, capturing the energy of the brand as it transforms from a UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand. In the UK, the first showroom to be completed is Lotus Exeter (above), a solus site operated by Hendy Group. It’s at Marsh Barton, the largest retail park in the south-west and the city’s main destination for automotive retail customers. In the USA, Lotus Dallas (top) is operated by Earth Motorcars, the leader in the luxury and exotic car market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. The business is a key participant in a local monthly auto show, an event which draws thousands of car enthusiasts who are learning about the exciting future of Lotus. In Europe, the teams at the first two showrooms to feature the new retail identity celebrated by staging events to introduce their customers to the Lotus Emira. In Brussels, Belgium (above), an all-new Lotus showroom has been delivered by the highly respected Sterckx-Desmet automotive group. In Italy, Lotus Turin (below), is a long-standing partner of the brand which has invested in the new retail identity to improve the experience for customers. Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, Lotus, commented: “As we evolve and expand our product range, we are enhancing the Lotus customer experience. The physical transformation of our retailers and retail agencies worldwide, coupled with the launch of our digital e-commerce platform, is a key element of that process.”

Howes Percival’s corporate, commercial, and banking (CCB) team has seen a strong start to the year, completing 37 deals with a combined value of just over £299.5 million in Q1. The large volume of completed deals at the start of 2022 is a result of ongoing high levels of M&A, financing and restructuring activity, and the strength and depth of expertise of the Howes Percival team. Recent strategic, senior hires have bolstered and expanded the leading law firm’s services to clients. Howes Percival’s rapidly growing CCB practice advises clients on significant and transformational acquisitions and disposals and the full range of contractual matters. It also provides a dedicated banking and finance service to banks, financial institutions, funds, and other lenders. Since the beginning of the year, the team have advised on a substantial pipeline of transactions for owner-managed businesses, including:

• Advising on the management buyout of independent bicycle retailer, Pedal Revolution,
• Advising Stuga Machinery on its sale to Stürtz Group,
• Advising on the management buyout of Blue Alligator Company,
• Advising Bright Star Financial Limited on a share buyback of Omni Equity Partners LLC’s shares,
• Advising the shareholders of Cave and Sons Investments on a partial sale to Macintyre Hudson.

Andy Harris, partner, and head of Howes Percival’s CCB team, commented, “We’ve had an incredibly strong start to 2022. We’re reaping the rewards of a concerted focus on recruitment into the team and increasing our capacity. We’ve been able to promote some really good people, alongside bringing in top lawyers, who have decided to develop their career with us.  Our growing reputation has enabled us to attract talent from much larger law firms – specialists who are known experts in their field – and our clients have reacted very positively to their arrival.  We’ve been able to add a further seven hires since the summer, building on the 50% growth we’ve had in the team since 2019. “The sheer variety of the transactions has been very interesting – we’ve seen a lot of activity across all of our sector specialisms, with deals ranging in value from £50,000 to over £100 million, and the depth and balance we now have at all levels in the team means we can always provide a cost-effective solution, whatever the deal size.” Recent high-profile recruits include senior partner and head of commercial, Paula Dumbill, from Browne Jacobson, and corporate and venture capital specialist, Tom Redman from Dentons. Andy Harris continued, “The war in the Ukraine and spiralling energy costs are giving everyone pause for thought, and we will all have to see how things are the other side of the summer, and the effects on consumers who will have less spare cash.  But at the moment our pipeline remains strong, and the after-effects of the pandemic are continuing to fuel activity.  The increased reliance on technology over the past two years is here to stay as the demand for innovation and automation continues.  Similarly, while supply challenges are impacting manufacturers at the various points in the automotive supply chain, a lot of our motor dealer clients had a very good 2021, with pent up demand for new cars.  With our focus spread across different sectors we often see a tapering off in activity in some areas, offset by an increase in others. The healthcare sector is one that is proving resilient to most economic curveballs.” Howes Percival is ranked in the ‘UK’s 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2021’ and in the top 5 Best Law Firms in the country to work for.^1. For more information on Howes Percival’s corporate advisory services visit: https://www.howespercival.com/services/corporate/

Peerless Plastics & Coatings Ltd. are pleased to announce that as of the end of March they have acquired RS Coatings Ltd. Peerless Plastics & Coatings, a manufacturer of protective hard coatings for plastics (including anti-microbial & anti-fog coatings), based in Thetford (UK), offer flexible, bespoke, protective hard coating solutions to all its customers the world over. Offering a complete chain solution from design, research & development, supply, to full production processes. It prides itself in the ability to tailor it’s processes to individual company and market requirements and has done for over 30 years. As well as offering a range of hard coatings for plastic substrates, Peerless also offer:

• Large format digital printing
• Large format screen printing
• Tampo printing
• High precision plastic and wood machining & fabrication
• Spray painting facilities
• Design, research & development
• Assembly services

RS Coatings Ltd. is an innovative British company specialising in the application of coating solutions for the protection and decoration of plastic and metallic components. It originated in 1999 offering the spraying of conductive coatings as a preferred shielding solution for manufacturers of electronic products. Additional operations and processes have subsequently been developed, including aesthetic applications for product enhancement, hard-coat and scratch resistant lacquers, pad & digital printing, CNC machining, plastic injection moulding and secondary operations. RS Coatings comprehensive facilities include:

• Spray-painting for conductive and cosmetic applications
• Automated hard-coat plant
• Design and manufacture of distinct and reliable paint masking tools and paint masking jigs
• Plastic Injection Moulding Machines ranging up to 240 TON
• CNC machining & fabrication
• Modelling and Prototyping
• Digital Printing
• Multi-station & multi-colour PAD Printing facilities
• In-house tool-room to manufacture & maintain tooling
• CAD and technical support from initial design to volume production

The acquisition of RS Coatings by Peerless Plastics & Coatings means that combined there is over 50 years of experience in the coatings industry that is brought to each project and the list of services provided means that you really are getting a full-service experience that can save costs and help to lower carbon footprints across a variety of projects. The combined forces of Peerless Plastics & Coatings and RS Coatings will offer a unique range of services. Peerless Plastics & Coatings Managing Director, Peter Llewellyn-Stamp, said “We plan to build upon the excellent work RS Coatings have done over many years offering ingenious solutions to a wide range of technical challenges in many industries. With the full range of capabilities the Peerless/RS Group possess, we will be perfectly placed to continue servicing Plastic Sheet Extruders, Automotive, EV, Rail, Medical, Retail and Construction sectors and expand this offering of services into new areas of industry. RS Coatings specifically brings the opportunity for the Peerless/RS Group to supply hard coated injection moulded parts to EV, Automotive, Lighting and other similar industries. Additionally, we will look to expand upon the existing Retail and Point Of Sale business currently serviced by the two companies, utilising our wood and plastic fabrication services, large format digital print and high-end paint capabilities. This acquisition is the next stage of our growth as a business, focussed on providing our customers with the very best quality and service together with sustainable plastic solutions. Both Laurie and Miren (pictured with Peter) will continue working with the Peerless/RS Coatings Group following the acquisition, focusing on R&D, business development and technical advisory services. The addition of Laurie, Miren and the team at RS Coatings brings many years of engineering expertise to the Peerless Group and will serve to strengthen the offering to our customers.” https://www.peerless-coatings.co.uk/rs-coatings-acquisition/  

12 April 2022: With construction of its new full fibre network for Norwich now well underway in the city, CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, welcomed Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North for a tour of the works, giving her a closer look at the £50m project.  

During the visit, Ms. Smith met representatives from CityFibre and was introduced to full fibre digital infrastructure, the best network technology currently available. She was also provided with demonstrations of the typical build process, including excavation and reinstatement. 

The project forms part of CityFibre’s up to £4bn Gigabit City Investment Programme which will bring full fibre networks within reach of up to 8m homes and businesses across the UK.   

Unlike the majority of the digital infrastructure accessible to households today, full fibre networks use 100% fibre optic cables to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users consistently faster speeds for upload and download (up to 1,000 Mbps), near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on.  

Speaking of the tour, Charles Kitchin, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Norwich, said: “It’s great to see such enthusiasm and excitement for the digital infrastructure that we’re building beneath the streets of Norwich. This new network will enable unbeatable homeworking and digital entertainment experiences. We look forward to giving residents more of a choice when it comes to connectivity.  

“Aside from the benefits it will bring to residents on a personal level, this new and improved digital network will drive a range of economic benefits for the whole city, such as making us more productive and innovative. As the world moves increasingly online, full fibre will future-proof Norwich and make it one of the best-connected communities in the UK.” 

Commenting on the progress of CityFibre’s £50m project, Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North, said: “It was great to visit the team at CityFibre and learn more about the really extensive programme across the city that will allow Gigabit speed broadband services to be supplied to homes & businesses in Norwich North.  

“This Full Fibre network is a huge step forward in Norwich. It’s never been more needed and I am delighted to see such investment and commitment taking place in Norwich.” 

Construction is being delivered by Telec Networks on behalf of CityFibre. The team is using a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and the local community to deliver a fast rollout while minimising potential disruption. 

While the overall project is expected to take up to four years to complete, construction teams will typically only take a few days to pass each property. CityFibre will be in touch by post ahead of any work starting.  

As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, internet service providers (ISPs) will ‘light them up’ with some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available in the country. In Norwich, a number of broadband providers will be launching services throughout 2022 including UK launch partner Vodafone, on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans, as well as TalkTalk, Zen, Air Broadband and InTouch Systems, with other providers expected to join the network soon. 

Residents interested in giving their home broadband a boost can find out more about the build and register their interest here.  

This quote really resonated with me… do you agree? “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower” Alexander Den Heijer Spring brings lovely lighter evenings and is a great time to set some new intentions, whether it be for your personal or your work environment, or both! Here are some tips on how to ‘Spring Clean Your Employee Wellbeing Strategy’: https://bit.ly/3imK7ST

M+A Partners has seen some recent changes to its senior leadership team following the retirement of Managing Partner, Jeremy Robson, after sixteen years with the firm. Jeremy joined Martin and Acock (as it was then) in 2006, and since then a new name, change of Norwich premises, growth at the Attleborough office and the addition of M+A Partners Cromer are just a few of the strategic moves he has managed. Phil Webster has been appointed to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the strategic and operational direction of the firm to enable the Partners and the wider M+A team to be as effective as possible in the delivery of their services to clients. Jeremy Robson said: “It has been a privilege and pleasure to have been at the helm of M+A Partners for the last 16 years. I hope that in some small way, I have done my bit for the firm and that I leave it well positioned to face the future and to continue to go from strength to strength. None of what has been achieved could have happened without the wide help and support of so many and I would like to thank my fellow partners, staff and all of our clients who have been at the heart of what makes M+A Partners so special. I wish Phil every success and I know that he will provide the leadership, stewardship and care that the firm needs in this next phase of its life”. Phil Webster said: “I am delighted to have joined M+A Partners in the role of Chief Operating Officer and to be able to carry on the work of our highly regarded Managing Partner, Jeremy. I am looking forward to working with the talented team we have here at M+A, delivering our operational responsibilities whilst still being committed to the future development of the firm and our people – creating opportunities for progression and helping us to evolve to meet the changing requirements of the industry and future ambitions of our clients.”

Two Norfolk Councils are transforming their procurement process – slashing red tape to make it easier for local businesses to win work.

Broadland and South Norfolk Councils have simplified their procurement rules and are offering virtual and in-person workshops to help businesses better understand the new process. In addition, they created a myth-busting “Connect2 LOCAL” tool kit packed with practical advice and useful pointers to attract more local businesses to offer their services. Broadland District Councillor Trudy Mancini-Boyle, said:

“We are eager to attract more small and medium sized businesses in the local area to bid for council contracts. “We want to make it easier for them to apply to win work, and to keep more of the area’s money here in the region. “The more business taking place in the area, the more our local economy grows. “Our toolkit is full of useful advice and tips, giving local firms an easier route to securing work with the council.”

Together, the councils spend £22.3million on buying products and services each year, with £2.6m going to small businesses. However, the councils believe that, in the next 12 months, up to double that figure (c£5.2m) could be relevant to SMEs. The councils are hosting four virtual workshops and two in-person workshops in late March and early April which local businesses can sign up to attend free of charge. The council sees the initiative as a “win-win” situation for the area– providing it with a strong local supply chain while supporting businesses as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. South Norfolk Councillor, Adrian Dearnley said:

“It has been a difficult two years for local businesses and we want to help them flourish post-Covid. “We would encourage local business owners to attend one of our workshops or explore our toolkit to see how streamlined the process has become. “This type of economic development helps to support our ‘love local, spend local’ strategy, creating more work for local businesses, helping to secure more local jobs and encouraging additional spending in local shops.”

The toolkit has been produced with support from the East of England Local Government Association (EELGA). For more information on the workshops and to sign up, visit the Connect2 LOCAL website.