Member News

First Intuition, the award-winning accountancy training provider, has launched a new package of resources aimed at young people looking for work and entering the workplace for the first time. The FREE ‘Employability Skills‘ consist of a combination of original content and links to external resources. These are aimed at filling some of the skills gaps in young adults caused by the reduction in work experience, part-time jobs, and opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities since the start of the pandemic.

Despite feedback that employers are seeing both a higher volume and calibre of applicants than ever before in entry level recruitment for Autumn 2021. There are concerning indications that whilst academic ability seems as strong as ever, there is evidence of ‘COVID skills gaps’ in areas that have impacted young adult’s preparedness for the workplace. These skills gaps have come as a result of schools having had to squeeze their curriculum and cut careers resources during the pandemic. They include minimal experience taking formal exams, loss of social and interpersonal skills, trouble articulating and evidencing transferable skills, and lack of interview preparation.

With first-class attention to student care through its accountancy courses, apprenticeship programmes, and skills development training, First Intuition is well placed to provide its expertise on employability skills to help young adults into the workplace. The Employability Skills resources have been curated using a combination of links to external information and original content created by First Intuition. Including helpful tips for CV writing, interview preparation, what to wear on a first day, and ensuring optimal online presence.

From finding the right career to making a good impression on a first day, the resources can help in all aspects of finding a job and are relevant to anyone starting or applying to most roles, not just in finance. They even cover topics that are often not included in careers workshops, including what to look out for in your contract of employment, salary negotiations, and office etiquette and professional behaviour.

Find the Employability Skills resources here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/finding-a-job-employability-skills/

Read more information about COVID skills gaps and recruiting the ‘COVID generation here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/recruitment-of-the-covid-generation-fitt-forum-2/,

Steeles Law is delighted to announce staff promotions to partnership level effective as of 1st June 2021.

In welcoming Karen, Damian and Sally as partners within the firm, Steeles Law celebrates the largest promotions of new partners in the company since 2015.

Karen Bacon, Wills, Trusts and Probate Chartered Legal Executive has been with the firm for over 20 years, is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Ranked in the Legal 500 as an elite individual, Karen is praised as ‘always available, very professional and approachable.

Damian Pitts, Dispute Litigation Solicitor joined the firm in 2018 and is recommended in the Legal 500 as being “bright and thorough”.

Sally joined Steeles Law in 2019, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in the family law legal sector. Sally is a member of Resolution and a Law Society Accredited Family Law specialist. She is a trained collaborative lawyer and a member of The Good Divorce Group. A recommended lawyer in the Legal 500, Sally is praised for being ‘sharp and highly experienced, and a pleasure to work with’.

Oliver Brabbins, Managing Partner commented on the promotions ‘I am delighted to welcome Karen, Damian and Sally to the senior management team, as senior lawyers they are proving to be crucial players in the business development of Steeles Law.

To establish a clear pathway to becoming a partner, we will also be introducing the positions of Associate and Senior Associate which will allow us to clearly articulate the “pathway to progression” within Steeles. Even in these uncertain times, the business has experienced growth this year and we continue to drive forward with our ambitious plans for team development and expansion of our legal services’ . 

On the announcement, Damian Pitts said, ‘I am delighted to join the partnership and look forward to being involved in the business development of the firm’.

For more information about services provided by Steeles Law please visit steeleslaw.co.uk.

Short video about Norfolk Trading Standards Trusted Trader scheme.

First Choice in Action

Our vision is to be your first choice for quality, personal service, speed and accuracy in metals testing. As we emerge from the pandemic with all the learning and resilience from the last year it is positive to reflect that we have been able to provide consistent service to our clients whenever they have needed our services. A local foundry says “Very happy with our service and knowledge especially on speed and accuracy. When they do have a problem they like being able to discuss with ASAMS to try and get to the bottom, customer care first rate.”

As you know during the last year we have expanded our range of metal testing services to include reinforcing steel testing. For several years we have had our family of icons referring to our various services and now we have a new family member!

Please contact us to find out more about our services and how we can help you

SPE Offshore Europe 2021 Exhibition Update

We will once again be attending SPE Offshore Europe this year, from 7-10th September 2021 in Aberdeen. The aim of the conference and exhibition is to bring together organisations from across the sector to move the industry forward, providing a platform for exhibitors and visitors to discuss the key challenges, opportunities and areas of interest facing the industry.

We first exhibited at this event in 2019 (pictured) and after a successful exhibition it will be great to return – Aberdeen is the energy capital of Europe and we look forward to meeting face to face with colleagues and partners from the sector there. Visit www.asams.co.uk to learn more about the Amazing Service that ASAMS provides. Sustainability in Action ASAMS have started their journey to a fully electric vehicle fleet, with the replacement of one of the company vehicles. In July, an electric charging point is being installed at the laboratory for the use of staff and visitors. Read our sustainability story here. Continuous Improvement in Action Giving great client service is one of our passions and another is constantly wanting to improve how we do things. During the last few weeks we have updated our client enquiry process so that we can give you even better service.

This week copywriter Clare Crowe is celebrating her third anniversary as Content Marketing Executive for B2B marketing agency Full Mix Marketing.

The professional wordsmith joined the growing Norwich-based agency in May 2018 and, after maternity leave for the birth of her second son, she returned in late 2020 to continue delivering content for the agency’s many clients.

However, writing press releases, blogs and websites for companies in manufacturing, technology and logistics is not the only way the Canadian has been flexing her creative muscles:

“I can’t believe it’s been three years! A lot has changed. We’ve moved offices, grown the team and taken on many new clients. We’ve also had to deal with the pandemic but, on the upside, the lockdowns gave me time to write a children’s book too!”

Clare joined the agency with experience gained in a fast-paced media agency writing for household brands including Warner Bros, McCain and Expedia.

With a master’s degree in Script Development, she uses her language skills to write press releases, social media, articles, blogs, website text and award entries, as well as content for sales materials including brochures, mailers and advertising.

However, as the mother of two young boys, Clare reads lots of children’s books and started to jot down her own ideas. She’s now in contact with illustrators to bring her children’s book to life.

“Despite the obvious differences with writing about something commercial or technical, I’ve actually found writing a children’s book has helped with my day job too. The subject and audience couldn’t be more different, but both are about using words to explain what’s important and bring it to life!”

James West, joint-founder and director of Full Mix Marketing says “Clare has been an important part of our success, helping find opportunities for our clients and turning them into great content. More than that, she’s such a friendly and professional person to have in our close-knit team. We’re all looking forward to reading her children’s book!”

Originally from Vancouver Canada, Clare relocated for her master’s degree and began her marketing career in a nationwide digital agency, before joining Full Mix Marketing.

Established in 2016, Full Mix Marketing is a full-service marketing agency which provides marketing primarily for companies who provide their service to other businesses (business-to-business). For some they provide individual elements of digital, strategic, creative and traditional marketing, whilst for others they act as their entire outsourced marketing department.

Clare adds “My role at Full Mix has been very diverse, working for clients ranging from sectors including data centres, lorry tension curtains and biogas infrastructure! It’s fascinating getting to know what they do and turning into content their customers want to engage with. I’m looking forward to what the next three years hold!”

For more information on Full Mix Marketing visit www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk or contact 01603 446227.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

If you have not heard of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is an agenda set out by the United Nations as a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity. The goals and targets that they set out will inspire action over the next fifteen years in areas that are of critical importance for humanity and the planet.

17 Sustainable Development Goals

As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development there are a collection of 17 interlinked sustainable goals that have been set out to re-affirm the commitment by the world to sustainable development. They are designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’. These 17 sustainable development goals also provide a framework for Covid-19 recovery and recognise that ending poverty must work alongside a range of other strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, job opportunities whilst also tackling climate change and environmental protection.

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

Despite these 17 sustainable goals and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development being set out, the main question is, are we doing enough globally and will they be enough to allow future generations to live a sustainable life. We spoke to Dutch environmentalist Alexander Verbeek recently as part of our Swan TV series, to discuss a range of topics including climate change, sustainability and if we are doing enough collectively. The main message that he gave and something that he spoke about was that together we are not doing enough. If you look at the world as whole, everything is growing, including the population. As a species, we are consuming more and more every year, and depleting the natural resources on this planet. This is something that has always been prominent in most people’s minds and something that we are taught from an early age, especially focusing on how much of our rainforests are being cut down every day to make way for resources for humans. This constant neglect for our plant needs to stop, we are reaching the limits of growth and without change we will see ourselves in a dire situation in the next decade.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is one of the most complex features on our planet and not only refers to the variety of life and how life interplays with the physical environment, but without it, there is no future for humanity. Only last week, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres has said that “humanity is waging a war on nature, threatening biodiversity, loss, climate disruption and escalating pollution”. Nature is one of the most beautiful things on our planet and not only sustains life, but also provides solutions. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate and the world has failed to meet any of its internationally agreed biodiversity targets. The world is depleting resources faster than nature can replenish them which sets a worrying image of the future for our future generations.

What changes can we make

We are all aware that climate change is a serious threat to our planet and something that we need to address urgently. There are lots of changes you can make or things you can do personally to try to live a more sustainable life. One of the things that Alexander mentions is something as simple as eating less meat, even by having a ‘meatless Monday’ will decrease the levels of human consumption of meat globally which in turn will have a positive impact.

If you are looking for things you can do within your home or business to be more energy efficient there are plenty of energy efficient measures that you can undertake which will be positive not only for the planet, but it could also reduce your energy bills. Simple things such as turning off the lights and equipment when you are not using them or using available sunlight to illuminate your workspace rather than using the main lights. You could cycle or walk into work and unplug chargers when they are not in use! Make sure that you go paperless wherever possible and recycle and re-use.

Renewable energy

There has been a lot of focus on renewable energy and the need to switch to green energy suppliers in the past few years, with more people looking to make this move. This has been highlighted more recently with the UKs ambitious target to be Net Zero by 2050 and cut greenhouse gas emissions to at least 100% below 1990 levels by 2050. Many businesses now focusing on this and pledging to be carbon neutral sooner. The Paris Agreement set an ambitious goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy such as solar, wind as well as electric vehicles (EVS) will be crucial to us hitting this target.

If you would like to find out how you can make the switch the renewable energy or green energy suppliers, contact us today to speak to one of our friendly swans.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every business in some way, and ours is no exception. But we’re pleased to say that with recruitment levels returning to where they were pre-pandemic, we’re increasing the size of our already talented team to meet this rising demand.

Adapting in uncertain times

All businesses have had to make changes due to the pandemic. For us, it’s meant moving to full agile working – allowing our people to work from home – and increasing technology to build our culture virtually. So that’s things like using our cloud-based employee intranet ‘Jostle’ to put communication, connection and celebrating success at the forefront of our business, and holding regular virtual team meetings and coffee mornings.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the past year is our commitment to creating a supportive environment at work – one that builds a culture of teamwork and allows our people to flourish. Our emphasis on quality and going the extra mile for clients and candidates alike also remains. And we continue to focus on establishing relationships as trusted advisors, bringing about successful long-term outcomes – for us, it’s never about making a quick return.

An improving job market

The employment market in East Anglia continues to gain strength. As our very own CEO Ian Walters says: ‘as the economy begins to recover, our region will return to record levels of employment.’ This seems to already be happening – we registered more new roles in April 2021 than we did in the same month last year, or the year before. And according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (the professional body for HR and people development), 38% of employees want to change jobs in the next 12 months.

The pandemic has forced businesses to work in new ways – for example by introducing remote working and leaning on technology more. And with over half of workers wanting a 50/50 remote/office split (according to a YouGov survey) and only 10% wanting to return to the office full-time (from a survey by O2), this looks set to continue. So businesses that want to compete will need to embrace these new ways of working to be attractive to the best candidates. Doing so will also increase the size of the talent pool they have access to (find out more about the advantages of agile working). To support this they’re now looking for new people with different skillsets.

All of these things combined mean we’re likely to see a boom in available jobs and candidates throughout 2021 and beyond.

Responding to increased demand

To make sure we can support our clients – new and old – as they recruit in the post-pandemic world, we’re increasing our team. This will also help us give our candidates the very best service as they look for their next opportunity. As Gill Buchanan, our Chief Operating Officer, puts it: ‘With demand for qualified candidates being back at pre-COVID levels, it’s important we have the right people in place to get our clients access to the best people. So we’re really excited about the newest additions to our already talented team.’

Our new recruits

Kathryn Van Wyk, Senior Recruitment Consultant in our accountancy team, Cambridge

Kathryn’s been working in recruitment since 2007. So she comes to Pure with a lot of experience in accountancy and finance, having previously found candidates for both temporary and permanent positions at another agency.

‘I wanted to work for Pure because of the culture and ethos of the business. Their commitment to customer service and delivering to their candidates and clients really appealed to me.’

Jade Halil, Recruitment Consultant in our professional office team, Ipswich

Jade started in recruitment in 2014. Since then she’s found positions for people in office support in and around Ipswich.

‘Pure has a great reputation in our industry. I’m really looking forward to finding the best people for temporary and permanent positions for professional office clients.’

Jordan Cornes, Recruitment Resourcer in our technology team, Norwich

Jordan studied intercultural communication with business management at UEA, graduating in 2019. He then started working in recruitment, recruiting for IT positions in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, before moving to Pure.

‘I love finding candidates new roles, then taking them through the process from application to the day they start their new job, and beyond. Pure is a great place to do this.’

Henry Dawson, Recruitment Consultant in our technology team, Norwich

Henry began his recruitment career in the Midlands before relocating to Norfolk. His previous experience includes working for a national recruitment business specialising in IT and digital marketing. At Pure he recruits for IT positions for organisations across Norfolk.

‘Pure is a part of a thriving and well-connected business community that I’m really enjoying getting involved with.’

Stephen Paul, Recruitment Consultant in our technology team, Norwich

Stephen has 10 years’ experience in IT recruitment across East Anglia. Before getting into recruitment he worked in IT himself – so he’s able to quickly understand client briefs and the challenges technology companies face in finding the right people.

‘One of the best parts of my job is building strong relationships with clients, then working together to make sure they get the highest standards of service.’

Paige MacDonald, Business Administrator working across all our offices

Paige is based in our Ipswich office and supports all our people with admin and compliance. After graduating from Kingston University with a photography degree, she worked in insurance before coming to us.

‘I’m looking forward to bringing some creative flair and lots of new ideas to the Pure team.’

Becky Waters, Quality and Compliance Administrator working across all our offices

Becky started working in recruitment in 2015. She’s based in our Norwich office but oversees and supports compliance processes across the whole of Pure.

‘It’s my job to make sure Pure has all the right policies and procedures in place. So we can all do our best work, every day.’

How can we help?

If your business is looking for new people – whether that’s to add to your existing team or to bring in new skills as a result of the pandemic – we can help. Get in touch to find out more.

Lighting plays an important part in creating inviting, productive workspaces. Energy efficiency, flexibility and control are now key considerations when addressing workplace lighting.

These days, most employers know that working environments need to go beyond their legal requirements and provide fun, welcoming spaces that bring out the best in their workforce – regardless of whether they work in an office, shop, gym or coworking facility. Thankfully, that also means the old ‘on/off’ (or ‘blinking’) fluorescent lights are being phased out – not only do they cause eye strain and headaches, but they’re also expensive to run!

New technologies, such as energy-efficient LED and circadian lighting, are now favoured because they enhance the atmosphere and ambient environment. In fact, new studies show that good lighting affects work performance. Further research also shows that circadian-friendly lighting can actually boost productivity levels.

Read the full article here

Contact us for help with your workplace design

info@layrddesign.co.uk

01223 952992

LSI Architects has been ranked the best UK Employer for Workplace Wellbeing in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index 2020-21.

The Practice was ranked top of 114 organisations taking part in Mind’s fifth annual Workplace Wellbeing Index this year. Based on surveys with its employees, the Practice was recognised with a Gold Award, meaning it has successfully embedded mental health into its policies and practices and demonstrated a long-term, in-depth commitment to staff mental health.

Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is a benchmark of best policy and practice, celebrating the good work employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health, and providing key recommendations on the specific areas where there is room to improve.

This year’s Workplace Wellbeing Index Awards were hosted by Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer, and took place online on 8 June. The event saw around 200 people come together to celebrate and recognise employers of different sizes and sectors who have prioritised and promoted staff wellbeing.

Every employer depends on having healthy and productive employees – valued and supported staff are far more likely to perform better and achieve peak performance. Mental health problems are common among employees, and research suggests that the past year has been particularly challenging for staff. Mind surveyed more than 42,000 employees across the 114 employers participating in the Index and included an additional section on the impact of Covid-19. The mental health charity found that two in five (41 per cent) of Index employees whose employers were taking in part said their mental health had worsened during the pandemic.

Ben Goode, Director at LSI Architects said:

“We’re incredibly proud to have been accredited Gold in the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index again this year, and to have placed top of the Workplace Wellbeing Index in 2020/2021 because the achievement is largely based on what our teams have said.

“This has been such a challenging year and I don’t know anyone whose mental health and wellbeing hasn’t been affected.

“Mental health education is conspicuous by its absence in most people’s lives. As businesses, what we can do is help people to access more information around mental health and wellbeing to understand it, recognise triggers and provide strategies to keep people well and resilient.

By capturing things early we can signpost people to suitably qualified people earlier, often before they become a bigger issue. Employees who are less likely to experience poor mental health are simply more likely to be able to do their jobs effectively.”

Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, said:

“Many congratulations to LSI Architects for being recognised as our top employer in this year’s Workplace Wellbeing Index. It has been amazing to see their journey over the last five years, going from strength to strength. Despite the challenging times we have all had recently, staff at LSI Architects told us they feel valued and that there is an open culture around mental health. I look forward to seeing how their approach to workplace wellbeing will continue to evolve.”

Shield Health & Safety would like to introduce its newest instructor Darren to the team!

Its good to have you on board Darren we are looking forward to getting you started, Welcome!

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£50 off all orders over £250 – Blinds Norfolk – Norwich Sunblinds

When you spend over £250, we’ll take £50 off your invoice.

Save yourself some money and take advantage of this superb offer, book your design consultation here.

Whether you are looking for Curtains or Blinds, you will save money with this offer!

The small print:

• One offer per household.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
• 5 Year Guarantee Applies to protect your investment

Have a look around our site for ideas, and when you’re ready to make an appointment, Book my Appointment

RenewableUK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), which represents the energy sector in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.

Both organisations help businesses to grow, securing economic benefits regionally and nationally as well as developing skills and stimulating innovation.

In the MoU, both signatories commit to working closer together to promote renewable energy and maintain the UK’s global lead in clean technology, developing regional clusters of excellence with companies locating together in centres of excellence.

Growing the UK’s world class renewable energy supply chain is a key priority, as is promoting diversity, training in new skills and fostering innovative technology.

RenewableUK and EEEGR will share data and information on industrial and political developments in the sector at regional and national level, meeting regularly and attending each other’s major events.

The MoU is being unveiled at an online event today organised by EEEGR as part of its twentieth anniversary celebrations. At the event, EEEGR will launch a new manifesto outlining how it intends to expand in the years ahead. 

EEEGR’s Executive Chairman Martin Dronfield said “EEEGR is delighted to be entering into this agreement. RenewableUK is the leading trade organisation in the UK clean energy sector which represents both a significant membership group and also the wider clean energy industry. RenewableUK and EEEGR have a long track record of working closely together and we feel strongly that through this formal agreement both membership groups will benefit significantly from improved communication and cooperation.”

RenewableUK’s Executive Director Isabel DiVanna said “EEEGR has a great record on promoting the development of clean energy in the east of England, and we can offer a nationwide perspective, so this agreement will help both our organisations to continue to grow successfully. Ultimately the beneficiaries will be the tens of thousands of people we are attracting to work in this innovative sector which is providing fresh opportunities and high-quality jobs in East Anglia and all around the country, especially in our world-class supply chain”.