Member News

On this week’s exciting episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James are thrilled to welcome broadcaster and presenter Simon Mundie.

Simon has been a presenter on BBC Radio 1, and has covered sporting events like Wimbledon as well as a number of large music events. In more recent years, Simon has been hosting BBC Radio 4’s critically acclaimed Don’t Tell Me The Score, which uses sport to explore life’s bigger questions. He has interviewed many of the most well known and successful people on the planet including Caitlyn Jenner, Jonny Wilkinson, Michael Johnson and even a former bank robber turned professional ironman – as well as psychologists, neuroscientists and former Buddhist monks.

He explores life themes including addiction, self-acceptance and tribalism, and we discuss the lessons he’s learnt from his interviews to see how we can apply this to the world of business.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, please like us, and leave a comment. We would love to hear what you are enjoying about the podcast, and it helps others to find us!

Listen to the chat with Simon here! 

Young Norfolk Writing Competition 2021 is open for submissions

The Young Norfolk Writing Competition – the popular annual competition celebrating creative writing in all its forms – is now open for entries from 11 – 18-year-olds living or studying in Norfolk.

The competition is a collaboration between the National Centre for Writing based in Dragon Hall, Norwich and Young Norfolk Arts, supported by Norfolk County Council. It builds on the success of previous years in which over 1,100 young people have participated from over 100 schools and other settings.

Young lovers of writing and reading are encouraged to submit stories, lyrics, narrative for games, graphic stories, poems, spoken word, scripts, podcasts, plays, articles, journalism or essays in written or audio format.

Kasey Challenger, who attends Dereham Sixth Form College, was one of seven winners of the 2020 competition and was also named joint 2020 Young Norfolk Laureate alongside Mathilda Armiger and Ryan Taaffe-Fowle.  

Kasey said:

‘The Young Norfolk Writing Competition and laureateship have been an invaluable opportunity that has helped me take steps to grow my confidence and moderate my anxiety. I have been given the chance to meet new people, perform my work, and have learnt a lot about poetry through mentoring – getting to explore new writing styles with really constructive feedback and encouragement that I have never had before. This year has helped me to become a better writer and learn to love what I am writing, as well as giving me the tools to explore the role that writing can play in my life in the future.’  

Hear more from 2020’s Young Norfolk Laureates, including snippets from their winning poems, in this promotional video for the competition: https://youtu.be/L1d8ZLWWnmM

The 2021 winners will receive individual prizes, professional mentoring to help take their writing forward, and opportunities to have their work performed and published.

The competition is free to enter and closes at 5pm on Monday 31 May 2021.  Entries may be written, audio recorded or in graphic story format.  

Victoria Maitland, Programme Officer at the National Centre for Writing said:

‘This competition always showcases the very finest writing that Norfolk has to offer. 2020 was a challenging year to be a young person, but the entries to the competition proved that creativity shines in even the most difficult circumstances. I’m excited to read the entries that 2021 has to offer.’  

Lucy Farrant, Director of Young Norfolk Arts said:

‘The Competition is a great chance for the county’s young people to express themselves in their own words using a medium which they enjoy. This opportunity is vitally important at this difficult time and I am really looking forward to reading and hearing the entries. I know there is a wealth of talent out there and I can’t wait for it to be shared.’  

Robert Rickard, 14 – 19 Adviser at Norfolk County Council said:

‘More than ever, given world events, we are delighted to help devise and promote this annual competition which nurtures the very best of young people’s creative energy and brings together education settings from right across Norfolk.’  

For submission details please see nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/ynwc/

Being an Enterprise Adviser gives you the unique opportunity to work with a specific school or college, supporting them strategically and operationally to improve their careers programme and strengthen their links with the world of work.

• What is an Enterprise Adviser?
  • Enterprise Advisers are volunteer business leaders who work directly with the leadership teams of individual schools and colleges. These volunteers help to develop effective, strategic employer engagement plans to enhance careers and enterprise learning within the curriculum.
• Benefits for businesses
• A chance to help shape the future workforce.
• Easier access to schools for employer engagement and interaction.
• Great opportunities to develop your own employees.
• Showcase your company or business sector.
•  To read more about the role of an Enterprise Adviser, please click here.
• Click here to view a map of the businesses currently engaged and working with the EAN in Norfolk and Suffolk and matched with an Enterprise Adviser.
• EAN Business Coverage 

There are also lots of other ways you can get involved and support your local school or college. We are often looking for volunteers for career events such as mock interview sessions, assembly talks, CV workshops, dragon den events, mentoring and stereotype busting workshops. To learn more about supporting your local school or college or to sign up to become an Enterprise Adviser, please contact Kieren Buxton | Enterprise Coordinator, East & West Norfolk  by email  kieren.buxton@newanglia.co.uk or call on 07770 390784   ‘Employer engagement has made the single biggest impact in my school, we’ve gone from shrugs to aspirations and our teachers have noticed a difference in lessons’ – Careers Lead, Hewett Academy

Bring the Brasserie home… Enjoy delicious food, lovingly created with locally sourced produce. Local Chef Mark Elvin, has devised mouth-watering dishes for the Brasserie at Barnham Broom, which you can now prepare and enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Equipped with full instructions, elements of pre-prepared items and all the ingredients required, you can now cook along with Mark from your own kitchen. Pre-order by clicking the button below, giving 24 hours’ notice. Collection available Friday’s and Saturday’s.

For Menu Click Here

To get in touch Click Here 

In this series of insight webinars, local business leaders talk about how they’ve coped during the pandemic. The guests will be sharing their views and experiences on recent months and how they are looking forwards.

Aimed at other business leaders across all sectors, these FREE to join webinars will give you powerful and bite-sized information to take away to your own business.

Join us for our third chat in the series, hosted by Becky Ames who is joined by Michelle Pollard, Managing Director of Spider, an award-winning online job advertiser based in Ipswich. 

Find out more about Spider here.

Register your place here!

Are you interested in helping to make Norfolk a better place to live today and tomorrow? Do you have a personal drive and ambition to want to make a difference? Are you innovative, with an interest in piloting change? Would you like to learn and understand the issues facing our communities?

Following some of our Trustees reaching the end of their service time with us, Norfolk Community Foundation are looking for new Trustees to reflect evolving needs and opportunities for growth and to help strengthen a strong foundation of community action and local giving following a year when the Foundation has led the support for Norfolk’s charities during the Covid-19 crisis.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Norfolk Community Foundation, playing an important role in helping us to achieve our ambitions of making local communities thrive and improving the lives of people who live there, then click here to find out more about the role and view the recruitment pack.

Closing date: Friday 12th February.

Alan Boswell Group are thrilled to announce that they’ve been awarded Feefo’s highest accolade for the sixth year running!

Feefo gives Platinum Trusted Service awards to businesses who have achieved Gold standard for at least three consecutive years. It is the highest possible accreditation the independent review site offers, and reflects the Group’s ongoing commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

Independent feedback from genuine customers

Feefo is a site where customers leave honest, unbiased reviews of products and services. As of January 2021, The Group has received more than 6,200 individual reviews, and;

• Score 4.9/5 for customer experience
• Score 4.8/5 for products!

“Fabulous service – responsive, helpful and professional. For the last 10-15 years I’ve used aggregators, large scale insurance companies but after my experience with ABG, I’m not sure I’ll be using this model in the future. Also nice to interact with the same person and not get bounced from person to person and have to explain everything time and time again – refreshing and just like the good old days of being a name rather than a number.” Customer review, 12/01/2021

Chris Gibbs, MD of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers, says “To receive the top award for six years in a row is a fantastic achievement. It recognises how committed our teams are to providing our customers with the best possible experience – even in a year as challenging as 2020. Well done to everyone involved.”

You can read the reviews here.

If you’d like your insurance to be handled with Platinum-rated customer service, give Alan Boswell Group a call on 01603 218000 or email hello@alanboswell.com.

MHA Larking Gowen, chartered accountants and business advisors, is pleased to announce the launch of their new podcast series Business Insights Chat, where the team interview successful business owners and leaders from a variety of sectors throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

Each week, our special guests will share their views, insights and experience in business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will discuss what drives them, their experiences, and what they are looking forward to, as well as how they’ve had to adapt in the face of lockdown restrictions.

These conversations are a unique insight into the thoughts and processes of some of our region’s key business leaders, running hugely successful and renowned businesses, and each week, the guests are asked to impart their best piece of advice for other leaders, as we move towards the light at the end of the COVID tunnel.

In the series launch, partner, Ian Fitch, talks to the Managing Director of Turners (Soham), Paul Day.

You will be familiar with the bright orange and red logo of Turners driving up and down the A14, as one of the most prominent logistics and haulage companies in the country, with a turnover of over £450 million, and over 4,000 staff. Hearing how the man at the top of a company like this prioritises fairness is a fascinating insight into what it takes to be the best, and how you can also become a championship table tennis player at the same time!

Future guests also include the CEO of Purcell, Mark Goldspink; Oliver Paul, co-owner of the hugely successful and popular Suffolk Food Hall; and Susannah Rendall, MD of the Boxford Group, which owns Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa, amongst other ventures.

Purcell is an architectural firm which has worked on Big Ben and other famous landmarks, while Oliver Paul offers a fascinating insight and refreshing look into why Suffolk, in particular, really is underrated and under-used. Oliver said, “It’s been a pleasure to be involved. Our thanks to MHA Larking Gowen for what they are doing with this content, it is very thought provoking and has also given me a moment to step back and think about our own business. No doubt this podcast will have elements people can really reflect on and apply to their own business”

Ian Fitch said, “It’s a privilege to interview such high calibre business leaders and learn how they have overcome challenges and what has driven them to succeed. Their down-to-earth advice and thought-provoking insights will inspire, encourage and motivate many other business leaders and owners.”

These conversations are not to be missed, and whilst they will no doubt inspire the leaders of tomorrow, they will also provide food for thought for those already leading teams and businesses of their own.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts, or visit www.larking-gowen.co.uk/lginsights

North Norfolk District Council recognises that these are very challenging times for most businesses. However, we would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the following Business Impact Survey.  

Survey link: 2021 Business Coronavirus Impact Survey (smartsurvey.co.uk)  

This will help us to gain a better understanding as to the level of impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on local businesses. It will also help us to identify the needs and types of support businesses require from the Government and other support partners.  

Thank you for your contribution.

The Economic Development Team

Breakwater IT are looking for individuals and businesses across Norfolk to donate their old laptops. These laptops would be repurposed and distributed to students who are struggling to access remote education. 

In the current lockdown, students have returned to online learning from home. However, there are some who may not possess the equipment to access remote learning.

In an aid to help, The Forum generously offered to send their old laptops back to us for repurposing. Following this, we decided to start asking our clients if they had any old laptops they wished to donate. We are pleased to now be opening the project to all businesses to donate.

Our team will rebuild and replace the hard drives in the laptops. As a result of replacing the hard drives, there is no risk to data being leaked. Ideally, the laptops will need to be less than 5 years old. We have the capacity to refurbish 100 laptops.

Here’s how it will work:

1. Complete our online form stating how many laptops you have, along with a few other details.
2. We’ll get in touch to let you know if we’re able to use your device(s) and arrange to get them to us.
3. Our team will rebuild and replace the hard drive(s) in the laptop(s). As a result of replacing the hard drive(s), there is no risk to data being leaked. Your old hard drive(s) will be professionally destroyed, and a blank copy of Windows will be installed.
4. We’ll distribute the laptops to those in need.

If you’d like to get involved, visit our website: click here

If you have any questions, please get in touch: enquiries@breakwaterit.co.uk | 01603 709300

The fourth Love West Norfolk day will be marked on Sunday 14 February – and this year, it’s an opportunity for everyone in the area to say: ‘thanks west Norfolk’.

After the success of the Love West Norfolk Heroes scheme – which saw some 60 individuals, teams, and organisations recognised – and as times remain difficult, this year’s Love West Norfolk day will be devoted to thanking those who are making a difference.

James Bagge, Love West Norfolk’s Ambassador explained: “Over the last year the Love West Norfolk Heroes campaign has revealed to us all the many acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness performed by so many across west Norfolk.

“Many have shown themselves keen to get public recognition for friends, family, neighbours, organisations, and businesses who have made this harrowing time a little bit easier for us all. This Love West Norfolk Day presents us with an opportunity collectively and loudly to celebrate this enduring and special community spirit-and say: ‘thanks west Norfolk.'”

There are a number of easy ways for people to get involved in this west Norfolk moment of thanks:

• Say thanks online: on Love West Norfolk Day, 14th February, share who you’re thanking in west Norfolk and why on social media, using the hashtags #lovewestnorfolk and / or #thankswestnorfolk. The Love West Norfolk campaign organisers will be sharing your posts throughout the day.
• Send in your thanks: tell Love West Norfolk who you want to thank and why via the contact form on their website www.lovewestnorfolk.co.uk Fifty messages of thanks will be displayed on a virtual ‘wall’ on the Love West Norfolk website, and they will also be shared on social media on 14 February.
• Download and send a Love West Norfolk thank you card: Love West Norfolk will be making available some Love West Norfolk ‘thank you’ cards for you to share online – email one to someone you would like to say thanks to, or share with them on social media.
• Children’s thank you pictures: youngsters in west Norfolk can get involved too. Download and colour in the pictures that will soon be available from the Love West Norfolk website and display in your windows to say thanks west Norfolk. Or, design your own thank you pictures – and don’t forget to share them on 14 February on social media with the hashtags #lovewestnorfolk and / or #thankswestnorfolk.
• A moment of thanks: at 6pm, on Love West Norfolk Day, Love West Norfolk will be sharing a film on their channels. Why not join in a moment of reflection and gratitude as we say: ‘thanks west Norfolk’.

There will be more information shared across the Love West Norfolk social media channels in the coming weeks: Twitter: @LoveWestNorfolk Facebook: Love West Norfolk and Instagram: love_west_norfolk

Lady Dannatt MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk lent her support to the day: “There have been so very many people who have gone above and beyond to support others over the last twelve months. I have had the opportunity to learn about numerous inspirational, heart-warming, kind and generous acts in Norfolk, and it has been a pleasure to get to thank just some of those who are making such a profound difference in our county.

“Ahead of this year’s Love West Norfolk day, I would like to say thank you to people in west Norfolk for all that they have done to lend a helping hand in the most challenging of times. A massive thank you to you all.”

Liz Truss MP for South West Norfolk commented “West Norfolk, as well as having fantastic natural beauty and wonderful heritage, is also blessed with amazing community spirit. The past 12 months has truly demonstrated this spirit and the resilience of everyone in the region.

“As we celebrate Love West Norfolk Day, I would like to praise the army of volunteers who have rallied to support the incredible work done by our NHS staff, carers, teachers, police and the thousands of key workers who help keep the show on the road. We have all helped in fighting covid19 and by continuing to follow the coronavirus guidance, West Norfolk will emerge stronger and I want to thank everyone for their efforts.”

James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk said:  “Our true character shows in times of adversity and people across west Norfolk rose to the immense challenges of Covid by going above and beyond in helping those in need.

“For everyone in our community Love West Norfolk Day is an opportunity to express immense thanks to all the health and social care workers, teachers supermarket staff, refuse collectors, emergency and key workers, businesses and so many more for everything they’ve done.”

Leaders across west Norfolk have got behind this year’s Love West Norfolk Day and are encouraging everyone to share their gratitude for anyone who has made a difference to them by saying ‘thanks west Norfolk’.

Cllr Brian Long, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “Each year we celebrate the very best of our area on Love West Norfolk Day. The beauty, history, local businesses and much more have been recognised in the past. This year is special as we will highlight the most important asset, the people.

“I encourage residents to thank the person, group or organisation that has done amazing things over this last difficult year by getting in touch. Please give your personal #thankswestnorfolk message through the website so they get the credit they deserve.”

Lorraine Gore, Chief Executive of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, adds: “Over the last year actions have spoken louder than words but Love West Norfolk Day this year gives us the opportunity to give credit to some of the amazing achievements of people and organisations across our area who have gone above and beyond. Unfortunately we can’t come together in person but we will do it virtually so please join in and recognise who you want to say ‘thanks west Norfolk’ to.”

Caroline Shaw, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “From all of us here at Team QEH, we’d like to say a huge, huge thank you to each and every member of the community for their support and acts of kindness throughout the year. Whether it’s been through monetary donations, words of hope and thanks on our social media channels or gifts and treats, we are truly grateful for everything our community has done to keep us going throughout this tough time. Thank you just isn’t enough.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my colleagues at Team QEH for their dedication and passion in delivering the best patient care possible during the pandemic. From ward to board, every single person who works for Team QEH has had a part to play in our response to the pandemic and I can’t thank you all enough for your ongoing hard work. Thank you Team QEH and thank you West Norfolk!”

T/Superintendent Lou Provart said: “Kings Lynn Police are the epitome of west Norfolk heroes, and a huge reason why this part of our beautiful county remains such a great place to live, work and do business. All of us here #LoveWestNorfolk and work very hard on your behalf to ensure it remains that way.

“Every day we too come across community heroes who are out there making life better for all of us, whether that is looking after our coastal and rural environment, or volunteering to support those really in a moment of need. The spirit here is first class, and can only be done hand in hand with each other. I’d like to say a huge thank you to you all and we really do look forward to 2021 with an optimism that we will come together again socially!”

Anita Jones, Chief Executive of Freebridge Community Housing said: “This is my first year working in west Norfolk, although I’ve lived here for a few years. I’ve always known that this is an amazing place to be and 2020 showed us that more than ever. We at Freebridge want to thank everyone who stepped up to help the most vulnerable in our area, from the local charities and community groups to those who brightened someone’s day by checking in on a neighbour or friend. 

“I’d also like to thank the team here at Freebridge who have gone above and beyond day in day out to make sure that our tenants are helped and supported. They’ve provided advice on financial support and benefits, made warm meals for those in need at Christmas, kept the children busy with online lockdown activities and continued to provide essential services throughout the pandemic.

“Finally, like many others, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the NHS. One of our board members is a retired nurse and returned to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital last year to help the team there, and it is thanks to her and her colleagues that many people are still able to say in 2021 – thanks west Norfolk.”

Jon Clemo, CEO of Community Action Norfolk commented: “Community Action Norfolk (CAN) are thankful to the many thousands of community volunteers who stepped forward to help their neighbours in the last year. 

“As a charity that works with voluntary and community organisations, we have been in contact with more than 45 different grass roots community groups that sprang up in west Norfolk to help their neighbours during Covid – and we want to say ‘Thanks West Norfolk’ to those people.  It has been heart-warming to see how many people in west Norfolk have been passionate about supporting others in their villages and towns who are impacted by the pandemic, and their kindness and neighbourliness says a lot for community spirit in the area.”

Chris Sargisson, CEO, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: “We are truly impressed by our local business community who have had to adapt rapidly in these times of uncertainty. Love West Norfolk Day is a wonderful initiative that takes time to recognise and thank those businesses who have helped others and shows just how supportive the business community can be.

“Here at the Chambers we have seen just how well companies and people have quickly learnt to become more supportive of those around them. This recognition can go a long way, especially at a time when businesses are getting ready to steadily start to grow. Saying thank you, showing gratitude and remembering the lessons learnt from the past year provides opportunities to change to keep being kind, supporting communities and shining a light on west Norfolk.”

Michael Baldwin, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council said: “West Norfolk has seen such an outpouring of acts of kindness, selflessness and support of the local community and its local businesses in the last year. I am proud to say that I live and work in west Norfolk an area that has shown such these things in abundance  through awful times of hardship and uncertainty.”

We are acutely aware this is an extremely challenging time for businesses and it is very important that we are able to focus our economic response and recovery efforts on current and emerging issues as accurately and effectively as possible.

We would like to encourage all businesses in the borough to complete this short survey here which should take no longer than 15 minutes. Please feel free to complete the survey more than once, at different times or if your situation or views change.

Survey response data is non-business-specific and will directly inform both our conversations and our economic response and recovery work with partners from Government, New Anglia LEP, other local authorities and local business groups