Business Advisory experts Mark Curtis and James Lay, partners at MHA Larking Gowen, have been speaking about their understanding and explanations of the guidance being offered from the Government. Their podcast series explains guidance in more detail and also offers sound business advice to help you through these uncertain times.
Click here to listen to the first 3 episodes – ToFurlough and Beyond, Pricing in a Pandemic, and The Office is Dead, Long Live the Office!
Nine pupils from Norwich School, have been helping to fund raise for the last month. They have sold 400 races and raised just over £3000 for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice. They need to sell another 60 races by Friday to reach £3500!
Are you missing your local Park Run? Or want to test your 5K time and receive a medal? Members of Norwich School company ‘Velocitas’, one of the school’s Young Chamber groups, have been working in collaboration with local Running Club, Norwich Road Runners and the Priscilla Bacon Hospice charity to create a virtual road race, all for a brilliant cause.
Race from your place virtual 5k race asks people to donate £10 so they can individually take part in a 5K run from their home between 13th and 31st May, with all proceeds going to the hospice appeal. All runners will receive a medal, certificate and the chance to top the leader board!
Pupils will be managing all aspects of the race including marketing (Olivia White U5 produced this flier), validating and producing results (including an in-house school version) and sending out the race medals and certificates.
Before the start date of the race, pupils will email a race number to entrants, which can be printed and worn on your individual race day. Why not wear your school /house colours then send us a picture of you starting or finishing your race?
The Sainsbury Centre is delighted to announce the acquisition of a significant group of works by Elizabeth Frink made possible in accordance with the wishes of the artist’s late son, Lin Jammet. This acquisition follows the highly celebrated exhibition, Elisabeth Frink: Humans and Other Animals, held at the Centre in 2018. The works consist of 29 sculptures and drawings, by one of the most important British sculptors of the twentieth century. They will be displayed at the Sainsbury Centre art museum and its Sculpture Park at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK. This acquisition was initiated in collaboration with the artist’s son, Lin Jammet, who sadly died in 2017. However, it was his wish that a group of his mother’s works should remain after the exhibition and become part of the permanent holdings in the region of the Suffolk-born artist’s birth. The acquisition includes powerful examples of work from all periods of Frink’s artistic practice. Frink was known for depicting the relationship between humans and animals and this was a theme she returned to throughout her life. Whilst offering exciting contemporary possibilities both metaphorically and directly, she was conscious of the fact that animals appear in art from the very earliest times and that their relationship with humans is interdependent. Frink rose to prominence while still a student at Chelsea College of Art in 1952, when she had her first major gallery exhibition and won a prize in an international competition for the Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner. She created a series of expressionist bird sculptures which, for her, evoked ‘strong feelings of panic, tension, aggression and predatoriness’. Frink was associated with the Geometry of Fear group of British sculptors and created one of the most succinct responses to the Second World War and to the climate of fear generated by the encroaching Cold War. In the 1950s, her falling and spinning men, and associated drawings, echo images of early cosmonauts such as Yuri Gagarin, the first human in outer space. Frink’s most famous and unique theme is a series of heads, the Goggle Heads (1967-69) and Tribute Heads (1970s-80s), which explore the contradictory forces of masculinity and vulnerability. The acquisition includes examples of both series. Like other great twentieth century artists including Bacon and Picasso, Frink explores the binary attributes of human behaviour, representing man as both aggressor and brutalised victim. This theme is also illustrated in the representation of the warrior figure (Soldier 1963). The Mirage Birds, (Mirage I and Mirage II, 1969) illustrate her work in large scale bronze and take up residency in the Sainsbury Centre’s 350-acre Sculpture Park at the University of East Anglia. They represent a more playful and abstracted form of depiction set against the watery backdrop of a Norfolk Broad. Frink was one of the twentieth century’s great draughtsmen with the ability to convey sculptural form on paper. The acquisition of 9 drawings and 4 prints includes her Green Man series, which was made when Frink knew that she was likely to die whilst only in her 60s. Frink found solace in the popular medieval symbol of rebirth and new life, resulting in works as fresh and invigorating as anything she had ever produced. Sainsbury Centre Head of Collections and curator of Elizabeth Frink: Humans and Other Animals, Calvin Winner says: “We are delighted that a significant body of work is held in a public collection in the region of Frink’s birth. The Sainsbury Centre is perhaps best known for its holdings of sculpture from ancient times to the present day. Frink’s work will now be seen alongside some of the greatest sculpture ever made. This a is fitting tribute to one of the most important British sculptors of the twentieth century.”
Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity, Big C, has announced the launch of virtual support group meetings for men, women and young people, to further bolster the package of support on offer to those affected by cancer in our community during the pandemic.
The Men’s Support Group, which usually meets at Big C Norwich Centre, met virtually for the first-time recently. The meeting was facilitated by Big C Cancer Information Clinical Nurse, Julian Pollard. He said “Everyone was very positive towards the experience. Many of the men in the group have been in isolation and shielding for several weeks, so being able to see people, especially those from their peer support group was really beneficial for them.”
Tim O’Shanohun, a service user who regularly attends the group, said: “By having this, it goes to show you that support is there for those who need it. Having this group meeting and the support packs that have been sent to me has been a bit of a lifeline at the moment.”
The Women’s Support Group, who also usually meet at the Norwich Big C Centre, hosted their first virtual meeting on the 15th May, organised by Cancer Information Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jenny Daly and Support and Information Nurse, Julie Taafe.
Jenny said: “The ladies who joined myself and Julie enjoyed having the catch up with everyone and sharing how they have been coping with the lockdown. The ladies were really pleased to be able to have the opportunity to use Zoom to stay in contact.”
Ladies group member, Yvonne, said, “As I have very much missed my regular visits to the Big C centre for support, relaxation and the ladies group, I found the session yesterday very helpful as it was really good to actually see people for a discussion rather than by telephone and to know the support is there too. With my only outings where I have conversations face to face with people (other than my husband) confined to visits to the supermarket, Zoom is an excellent way of keeping in touch, like having friends round which is as close as we can at the moment.”
The Free2Be support group for young people aged 13 to 25, who have or have had a cancer diagnosis, also held a virtual support group this week.
Big C area manager, Tonia King, said: “The young people that attended really enjoyed reconnecting again and have developed great supportive friendships. We had one member join us from their hospital bed, with the group offering a much-needed distraction for the long days with no visitors. During the meeting we had some members donning fancy dress and wigs to much amusement, plus some showing off how they have been keeping active at home. My personal favourite highlight was the group singalong and dancing to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.”
Bianca Rudd who attends the Free2Be group said “Being at the Free2Be meeting is like been with my second family however, they aren’t family; they are people which have been through a similar situation as you have, with professionals who are there listen to you, help you if you need it and they are there to support you, not judge you and without them I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Another group member added: “The meeting was just what I needed. To see my cancer family was a perfect way to put a smile on my face in a troubling time. It was great to see how much Big C are still there for the people that need them.”
Big C Director of Operations, Dr Melanie Pascale said, “The Big C support team has done a tremendous job to set up the virtual group meetings which, from the feedback we have already received, we know are of great value and comfort to those affected by cancer in our community. The circumstances are currently very tough for those with cancer, but with the right support and friendship people are often able to find enormous strength and resilience.”
For more information about Big C Support Groups, please call 0800 092 7640 (free to call, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
In response the current pandemic and the recent easing of restrictions, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has produced a set of guides to help businesses get back up and running and workplaces operating as safely as possible. The Coronavirus Bulletins are specific guides providing clear guidance for travel and tour operators, food businesses and the housing and home improvement sector. Guides are updated regularly and can be downloaded free from the Business Companion website using the following link:
With over a quarter of the British workforce being furloughed, and more people than ever working from home, many people are wondering what life will look like when millions of people return to work.
In this article, we look at advice from the government, the health and safety executive and other trusted sources to answer six big questions on how the next few months will look, and what businesses can do right now to prepare.
The coronavirus has impacted businesses everywhere, but as the UK starts to re-emerge from lockdown, it’s time to look to the future.
Your organisation may have continued to trade during the lockdown, or perhaps you had to close your doors until the Government started to ease restrictions. Either way now is the time to use email marketing to let your customers know that you are back and ready to do business.
Our Smart Messenger team have been busy talking to clients about how to use our email marketing system to reach out to their customers. Initially, the most important message you can send is either ‘We’re back in business’ or ‘We’ve never been away’.
Right now, as people remain in lockdown, and many of us are still working from home, your target audience is online more than ever. When you use email marketing to reach them, it’s the most efficient way to ensure they read what you have to say.
But once you’ve delivered the ‘back to business’ message, where do you go next?
Using an email marketing platform like Smart Messenger, you can share content with your target audience that is helpful and informative.
To help you, we’ve put together a Smart Messenger blog that gives you a guide to the sort of content you need to share with your email list right now. The most important thing? Show your company cares by producing helpful and informative content that is genuinely useful and valuable.
If you want to know more about how to use email marketing to get back to business after COVID-19, please feel free to get in touch on 01603 858250 – we’ll be happy to help.
Are you affected by COVID-19, either as a business or an individual employee and are facing the risk of redundancy? If you are in this situation, Steadfast Training may be able to support you through FULLY FUNDED training to upskill and get prepared for the challenges ahead.
Our Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme supports companies of any size based in Norfolk, as well as employees from the age of 16. We can also support individuals, who are at risk of redundancy or have been made redundant within the last 3 months.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our training options is currently being offered remotely and course registrations and support delivery will need to be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Freebridge Community Housing unveil proposed plans for final phases of Hillington Square project
Freebridge Community Housing have today unveiled their proposed plans for the final phases to the Hillington Square regeneration project, following the successful completion of the first four phases at Millfleet Court, Valentine Place, Colby Court and Eldridge Court.
The unveiling of the plans begins a month-long period of consultation with the community before they are submitted to the Borough Council for planning approval.
Because of the continuing coronavirus situation Freebridge will be hosting the plans online at www.hillingtonsquare.co.uk/consultation/ and in addition in the windows of the old Community Café building on the Square.
Tony Hall, Freebridge’s Chief Executive said, “Like organisations across the country we have been managing the situation in respect of Covid-19 from day to day, adapting the way we work in order to allow us to continue to provide much needed services to the residents that need them, while at the same time ensuring that that our priority continues to be the health and safety of our customers and workforce.
“Thankfully we’ve also been able to continue to work on longer-term plans and projects including these proposed final plans for the redevelopment of the Hillington Square estate in the heart of King’s Lynn.”
Andy Walder Freebridge chair said, “Despite the current circumstances we are very excited to be able to let everyone see our proposed plans for the remaining work still to be done at Hillington Square. The project had been paused towards the end of last year to allow us to fully investigate the options available to us and we’ve used that time well. The final plans reflect our desire to offer a better mix and variety of housing on the estate and we feel this will result in ensuring that Hillington Square is a great place to live for many years to come.”
Are you affected by COVID-19, either as a business or an individual employee and are facing the risk of redundancy? If you are in this situation, Steadfast Training may be able to support you through FULLY FUNDED training to upskill and get prepared for the challenges ahead.
Our Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme supports companies of any size based in Norfolk, as well as employees from the age of 16. We can also support individuals, who are at risk of redundancy or have been made redundant within the last 3 months.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our training options is currently being offered remotely and course registrations and support delivery will need to be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Children have been creating rainbow pictures all over the country to thank the NHS for their hard work during the coronavirus crisis. We all know the amazing job our NHS are doing to keep us safe and to care for those who need it in these worrying times. We are very grateful to all the NHS heroes, but we also want to thank the children of these workers for staying strong while under huge pressure, worried about their parent going to work and catching the virus or being isolated from their family. We recognise how scary these times must feel for them. So, let’s give them a reason to smile! Credo have decided to launch a competition asking for children of parents of NHS or keyworkers to send us their rainbow picture. The winner will receive a £50 gift voucher and their picture design will be displayed on our own Credo MINI for everyone to see! There will also be a second and third prize of a £30 and £20 gift voucher, even more reason to enter! So, if you or your partner works for the NHS or are a keyworker, please let your children know about this competition. All entries will be displayed on our front windows of the office for everyone to see, so don’t forget to put your name and age on it!
Rules:
Only one picture per child can be submitted
Competition open to children aged 0-16
The picture can be e-mailed to fran@credoassetfinance.com or sent to Credo Capital Finance Ltd – Iceni Court, Delft Way, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6BB
Please include your name, child’s name, address/contact number and age of child.
The winner will be decided on Monday 8th June 2020 and contacted that day.
The Norfolk Mead in Coltishall has confirmed there are a few available spaces remaining in May for their popular takeaway Afternoon Tea.
There is currently availability for Sunday 24, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May for the current takeout Afternoon Tea menu which features:
– Spectacular Sandwiches: egg mayonnaise and mustard cress; mature cheddar with apple and pear chutney; coronation chicken and rocket – Pork and apple sausage roll; plain and fruit scones – Incredible Cakes: passion fruit cheesecake pot; owner Anna’s chocolate brownie; hazelnut praline cake with orange mascarpone. If you have a special lockdown occasion to celebrate, you can also add Prosecco and Wine to your order. The delicious Afternoon Tea in a box is priced at £15 per head, plus £3 delivery. Prosecco is £15 per bottle, with house white, red and rose wine at £10 per bottle. Free delivery for orders over £50. The Norfolk Mead have also announced an extended delivery area for orders as shown in the map above. Whilst we are working on a basis of 15 miles from Coltishall, we are happy to consider further deliveries given the number of requests we have had from the outlying areas. Please contact the team with any special requests at info@norfolkmead.co.uk Or you can order online here. Coming soon: look out for our June menu launch! The refreshed takeaway Afternoon Tea will include beautiful summer flavours including strawberry and lemon – keep an eye on our social media channels for more news!