Member News

Who we are With roots going back to 1980, Select as it is now began in 1995 as a specialist office support recruiter. We have since diversified our sectors and expanded across the country. Today, the local experience of our recruitment experts means that Select is able to provide a recruitment service that is unrivalled in numerous fields for its quality, value and service.

Select Norwich, based on Exchange Street right in the heart of the city, has been offering recruitment services to Norfolk and Suffolk for 25 years. Over this time, more offices have been opened to offer an even better service to the East of England, including locations in Lowestoft, Cambridge, Chelmsford and Newmarket.

The name, Select, was chosen with considerable care and we continue to adhere to the dictionary definition of Select – “chosen for excellence – pick out as best or most suitable”. This definition forms the basis of our company culture and our commitment to a quality service that far exceeds the expectations of both candidates and clients.

What we do Finding a new job is a significant milestone in your life. At Select, our recruitment consultants know a thing or two about the job market and will do everything in their power to find the right job for you.

Our goal is not only to find you your perfect job but also to look after you throughout the job seeking process and beyond. We aim to be your preferred recruitment agency and build a long-term relationship with you. Our service is more than finding you your ideal job – our Job seeker Advice Centre will give you lots of help to make the right decisions about your future, and of course our consultants are happy to advise and guide you at any time.

It is our belief that – by finding you a job that fits with your personality, ambitions and personal circumstances – we can enable you to take the next important step in your career. The support and guidance that we offer will give you a real head start in finding your perfect job and shaping your future.

This Year 2020 is a big year for us, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. We are kicking off our celebrations by launching a brand new brochure (also available as a PDF at the bottom of this page) with a new look and feel to our branding. Or if you would prefer a more personal touch, please get in touch and find out what support we can offer you today.

British Maltster supplying craft brewers and distillers across the world, boosted by AEO Accreditation.

Importing and exporting has always come with its challenges. Never more so than now, with all the uncertainty surrounding the exact terms on which the country leaves the EU.

At the same time as exploring the new opportunities this might bring, British companies that operate internationally are looking to mitigate any potential negative impacts brought about by the changes. That means preparing for every eventuality and ensuring that export logistics operations and administration can continue as seamlessly as possible.

Crisp Malt’s timely achievement last week of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is a case in point.

“AEO accreditation is recognised worldwide,” says Crisp’s craft brewing and logistics director Rob Moody.  “It shows that the Crisp’s role in the international supply chain is secure and efficient and provides valuable reassurance to customers and port authorities both at home and overseas.

“Having AEO status will help ‘fast-track’ our exports through customs. This will reduce bureaucracy and time in transit, allowing our malts to reach craft brewers and distillers faster and more efficiently.”

It may seem strange for countries that grow and malt barley to import it from Britain, but there are extremely good reasons for it. As Rob says,

“Some of the best barley in the world is grown in East Anglia and Scotland, where, conveniently, our maltings are located! This includes the revered variety Maris Otter and the 19th Century heritage variety Chevallier through to the innovative Clear Choice. They are expertly grown by specialist farmers in North Norfolk and brought to our maltings in Gt Ryburgh for processing into malt.

“The special flavours and characteristics of these malts are very different to those made in other countries. They allow craft brewers across the world to make authentic English-style ales as well as create new Craft beer styles. Our malts are in high demand and we are currently supplying brewers in 34 countries, the largest markets being the USA and Japan.

“Equally, we are able to supply craft distillers with malted barley grown and processed in Scotland, the universally recognised home of whisky distilling. This again provides them an integrity and quality that only the real McCoy, in terms of ingredients, can deliver.

“There is an opportunity to build the market for UK malt. Having AEO status contributes to the service levels we can provide to export customers, and will be helpful in the quest to gain new business among craft brewers and distillers across the world. A growing number of drinkers in countries near and wide will be savouring the tastes of East Anglia or Scotland as they sip their craft beers and whiskies.”

The exciting move to our smart new offices has been captured in a short film highlighting what makes Credo Asset Finance stand out.

The promotional feature, created by fellow Chamber member James Bussey of Native Origin, follows our transition from the old office in Yarmouth Road at Thorpe St Andrew to our smart new two-storey premises in Delft Way, near Norwich airport.

Marketing manager Fran Brown explained that the film not only aimed to bring Credo to the attention of new customers but also to promote it as a great place to work as the business looks to grow and strengthen its talented team.

“It highlights the company’s development, achievements and strong values,” she explained

The film follows Credo’s expansion to new premises from clearing and packing up at the old site, transforming the new open-plan office to meet its specific needs and finally moving and settling in.

There are also interviews with team members about why they enjoy working at Credo.

So a great start to the year for Credo, but what are your plans for 2020? Come and talk to us over a coffee!

Pure, the professional recruitment company for the East of England, has worked with Birketts LLP and accountancy firm PEM to deliver a series of business breakfasts designed to help demystify the potentially imminent IR35 changes to ‘off-payroll’ workers in the private sector.

With many complexities and uncertainties still surrounding the proposed reforms to Intermediaries Legislation, known as IR35, more than 170 HR professionals, business owners and self-employed workers attended the region-wide events looking for expert guidance on the changes, which are due to come in to effect for private sector businesses on 6 April.

Ian Walters, CEO at Pure and host of the breakfast briefings, said: “These proposed regulations are still only in draft form, having been postponed due to Brexit, and now they are also in the process of further consultation. However, despite these uncertainties, there is a real possibility that medium and large businesses will need to be ready and legally compliant in less than two months’ time. We know many businesses like the flexibility of working with individuals who can provide services through their own limited companies or via agencies. We also support many organisations in the region with recruiting temporary professionals at all levels, providing interim cover and short-term injections of talent and expertise. As a business we need to understand and prepare for these changes. We want to support other businesses to do the same.”

The changes are being made by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to prevent tax avoidance from what it sees as ‘disguised employment’. This is when individuals work ‘off-payroll’ for an organisation and supply their services through their own limited companies as an intermediary, and where they don’t meet HMRC’s definition of self-employment. In essence, workers who would normally be considered an employee if they were providing their services direct to an organisation will be required to pay broadly the same tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). To achieve this, the ultimate responsibility for determining an individual’s IR35 status, and their subsequent tax payments, will move from the worker’s company to those paying the worker and the end client organisations, however, small businesses are expected to be exempt under the new rules.

In collaboration with Birketts and PEM, Pure delivered briefing sessions in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich to help businesses understand whether the new regulations will affect them and how to prepare and manage the changes.

The sessions covered how businesses can determine whether individual workers fall inside or outside of IR35, the potential pitfalls of the different tax status assessment tools and case study examples of issues raised since the changes were first introduced within the public sector in 2017. As well as looking at the impact on the end client businesses, and where the ultimate liability will rest within different employment chains. The events also explored what the changes will mean for contractors, temporary workers, intermediaries and employers. It was clear that delegates had concerns about the proposed regulations, with polls run across all sessions showing that 59% of delegates believed the off-payroll working rules should be delayed and 51% expecting to incur extra costs as a result of the changes.

Annette Wyld, Head of Finance at Pure, added: “We have produced guides for our clients and workers to help them understand the changes and to communicate the IR35 reforms. Although these are still only draft regulations at the moment, we are fully prepared and have put our own strategies in place to help support both our clients and our workers. Having gone through this process, our key advice for other businesses is to avoid making ‘blanket decisions’. Review each assignment based on the reality of the relationship and ensure contractual terms are in place which reflect this, whether engaged directly or via agencies, and to communicate plans and timings with everyone involved.”

Visit Pure’s dedicated IR35 website page for more information about its approach and the guides it has produced for clients and workers. For more information about temporary professional recruitment solutions contact your local Pure office.

Tree planting begins at Colby Playing Field this weekend as part of Colby & Banningham Parish Council’s support for North Norfolk District Council’s (NNDC) ambition to plant 110,000 trees – one for every person in North Norfolk – over the next four years.

A total of 500 trees are being planted at the playing field on Bridge Road, Colby. The parish council, which maintains the land, has taken the opportunity to get involved in NNDC’s new initiative, to help make the playing field more attractive for residents to enjoy. The planting follows on from work by local wildlife group, Wild About Colby, who developed a small copse at one end of the field in recent years.

The new trees are a mix of native species chosen to suit the soil conditions in the area, including oak, rowan, gorse, broom, silver birch, hazel, field maple, goat willow and dog rose. Advice has been sought from Dr Colin Studholme, an expert in environmental science who has worked on similar schemes elsewhere, to help choose the best possible trees for biodiversity, to improve the parish landscape and contribute to NNDC’s climate change initiative.

The Colby tree planting events, which are open to all to attend, are taking place from 11am on Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 February. For more details, see the Colby & Banningham Parish Council website or Facebook and Twitter pages.

Mo Anderson-Dungar, parish clerk at Colby and Banningham Parish Council, said: “We are pleased to be holding these two tree planting events which will enable us to further improve the playing field site for the benefit of all local residents. At the same time, we’re delighted to be supporting NNDC’s initiative by planting one tree for everyone living here in our parish.”

Councillor Nigel Lloyd, NNDC’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We are delighted to see Colby and Banningham getting involved with our scheme and using it as an opportunity to complement their existing work on the playing field. These 500 trees all count towards our ambitious goal to plant 110,000. We welcome all support and ideas and would love to hear from other villages and groups who are interested in taking part, whether it’s to plant one tree, 500 or more.”

To support its four-year tree planting ambition, NNDC is partnering with the Woodland Trust as its main supplier of trees. It is encouraging individuals, as well as local schools, groups and businesses, to get involved with the campaign which is part of its journey to becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030. For more information and details of how to get involved, visit: https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/trees

Roger Bowen, Robert Littlefield and Andrew Thornton all celebrated 15 years of practice ownership in January 2020.

Back in January 2005, three ambitious accountants launched their own practices after joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, which this year marks its own special landmark 25th anniversary.

Roger Bowen’s practice based in Llanelli, South Wales, has grown to a team of seven and has been operating from a shop since 2009.

“The best decision I ever made was joining TaxAssist,” said Roger. “It has provided me with an opportunity to choose a good work/life balance, make my own work decisions and be in charge of my own destiny. I can work from home when I choose, see clients when I choose or play golf when I choose. All this and a great income to boot. My success has proved it works.”

Kent-based Robert Littlefield concurs: “Time flies when you are enjoying yourself. Aside from asking my wife to marry me, taking on a TaxAssist franchise has to be the best decision I have made in my life.  From working all the hours for an employer, I changed to working the hours I choose for myself. As a result, I have ended up considerably wealthier, and more importantly spent so much more time with my family, (I’ve never missed a sports day or parents evening since!) I would like to thank the TaxAssist support team for helping to make this all possible, as I could not have achieved what I have done without them.”

Andrew Thornton, who opened his shop in Otley, West Yorkshire, in 2005 said: “15 years! Wow! Where did that go?

“I wish that I had had the opportunity to join 15 years prior to when I did. I achieved my ambition to work for myself and build my own small team but with the added benefits of having the support of a larger, friendly organisation with some really nice people. I have absolutely no regrets!”

Karl Sandall, Chief Executive Director of The TaxAssist Group, was quick to congratulate the trio. “It has been an absolute pleasure to support Roger, Robert and Andrew over the last 15 years, and to watch as they have built up substantial accountancy practices.

“I take great pride in offering first class support to our network of franchisees and we never forget that our success as a franchisor is dependent on the success of our franchisees. I wish them many years of continued success.”  

Norfolk Community Foundation, together with The Prince’s Trust, is excited to announce the launch of an innovative new mentoring programme to support and inspire vulnerable young women in Norfolk, helping them to take the next step towards reaching their goals. This one-year pilot initiative, which has received more than £25K of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, is part of Norfolk Community Foundation’s Together for Women and Girls programme. The Foundation was inspired to set up the programme in 2018 to help local women and girls overcome challenges in their lives and realise their aspirations. The new mentoring initiative has had an encouraging start. Norfolk Community Foundation has successfully recruited a team of volunteer mentors from a range of professional backgrounds to support and motivate young women who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET. Through the partnership with The Prince’s Trust, these mentors are receiving training and will be matched with up to 40 local young women to help them achieve and sustain success in education, employment or training. After evaluating the difference the pilot has made to the lives of these young women it is hoped that the initiative will be extended and rolled out more widely. Find out more

Attleborough-based renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm has reached the milestone of ensuring £20 million in Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments will be shared among the hundreds of domestic, and commercial, customers for which it has designed and installed ground and air source heat pump systems.

The RHI is a government initiative designed to reward people for choosing to switch to a more environmentally friendly form of heating. Administered by the official regulator Ofgem, the scheme is available for domestic customers under the Domestic RHI, and for commercial customers under the Non-domestic (Commercial) RHI. Based on the amount of clean, green heat produced, both schemes provide tax-free quarterly payments for seven years under the Domestic scheme or 20 years for Commercial.

As one of the UK’s longest established renewable heating companies, Finn Geotherm has been helping its heat pump customers apply for this tax-free incentive since it was first introduced in April 2014. The company has kept a log of all the payments it has secured for its domestic and commercial customers and this has now reached a total of £20 million pounds.

However, the current RHI scheme will end for all new applications on 31st March 2021 so Finn Geotherm is encouraging anyone considering a heat pump to act now. Ground and air source heat pump projects have to be installed by a qualified installer and registered for the RHI before this date in order to be included.

Guy Ransom, Commercial Director at Finn Geotherm, said: “At a time when we all need to be doing our bit to tackle the climate emergency, the RHI scheme provides a great added incentive for customers to benefit from upgrading their heating and hot water systems to low carbon technology such as heat pumps.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that as many of our customers as possible receive this generous incentive, enabling them to significantly cut their heating costs and energy use, while enjoying warmer and more environmentally friendly homes and workplaces. With the RHI scheme ending in March 2021, we’re keen to help as many more customers as possible to lock into the scheme and benefit from the RHI payments when they switch to a better form of heating. We’re encouraging people to get it while it’s hot!”

For more information on ground and air source heat pumps and details on Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.

Bring along your lovely mum for an extra special Mother’s Day Lunch at The Norfolk Mead on Sunday 22 March. All mums will receive a box of chocolate brownies to enjoy.

  Curried Parsnip & Apple Soup, Crispy Shallots, Red Lentils, Yoghurt. Smoked Salmon, Wild Garlic Pesto, Potato Salad, Crispy Capers, Caviar, Fennel, Dill Oil. Prawn & Crayfish Stack, Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Yoghurt, Baby Gem, Marie Rose. Pork Belly, Mustard Spätzle, Roasted Onion Puree, Apple, Kale, Cider Jus, Pork Puff. Wild Mushroom Risotto, Smoked Cheddar, Crispy Quails Egg, Balsamic Onions, Rocket. Confit Duck & Prune Pressing, Bacon Mayonnaise, Pickled Vegetables, Dukkha Crumb, Gherkins. **** Roast Rump of Beef, Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding, Gravy. Roast quarter Norfolk Chicken, Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Apricot & Pine Nut Stuffing, Gravy. Roast Leg of Lamb, Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Rosemary & Onion Stuffing, Gravy. Sea bass Fillet, Hasselback New Potatoes, Braised Baby Gem, Pea Puree, Jerusalem Artichoke, Cockle Beurre Blanc. Cod Loin, Crushed new Potato Cake, Cauliflower Puree, Samphire, Mange tout, King Prawns, Fennel Velouté. Mixed Nut & Fruit Wellington, Roast Potatoes, Parsnip Puree, Savoy Cabbage, Carrots, Wild Mushroom Gravy. **** Granny Smith Parfait, Blackberry Gel, Granola, Cinnamon Doughnuts, Sorrel. Vanilla Panna Cotta, Lemon Curd, Raspberry Sorbet, Meringue, Poppy Seed Macaron. Glazed Chocolate Mousse, Caramel, Banana Ice Cream, Chocolate Soil, Peanut Butter Fudge. Egg Custard Tart, Brown Bread Ice Cream, Brandy Snap, Poached Raspberries, Candied Nuts. Selection of Homemade Ice Creams & Sorbets. Norfolk & English Cheeses, Binham Blue, Baron Bigod, Black Bomber, Cornish Yarg, Celery, Mixed Crackers, Grapes & Chutney (£3.00 Supplement) **** Tea or Coffee served with Petit Fours   £40 per person. Treat your mum to a spectacular Sunday lunch in Norfolk. Relax and enjoy our luxury Hotel surroundings and make some extra special memories. Call one of our friendly team on 01603 737 531 to book a table.

We’re looking for local businesses who would be happy to come in to College to provide talks and/or workshops to our students on the following topics: CV & cover letter writing tips – what makes a CV & cover letter stand-out, things to avoid, common mistakes. Being work ready – advice on how to prepare for the word of work and general tips for work experience/first jobs. For example, how to dress, how to behave and general ‘insider knowledge’ that many students just don’t have yet due to their age. Mock interviews and interview tips.

We have the following session times: Session 1 from 09:30 – 11:00 Session 2 from 11:15 – 12:45 Session 3 from 13:30 – 15:00

Businesses are welcome to come in for one session or stay for all 3 if you are able. Ideally talks/workshops to last 45 mins to 1 hour, but whatever you are able to offer, we can formulate a plan to suit you. If you’d like to get involved in shaping the workforce of the future, please contact Michelle Atkins matkins@eastnorfolk.ac.uk or Sean Baney sbaney@eastnorfolk.ac.uk

or call to chat for more info on 01493 662234

We are thrilled that Norwich Puppet Theatre has been recommended for half-term activities by The Guardian! https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/feb/02/family-holiday-uk-planner-daytrips-minibreaks-holidays?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other The article says: “Budding animators will be in their element at Norwich Puppet Theatre, which has excellent children’s workshops this half-term, along with performances of Goldilocks and Puss in Boots. Youngsters (five and over) can make their ultimate side-kick in puppet form, while older children can try using wire armature to make movable characters with plasticine.” Bring the family, and come along and try our programme from 15th to 24th February!

It’s a proper festival of the best visiting Puppet companies for these shows

Wednesday 19th February A Bird in the Hand Theatre presents Midnight at 11am and 2:30pm

Thursday 20th February Hand to Mouth present Goldilocks at 11am and 2:30pm

Saturday 22nd February Lyngo Theatre present Puss in Boots at 2:30pm

And lots of children’s workshops too! Saturday 15th February 1030-1200 Perfect Partners https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/perfect-partners

Saturday 15th February 1-2:30pm Family Workshop Shadow Theatres https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/family-workshop-shadow-theatres

Tuesday 18th February 1030-1200 Armatures Skills Workshops https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/skills-armature

Wednesday 19th February 1030-1200 Cats and Dogs https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/big-cats

Thursday 20th February Story Land special family event with Goldilocks show: https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/story-land

Saturday 22nd February Story Land special family event with Puss in Boots show: https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/story-land

Monday 24th February 1000-1130 Little Tots Creative Play: Lines and Squiggles for ages 18 months to 5 years: https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/workshops/little-tots-lines-and-squiggles

Book on line or phone us today at 01603 629921

KLM UK Engineering’s new facility is off to a flying start with the steel structure starting to take shape for this two bay aircraft hangar. The hangar is due to officially open in November 2020 a long with its new Workshop facility.