Member News

Norwich City Table Tennis Club have 80 members members ranging from 6-86, play locally (we run the Ping Pong Parlour in the Castle Mall, putting on Charity events), across the county and across the country in national competitions. We run junior competitions and a ladies league, over 55’s Bat and Chat sessions and are starting a LGBT+ session this April. It’s a great family sport with few limitations.

They are looking for sponsorship for:

• £500 for a match table, which can include sponsors logos on / round it and will be housed at Frere Road Community Centre, where the Norwich team cup finals are being held, and teams across the county will come to play, along with being used for Bat and Chat, Junior Training sessions and social sessions.
• £500 kit sponsorship, shirts carrying sponsors logos that will be worn in league, county, and national competitions and at promotional / charity  events that we hold (Norfolk Show / Ping Pong Parlour) by junior and adult players who compete together. 
• £500 British League sponsorship, team name and shirts will incorporate sponsors name as they compete nationally.

If you sponsor they will host a team building for your business or partner events in return.

For more information email: norwichcitytt@gmail.com

Advertising production company JMS Group are embarking on a new 2019 strategy to encourage more businesses to advertise online, on radio and on TV.

The creative experts have enlisted fellow Norwich-based company Full Mix Marketing to deliver a new campaign to help more businesses take advantage of lower costs for TV and on demand advertising.

“It’s now easier than ever to target highly specific audiences with TV, radio and on demand video advertising” says Francesca de Lacey, Managing Director of JMS Group. “With costs falling, we want to help even more companies in the East and beyond to burst onto their customer’s screens.”

Established in 1983, JMS Group have produced TV and radio advertising for a wide range of local, national and international businesses, including TaxAssist, Crisp ‘N’ Dry and Volkswagen. Founded by former BBC executive and ‘Breakfast Time’ presenter, John Mountford, they now create more than 200 TV commercials and 1,000 radio commercials each year for UK and European broadcasting.

With the rise of on demand TV services and social media, the production company have chosen recent award-winners Full Mix Marketing to help them make more businesses aware of new lower cost ways to use TV commercials and video to drive sales.

“We’re delighted to be helping JMS find the right mix of marketing to spread the word” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing “Costs have tumbled as on demand services let advertisers target individual viewers by factors like age, location or life style. With all their experience, expertise and facilities in-house, JMS can quickly deliver fantastic advertising for ambitious businesses.”

Full Mix Marketing have worked with the production specialists to develop a strategy which more directly targets new clients and reduces their focus on digital marketing alone. The JMS Group are keen to increase awareness of their services and realise a greater return on investment from their marketing budget. Following successful completion of the strategy, delivery has begun with Full Mix Marketing building a soon to be unveiled new website to showcase JMS Group’s impressive experience and portfolio.

“It’s fantastic working with Sarah and her team on our next exciting chapter” states Francesca de Lacey. “They’ve already helped us rediscover all the ways we’re different and how we go that little bit further to help our clients get the most from TV, radio and video. We look forward to a successful relationship as we both continue to grow.”

Established in 2016, Full Mix Marketing have gained a reputation for helping businesses across the region achieve success through strategic, digital and offline marketing. Founder and Chartered Marketer, Sarah West, was named the Institute of Director’s 2018’s New Director of the Year in East Anglia for her leadership of the results-focused marketing agency.

For more information on JMS Group visit www.jms-group.com. For more information on Full Mix Marketing visit www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk

Now in its 13th year, the annual Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Business Survey asks all East Anglian based businesses from across the sector to join forces and take part.   The survey was launched today by Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, and is supported by organisations such as Visit East Anglia, Visit Essex, Visit Norfolk and Visit Suffolk.   All businesses in the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector including restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions as well as retailers in the tourism hotspots are being encouraged to participate in the independent survey.   To take part in the survey click here.   The sector is the largest in East Anglia, one of the biggest employers and estimated to be worth around £10bn to the East Anglian economy. Participants have the opportunity to fill in the survey and gauge their achievements. They can also receive a tailored report which analyses their yearly performance, giving them a valuable benchmarking planning tool.   Those who fill in the survey remain anonymous in the published report, which provides an annual snapshot of the sector across East Anglia. The survey includes questions about the short and long term impact of issues like Brexit, the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW), and delves into questions around the use of plastics, profit margins and, more generally, how businesses have performed in the last year.   The results are published as an annual brochure, which includes features and news stories about participating businesses who have chosen to publicise their successes.   Many of the businesses that provide services to this sector fully support the annual survey and this year the survey is sponsored by Adnams, Camplings, and Howes Percival.

We are delighted to announce that our new website is live. 

Our new site is full of information regarding our products and services, as well as our very latest news, case studies and careers. 

Andrew McKay-Atkinson, Managing Director says ‘We specialise in industry leading products and efficient and professional washroom services, and our new website is a reflection of our professionalism as a business.’ 

Visitors to the site will have access to information on Active Washrooms products and services, including informative product descriptions and images as well as a quote request facility too. 

Visit the site at https://www.activewashrooms.co.uk/

A night of celebrating the success of north Norfolk businesses took place at Gresham’s School on Thursday 21st February. The North Norfolk Best Small Business Award, sponsored by MENTA the business support organisation was won by The Norfolk Brewhouse. Rachel and David Holliday own the business and David said, “Our small team were thrilled and proud to win the award, we were especially pleased for our brewer, Bruce Ash. “Where we are based is of particular importance to us, not only does north Norfolk provide us with the key ingredients for our beers, but its vibrant community of small businesses inspire us in so many ways. To be recognised for our small part in helping to promote north Norfolk and create jobs is fantastic.” Chair of MENTA Alistair Ponder who presented The Norfolk Brewhouse award commented, “Congratulations to Rachel and David who have grown their business with a dedicated and enthusiastic team of staff and have used their strong creative marketing skills to expand and grow. Their commitment and vision are to be commended.” The Norfolk Brewhouse are based near Fakenham and produce a range of hand-crafted beers and lagers. They often work collaboratively with other Norfolk businesses to produce special brews, for example Nelson and Norfolk Teas Company and Black Shuck Gin. MENTA helps established small businesses throughout Norfolk, providing affordable networking events, business conferences and advice sessions. It’s next marketing conference takes place on the 3rd April at Pensthorpe near Fakenham and costs just £10pp to attend. MENTA also provides free business skills training in North Walsham, Dereham and Norwich, supported by the European Regional Development Fund for anyone who is Norfolk based and is thinking of starting a business or has done so in the last 12 months. For more details regarding MENTA’s services visit www.menta.org.uk or email info@menta.org.uk

25 February 2019 – Berwick – Simpsons Malt has revealed that Diageo Global Supply employee Richard Moxom is this year’s recipient of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) Simpsons Malt Award.

The award recognises Richard’s success in achieving the highest percentage mark in the Diploma in Distilling Module One Examination for 2018.

Currently based in Dublin, Richard holds the role of Beer Operational Excellence Quality Manager for West and South Africa at the international firm. Enthusiastic about expanding his knowledge and training within the distilling sector, Richard took on the diploma with the backing of his employer having noted an increasing focus on spirit and RTD innovation within his role. He sees the IBD Diploma in Distilling as a great way to expand his knowledge in this area and apply it to some of the issues he faces day to day.

Speaking about the recent award, Richard Simpson, Vice Chairman of Simpsons Malt said: “We are very proud of our association with the IBD as we believe that recognising talent within the industry is the best way of developing much-needed skills for the betterment of the brewing and distilling industries. We wish Richard a huge congratulations for his outstanding achievement.

“There is so much innovation within the sector right now, which has created some really exciting opportunities for individual brewers and distillers, as well as companies. We wish Richard continued success in his career.”

Richard Moxom added: “I would like to thank both the IBD and Simpsons Malt for my award – I am delighted to have claimed the prize. My wife has previously won the Hough Award for highest marks in the Master Brewer exam, so this allows me to catch up to her a bit!”

IBD CEO Dr Jerry Avis concluded: “The IBD is extremely proud of its association with Simpsons Malt as this award provides tangible recognition of outstanding success in the gateway exam to the Diploma.  Great technical knowledge will always underpin the great quality products that comprise the backbone of our industry. I commend Richard for his superb performance and wish him success for his remaining Diploma in Distilling exam.”

Recognising his achievement, Richard Moxom will receive a £500 cheque presented at the IBD Scottish Section Dinner next month.

Previous winners of the Simpsons Malt Award include Elgin-based Peter Milne who is also employed by Diageo, Elgin Isaeblla Wemyss from Wemyss Development in Scotland, Flavien Desoblin, owner of the Brandy Library Lounge in New York and Tambudzai Makunde of African Distillers Limited.

Open Academy, a Gold Young Chamber Member, are looking for businesses willing to take young people for work experience.

Their Year 10 students have their Summer Term work experience week 8th – 12th July and employers would need to be able to accomodate the students for the whole week.

If you would like to help the students gain the experience they need to succeed in the workplace please contact Caroline Davies at Caroline.Davies@open-academy.org.uk

Norwich Puppet Theatre is an inspirational centre for the development and celebration of puppet theatre and an outstanding cultural venue in the East of England. It is a registered arts charity, founded in 1979. The theatre opened its doors in December 1980, situated inside a converted Medieval Church at St James, Norwich, being one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England. It is the home of a ‘family’ of puppets, some of whom have ‘lived’ there for almost 40 years!

Back in 1979, the pressure was on to convert the redundant church, temporarily a night shelter, to a fully equipped live theatre specially designed for the art of puppet theatre.  Then as now, Funding was a pressure. From that time, Tony Ede, Steering Group chairman talked about “another jewel in the crown of Norwich”.  Then, as now, he said that a great deal of time and hard work had already been put into the scheme. All that he asked for was £15,000 (“not too much money at that time”, he said) from business and the community as well as time energy and moral support to bring original professional puppet theatre to Norwich.

Then, as now, the Puppet Theatre toured nationally and internationally carrying the name of Norwich as an ambassador representing our fine city and all our sectors and communities.

We are working on a “£40k for 40 Years of Puppet Theatre” campaign for our birthday in 2020.  We are very keen to speak to partners who can help us raise the money we need by sponsorship, partnership, energy and goodwill. We are often told, “I have so often passed by but never been in.” Please contact us and arrange a visit if you’d like to discuss opportunities to work together, or simply look at https://puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on and come to one of our events. The charity provides an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre with original shows, activities, workshops and master classes for all ages and abilities. Our touring has a trusted and popular national footprint, taking live professional puppet theatre all over this land! Our creative learning work mainly operates from our base in Norwich, and the main beneficiaries are in Norwich and Norfolk.   Contact me, Chair of Trustees on nichopkins@puppettheatre.co.uk or our lovely team on info@puppettheatre.co.uk or 01603 615564 To support us online https://puppettheatre.co.uk/support-us/donate

We are very pleased to announce that the Maids Head Hotel is an accommodation partner with the new English National Park Experience Collection, which has been supported by Visit Britain and Visit England through the Discover England Fund. 

More than 70 experiences, encouraging people to get hands-on in the English National Parks are featured in the Travel Trade Buyer’s Guide, which was launched at the end of January.

Paul Dickson, our resident tour guide has an experience in the collection – Rails, Trails & Sails, which links Norwich with the Broads National Park at Reedham. The tour begins with stories at the Maids Head, followed by a walking tour of the Cathedral Quarter. Then it’s a short stroll to the railway station to catch the train to Reedham, where Paul covers the story of the railway in the Broadland town and the history of the wherry trading vessel. There are also visits to Reedham Church, built on the site of a Roman fort and Humpty Dumpty Brewery.

Other Broads National Park experiences include ‘Capture the Broads’ – photography with Helen Storer, the Broads by kayak or paddleboard with Norfolk Outdoor Adventures and a romantic yacht adventure with Oliver’s Sailing Holidays.

Norfolk-based Victory Housing Trust has been recognised amongst the best in the country for staff engagement after being placed 38th on the Sunday Times Top 100 not for profit companies.

Staff completed a staff survey with questions designed around the 8 factors of workplace engagement including – leadership and wellbeing.

The Best Companies Index (BCI) score resulted in Victory’s improved ranking from last year (77th), earnt them a 2 star status accreditation (second highest standard) and they were rated as “outstanding”.

John Archibald, Flagship Chief Strategic Officer, (Victory’s former Chief Executive) said: “The result is fantastic news as it provides an important benchmark for employee engagement with the best not-for-profit organisations across a variety of sectors.

“The staff survey took place in October last year when we were finalising details of our partnership with Flagship Group. This had the potential to be an uncertain time for staff, but the survey results show that despite the potential change, Victory employees felt engaged and motivated which is really encouraging.”

The Not-For-Profit List spotlights the 100 companies in the ‘Not for Profit’ category with the highest Best Companies Index scores. Organisations in the list must employ at least 50 employees, achieve one of the highest 100 highest BCI scores in the category and be either a charity, an organisation set up for community benefit, a public sector organisation, a Community Interest Company (CIC) or Listed on Companies House as: Private, Limited by Guarantee, No Share Capital or Incorporated by Royal Charter.

20 Feb 2019 – Norfolk – Family-owned maltster Simpsons Malt welcomes Andrew Holding to the position of Operations Director at its Tivetshall Maltings in Norfolk.

Responsible for leading the Tivetshall and Fersfield teams and overseeing manufacturing operations, Andrew will also join the company’s Operation Board.

Andrew brings with him a wealth of experience in maltings and food produce management roles, having spent over 20 years with Stowmarket-based Muntons followed by roles with Peterborough-headquartered food producer, Produce World Group. He also holds an MBA and a Malting Diploma. 

In this new role, Andrew will work strategically with the Simpsons Malt Tivetshall Maltings team as the site undergoes an extensive investment programme to expand its production capacity.  

Speaking of this new role at the leading maltster, which is over 150-years old, Steven Rowley Operations Director of Simpsons Malt Ltd said: “We look forward to welcoming Andrew to the Simpsons Malt team. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the food and malting industries and will implement a strategic approach to maintain a quality output at our Tivetshall maltings.” 

Andrew added: “This is an exciting chapter for me personally and I am pleased to be joining the family at Simpsons Malt, especially at a time when there are such exciting developments on the horizon.”

Andrew Holding is from Kent, where he grew up in a farming family. In addition to his MBA, Andrew holds a degree in Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. 

A series of free seminars aiming to empower businesses to take control of customer experiences is set to take place across Norfolk and Suffolk.

In the eighth year of the popular Accelerate programme, 2019 looks to strip back to the essentials of multi-channel marketing to generate improved results.

Delivered by Archant, publisher of the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times, the seminars will focus on marketing buzzword “omnichannel” – a cross-channel marketing approach that helps builds brands and convert potential customers into actual customers.

 “It’s all about making sure customers have a fantastic user experience, no matter what channel they use,” explains Jamie Brown, head of digital knowledge and development at Archant, who will be delivering the seminars.

“So whether it’s a high street shop, the staff who work there, the mobile-enabled website, Google reviews, social media, emails or texts, the idea is to create a cohesive approach to all the different elements so that they reflect the whole.”

It can be hard for SMEs to keep on top of all these channels, but Jamie says all businesses need to get to grips with if they want to be successful and grow.

“Even if a product or service isn’t bought online, the purchasing process still revolves around the website, the Google reviews, the posts on social media,” says Jamie. “Infrastructure has changed – businesses must have a website and they must be visible online.”

The seminars will include a presentation covering the idea of omnichannel and a real-life case study of a business customer that has completed the journey, including visuals of before and after content, and the analytical results it has achieved.

Attendees can then speak one-on-one with experts who will explain how they can take the same approach, utilising the services, products and audiences that Archant can offer.

“People attending the seminars can take advantage of our 360-degree solution to marketing,” says Jamie. “We can provide the advice, infrastructure and audience that businesses need to be successful.”

Accelerate sessions will take place on Tuesday, March 12 at the Cliff Hotel in Gorleston; Wednesday, March 13 at Carrow Road, Norwich; Thursday, March 14 at West Suffolk College in Bury; and Friday, March 15 in Ipswich at Suffolk University. For more information and to book your space visit www.archanthub.co.uk/ACCELERATE