Member News

As a part of Foster Refrigerator’s golden anniversary celebrations, it set out to find the longest standing Foster product in the UK.

Foster is delighted to announce that the winning fridge is a staggering 42-years-old and still going strong, showing the importance of investing in high quality equipment and a regular maintenance regime.

Advent Catering Equipment has been maintaining the four-door pass-through refrigerator for 13 years.

Nicki Neal of Advent Catering Equipment, said: “When our regional business manager Kelly from Foster Refrigerator informed us of the competition they were running for their 50th anniversary to find the longest standing Foster appliance, we immediately relayed this information to our team to help look amongst our extensive client base for older working appliances.”

“We were convinced that an educational establishment would be the clear winner, little did we know we would find it at a manufacturing plant! One of our customers was still using a pass-through display chiller there that appeared to be in excess of 40 years old.

“Once Foster verified that this was indeed the oldest reported working appliance, we were thrilled to be the service provider who has helped keep this premier brand in tip top working order. This is proof that a well manufactured appliance combined with rigorous regular maintenance can prolong the life span of equipment. We are proud to be associated with Foster Refrigerator for both their sales and maintenance support.”

Entries ranged from Foster Gastronorms to coldstores, dating between 1976 and the early 2000s and there were a small number of entries that couldn’t even be dated!

“We’ve had lots of entries and are really impressed, though not at all surprised, with just how long a Foster product can work,” Nick Bamber, European Head of Marketing at Foster Refrigerator and Gamko said. “It just proves that when you maintain your Foster product, it will just keep on going.”

Foster’s sister company Gamko recently concluded a similar competition in the Netherlands and found a bottle cooler from 1975.  

A Norwich-based food process equipment manufacturer has been recognised for its growth across several international markets.

Fabcon Food Systems has won the regional International Expansion of the Year category at the 2018 Barclays Entrepreneurs Awards.

The business, which has its factory in Hellesdon, has built a large network of global customers since it was founded in 2015 – with Fabcon supplying and installing its handling and processing equipment to customers in the UK and into mainland Europe, Africa and Australia.

Recent highlights include Fabcon’s installations in the Middle East, Norway and Romania.

Trevor Howard, managing director of Fabcon Food Systems, said: “It’s a really proud moment for us to be recognised for our expansion across the world as we work with a growing number of snack manufacturers.

“Sales abroad now account for around 50 per cent of our revenue and we know that customers really value quality, innovative, British-built machinery.

“In our short history we’ve created a brand which is recognised across the globe but more importantly, we’re being held up by snack manufacturers as a trusted partner who they immediately turn to. It’s a fantastic milestone for everyone here at Fabcon.”

The annual Barclays Entrepreneurs Awards celebrate entrepreneurs for their exceptional innovation, and for creating social change and growth that moves the UK forward.

Eye Film have collaborated with BBC East on a new documentary entitled ‘River Walks’ with presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff. Watch as Miranda explores the beautiful walk along the River Deben in Suffolk, meeting the people who live and work there and getting a sense of its history.

Watch it on Monday 10th December on BBC East at 7.30pm or catch up on iPlayer.

Financial and business advisory firm Grant Thornton UK LLP has moved into a new collaboration space in Norwich located on the first floor of the building they previously occupied at Kingfisher House, 1 Gilders Way.

The move reflects a firm-wide strategy to create workplaces for the future, built to encourage a connected and collaborative way of working between businesses and communities.

Tim Hansell, Head of Advisory at Grant Thornton’s Norwich office, said: “Our new space leaves behind the traditional office concept to provide an open, informal and agile environment where our people can really connect with clients, networks and each other. This aligns with the collaborative, inclusive approach which lies at the heart of Grant Thornton’s culture.

“Norwich is a thriving city, full of opportunity, and was recently highlighted as one of the top five fastest growing city economies in the UK. This move cements our continued commitment to supporting the many dynamic businesses located here – and across Norfolk – to unlock their full growth potential.”

The new open-plan office space, meeting rooms and future-fit facilities including interactive screens, write on walls and co-working booths are all available for the local business community to use as part of the firms’ vision to help shape a vibrant economy in Norfolk.

To find out more about how you can book facilities and meeting rooms at this new collaboration space, please email: NorwichSpace@uk.gt.com or follow @GT_Norwich on Twitter.

Develop Norwich is a specialist provider of IT and digital education. Our students are studying towards a Level 3 qualification in Computing and are ready to work with you!

We are looking for high quality IT placements with local employers

Why should my business offer a placement?

• To help address the current and future skills shortages in your industry
• To strengthen your recruiting pipeline
• To inspire the next generation to work in your business

What will Develop do?

• Ensure our students are work ready
• Help match the right student to the right placement
• Support you throughout the process

What do I need to do?

• Provide an extended placement to a student studying for a level 3 Computing qualification
• Have a line manager responsible for the learner
• Ensure a safe working environment

For more information please call 01603 516555 or email industryplacements.norwich@developebp.co.uk Search for Develop Norwich

For a third year, Flagship Group staff are filling boxes with food for people in need in time for Christmas.

The East Anglian-based housing provider is working together with local charities – The Trussell Trust, St Martins and the Woodbridge Salvation Army.

Every team across the organisation is supporting the campaign by filling and decorating a box. Each working day during December the boxes full of non-perishable items will be delivered by a Flagship employee to one of the charities.

The Flagship campaign supports its ethical approach aligning with its Corporate Social Responsibility value – Social Value.

Over the last two years Flagship has delivered almost 40 boxes to local charities. Deputy Chief Executive Helen Walsham said: “As a housing provider for people in need, some of our customers may themselves receive the charity boxes. At this time of year, especially, it is important to think of others and offer what we can to those who may not be as fortunate as us.

“In previous years, we’ve had a fantastic response across the business and I’m really pleased we’re again doing something to make a positive difference.”

Once the boxes have been delivered by Flagship, the charities will distribute them among people in their communities.

Hannah Worsley, Project Manager at the Norwich Foodbank said: “Over the last 2 years, staff across Flagship have provided us with the equivalent of almost 280 meals to local people referred to us in crisis. In December 2018, we expect to give out over 1,000 parcels, each providing the recipient with 3 days of food so this support from Flagship is really appreciated at this time of year.”

Leader of the Woodbridge Salvation Army Alan Hill said: “The Christmas Story inspires us as a church to reach out to those in need, but we can’t meet the demand without the support of generous supporters and organisations like Flagship. To which we are so grateful.”

Dr Jan Sheldon, CEO of St Martins said: “The people we support really appreciate these thoughtfully chosen donations from Flagship at Christmas. At any one time we support around 200 people, including people in hostel accommodation and those in the community. This can be difficult time of year for them and the gifts help them feel valued and remembered.”

Scam Alert – Telephone cold callers claiming to be selling advertising on behalf of the ‘Crime Prevention Team’ – 6 December 2018 We are warning businesses about telephone cold callers claiming to be selling advertising on behalf of the ‘Crime Prevention Team’. This follows a report from a Norfolk business who were cold called by a man claiming to be ‘writing an article on rogue traders’ and then offered advertising to ‘support this’. This approach is typical of a publication scam where the scammer claims to be from a public body or supporting ‘good causes’ in order to sell advertising space. A demand for payment often follows, sometimes even if no agreement has been made. Fortunately in this case the business owner queried the approach and the cold caller hung up. We would remind businesses to ensure that all employees dealing with telephone contacts are aware of this type of scam cold calling. If you or anyone within your business receives one of these calls do not give or confirm any information about your business, hang up and report it to us via our partners the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Develop Norwich is a specialist provider of IT and digital education. Our students are studying towards a Level 3 qualification in Computing and are ready to work with you!

We are looking for high quality IT placements with local employers.

Why should my business offer a placement?

• To help address the current and future skills shortages in your industry
• To strengthen your recruiting pipeline
• To inspire the next generation to work in your business

What will Develop do?

• Ensure our students are work ready
• Help match the right student to the right placement
• Support you throughout the process

What do I need to do?

• Provide an extended placement to a student studying
• for a level 3 Computing qualification
• Have a line manager responsible for the learner
• Ensure a safe working environment

For more information please call 01603 516555 or email industryplacements.norwich@developebp.co.uk

Develop Industry Placements Search for Develop Norwich

Six new franchisees joined the flourishing small business accountancy network on its last initial training course of the year, bringing the total number of franchisees recruited in 2018 to 19, including resales and partners.

TaxAssist Accountants welcomed (from left) Alex Chidlow (Horsham & Haslemere), Penny Taylor (Leamington Spa),  Kam Aujla (Derby), Jeremy Gilks (Norwich South), Tressy Mpofu (Oxford West) and Zoe Tame (Winchester) and to its growing network, when they started trading in November.

Penny Taylor, who has more than 25 years’ experience in both the profession and commerce, with a wide range of experience across all sizes of businesses said: “I have always derived most satisfaction from working with small businesses and I found myself drawn to the ethos of the TaxAssist vision, as well as the robust business model. I was attracted by the high level of technical support provided, coupled with marketing, branding and assistance with client acquisition.”

CIMA qualified accountant Alex Chidlow has 18 years’ senior finance experience in SMEs and blue-chip organisations. He explained: “Over the last few years I have been nurturing a plan to move on from corporate life and start a small accountancy firm whose purpose is to help and support local small businesses. I felt (and still do feel) this change would give me greater job satisfaction and more control over my time, allowing me to spend more time with my family. I am looking forward to this exciting new challenge”.

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome such a fantastic group of motivated and talented new franchisees to our 200+ strong network of franchisees. The Support Centre staff and I are looking forward to supporting them in their journey to building substantial practices.

“We are holding four initial training courses in 2019 spread throughout the year, with two people already booked on our February course, so would urge anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a franchisee to get in touch.”

If you would like more information about becoming part of the TaxAssist Accountants network, please call 0800 0188297.

The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, which claims to be the oldest hotel in the UK, won the Best Employer accolade at the Norfolk Business Awards 2018. The hotel was the only hospitality business to pick up an award.

Privately owned since December 2012, the hotel has embarked, over the last four years, on a phased multi million pound renovation and refurbishment programme to ensure that the historic building meets the expectations of 21st century visitors.

Christine Malcolm, General Manager, the Maids Head Hotel said: “We are thrilled to have won the Best Employer accolade at the Norfolk Business Awards. Our staff are at the heart of our renovation and refurbishment programme and are vital to the success of the business.”

This project covers all aspects of the property from bedrooms, reception and public lounges to the kitchens, where work will begin in early 2019. Much of the hotel is listed with the oldest guest accommodation dating back the 15th century. So a sympathetic treatment has been essential.

“Throughout the refurbishment work, we have continued to trade successfully and grow the business,” added Christine Malcolm, “with a reputation for friendly and professional staff and a burgeoning reputation for the quality of the food in the restaurant. The hotel has progressed from AA four star to four star silver and the restaurant from one to two AA rosettes, with ambition for a third.”

Jeanette Wheeler from Birketts Solicitors who judged the Best Employer category said: “Senior management at the Maids Head have made a major investment in driving and improving employee engagement. The hotel has gone out of its way to create an environment where staff thrive through career development and reward and recognition.”

Fellow judge, Tom Earl from Pure Recruitment added: “We were very impressed with the way that the hotel has engaged with the staff during a major change journey. Staff are not only aware of the purpose and values of the organisation; they are evident in everyday operations.”

Dee Willmott, Human Resources Director at Archant, also judged the category and said: “I was equally impressed with the way the Maids Head has engaged with their staff and am very supportive of the process.”

The Maids Head Hotel’s site has a long history; initially the location of the first palace of Bishop Herbert de Losinga in the late 11th century, it became home to an inn called the Murtel Fish or Molde Fish Tavern. The first mention of the inn in Norwich records was in 1287, when the landlord, John de Ingham accused Robert the fowler of stealing goods. The Murtel Fish was an important inn, hosting Edward the Black Prince in the mid 14th century, after he had taken part in a jousting competition in Norwich.

A Paston letter, dated 22 November 1472, confirmed that the name of the inn had changed to the Maids Head. The core of that 15th century inn stills exists. The hotel’s restaurant is located in the inn’s courtyard, and the Yard Bar and Best Beauty are in rooms which date from the period. Bedrooms above the old courtyard also date from the 15th century.

For more information about the Maids Head Hotel t. 01603 209955, www.edpbusinessawards.co.uk

New food and drink offer for Norwich Airport Norwich Airport has announced that TRG Concessions, part of The Restaurant Group, has been chosen to operate its catering outlets as part of ongoing plans to transform the airport’s retail and catering offering.

TRG Concessions is bringing two new Costa cafés to the airport, and will create a new Navigator pub and dining experience, replacing the two existing Café Oasis outlets. The news coincides with further investment in the airport’s retail offer by WH Smith, who have opened a new airside store and refurbished their landside shop.

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “This is fantastic news for passengers. TRG has over 25 years’ experience of providing exceptional hospitality to the travelling public and we’re delighted to be partnering with them to bring these exciting food and drink brands to Norwich Airport.

“On the retail side we now have a brand new WH Smith shop airside and their landside store has just completed a major refit – both look great. These developments follow the opening of our new duty free store in June, offering passengers even more choice.”

Nick Ayerst, Managing Director for TRG Concessions said: “We’re excited to add Norwich Airport to our list of clients and strengthen our existing relationship with Regional & City Airports as well as to offer such a fantastic choice of new brands to passengers. The openings here represent great additions to our range of Costa outlets and the development of our new pub brand, The Navigator, showcasing the best of local heritage and traditions of travel.”

Toby Keir, Managing Director, WH Smith Travel commented: “We are delighted to have opened a new airside store within Norwich Airport. This new-look store offers customers a great selection of products for their journey, including a wide range of reading materials, food to go items and travel accessories. We very much look forward to welcoming customers to the store.”

The new landside Costa at the airport opened on 1st December with work due to start on the airside improvements later this month. The airside Costa and The Navigator pub are due to open early next year. Temporary facilities will be available to passengers during the transition. In June the airport’s brand new World Duty Free store opened following an extensive two-month refit, providing 200 square metres of walkthrough retail space operated by global travel retailer Dufry.

OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN) and Norwich Cathedral Choir will be bringing their annual Community Carol Concert to the Banking Hall at OPEN on Wednesday 12th December 2018 and keeping up the old tradition of the former Barclays Bank Annual Community Carol Concert, thanks to sponsorship from Fosters Solicitors.

Taking place in the splendour of the Banking Hall at OPEN, Norwich Cathedral Choir will be performing from 1.00pm for about 40 minutes.

Local businesses and passersby are invited to drop in to OPEN on Bank Plain anytime between 11am and 2pm for refreshments and mince pies (provided by our in-house cafe). The event is free to attend and there will be a selection of crafts and gifts on sale. Donations from the concert will be split 50:50 between the Norwich Cathedral Choir and the OPEN Youth Trust.

Harriet Davies, Fundraising Co-ordinator for OPEN said: ”Please come and join us, whether you are visiting Norwich for the day or live or work in the city this is an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy carol singing in the spirit of Christmas. There will be mince pies and mulled juice. We are extremely pleased, thanks to support from Fosters Solicitors, that we are able to put on this event again that so many people in Norwich remember so fondly”.

Ashley Grote, Master of Music at Norwich Cathedral, said: “In years past, Norwich Cathedral Choir used to give an annual carol concert in the Barclays Banking Hall, which was a highlight of Christmas for many members of the local community. I am absolutely thrilled that the choir will be returning to OPEN to perform again.”

“This is a wonderful community event to start off the festive season. The choir will be singing traditional carols and some lighter-hearted Christmas songs, and there will be the opportunity for the audience to join in favourite carols with us.

“I am also delighted that we are able to support OPEN in raising money for their excellent youth work, as well as raising money for our own choir.”