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Smash Marketing’s ‘Everything Package’ is here!

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Just One Tree

My latest tree count with Just One Tree has just come in and I’m thrilled to see I’ve now planted 611 trees!! 💚 I plant a tree for every learner that qualifies with First Class First Aid Ltd, and it’s wonderful to see the number rise. Head to JUST ONE Tree – £1 plants 1 Tree. Combat Climate Change through reforestation. £1 plants 1 Tree. Combat Climate Change through reforestation. If you’d like to know more about the wonderful work carried out by Just One Tree.

Lovell to launch 108-home development at Hunstanton

Captions: How Lavender Chase will look. Credit Lovell.

Lovell is bringing a new collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes to Hunstanton when it opens Lavender ChaseLavender Chase Hunstanton this year. The new development is now selling from Sowerbys, with people able to reserve the first homes available from its office in Hunstanton. The Lovell show homes and marketing suite will open in November, when people will be able to visit the site.

The total number of new homes will be 108, consisting of 69 open market, 11 shared ownership and 28 affordable housing.

Jane Yolland, regional sales director at Lovell, said: “Lavender Chase is located off King’s Lynn Road and is just minutes from the sea, so it really is about the location here – with quality homes in a seaside location. Of course, Hunstanton is a charming seaside town, known for its unique striped cliffs and magnificent sunsets, as well as thriving community. We’re looking forward to opening the development later this autumn.”

The development is also located next to the new Lovell Later Living development, Driftwoods, with two- and three-bedroom bungalows for the over 55’s, which will also launch later this year. This will be the first Lovell Later Living site in the region.

Hunstanton amenities include independent shops, supermarkets, pubs and eateries, as well as a popular weekly market held on the seafront and traditional seaside attractions. The Victorian town with its Esplanade Gardens is breath-taking and the large sandy beach is renowned by locals and tourists alike. Hunstanton earned the nickname ‘Sunny Hunny’ as being the only west facing resort on the east coast of England and makes for some spectacular sunsets into the evening. The famous striped cliffs are a serene yet spectacular backdrop to this truly impressive seaside town.

Fibre broadband and underfloor heating to the ground floors are included as standard at Lavender Chase and air source heat pumps are used as a greener alternative to traditional gas boiler systems, with these homes designed with both energy efficiency and modern living in mind.

To be the first to find out more information on the new homes coming soon to Hunstanton, you can register your interest here Lavender Chase Hunstanton (lovell.co.uk)Lavender Chase Hunstanton

Sowerbys Hunstanton is located at 54 Westgate, Hunstanton, PE36 5EL.

Lovell is a partnership housing expertPartnerships and Property Developments | Lovell Partnerships and a leading provider of innovative and high quality residential constructionNew Build Contracting | Lovell Partnerships and regenerationUrban Regeneration | Lovell Partnerships developments across the UK, building homes, sourcing land and investing in communities. It is a trusted and reliable partner, with great people trusted to deliver great homes, developing long term partnerships with housing associations, local authorities and other partners for over 50 years.

For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.ukNew Build Homes | New Housing Developments | Lovell Homes or follow Lovell on social media.

A company update from Taylor Investigations and yes, we are hiring!

These past couple of weeks have seen lots of change and progression for us at Taylor Investigations. All good things of course with small changes to ensure we continue with providing a high quality service to all of our clients. Firstly, Michelle, our genealogist and researcher has been promoted to Office manager! Michelle will be the one who deals with all incoming enquiries and new case bookings going forward. Michelle will also be ensuring the logistics of our servers and field investigators runs smoothly, as well of course continuing with her work on our probate and family tree cases. Last week we closed the office for the day and held a staff training day to implement new streamlined processes along with updates to our case management system. To round off last week, we also celebrated 2 staff anniversaries. Michelle celebrated 2 years with Taylor Investigations and Diane celebrated 1 year. Staff progression and training is key for all members of the team to ensure we are able to deal with increasing demand as well as industry and legal process changes as they happen. Finally, we are also recruiting for a new Investigator and Process Server. More details can be found here or you can contact  enquiries@taylorinvestigations.co.uk for more details of the role. If you need assistance for any of our services, get in touch!

  • Person Tracing
  • Asset Tracing
  • Surveillance
  • Employment Investigations
  • Family Trees and Genealogy Research
  • Process Serving
  • Digital Forensics
  • Background Checks
  • Mystery Shopping and Test Purchasing

www.taylorinvestigations.co.uk | enquiries@taylorinvestigations.co.uk | 01603 904031

Bleat Creative Acquires Focal Point Digital, Securing Nearly 50 Years of Norfolk Photographic Legacy

New, up and coming, creative design agency Bleat Creative, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Focal Point Digital, a long-standing fixture in the Norfolk photographic and video production industry.

Focal Point Digital, established in 1976, has a rich heritage, having worked with iconic clients such as Lotus Cars and Colin Chapman in the early years. The family-run business has evolved from traditional film photography to become a fully digital studio, offering a wide range of services, including commercial photography, video production, and digital content creation.

Bleat Creative’s Managing Director and Founder, Scott McKay, who has had a professional relationship with Focal Point for 20+ years, has acquired the business through a Management Buy Out. McKay joined the team this year to initially assist Craig Middleton and soon saw the acquisition as a natural progression, and one that marks a new chapter, ensuring continuity for employees and clients.

Scott McKay, Managing Director of Bleat Creative, said:

“Bringing Focal Point into the Bleat Creative family means we can offer even more value to our clients. Whether it’s through photography, video, or digital content, this acquisition enables us to deliver complete brand and marketing solutions. With over 25 years of experience in agencies and the past six years in Head of Marketing roles, I understand our clients’ pain points. By integrating Focal Point’s expertise, we can offer cost-effective and creative solutions that truly resonate with their needs.”

Craig Middleton, former Managing Director of Focal Point Digital, commented:

“I’ve been searching for the right person to take Focal Point into the future, and with Scott’s experience and understanding of our processes, I’m confident that we’ve found the perfect fit. I’m also thrilled to be staying on part-time, allowing me to enjoy semi-retirement while still being involved in the business.”

Both companies will continue to operate independently from their current location in north Norwich with Focal Point Digital maintaining its own brand identity. However, a fresh rebrand is underway and will be rolled out soon, reflecting the new direction and partnership between the two companies.Focal Point Digital’s services — ranging from room set photography, product pack shots, and TV advertisement production to digital content creation — will now be further enhanced by the marketing, digital, and design expertise of the growing team at Bleat Creative. This collaboration will strengthen the creative services offered and provide a seamless operation under the one roof.

The staff at Focal Point Digital will remain unchanged, with Craig Middleton continuing in a part-time role as he transitions into semi-retirement. Scott McKay assumes full control, driving the business forward and building on its successful legacy.

The team will be at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce B2B Exhibition on Thursday 17 October at the Norfolk Show Ground on Stands 83 and 84. They will be offering a Free LinkedIn profile picture to visitors at their Stand, and the new rebrand will be available to see in the flesh.

Greater Anglia issues travel advice for Christmas and New Year

Chappel Viaduct (Credit: Greater Anglia) Major engineering works affecting services to/from London and to/from Cambridge Greater Anglia has today (10 October) issued travel advice to passengers planning to use train services over the Christmas and New Year period, with engineering work affecting services to/from London Liverpool Street and to/from Cambridge. Rail passengers are reminded to check before they travel this Christmas and New Year, so they are aware of earlier last train times on Christmas Eve, and timetable changes due to bank holidays and engineering works. Many services to/from London will terminate at or start from Stratford with connections to/from central London via the Elizabeth line and London Underground services. Customers can find all train times using the journey planner on the Greater Anglia website or app. On Christmas Eve, there will be an early shutdown with most services finishing by 22.15. There will be no services on Christmas Day, and only a revised Stansted Express service will run on Boxing Day. Customers are advised that there are major changes to services throughout the entire period between Christmas and New Year as Network Rail undertakes engineering projects. Strengthening work on Bishopsgate Tunnel and projects to improve the passenger experience at London Liverpool Street mean the station will be closed from Wednesday 25 December to Wednesday 1 January inclusive, with services resuming on Thursday 2 January. Great Eastern Mainline services and West Anglia services will start/terminate at Stratford. Stansted Express services will start/terminate at Tottenham Hale. Engineering work including track renewals, renewal of the signalling system in the Cambridge area, and construction work for the new Cambridge South station, means there will be no services between both Royston/Audley End and Cambridge/Cambridge North between Wednesday 25 December and Sunday 5 January. Rail replacement bus services will be in place between affected stations except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (so from 27 December to 5 January inclusive). Network Rail will also be continuing to build the new station at Beaulieu Park, including signalling and track work. This means there will be rail replacement bus services between Billericay and Witham on 27 and 28 December. On New Year’s Eve, most normal scheduled services will operate, with rail replacement buses between Audley End and Cambridge, and between Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Bank holiday timetables will be in place on New Year’s Day and normal services will resume on Thursday 2 January across the majority of the network. Martin Beable, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said: “While most of our services will be running over the festive period, so that people can continue to travel across East Anglia and beyond, engineering work is taking place and will affect passengers travelling on both main lines to and from London and in the Cambridge area. “Since the railway tends to be much quieter over this period, Network Rail uses it to carry out essential upgrade work that will help Greater Anglia to continue operating a very punctual and reliable service for customers in 2025. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the service alterations, and we urge passengers to check before they travel as some journeys may take longer than normal.” As part of its strategy to maintain and improve the railway across the east of England over the Christmas and New Year period, Network Rail is planning to deliver a large package of maintenance and construction programmes. Read more here

Swan Youth Project: Quarterly Report July – September 2024

Having started the year really worried about funding, we are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded 5 years support for our Open Access service from the Lottery Community Fund. A huge thanks to Lucinda for her support and guidance and to all who play the Lottery. Our flagship Open Access service supports around 120 young people every week with immediate access to experienced and qualified staff and a safe space to be. It is a hugely important service and we are extremely happy that the Lottery Community Fund recognised this. We continue to raise funds for all of the other services we offer alongside Open Access.

Read more below

Help Make Age UK Norwich’s Fundraising Events a Smashing Success – Donate a Prize today!

Calling all generous businesses and individuals! Age UK Norwich is hosting a series of exciting fundraising events to support adults in later life our community. But to make them truly unforgettable, we need your help! We’re seeking donations of fantastic prizes that will excite our attendees and encourage them to participate. Whether it’s a luxurious spa day, a weekend getaway, a gift basket filled with local goodies, vouchers, or a bottle or two of wine, your contribution will make a big difference. Here’s why donating a prize is a win-win:

  • Support a worthy cause: Your generosity will directly contribute to vital services that help adults in later life in Norwich live a happy and fulfilling life.
  • Boost your brand awareness: Showcase your business to a large audience of engaged supporters.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility: Show your community that you care about making a positive impact.

By donating a prize, you’re helping us:

  • Create a fun and engaging atmosphere for our fundraising events
  • Increase public awareness of Age UK Norwich’s work
  • Raise crucial funds that allow us to continue supporting adults over 50 in our city

It’s easy to donate! Simply contact our fundraising team at fundraising@ageuknorwich.org.uk and let them know what amazing prize you’d like to offer. Keep an eye out for our upcoming fundraising events that you can get involved in on our LinkedIn page.

Celebrating 25 Years of 101 Websites & Apps

We’re excited to mark the 25th anniversary of 101 Websites & Apps! Since we began in 1999 in Norwich, we’ve built lasting relationships with a wide variety of organisations, providing tailored digital marketing solutions to clients in Norfolk and across the UK. As members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, we’re celebrating this our milestone at the Norfolk B2B exhibition on 17 October. It’s the perfect opportunity to highlight our strong local roots and our ongoing commitment to supporting businesses in the area. Personalised Service and Digital Expertise Over the years, we have consistently enhanced our skills and services to keep pace with digital advances and meet the evolving needs of our clients. From developing tailored websites in our early days to delivering advanced, fully customised platforms and apps today, we’ve always prioritised reliable solutions and exceptional personalised service. Reflecting on our journey, Managing Director Holly Stibbon says: “Reaching 25 years is a significant moment for us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support so many wonderful businesses, both locally and beyond. Celebrating at the Norfolk B2B exhibition feels like the perfect way to mark this milestone and look ahead to what’s next.” Norfolk B2B Join us at the Norfolk B2B exhibition on 17 October as we celebrate our 25th anniversary! Stop by our stand to learn about our tailored digital marketing solutions, chat with our team, and enter our fun celebration-themed instant prize competition. We’re looking forward to connecting with fellow businesses and discovering new opportunities together. Thank You A sincere thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 25 years. Here’s to the next chapter! Find Out More For more information about 101 Websites & Apps and our services, please contact us: Tel: 01603 858250 101ltd.com

World Menopause Day – 18th October

How will your business be prioritising this day? Did You Know? 💜 81% of businesses don’t have a menopause policy. 💜 84% of businesses don’t provide menopause training for staff. Are you one of those businesses representing the above statistics? 💜900,000 women quit UK jobs due to the menopause. That’s 1 in 10. 💜 Perimenopause lasts 4 – 8 years on average. There are 30+ recognised menopausal symptoms. These can be physical, mental, or emotional. Symptoms often start in the mid-40’s. The more common symptoms are: 💜 84% sleep 💜 73% brain fog 💜 70% hot flushes 💜 69% mental health 💜 67% joint ache Would you like your partner or colleagues to be better informed? Webinars available: Menopause Awareness 👉Maximising your exercise potential 👉Understanding the female anatomy 👉Avoiding the symptom triggers 👉Managing symptoms naturally 👉Importance of phytoestrogens   Navigating Menopause: The Nutritional Roadmap 👉Diet and lifestyle for menopause symptom management 👉Essential nutrients during menopause 👉Nutrition for bone health, heart health, memory 👉Specific foods to help manage symptoms 👉Mediterranean/plant-based diet 👉Challenges of weight management and body composition 👉The changes to gut health during menopause   Managing Menopause 👉 What is menopause/perimenopause 👉 Learn more about anatomy and physiology 👉 Common menopause symptoms and how to manage them 👉 HRT, bio-identical hormones, phyto-estrogens 👉 Mid-life woman checklist 👉 Menopause in the workplace and supporting colleagues   All webinars are: Live 1 hour (45 + 15 min Q&A) Date and time of your choosing Unlimited audience Written and delivered by a registered nutritionist Recording permitted   For more information, prices or book a training session for your business, email Kathy and Chantall on info@handsonatwork.co.uk

Alpha 7’s Support Shines at Recent Caterham and Lotus Seven Track Day Events

Over the past few months, Alpha 7 has had the privilege of providing technical support and services at a series of Caterham and Lotus Seven track day events, including those held at Hethel, Snetterton, and Donington Park. These events have been a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the Caterham community, offer our expertise, and ensure drivers get the best out of their cars. Hethel Track Day

Alpha 7 was thrilled to support drivers during the Caterham and Lotus Seven track day at Hethel, where we played a key role in keeping cars in top condition throughout the event. Our team was on hand to address technical queries, diagnose mechanical issues, and offer advice to help drivers optimise their vehicle setups. During the day, we topped up oil, provided fuel, diagnosed a failed wheel bearing, and even replaced a throttle position sensor (TPS). Our corner weight scales were in constant use, giving drivers insights into their car’s weight distribution with and without the driver, which is essential for achieving optimal handling and performance on track. Supporting fellow Caterham enthusiasts and helping them get the most out of their track day experience was incredibly rewarding. Snetterton Track Day

Our time at Snetterton was equally rewarding. Initially, the weather conditions suggested a day filled with wet track discussions and setup adjustments. However, the skies cleared, and the sun shone through, providing an ideal opportunity for drivers to test their cars in both wet and dry conditions. Alpha 7 provided on-site advice regarding tyre pressures, anti-roll bar settings, and other adjustments tailored to the changing track conditions. Once again, our corner weighting service was in high demand, allowing drivers to understand their car’s weight distribution. It was a pleasure to see our support translate into improved handling and performance for several drivers. One particular driver made adjustments based on our recommendations and immediately felt a significant difference in their car’s handling, a testament to the impact of precise car setup and tuning. Donington Park Track Day The third and final track day in the series took place at Donington Park, a favorite among many drivers for its fast-flowing corners and challenging chicanes. The day began with a damp track, presenting drivers with a few tricky early laps. However, the weather quickly improved, allowing participants to experience the full potential of their cars as the track dried out. Alpha 7 was once again on hand, assisting drivers with a variety of technical issues. From resolving broken exhaust brackets to supporting headlight adjustments, our team worked tirelessly to ensure every car was in optimal condition. We also guided several drivers through setup changes, including adjusting suspension settings and fine-tuning alignment to better suit the evolving track conditions. One of the highlights of the day was engaging with the many passionate Caterham owners who attended. We spent time discussing track day experiences, providing technical advice, and sharing setup tips to enhance their on-track performance. Seeing the enthusiasm of these drivers and helping them fine-tune their cars made for a rewarding day. Overall, it was a fitting conclusion to the series of track day events, and we look forward to continuing to support the Caterham and Lotus Seven communities in the future. Alpha 7 is proud to have been a part of these events and looks forward to supporting more Caterham and Lotus Seven track day enthusiasts in the future. Whether it’s providing technical support, answering questions, or helping with vehicle setup, we remain committed to ensuring drivers get the best out of their track day experiences.

Lovell apprentice wins national award

Lovell apprentice Kynleigh Parker has won the ‘one to watch’ award at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) top 100 most influential women in construction 2024 awards. The ‘one to watch’ award focuses on industry newcomers leading the way in championing equality, diversity, inclusion and equality.

The CITB ‘top 100 most influential women in construction’ awards celebrate the influential women who work in the sector. The awards make female and non-binary models more visible to those in the construction industry.

Kynleigh, from Suffolk, has been at Lovell for the past four years. She started as a cleaning technician, before becoming a trainee assistant site manager whilst undertaking a ‘Construction and the built environment level 4’ course with West Suffolk College.

Kynleigh said: “I am so grateful for Lovell for all their support, and the way they are working hard to make positive changes in the industry, and winning this award is incredible as there was so many amazing women being celebrated at the event. For me, it’s really important that we all support each other and continue to empower women in the sector.”

Regional partnerships director Sasha Bainbridge and trainee finisher Kim Watts were also shortlisted as part of the top 100 most influential women in construction 2024.

Kynleigh also won the ‘Achievement in Exceptional Circumstances’ category in the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2024. and won the ‘Outstanding Achievement by Apprentices’ category at the Housing Heroes Awards.

The CITB Awards were held on Monday 30th September at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.

For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow Lovell on social media.