JD Cooling Group who were recently awarded London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’, were delighted to welcome The Mayor to their offices on the North Lynn Industrial Estate.
As part of the visit, Councillor Nick Daubney officially presented the prestigious award to JD Cooling Group’s managing director, John Dye in front of members of the team.
He said of the company, “It was good to meet the management and staff behind this success story. I really appreciated the time taken to show me their operations and welcomed the opportunity to discuss and learn of both future opportunities and forthcoming challenges. JD Cooling is a forward-thinking innovator and clearly an important and conscientious employer. The Stock Exchange 1000 Award is very well deserved.”
John Dye, said, “It was a pleasure to meet the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councilor Nick Daubney. On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank him for his time and the opportunity to personally introduce him to the JD team and our successes.”
When Big C’s founders embarked on their vision to deliver outstanding cancer care in Norfolk and Waveney, it’s unlikely that, 37 years ago, even they could have dreamt of the positive impact of the wide-reaching and innovative care services that are today provided locally by Big C and the substantial investments made into cancer research and medical equipment made by the charity.
Having been through their own cancer journeys and endured lengthy travel to receive treatment, David Moar and Clive Bamford, passionately wanted to ensure that local people had access to the very best treatment and support, close to where they live. From its first small, but important, fundraising project providing chemotherapy equipment at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Big C has grown into an impressive organisation which funds specialist life-saving equipment and internationally significant research projects based at the Norwich Research Park. These projects greatly benefit local people and have a global impact on our understanding and treatment of the many types of cancer. The charity has also established three Big C centres located at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, in Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth and a hub at the Louise Hamilton Centre in Gorleston. These centres provide an oasis of specialist emotional and practical support for those with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones away from a clinical environment. Since current CEO, Dr Chris Bushby, joined the organisation in 2015, the charity’s turnover has risen from £2.5 million to £2.9 million. Outgoing Deputy CEO and Director of Operations, Nikki Morris, has shown outstanding leadership in her role as Deputy CEO, in strategic business planning and as an ambassador for the charity. She has also been instrumental in creating innovative, caring support and information services in Big C’s acute and community facilities, which are recognised as pioneering. Nikki has helped create and deliver a robust panel of scientific expertise to review complex cancer research projects and helped develop the processes needed to achieve the management of investment into medical equipment. Nikki, with her team, also developed a comprehensive educational strategy with two streams of focus and priority – health and wellbeing and careers in medicine, research and the third sector. Nikki leaves the charity in September after seven years, to take up a role as CEO of a national London based charity and therefore Big C is currently recruiting for her role (see below). Dr Chris Bushby, CEO at Big C, says, “Nikki’s passion has been 110% in support of providing the best outcomes for those individuals, families and communities affected by cancer and we know that she will take this passion to her new Chief Executive role. I and the Trustees are delighted for Nikki and we are not surprised at this achievement. We are currently recruiting for a new Deputy CEO and Director of Charitable Operations and we are very keen to hear from interested candidates keen to bring their specialist knowledge of cancer and ideas, to become the clinical lead and ambassador for the charity. They will be joining Big C at a very exciting and pivotal moment in its history as we forge ahead with our focused programme of strategic growth and positioning.” Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Operations Norwich, Norfolk, East Anglia £60,000 per annumIn addition to Deputy Chief Executive responsibilities, as Clinical Lead, you will strategically develop and lead our Charitable Operations across Norfolk, Waveney and areas of East Anglia. This includes our Support and Information services, Big C’s Research and Equipment Grants process and also Big C’s Education Programmes. For further information, or to apply, please see https://www.big-c.co.uk/vacancies. Closing date: Monday, 27 August 2018 Interviews: Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 September 2018
We have a fabulous second floor #officespace available to let from 03/09- a rare chance to come at work at our great facility opposite Norwich Train Station.
The current tenant is expanding; the room currently has 9 desks and a self containd meeting pod which comfortably sits 4.
As we all our rooms- there is natural light and airconditioning.
There is Car Parking available. You also have use of or Rehydrate Room- which has a Bean to Cup Coffee Machine- so on tap awesome coffee and 13 types of Kandula Tea!
There are a multitude of electrical sockets, we are VOIP ready .
The office is let on a monthly rolling contract
Contact us for further details – virtual tour and video available.
The Maids Head Hotel was delighted to host the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Martin Schmierer, the Norwich in Bloom team and the Britain in Bloom judges for lunch at the hotel on Thursday 2 August.
A busy Britain in Bloom judging morning included visits to Grapes Hill Community Garden, the Plantation Garden, Eaton Park, Edith Cavell Academy, Westlegate and All Saints Church, the Great Hospital and the Adam and Eve pub.
We wish Norwich in Bloom a very successful outcome from the judging day.
CyberScale, a Norfolk cyber services company, is launching a new and innovative cyber security service for small and micro-businesses. Starting in August in Norwich, the new programme will give small businesses the chance to gain an insight in to cyber security and risk reduction that is usually only accessible to larger organisations. The six-month Cyber Security Foundations programme combines training sessions, support and practical guidance tailored for small and micro-businesses.
Darren Chapman, founder of CyberScale, stated, “Last year 43% of businesses said they had cyber security breaches. Small and micro businesses struggle to deal with this, without the resources of larger businesses. That is where the Cyber Security Foundations programme comes in. It is a practical, tailored and easily understandable programme aimed at helping small business leaders to be aware of the issues, reduce their risks and build sensible, personalised security improvements in to their day to day activities.”
The programme involves an innovative approach including monthly face-to-face workshops, individual action planning, security “quick wins”, direct access to advice through video conferencing, updates on the latest threats and progress monitoring. Practical advice will include securing and backing up your data, preventing malware damage, avoiding phishing attacks, using passwords to protect data, keeping your mobile devices safe, use of Cloud services, handling data breaches and standards and policies for your business.
Darren continued, “This programme is designed specifically for small and micro businesses. It takes a pragmatic approach, providing straightforward information to understand the risks and to create a plan with practical changes tailored to your business. Cyber threats are a daily occurrence and their impact can be devastating for businesses and individuals, so it is essential that organisations are prepared and protect themselves, but that this doesn’t get in the way of making a success of their business.”
The first two programmes commence in late August. A programme of morning sessions is available at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in Norwich and a lunchtime sessions programme will be delivered at the SugarBeat Eating House, Swainsthorpe. On completing the programme, participants will receive certification of their commitment to Cyber Security and may decide to move on towards attaining the formal Cyber Essentials accreditation.
Darren concluded, “An effective Cyber Security strategy isn’t just about IT, it is far more than that, including your people, processes and preparations – all covered during the course of the programme.”
CyberScale was set up in 2017 by Darren Chapman to deliver pragmatic IT security support and solutions to businesses large and small. CyberScale offers Cyber Security assessments, Data Protection and GDPR data security support, Advisory services and Awareness Programmes. Its particular aim is to enable businesses to prepare and protect themselves without getting in the way of doing business, hence Pragmatic IT Security.
Darren has worked in IT for over 20 years, in technical, consulting and management roles for large and small companies, with a focus both Security and User Experience. Darren is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), having gained this accolade in 2017. This is the most sought-after qualification in the field of Information Security, requiring at least 5 years verified experience in the field of Information Security, passing an exam and ongoing learning. He has also previously gained numerous other qualifications in the IT field including MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), PRINCE2 (Project Management) and ITIL (Service Management).
The KLM UK Engineering team celebrated Norfolk Day last week in the sunshine with a visit from an ice cream van, a lunchtime BBQ and a charity raffle! We raised £400 for East Anglian Air Ambulance, a big thank you to our team for being so committed & generous. We look forward to Norfolk Day 2019!
When Musical Keys’ Fundraiser, Alison Cooper, discussed the idea of a Sky Dive to raise money for the charity, her husband volunteered. Seeing the difference the charity makes to the lives of people living with disability and additional needs, Lee Cooper wanted to do his bit to help with fundraising. He was keen to get going and no sooner had Alison set up the online campaign Lee had already raised £255 by the end of the same day!
Lee is being joined by Martin Hewetson and Martin’s son, Henry. Martin is Director of Norwich based Independent Financial Advisors and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members, Kent Carlyle Wealth Management. The company are Musical Keys most recent Corporate Supporters and Musical Keys have developed a strong partnership with the team since welcoming them as a local supporter.
‘When I was presented with the opportunity to raise money for Musical Keys by jumping out of an aeroplane I quite literally leapt at it’, said Martin ‘Musical Keys is such a fantastic charity, who make a huge difference in our local communities and our business is proud to support them. By getting involved in the skydive I can satisfy my need for an adrenalin boost whilst raising funds for a very worthwhile cause.’
Thanks to Lee’s dedication and Martin and Henry’s local contacts, they have raised £1,700 of their £2,000 target. However the need for funds to help the charity develop its work is ongoing – if you would like to help them smash that target and contribute the work of Musical Keys, you can donate via TotalGiving https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/musicalkeys_skydive
Musical Keys offer those living with disability and additional needs, the opportunity to engage with music and arts activity, helping them to develop personal and social skills, gain confidence and express themselves in a fun, inclusive environment. Groups provide a support network for parents, carers and families and those who access our services have described them as a life line!
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is asking supporters to help apply the finishing touches to its nook appeal and, in doing so, leave a lasting legacy at its new Norfolk hospice. The nook appeal has just surpassed the £8 million mark – the official total is £8,050,000 – and EACH wants to generate a large part of the remaining funds through a new campaign called Pave the Path. Pave the Path is your chance to sponsor a red clay brick that will line the garden path and be laid once building of the nook is complete. Everyone who sponsors a brick will be invited to view the path once it is complete. Tal Williams, EACH Community Fundraiser for the nook, said: “Building of the nook is well under way and we need your support to finish! The nook will transform the care we can provide to families and by sponsoring a brick lining the garden path you will be investing in the future of children’s palliative care for years to come.” Bricks are 210x105x65mm and sponsors can have a name of their choice engraved over two lines – up to 15 characters on each line including spaces and punctuation. There are two sponsorship options. A brick with black lettering is £100 and a brick with gold lettering £150. Pave the Path will run until early 2019 or, as there are limited bricks available, until all have sponsors. For full details go to www.each.org.uk/pave-the-path. Visitors to the Royal Norfolk Show can also find out more by going to the EACH stand
Spire Solicitors LLP is pleased to report on the success from two members of staff based in the Norwich branch who have completed the RideLondon-Surrey 100 event on July 29th, 2018.
It follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. “Developed by the Mayor of London and his agencies in 2013, Prudential RideLondon is the world’s greatest festival of cycling.” As credited to the official website.
Lisa Edwards, HR Director, and Kim Dring, Norwich Receptionist battled the torrential rain and challenges faced by the day and completed 86 miles and 46 miles respectively. The duo also raised money for the firm they work for with a £1 per mile initiative, beating the £200 target and raising a total of £275, which will be donated back to the Spire Charitable Trust which donates money throughout the year to worthwhile caused and charities alike.
Ejike Ndaji, Trustee of the Spire Charitable Trust commented “I applaud the effort made by our colleagues in the Ride100 event last weekend, as well as their initiative to continue raising money for the Spire Charitable Trust, which since its formation at the end 2016, the has raised over £6,000.
PCC Lorne Green has launched a public consultation on whether he should assume the governance of the county’s fire & rescue service, becoming Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk.
Message from your PCC
“Last year, a new legal duty for emergency services to collaborate came into force. That legislation provided PCCs with the opportunity to explore whether joint working between police and fire & rescue could be made simpler, faster and better.
“Could we cut duplication and bureaucracy, reinvigorate collaboration and move joint working further and faster for the greater efficiency and effectiveness of our emergency services and, most importantly, the communities they serve? The answer from independent experts was yes.
“Having considered all the evidence provided to me in a thoroughly researched business case, I strongly believe there is a case for change and, this week, I launched a public consultation on whether I should assume the governance of Norfolk’s fire and rescue service.
“The fire service is currently governed by the County Council through its Communities Committee, which also oversees libraries, museums, archives and arts. Under the proposal, upon which I’d like your views, I would become the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, responsible for the governance of fire and rescue alongside policing.
“The business case shows that this proposed change can improve joint working, making our emergency services more efficient with reinvestment of £10 million of financial benefits over 10 years in frontline services.
“Let me be clear – I am not interested in merger. We are talking about two distinct services, cultures, histories and traditions. That would not change. But a change of governance would offer our fire service operational and financial independence, improving transparency over how and where public money is spent and allowing us to do even more to make our communities even safer.
Offshore installation experts Seajacks have chosen MIGSOLV’s world class data centre to increase protection of their IT and data.
As part of a review of their business’s resilience, the Great Yarmouth based company looked to move data storage from their main site to a more secure environment. A number of considerations led them to choose MIGSOLV’s highly-secure facility in Norwich.
“Having a secure data centre with excellent connectivity less than 20 miles away is fantastic.” said a spokesperson for Seajacks. “We were looking to store our data offsite as part of our disaster recovery plan. We decided against a cloud solution so we could remain in control and maintain physical access to our hardware. For us, MIGSOLV was an excellent choice.”
Established in 2006, Seajacks provide jack-up vessels which help install, maintain and decommission offshore wind turbines and oil & gas rigs. They’ve experienced strong growth and now operate five purpose-built vessels which have contributed to major North Sea projects including Walney, Greater Gabbard, Sheringham Shoal and East Anglia One wind farms.
Seajacks’ computer servers and other data storage hardware will now be housed in MIGSOLV’s heavily guarded and climate-controlled facility. Originally built by Norwich Union and renovated by MIGSOLV at a cost of £12M, the equipment will be stored inside and physically protected from threats including theft, terrorism and extreme weather. Backup power and enhanced connectivity further ensure Seajacks retain access to their data at all times.
“We’re thrilled to welcome a leading company like Seajacks to the Gatehouse.” says David Manning, MIGSOLV’s Managing Director. “Data security is a critical consideration in the energy sector and we’re keen to help protect as many businesses as possible along the East’s Energy Coast. We’re delighted we could also help Seajacks access better connectivity.”
Originally planning to source their own carrier for connection to the internet and other networks, Seajacks have also opted for MIGSOLV to provide enhanced wide area network (WAN) connectivity. As well as being the East of England’s only purpose-built commercial data centre, the Gatehouse provides high speed and high capacity links to over 250 carriers and key UK connection points.
With offshore wind, oil & gas and nuclear energy operations now found along the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coast, the East is fast becoming known as the ‘Energy Coast’. With the securing of their new relationship with Seajacks, MIGSOLV are on their way to becoming the region’s number one provider of physical IT protection for businesses in and around the local energy sector.
The Maids Head Hotel has linked up with a new supplier, Wilkinson’s of Norwich. Wilkinson’s, which has been in business in the city for 46 years, is supplying loose leaf teas to the hotel, with a special Maids Head Blend in production.
Ten of Wilkinson’s teas from Breakfast Blend, to Gunpowder Green, Cornucopia and Decaffeinated Ceylon are a special feature of the Maids Head’s popular Afternoon Tea, which is served from 12noon to 5pm.
Debbie Harris, Owner/Director of Wilkinson’s for the last 13 years said: “We were honoured to be asked to supply the stunning Maids Head Hotel, with its long history of providing hospitality in the city. We have chosen 10 teas to cover all tastes, ranging from Breakfast Blend to a gentle Chamomile.”
“We are also excited to be working with Sam Masters, the Food Services Manager, on developing a special blend for the hotel. The Maids Head is a wonderful location to sit and relax over Afternoon Tea and enjoy one of our special loose leaf teas.”
Christine Malcolm, General Manger, the Maids Head Hotel said: “We work with local suppliers acroiss all aspects of the business and are very pleased to have established a close relationship with Debbie and her team at Wilkinson’s. I am a particular fan of their Early Grey tea and look forward to tasting the new Maids Head Blend.”
Wilkinson’s teas available at the Maids Head Hotel are as follows: Breakfast Blend, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Peppermint, Gunpowder Green, Rooibos, Chamomile, Cornucopia, Peach and Decaffeinated Ceylon.