Member News

Flagship Group and Victory Housing Trust have announced that they are in talks to consider working in partnership. If the discussions result in a partnership, the combined organisation would become the largest East Anglian-based housing group.

Talks are at an early stage, but the boards of both organisations have agreed that working together could generate more opportunities to invest in local communities. The proposed partnership would create a 28,000 home landlord which would be able to deliver 10,000 new homes of which 7,000 will be affordable over the next ten years, as well as enhancing services to residents and investing £500 million in maintaining and improving existing homes.

The structure of any new partnership is still being discussed, but it is envisaged that Victory would join the Flagship Group, retaining its identity and ensuring continuity of tenancy for residents and of employment for staff.

Philip Burton, Chair of Victory Housing Trust, said: “We are exploring whether through working together we can deliver more new affordable homes and better quality services to our residents and our communities. An important part of this will be retaining and developing our people, as well as being able to invest more to meet housing need in our region.”

Peter Hawes, Chair of Flagship Group, added: “Our organisations share similar visions and values, and through working with our staff and customers we will explore how best to jointly manage our homes in Norfolk – bringing the best of both organisations together.”

We’re proud to say that we’ve just been confirmed as official sponsors and filmmakers for NNF2018 

A new report published by leading East Anglian recruitment agency Cooper Lomaz has found that the skills shortage in the region has worsened in the last 12 months, with companies struggling to hire sufficient highly skilled workers.

The Salary Survey and Recruitment Trends 2018 reveals that business growth is being hindered by a lack of skilled staff. The survey, which questioned 2,740 employees, found that 4 in 10 (41%) felt that their teams were understaffed, an increase of 8% from 2017.

With the UK economy expected to grow by as much as 2.2% in 2018 and unemployment at its lowest level (4.3%) for over 40 years, the demand for highly skilled candidates is higher than ever to support this growth.

This is the 10th year this report has been published and, whilst uncertainty has reigned across much of the UK due to the fast-changing political and economic landscapes, it found that the job market in East Anglia remains strong, with half of businesses expecting to grow in 2018.

With increased numbers of companies looking to grow, and fewer employees saying they will change jobs in the next 12 months (down a huge 15% from last year), employers are going to have to do much more to attract and retain the best talent.

The skills shortage is forcing employers to not only pay even more for the best talent, it’s making them look at their entire non-financial offering and hiring process, to ensure they can retain and attract the very best people.

Simon Brown, Managing Director of Cooper Lomaz, said: “Looking at this year’s report, it’s interesting to see salaries rising for most employees last year and the majority expecting a further rise this year.  This trend certainly bucks some of the national statistics we see from across the UK about wages being flat.

“Our report also revealed that employees no longer class salary as their primary determinant when evaluating job satisfaction. Instead, competence of their manager, personal recognition of achievements and an interesting and varied role all rank as important, if not more important, than salary.”

The report highlighted that there is a growing trend for flexible working, whether this is in relation to employees’ work/life balance or having the ability to work remotely. This will continue through 2018 as employees see flexibility as a staple of the workplace, and as businesses improve their infrastructure to support this.

GENIX Business Support has announced the keynote speaker at the next Coffee Means Business networking event taking place on 20th March. The event will be held at Scarborough Hill Hotel, North Walsham and the invited speaker is Rob Davies of Norfolk based, One on One Communications. The monthly, mid-morning events attract a wide range of business people who enjoy the informal and friendly format of Coffee Means Business. More than 25 visitors are expected to attend to hear Rob, a seasoned marketing communications specialist. He has substantial experience in business to business marketing. and is a brand advocate who will talk about how to bring a company’s brand to life for staff and customers. “We’re looking forward to welcoming many more businesses interested in marketing to Coffee Means Business.” Commented Leanne Castle of GENIX. “During February the GENIX Business Marketing Conference saw 64 delegates gather at Northrepps to gain ideas to improve their online marketing. This month’s networking event leads on from this, providing an opportunity to find out what a business needs to do before embarking on marketing activity. Rob will explain the key things that need to be identified to drive a marketing campaign to ensure time and money isn’t wasted.” Since September 2016 GENIX has held 15 networking events and three business information conferences in north Norfolk. Coffee Means Business takes place on Tuesday 20th March at Scarborough Hill Hotel, North Walsham from 9.30am until 11.30am. Booking isn’t essential, there aren’t any membership fees, just £5 per person payable on arrival. For more details go to www.genix.org.uk

GENIX the business support agency hosted a Business Marketing Conference at Northrepps Country Hotel on Thursday 22nd February attended by 64 business people eager to gain ideas to improve their marketing presence.

Paul Brittain of Prevolution Digital gave an informative talk on how to use Google to extend brand reach with improved web presence, relative content posts and good pictures. He demonstrated the importance of gaining good Google reviews and measuring results using the free tools available.

Email marketing is a cost-effective way of reaching customers and Holly Stibbon of Smart Messenger gave examples of the best ways to ensure marketing emails are opened, read and actioned. These included ensuring emails can easily be read on a mobile phone with a clear call to action.

Social media is an increasingly important marketing tool and Nick Pandolfi gave an entertaining and informative talk explaining that not every platform is right for all businesses and choosing the right ones is key. He reminded delegates that most of their clients liked and used social media and how, in just 15 minutes a day the right posts and photographs give a business a wider marketing reach. Nick talked about the power of telling business stories and building relationships with future customers via social media. He reminded delegates that by using the medium they can educate, inform and entertain to ensure their business is memorable to potential new clients.

Nick Barrett of Hugh J Boswell Insurance Brokers sponsors of the Business Marketing Conference said, “The feedback from the conference was excellent, business delegates found the information and ideas they heard extremely useful. The breadth of knowledge of Paul, Holly and Nick have was exceptiona, it’s rare to have the opportunity to hear such useful marketing tips in just three hours.”

Leanne Castle of GENIX commented, “In 2016 North Norfolk District Council commissioned GENIX to provide events to inspire business owners to consider ways to grow. Small businesses have a huge, positive impact on the local economy by increasing employment opportunities and the prosperity of the area and our aim is to highlight ways this can be achieved with conferences and networking events.

“I’m very grateful to all our speakers who gave a wide view of what is possible and how growth can be achieved in a sustainable and manageable way. My thanks to Hugh J Boswell, commercial and business insurance brokers whose sponsorship enabled us to hold this event.”

Cllr Nigel Dixon, North Norfolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Development, said: “We are pleased this Business Marketing event was attended by 64 business people and was such a success. It’s vital small businesses are actively encouraged to reach their full potential and we hope this conference has helped to remove barriers to growth and inspire Norfolk’s business owners to take their work to the next level.”

GENIX will be holding a networking event, Coffee Means Business on Tuesday 20th March at Scarborough Hill Hotel in North Walsham from 9.30am until 11.30am.

Booking isn’t required, and it costs £5pp to attend. For more details got to www.genix.org.uk or by calling 0800 096 3013.

Flagship Group’s first ever higher level apprentices undertaking its pioneering ‘Bright Futures Programme’ are well on their way to gaining a degree and a career in housing. During National Apprenticeships Week (5-9 March), Flagship are celebrating the new qualification and the value of apprentices within the business. The innovative degree sponsored management training programme, which is a first for the housing sector, brings together the best of higher and vocational education. Matt Levesley, 18, and Ellie Colk, 19, both from Norwich, started their Housing Policy and Practice Apprenticeship last summer and will complete the course in 2020. At that time, both will have gained a degree and have permanent employment with Flagship. Matt said: “When I saw the apprenticeship advertised I thought housing would be really interesting as it’s so topical, especially at the moment. “The course is fantastic as you get to work across a broad range of departments such as HR, Development, Response and Housing so you quickly learn about all aspects of the business and meet lots of different colleagues. “Flagship is a really welcoming organisation and there are so many exciting things to get involved in.” Ellie said: “This particular apprenticeship really appealed to me as it looked different to many of the others which focus a lot on admin. Already we’ve been involved in lots of projects. I like the variety as you’re always doing something different so no two days are the same. “It’s a great opportunity to learn valuable skills such as social and IT skills which you can apply anywhere.” The Programme brings together the next generation of housing employees with leaders and mentors from the industry. From September 2018, two new positions will be available on the Bright Futures Programme. The apprentices will split their time between the workplace and university study. Most of the university study will be online with some attendance at Salford University, dependent on the needs of the apprentice and Flagship. Lisa Collen, Director of People at Flagship, said: “We’re passionate about growing our own talent which is why we value our Apprenticeship Programme so much. With over 20 years of experience in the housing sector, our skilled staff are keen to pass on their knowledge to the next generation, hoping to make a difference in the housing industry. “Ellie and Matt have been fantastic, really embracing our new course. It’s proven to be an excellent way for our apprentices to gain professional training and hands-on practical experience at the same time. This not only allows them to develop a good understanding of our business, but also means they make valuable contributions to our teams.” Since launching its Apprenticeship Programme in 2014, Flagship Group has had 13 young people complete their qualifications, and currently 27 apprentices are working towards qualification completion. For more information about all of Flagship’s apprenticeship opportunities please contact the Learning and Development Team on L&D@flagship-group.co.uk A film of Matt and Ellie talking about their Bright Future apprenticeship can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/85MZkERSUIc

Freebridge Community Housing announced as one of the countries best places to work

Freebridge Community Housing are delighted to announce that they once again appear on the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For list.

Not only did Freebridge reach 68th place in the list, they also retained their One Star accreditation, which they first received back in 2014. The accreditation means that Freebridge continues to have ‘very good’ levels of employee engagement within the organisation.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge, said: “I could not be happier to have Freebridge recognised in this way. Appearing on the list is largely down to the efforts that our employees make in creating a great working environment and I want to thank them for their continued support.

“I am also looking forward to reading the feedback on our entry and identifying further ways to make Freebridge a great place to come to work.”

The Best Companies employee engagement survey captures how people genuinely feel about working for their organisations.

Best Companies methodology shows that the following eight factors are linked to overall engagement. They are: Leadership, My Team, Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Giving Something Back and My Manager. As well as completing the employee engagement surveys, Freebridge also completed an extensive questionnaire which provides an overview of the organisation.

Colour Print is please to announce the arrival of a new addition to the printing family. 

Our brand new Xerox Versantr 180 brings a new lease of life to digital printing soloutions. 

Do you need Landscape A4 documents, or perhaps a six page A4 brochure? Well, now we can produce these in smaller and more economical quantities for you.

Not only providing a new dimension to your marketing resources, but also offering personalisation opportunities too. 

We can print Coated and uncoated papers, bright papers, labels, business cards, glossy brochures, window decals, durable/synthetic papers, greeting cards, tabs, embossed, polyesters and custom solutions Mixed-stock jobs supported too.

For more information, please contact me.

07468 697 842

roger@col-print.co.uk

Great Yarmouth based company Gapton Computers is set to join with Netmatters Ltd to create one of the region’s largest, full-service technology companies; offering ever improving levels of service to all businesses throughout East Anglia and the rest of the UK.

As of the 1st March 2018, Gapton Computers will join forces with Netmatters Ltd in a move that will establish Netmatters Ltd as the region’s largest, full-service technology agency. Trading as solely Netmatters Ltd from this date, we will operate from two locations within East Anglia, including our existing office in Wymondham, as well as our newly established offices in Great Yarmouth.

Gapton Computers has been trading since December 2008 and has focused on supporting the IT infrastructure for many businesses within the Great Yarmouth area. Under the management of Mark Johnson, Gapton Computers has achieved considerable success and has developed close relationships with many local businesses. 

Netmatters, also trading since late 2008, has continued to offer businesses bespoke and all-inclusive IT Support, Web Development, Software Development, Digital Marketing, Telecoms, Security Consultancy and GDPR Management solutions from its head office in Wymondham, Norfolk.

Over the past 10 years, we have continued to grow in terms of our offerings and dedicated team of experts who are at the forefront of the Netmatters business; supporting our customers and helping continue their success. This development will be further enhanced with the merger with Gapton Computers.

“Both companies have a similar approach in terms of how they support their clients…  both  take ownership and work with their business clients to ensure they have the technical support required to help them be successful” – Mark Johnson, formerly Managing Director of Gapton Computers.

Mark, formerly Managing Director of Gapton computers will continue to be a valued member of the team, taking a more technical position as we move forward.

Following the combination, Netmatters Ltd will welcome a larger team of expert personnel and will continue to maintain the office in Great Yarmouth – benefiting local customers by providing rapid local support.

“All former Gapton Personnel have taken new positions with Netmatters so we can maintain the good relationships we have with all our clients. We aim to maintain the personal service by aligning teams of technicians with accounts to gain the benefits of familiarity alongside a large resource pool if the need arises.” – James Gulliver, Managing Director at Netmatters.

Netmatters is passionate about technology and only employs people with the same mindset, as we believe the old adage that; if you love what you do, you will care about it.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Netmatters team who will be more than happy to provide more information.

Originally published on Netmatters Ltd.

Chamber of Commerce Member Human Capital Department have been shortlisted for the Award of HR Top Advisor by Enterpise Nation [Business Support Group]. 

Peter Lawrence of Human Capital Department has been recognised as a top 50 advisor for support behind the scenes to ensure Norfolk’s businesses get the best People Management and Development advice so that they survive and florish going forward. 

We are all about getting the right systems and processes in place to help businesses, and it’s great to be recognised as one of the top 5 HR Advisors in the Enterprise Nation network.  

To vote for Peter as best in HR class go to www.enterprisenation.com/top50 

This summer, Norwich’s now iconic 10km run returns to the fine city for its fourth year. We are pleased to reveal that we will again be sponsoring the fantastic event that is ‘Run Norwich’!

Year-on-year the event has grown to the point where, within just the first week of general entries going on sale, the race was 70% full. This is a testament to the growing popularity of the event and a good reason for prospective entrants to secure their place NOW before they’re all gone! To enter, please visit https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter/.

We’re extremely excited to be part of such a popular event for the fourth year in a row. While Run Norwich is primarily a 10km run, to many (us included) it’s so much more than that. It’s an occasion, an impressive spectacle and perhaps most importantly of all a celebration of the city.

The great thing about Run Norwich is that it has something for everyone, it’s an event that attracts all kinds of people from all over. You’ll find both novice runners and seasoned professionals here, residents as well as international participants.

The race itself will take runners on a scenic journey through Norwich, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Norwich Castle, Cathedral and Norwich City Football Club. Thanks to the excellent organisation of the event by the Community Sports Foundation (CSF) race day is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.

Run Norwich takes place on Sunday 5th August 2018 and should you wish to take part in the award-nominated 10k run, then waste no time in booking your place here: https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter/.

You can view the route map by clicking here.

engaging people matters gives an overview of some of the work of The Engaging People Company, as well as thoughts on engagement, communications, wellbeing, facilitation, and writing. For more information about any of the articles, please get in touch.