As part of their wide-ranging support and information services for those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, Big C has launched a new free telephone support line.
This is a useful resource for HR managers and senior managers who may know someone in their team currently affected by their own cancer diagnosis, or that of a relative, or colleague.
Anyone calling the Telephone Support Line will be able to speak to a Big C nurse or member of the support team, who have the local knowledge and expertise to help answer any questions they may have.
For free information and support, contact the Big C telephone support line on 0800 092 7640.
To speak to a Big C Nurse, call:
Wednesdays & Fridays6.00pm – 7.30pmTo speak to the Big C centres during the day:Monday – Friday9.30am – 4.30pm Calls are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones. If you are calling from a business phone, please check with your provider whether there will be a charge for calling 0800 or 0808. For more information visit:
Barford+Co, established in 1974, has a reputation for providing personal, high-quality agency, planning and professional services to a range of corporate and private clients, local authority and developers throughout Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and into Hertfordshire to the south, and Northamptonshire to the west.
Brown & Co, Property & Business Consultants, already employs 220 staff and will now be operating from 13 UK offices from the Humber to the Thames together with offices in Poland, Romania and the Caribbean.
Shelia Smyth, Director at Barford+Co will become a partner in the Brown & Co business. She commented “All the team here in St Neots are pleased to be joining Brown&Co. We have an enormous amount in common and I believe that all our clients can only benefit from such a friendly and professional merger”. Charles Whitaker, Managing Partner at Brown&Co added “This merger gives us a major presence throughout the Cambridge, Peterborough and Bedford triangle. Our intention in due course will be to amalgamate the St Neots and Huntingdon offices together, which fits with our strategy to develop larger centres of excellence, offering our full range of services to create and add value to our client base spanning agriculture, land, commercial and residential property”.
Former president of the Great Yarmouth Chamber and Director of the Norfolk Chamber, Gary Williams, has recently re-joined the Chamber of Commerce with his growing Great Yarmouth based, consultancy business, COS Solutions Ltd.
COS Solutions calls upon Gary’s 35 years in senior management roles in Oil, Gas, Renewable and Marine businesses, having successfully started and grown numerous award winning companies and steered them to success both domestically and internationally. Gary, along with some likeminded associates, is working with a number of companies around the UK and locally to help secure sustainable growth in new markets, sectors and regions.
One of the areas that SME’s and start-up’s struggle with is finding the time to pull themselves away from the day to day running of the business and create a strategy for business development, and then of course, to implement this. COS Solutions can help with this many ways, from independent advice, strategy revue and down to earth, sleeves rolled up involvement in helping businesses achieve their potential. With 35 years of networking under our belt we can open those doors.
We also provide support in other areas through the associates we work with and whether this is IT, raising finance, bid writing, HR support, client meetings, to mention but a few, we can provide the right person to help and within, we believe, a very affordable budget.
Having held a number of non-executive directorships within trade and membership associations in the past, Gary is keen to become re-involved in this area and is currently seeking roles that his experience in building and running businesses and practical problem solving will add value to other organisations.
Gary stated “I suppose at heart I am an entrepreneur, I love meeting and working with people and the challenge and enjoyment I get out of securing increased but sustainable growth for any business, is one of the reasons I get out bed in the morning”.
COS Solutions is looking forward to bringing the knowledge and experience it has to other businesses in the region, not just in the energy sector as all of this is, of course very transferable to all sectors.
It has been announced that the Royal Norfolk Show Ball 2018 will raise funds for Norfolk’s cancer charity, Big C.
To inspire the ball’s ‘Roaring Twenties’ theme, Big C team members and volunteers visited Norwich’s Maddermarket, which was itself founded as a theatre in 1921, for a celebratory photoshoot.
The team rifled through the Maddermarket’s treasure-trove costume department and were kitted out in dazzling 1920s flapper dresses, beads and boas for the ladies and dashing period evening wear for the gentlemen.
Clive Evans, Director of Income Generation and Communications at Big C says “A big thank you to the Maddermarket for helping us to celebrate our announcement as next year’s Norfolk Show Ball charity. Thanks also to the City College Hair and Media Make-Up students who did a wonderful job in creating an authentic look and the UEA who provided volunteers for the shoot. We are really looking forward to being transported back in time to the atmospheric ‘Roaring Twenties’. It is a fascinating and glamorous era and it promises to be a fabulous event.”
Funds raised from the Royal Norfolk Show Ball will go towards a new Big C Community Centre in Norwich which is scheduled to open late 2018. The four existing Big C Centres in Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) provide emotional and practical support and information for anyone affected by cancer in the local community. Each year approximately 8,000 people are given a cancer diagnosis in Norfolk and Waveney. In 2016, the number of visits to Big C’s centres increased by 12%, compared to the previous year.
In 2015, over 1,000 people in Norwich were diagnosed with cancer. Currently the Norwich area is served by Big C’s acute centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, which last year provided support more than 15,000 times.
Mr Evans continues, “Cancer affects us all in different ways and supporting people affected by cancer is integral in optimizing their health and wellbeing. Big C has a long history of providing outstanding services to help people through their cancer journey. This new community Centre, in addition to our current centre at the hospital, will mean that more people will be able to access Big C support where and when they need us most.
“We are currently seeking corporate sponsors to support the Norfolk Show Ball and we would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining with us to help raise funds to help local people affected by cancer.”
The 2018 Royal Norfolk Show Ball will be held at the Norfolk Showground on Friday 22nd June.
Corporate sponsors interested in supporting Big C at the Norfolk Show Ball, please contact fundraising@big-c.co.uk / 01603 619900. Tickets are now on sale for the event, please visit norfolkshow.big-c.co.uk to find out more.
To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
Full Mix Marketing have strengthened their expanding team with a new marketing and design specialist, as they continue to provide all the marketing businesses need to grow.
Charlotte Baxter has joined the Norfolk based marketing agency as they celebrate winning a number of significant new clients. With experience gained in a leading digital marketing agency and delivering social media for a UK brand, she becomes the latest addition to their talented team.
“We’re delighted to have someone with Charlotte’s skills and drive on board” says Sarah West, Full Mix Marketing’s Managing Director. “She already demonstrated the creativity and professionalism we need to deliver the results our customers expect”
The new Marketing & Design Executive joins Full Mix Marketing during a period of sustained growth which has already seen them move to larger offices. A graphic design graduate and self-confessed ‘design geek’, Charlotte will help the agency serve new clients in sectors including logistics, engineering, technology and professional services.
“I’m excited about being a part of Full Mix Marketing and their client’s success” say Charlotte. “I’ve seen how important it is for businesses to get their marketing strategy right. It’s great to be in an environment where the customer comes first and everything is carefully delivered to get results”
Full Mix Marketing provide all the strategic, digital and offline marketing businesses need to grow, ranging from single elements like advertising and social media, through to becoming a company’s fully outsourced marketing department.
“Our clients are looking for us to deliver genuine knowledge and expertise” concludes Managing Director, Sarah. “Charlotte has a strong degree from a good university and an excellent understanding of what works and what doesn’t. She’s creative and driven to deliver results for us, our clients and herself”.
More details of Full Mix Marketing can be found at www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk.
Spire Solicitors has scooped the coveted Law Firm of the Year Award at the 2017 LawNet Awards, held at the Crowne Plaza, Heythrop Park Resort, Oxfordshire in front of 210 employees from some of the nations most recognised firms under LawNet.
The Law Firm of the Year award, sponsored by Wilkinson Read & Partners recognises firms who provide a clear, strategic business growth plan and provide proof of sustainable improvements in financial performance, as well as above all, dedication to their market.
Other aspirants for the award included, Biscoes Law Limited, and last year’s winners, Gardner Leader LLP.
James Knight, CEO, commented: “Spire is thrilled to have been recognised as leaders in the LawNet market, continuing our strategic and clear growth since our initial merger in 2013. The past 4 years since Spire was born have now shown award recognised progression, as well as, market success, entirely down to the level of service our firm and all within offer.
Knight continued: “I could write this success is down to multiple factors which you see from other firms, such as infinite events throughout the year, blanket marketing and standard practices; however, this isn’t what we do. We’re fully committed to offering the best service possible as well as striving to be different; meaning our organic growth in the UK market is down to the success of our dedicated 170 strong staff, which all hold the same vision, changing the perspective of Legal-as-a-Service.”
Spire Solicitors has held yet another fantastic year with the recent additions to the team, including Corporate Finance Expert, Matthew Downing, who joined the firm as Partner, previously Head of Corporate & Commercial at Ashtons Legal, who were shortlisted for two awards at this year’s ceremony.
Spire would like to extend their congratulations to other winners and shortlisted firms at the awards dinner.
After the successful merger of Hood Vores & Allwood Solicitors, Greenland Houchen Pomeroy Solicitors and Overbury Steward & Eaton Solicitors in 2013, Spire Solicitors LLP now represents one of the largest, and most progressive legal firms in Norfolk, with a presence of 8 offices across the county and over 170 employees, as well as a portfolio of services for all.
A Trade Mission to Dubai to help small firms make trade links with the fourth largest export market outside the EU takes place from 26th Nov, and Human Capital Department are invited.
According to the British Chamber of Commerce the regions market is worth $197.5 billion for the UK with the Arabic economy still growing at 3.4%, it is the eleventh biggest market in the world with an emerging SME market.
I gabbed the opportunity to join the trade mission having lived and worked in the region for ten years and so understand the cultural differences – first time visitors and tourists can be seduced into thinking its like home only with sunshire but it’s not. Similarly businesses can come unstuck – often consultants and trainers are parachuted in with little knowledege or understanding of the company and country culture.
The first research of its kind into modern methods of construction (MMC) provides new insights into ways its use could help solve the current UK housing crisis. It also reveals that industry perceptions need to change for MMC to be viewed as a strategic, innovative process rather than a technical solution.
The UK is facing a chronic housing shortage – 98% of local councils are unable to meet demand, while the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors estimate 1.8 million new homes will be needed by 2025.
As a result, Flagship Group led a partnership of housing associations from across the East of England (Cross Keys Homes, Freebridge Community Housing, Havebury Housing Partnership, Longhurst Group, Saffron Housing Trust and Victory Housing Trust) to commission research into MMC and its effect on HAs.
The main objectives of the research were to:
– Provide an overview of UK and international approaches to MMC in housing and identify gaps in knowledge.
– Provide new insight into the process of developing MMC housing drawing on four case studies.
– Provide recommendations for the consortium of HAs to consider as the housing sector explores MMC as an option.
In addition to looking at current literature, the University of the West of England (UWE) carried out in-depth interviews with participants from four leading architecture firms who have completed MMC projects. There has been a noticeable change to the way housing is delivered in the UK in recent years as more houses are urgently needed to meet demand. The move is to deliver houses more quickly and architects play a vital role in this context and were therefore selected to take part in the study.
The primary research, which is not available anywhere else, provided a valuable insight enabling HAs to consider MMC approaches as a viable housing option now.
Public Affairs Advisor at Flagship, Jack Weaver said: “Modern methods of construction (MMC) have potential to revolutionise the way we build and regenerate homes and can make a genuine contribution to solving the housing crisis. This research has brought together experts in the field with some of our most creative and ambitious partners. It joins together many different aspects of MMC in a way not done before in social housing. It also demonstrates our desire to innovate and shows the government we are serious about driving forward innovative ways of delivering new homes.”
Key findings included:
– Existing literature largely overlooks customer satisfaction – there have been studies focusing on customers’ views about MMC but not their experience of it. As attitudes have changed significantly over recent years, more studies need to be carried out.
– Studies suggest there is no or little perceived difference in MMC housing regarding maintenance needs. Build quality is largely seen to be the same as traditional building however, there are suggestions issues could arise between offsite manufacture and onsite assembly.
– From inception to completion of a project, the sharing of information between partners through Building Information Management (BIM) was found as key to successful installation and maintenance of MMC.
– MMC needs to be reviewed against sustainable design requirements concerning climate change predictions.
Dr Sonja Oliveira and James Burch from the University of the West of England said: “There is a clear need for post occupancy evaluation in MMC delivered housing to better understand resident experiences and needs in terms of spatial and environmental quality. The case studies identified enable new insights into architects’ views of delivery methods, and approaches to designing for diverse residents- areas often overlooked in surveys carried out to date in the UK.”
Key recommendations of the research include:
– A clear business case is initially developed. This would outline the need for investment, likely volume, market as well as the type of houses.
– Gaining an evidence base of knowledge from built examples including visits to international/national leading projects, gaining feedback from residents as well as manufacturers and designers.
– A pilot project is procured to test and develop capabilities to enable better decision making regarding choice of material, mode of delivery, finance and partnership model.
M+A Partners is pleased to launch its third annual Owner Managed Business (OMB) Survey. The aim of our annual OMB Survey is to canvass the opinion and sentiment of leaders and directors from owner managed businesses across the Eastern Region. We would like to thank the many businesses that contributed to last year’s survey and we hope that you will take part this year. Your opinion and the voice of the sector that you operate within is important to us. The survey will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and will close on Wednesday, 13 December 2017. Click hereto take the Owner Managed Business Survey 2018
Residents in Stalham now have a new playground on Allen Meale Way thanks to positive partnership working between Flagship Group and North Norfolk District Council.
Local Housing Officer for Flagship Christine Fox and North Norfolk District Council submitted an application to the Tesco Bags of Help appeal to improve the old play equipment, promote physical activity, and increase social interaction among the local community.
After an overwhelming response to the petition which formed part of the submission to Tesco, the cause for a new playground received the greatest number of coin votes from the three potential appeals in the Stalham store.
Mum Abbe Cooper who lives on Allen Meale Way said it was fantastic that they were chosen: “It’s great that the children now have somewhere safe to play and be together. Children of all ages from lots of families now use the new play equipment and look after each other. There’s a real sense of community.”
Mum Lisa Cave who also lives on Allen Meale Way added: “The equipment before was old, especially the bench and so wasn’t used much. I hoped we would be successful as we had such great support when we took the petition to people’s houses and also on Facebook. It’s great for the community as dozens of families now benefit.”
The improved play provision appeal received £10,000 from Tesco, Flagship contributed £260 raised by their customers at a local fun day and NNDC paid for the installation of the equipment and will pick up the ongoing maintenance.
Christine Fox said: “We were really pleased to receive so many votes which proves how valuable the area is to so many people. The playground has made a huge difference to our customers and other members of the community as children and parents meet there and socialise.”
Cllr Maggie Prior, North Norfolk District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure said: “It’s great that we were able to support the new play equipment bid and get the community behind the project.”
Cllr Pauline Grove-Jones, a Ward Councillor for Stalham and Sutton said: “I am delighted that the play area is now so well used and appreciated by the local children and parents. Thanks to Tesco and Flagship for their valuable contributions and to NNDC for overseeing the purchase and installation of the equipment.”
We were overjoyed when the client passed on the fantastic news that we had been awarded “Best Stand” at the BCI World Conference and Exhibition in London recently.
Awards don’t come along every day and the accolade isn’t offered by many B2B trade show organisers nowadays, so it’s really rewarding when they do. It’s a great feeling for the client, reassurance knowing that they made the right choice in choosing us as their event partner and reaffirmed confidence for us for using the term “award winning” in our marketing. Over the years we have been fortunate to have won many awards at many major events; London Motor Show, GLEE, Baby Shows and Grand Designs to mention just a few. However in each case the awards have been purely incidental, the focus for us has always been presenting the client’s product or service effectively and getting them to market at events successfully.
BCI World is the “must attend” event for the business continuity and resilience professional. This year’s keynote speaker being, until recently, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police who had national responsibilities which included leading counter terrorism policing throughout the UK and protecting the government. The stand we provided for SUNGARD focused on “Disaster Recovery” of IT systems in the event of a variety of threats or issues set against a corporate themed mountain landscape. We chose an interactive 4wd challenge which featured an authentic scaled model of a Land Rover Defender tackling a number of “themed” obstacles, each highlighting a particular threat to company IT and business continuity. Visitors attempted the course against the clock in an attempt to walk away with the awesome prize of the remote controlled Land Rover used on the stand. Needless to say quite apart from winning best stand award the interaction made the client the most popular at the event!