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Cooper Lomaz Partners with Raw Talent Academy

East Anglia based specialist Recruitment Company Cooper Lomaz has partnered with award winning Sales Recruitment and Training Company Raw Talent Academy in order to enhance, grow and develop their current Norwich based office.

Over the coming weeks Raw Talent Academy will be searching across Norfolk for a number of enthusiastic and passionate individuals who have a desire and drive to work in recruitment.

Raw Talent Academy will be staging an audition day in May 2016 which will see potential candidates showcase their talent through a series of simulated business tasks and role play situations in order for Cooper Lomaz to hire the staff they consider to be best suited to their dynamic organisation.

Cooper Lomaz is delighted to partner with Raw Talent Academy in an exclusive relationship which sees Cooper Lomaz as the only Norfolk recruitment firm Raw Talent Academy working with currently. Both parties are extremely excited and confident that this is the first step in a long and prosperous relationship that will unearth some great Raw Talent for one of East Anglia’s leading recruitment companies.

Cooper Lomaz’s Commercial Director Simon Brown said ‘We are delighted to have secured the services of a market leading talent attraction company such as Raw Talent. I know from working with Lee and the team previously how much work, effort and commitment they put into every campaign Raw Talent intake. This is a real sign of intent from Cooper Lomaz to grow our business in a sustainable way with a dedicated partner‘.

Raw Talent Academy founder Lee McQueen said “I am delighted that Cooper Lomaz has chosen Raw Talent as their recruitment partner. I know my team are looking forward to working on this project with such a fantastic opportunity available to candidates. Having already spent a couple of days at Cooper Lomaz’ office it is clear to see this is an ambitious organisation looking to invest in their talent. I am confident we will be able to source high calibre, ‘raw talent’ over the coming weeks.

Candidates wishing to apply to the Cooper Lomaz audition day should do so directly with Raw Talent Academy, please see https://www.rawtalentacademy.com/cooper-lomaz-academy-microsite/ for more details.

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About Cooper Lomaz Recruitment:

With its roots in Norfolk and Suffolk, Cooper Lomaz is now pushing into regions beyond East Anglia, providing benchmark recruitment services for candidates and clients alike. Whether you’re looking for a new job or a new employee, Cooper Lomaz Recruitment Consultants are committed to delivering an unrivalled range of recruitment services covering permanent, contract, and interim appointments. They boast to have over 25 years’ experience recruiting in the East of England. Our team of over 60 specialist consultants deliver our award-winning, intelligent recruitment services. Cooper Lomaz recruits in a number of specialist industry sectors including Accountancy, Engineering, Insurance, I.T. and Food Manufacturing and placed 22nd in The Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work for in 2015.

https://www.cooperlomaz.co.uk

About Raw Talent Academy:

A fresh approach to sales recruitment.

Raw Talent Academy, born from a frustration at the lack of fresh talent within the sales industry, is an award-winning Sales Recruitment and Training business with a proven track record of unearthing hidden sales talent, showcasing their ability and nurturing success.

Raw Talent Academy partners with organisations to build and develop internal Sales Academies, as well as helping to grow existing sales teams including the sourcing of experienced sales talent. Oxfordshire based Raw Talent Academy was founded in 2011 by the 2008 winner of BBC TV show, The Apprentice, Lee McQueen. Prior to beating 20,000 candidates and being picked by Lord Sugar to be his apprentice, Lee spent 11 years working in recruitment for various national companies.

https://www.rawtalentacademy.com

SaxonAir reports buoyant trading whilst increasing diversification in their aviation services

Specialist aviation company SaxonAir continues its growth reporting on a buoyant performance over the past year in most areas of the group. Since the company was founded in 2007 it has grown year on year with new charter and managed aircraft being added to the fleet, flight support contracts won through its Business Aviation Centre headquarters and increasing numbers of aircraft sales and acquisitions brokered.

The group collectively increased turnover by 32% compared with the previous year to over £13 million GBP in 2015, whilst welcoming over 20 new staff to deal with the growing demands within the organisation, providing a great platform for further drive into new business for the future. SaxonAir provides a range of aviation services including private jet charter, aircraft management, helicopter charter & utility surveillance, aircraft sales & leasing, flight support and ground handling. As well as expanding through its Norwich head office, SaxonAir have increased their operational bases across the UK with aircraft also located in both London Stansted and Luton airports.

Chris Mace, SaxonAir’s Group Commercial Director says “Our private air charter service has become increasingly popular for business travellers; it’s a recognition of the convenience and time saving abilities that can be achieved by flying privately. Air charter has the ability to turn days into hours, making valuable business sense.” The modern and diverse SaxonAir aircraft charter fleet flew almost 2,500 flight hours in 2015, a 13% increase from the previous year and equates to flying over 27 times around the world.

The company’s specialist ground handling services have also experienced growth in business aviation activities, seeing over 3,000 private and business aircraft movements, a 12.5% increase on the previous year. Alex Durand, SaxonAir CEO comments “Despite the continued difficulties and industry decline of the offshore and energy market, SaxonAir Flight Support has increased business aircraft movements and fuel sales at our Norwich headquarters showing the firm importance our aviation sector has regionally. Our diversification into other aviation sectors has played a key part in our continued success.”

SaxonAir has also seen the positive benefit in investing into the younger generation, having now provided 7 apprenticeship’s within the organisation. This commitment has recently won SaxonAir the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2016 in the small to medium size business category by the City College Norwich National Apprenticeship Awards.

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PRESS RELEASE STATISTICS:

  • Business and Private aircraft handling movements undertaken by SaxonAir Flight Support at Norwich International Airport increased by 12.5% to over 3000
  • SaxonAir Charter saw flying hours increase by 13% from 2014 to the same period in 2015
  • Collective turnover in the group was up by 30% to £13.2million GBP in 2015 when compared against 2014
  • 20 New staff joined in the business in 2015 making numbers of 65+ today

Pure’s Jodie provides expert comment for Mustard TV’s Business Show

Jodie Woodrow, senior recruitment consultant for Pure’s Financial Services Division, was invited on to Mustard TV’s Business Extra Show to discuss the latest economic findings released by The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The BCC has released the results of its latest quarterly survey which provides a snap shot of the UK economy. Based on responses from over 8,500 firms, the latest findings show that growth in the economy has continued to soften in the first quarter of 2016.

Mustard TV, a local TV station based in Norwich, invited Jodie to be a panellist on its Business Extra Show to discuss whether the UK-wide findings are reflective of Norfolk’s economy and the problems local organisations may be encountering as a result. She was joined by Jon Shooter from Glazing Vision in Diss and Jonathan Cage, President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

During the discussions Jodie revealed that the number of job vacancies in the region had increased in the last quarter, but outlined how challenges in finding people with the right skills to fill these roles could be a contributing factor to the slowdown in economic growth.

To hear more from Jodie, and her fellow panellists, watch the full show online athttps://www.mustardtv.co.uk/browse/chamber-of-commerce/

If you are having difficulty in finding candidates with the right attributes for your organisation,contact your local Pure officefor expert help and advice.

Norwich Rocks Rocking Our Digital Signage Screens

We welcomeNorwich Rocksto our digital signage screens across Norfolk. The event is using our network of screens which reach half a million people per week to increase brand awareness of their events throughout the summer.

This family friendly event is in its 8th year and is held atGibraltar Gardenson bank holiday Sunday between 1pm – 8pm. The event offers live music from some of the best local bands, an outside bar, food stalls and kids entertainment plus much, much more. Norwich Rocks has hosted the likes of Edd Sheeran and Dj sets from Gary Powell (Libertines), Bombay Bicycle Club, The Vaccines, Andy Nicholson (Arctic Monkeys) in the past.

We love to work alongside both local businesses and events from Norfolk, so it’s a pleasure to welcome the Norwich Rocks team on board!

April News from No8 Thorpe Road

Our latest No8 monthly newsletter was sent out yesterday.

In this month’s newsletter we looked at;

– The Story of No8 – One year on, we look back at how and why it all started…

– Meet the Team; Richard Mills

– First Aid Training at No8

– Events coming up at No8

If you missed our newsletter and would like to read it click here

If you would like to be added to our mailing list please contact mitchell@redcat.gb.com

UEA Vice-Chancellor appointed chair of Norwich Research Park

Professor David Richardson has been announced as chair of Norwich Research Partners LLP.

David joined the board at its inception in 2012 is taking over the role from Anthony Habgood, who recently concluded his three-year tenure as chair of the Park.

Appointed vice-chancellor of the University of East Anglia (UEA) in January 2014, Professor Richardson joined the university in 1991 and has held a series of leadership positions including dean of the faculty of science, pro-vice-chancellor for research, enterprise and engagement, and deputy vice-chancellor. He is also a former member of the governing council of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) which plays a key role in the shaping of UK research policy.

Professor Richardson said: “Norwich Research Park is a community of research organisations with world leading science credentials and I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed chair of Norwich Research Partners LLP.”

Anthony Habgood will continue to serve on the board which was further strengthened recently by the appointment of Mark Davies, chief executive at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor Ian Charles, director of the Institute of Food Research and founding director of the new Quadram Institute.

Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, chief executive officer, Norwich Research Park said: “David has been a valuable member of the board and his continued drive and enthusiasm will make him an excellent successor to Anthony, who has been instrumental in driving the Park forward over the past three years.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Anthony Habgood for his considerable contributions and welcome our latest members Professor Ian Charles and Mark Davies to the board. Their combined business, research and academic expertise will continue to further strengthen the Park’s position and raise its profile internationally.”

Norwich Research Partners LLP serves the interests of the Partners by promoting Norwich Research Park and developing it as a commercial destination. Home to more than fifty independent businesses Norwich Research Park is a partnership between theUniversity of East Anglia, theNorfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, four independent world-renowned research institutes namely the John Innes Centre,Institute of Food ResearchandThe Genome Analysis Centre(all strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)) andThe Sainsbury Laboratorylinked to theGatsby Charitable Foundation. The BBSRCis itself a partner as is theJohn Innes Foundation.

Winter boost with new Flybe schedule

Norwich receives winter boost with new Flybe schedule

Norwich Airport is boosting its range of holiday routes with tickets on sale today (Thursday 14th April) for winter sunshine flights to Malaga and Alicante, plus a new ski flight to Chambery in the French Alps all of which will be operated by Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline.

With travel effective from 31st October, Flybe’s new winter timetable will see two scheduled flights a week to both Alicante and Malaga, with a new Saturday service to Chambery commencing mid-December. These are in addition to its recently launched Exeter service through the winter months.

Tickets are on sale now at www.flybe.com with one way fares from £17.49 including taxes and charges.

Norwich saw the return of scheduled sunshine flights to Spain at Easter, following a nine-year absence. The Chambery link will be the first winter ski flight from Norwich since 2010, further boosting the airport’s growing range of holiday destinations.

The new flights are operated by one of Flybe’s E195 118-seater jet aircraft and have been made possible through an innovative partnership between the airline and Regional & City Airports (RCA), the airport management division of Rigby Group PLC, which owns Norwich Airport.

Richard Pace, General Manager at Norwich Airport, said: “The partnership between RCA and Flybe means the new sunshine routes will operate year-round and we are delighted to be adding the popular ski resort of Chambery to our winter schedule.

“With the addition of regular flights to Exeter, Norwich Airport is offering one of its best winter schedules for years.”

Flybe’s Chief Revenue Officer, Vincent Hodder added: “Together with our partners at Norwich, Flybe will continue to look at ways to provide an increasing selection of attractive routes for our regional customers. The diversity of our new winter schedule reinforces this commitment; and we look forward to welcoming many new passengers on board as they head off for winter sun and ski breaks, as well as those who are already enjoying the fast, easy convenience of our recently introduced services to Exeter. As the lowest possible fares sell out quickly, we would advise customers to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment, especially when looking to travel over peak holiday periods.”

For more information about scheduled and holiday flights from Norwich Airport please visit www.norwichairport.co.uk

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Notes to Editors

About Norwich Airport

Norwich International Airport is part of Regional & City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc having been acquired in June 2014. The airport employs 250 people.

The Airport offers direct scheduled flights to Amsterdam (with connections to over 600 destinations worldwide), Aberdeen, Alicante, Edinburgh, Exeter, Guernsey, Jersey, Malaga and Manchester. Connections through Manchester enable passengers to reach Belfast, Glasgow, Isle of Man, Inverness and many more.

Holiday flights operate to the Balearic and Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Italy.

The scheduled airlines and charter operators currently active from the Airport are:

KLM, Eastern Airways, bmi regional, Flybe and Loganair Thomson, Thomas Cook, Balkan Holidays, Newmarket Holidays and Omega Holidays

The airport is a key hub for the southern North Sea offshore oil and gas industry. Four major offshore helicopter operators are based at the airport. These are Bristow, Bond, CHC and NHV. Last year 100,000 passengers travelled offshore from the Airport.

About Rigby Group plc

Formed in 1975, Rigby Group is the parent company for a portfolio of privately owned and highly successful businesses operating across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Rigby Group has diversified from its origins as a principally technology-led business and evolved – through smart, strategic acquisitions – into a £1.8 billion business with interests in the technology, airports, hotels, real estate, financial and aviation sectors. Rigby Group businesses include Europe’s largest independent technology provider SCC, British International Helicopters, the Eden Hotel Group, international property developers Rigby and Rigby and Regional & City Airports.

With two generations of the Rigby family at the helm, Rigby Group has built a distinguished reputation as both an investor and business operator; renowned for its independent thinking, seamless execution and a peerless approach to acquiring and nurturing businesses to unleash their potential.

About Regional & City Airports (RCA)

Regional & City Airports (RCA) is Rigby Group’s highly-innovative airport management company. RCA owns and operates Norwich Airport, Exeter Airport and Coventry Airport, holds management contracts for Blackpool International Airport, City of Derry Airport and Lee on Solent airfield, and is actively building its portfolio of owned or managed airport assets across the next five years.

Regional airports are vitally important to the economic development of regions, not just in the UK but across the world. To survive and prosper, smaller regional airports need to cooperate and collaborate – enabling them to benefit from the economies of scale and sharing of best practice traditionally enjoyed by larger hub airports. This is the vision behind RCA.

RCA has built a reputation as an efficient, safe and commercially-savvy airport operator, driving improvements to route development, commercial revenues, operating costs and capital investment in order to deliver a consistently sound commercial return. As RCA grows it is increasingly able to leverage significant buying power and shared expertise. Already employing more than 650 people, RCA is on its way to becoming a leading player in the regional airport sector and is taking advantage of the lack of capacity at major hub airports in the UK to demonstrate how regional airports can ease the strain.

Norfolk Chamber: Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast

Last week Paul and I went to the Great Yarmouth business breakfast event, which was organised by Bryony Smith of theNorfolk Chamber of Commerce. The morning was all about creating new connections with businesses across a wide variety of sectors and enjoying a full English breakfast while you did it.

I’ve never been much of a fan of networking, but the English breakfast sold it for me and in the end I’m glad that I went. The first part of the event was focussed on introductions, some free networking time to talk to people you may or may not have known, and ended with a presentation by Glen Moore ofNew Anglia Growth Hub.

The free networking time is always the most difficult. I never know what to say to begin a conversation and Paul and I have yet to decide on our quick explanation of what Naked Element do, but I managed to have a few good conversations with some people I didn’t know and got a few business cards in the process, so part one of the morning was a success.

After breakfast, everyone participated in a networking activity, namely the networking bingo, so that the people sitting at each table could get to know each other. I think that this worked really well. It was an excellent way for people to break the ice and say little bits and pieces about themselves in an informal environment. We learnt that exercise was not popular on our table, however we had a few people who had lived in different countries and could speak different languages – something we never would have found out if the question wasn’t there for us to ask.

After the networking activity, Fred Rogers ofSubsea Protection Systemsgave a presentation on all of the products that they offer and what the future looks like for SPS. It was good to hear the successes of local businesses that have turned global, because eventually we’d like to appeal to a global audience as well.

The event closed after some more free networking time and I have to say that I enjoyed it a lot. There were a lot of people to talk to and even though it was formal dress code and a business orientated event, there wasn’t any pressure to act any differently and you could still laugh with the people on your table.

Words:Lewis Leeds

Delia’s Restaurant & Bar Working Alongside BBA Digital Media

Here at BBA Digital media we arehappy to announce that the famousDelia’s Restaurant & Barhave joined our digital signage networks across Norfolk. Locatedat Norwich City Football Club, Delia’s have teamed up with BBA to reach the widest possible demographic,reminding everyone thatthe restaurantis’ntjustopen on match days.

Enjoy Delia’s recipes cooked to her exacting standards, and relax whilst tasting the celebrity chef’s specialities. The restaurant offers warm, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere, the perfect spottocelebrate the weekend or a special event. Committed to supporting local produceenjoy athree-course dinner,followed by coffee and something sweet forjust £35.75 per person. The restaurant & bar is open every Friday and Saturday from7pm until late, and if you’re driving the restaurantoffersfree on-siteparking.

Delia’s Restaurant & Bar’s digital-out-of-home campaign can be seen across four screens, reaching half a million people per week. Our digital signage screensare switched on 7 days a week 24 hours a day, meaning our adverts will play 2040 time per day without interruption.Most importantly ouradverts cannot be blocked, closed or skipped unlike other digital advertising mediums, guaranteeing engagement.

ESE Direct appoints new Managing Director

Norfolk-based industrial supplies company ESE Direct, have appointed a new Managing Director as part of a strategy to deliver further growth and continuous improvement to the brand.

The new recruit, Jackie Wells, comes with a wealth of experience from sales and call centre management gained both in the UK and in Australia. Jackie says, “I am excited to be part of the ESE Direct story, helping them continue to grow and get the best from a very good team full of enthusiasm and knowledge”.

The appointment of Jackie comes at an exciting time for the company, as they continue to expand the product range and invest heavily in a new computer infrastructure. This new system is designed to streamline ordering, accounts and customer service, whilst providing single-view customer data, which will enable the team to harness their extensive customer base and create more targeted marketing material.

In 2015, the company was sold by previous owner Simon Francis and was purchased by a large PLC within the same industry. Commenting on the recent appointment, Group Sales & Marketing Director, Lee Wright said, “It was vital that we got the right fit for the culture of the business, and we feel that Jackie is the best person to guide ESE Direct into a bright new future”.

ESE Direct was established over forty years ago and are an active member of the local business community with their mascot George the Traffic Cone Dragon proving popular at networking events. This year, for the first time, they have decided to support a headline charity, selecting East Anglian young people’s charity Break as their partner for the year.

Could your organisation be crowned the Best Employer?

The Best Employers Eastern Region survey is now open for employersto gain essential insight into employee opinion and to be in with a chance of being crowned one of the region’s best employers.

Employers are being encouraged to register as soon as possible to get the most out of the biannual employee survey which is provided free of charge to businesses in East Anglia as part of the Best Employers Eastern Region initiative. This ongoing initiative was founded in 2012 by professional recruitment specialists Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) and people development and psychometrics experts eras ltd. It aims to help strengthen the region’s economy by supporting local businesses to attract and develop talented employees and to showcase the many exceptional employers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge and Essex.

The confidential employee survey, which would normally cost in the region of £2,000, is available to local organisations of all sizes and sectors. It captures the data employers need to monitor how engaged their employees are and comes with a tailored report summarising the findings and an action plan for further development. By registering now, employers will have plenty of time to make the survey completely bespoke to their organisation, working with the experts at eras ltd to incorporate any existing surveys or specific questions they would like to ask.

All participating organisations will automatically be entered into a series of awards which will be presented later this year to celebrate the region’s Best Employers. They will also be invited to join the growing network of Best Employers across the region, attending regular employee engagement seminars to share best practice.

Lynn Walters, director at Pure, said: “The Best Employers initiative gives organisations access to free tools and expert guidance which can actively evolve their workplace culture and increase employee engagement. The business benefits of doing this are significant. Evidence shows that highly engaged employees generate 43% more revenue than the average worker.

“The additional opportunity to win a Best Employer award could also help to improve the bottom line. These fantastic accolades don’t just demonstrate how well companies treat their staff, they are also an excellent endorsement for customers and help to distinguish organisations from their competitors. Being seen as a Best Employer will also inevitably help to attract future talent to the organisation, and research shows that the ability to recruit good people is one of the key elements to achieving business growth.”

The Best Employers survey is easy for employees to complete online. Because it is hosted by an independent party, employees are more likely to trust the confidentiality, providing honest answers which give an authentic reflection of the working environment.

Margaret Burnside, Director of People Development at eras Ltd, added: “To be seen as a Best Employer, business leaders need to seek regular employee feedback so that they have the information they need to create a company culture which remains attractive to an evolving workforce. Employee engagement levels are dependent on a wide range of elements. It’s not necessarily about having the best employee benefits or providing the highest salary. It encompasses everything from the overall work environment and great leadership, through to inspiring vision and progression opportunities. Many employers struggle to know where to begin when it comes to understanding how engaged their employees are and what, if anything, they need to do to improve things. That’s why we are working with Pure to provide the expertise needed to help businesses in our region.”

Previous participants, which have gone on to win Best Employer awards, include Benefit Cosmetics in Chelmsford, crowned the region’s Best Overall Large Employer 2014, and Bidwells in Cambridgeshire, Rehabworks in Suffolk and Tobar in Norfolk.

The Best Employers Eastern Region survey runs between April and September 2016. For more information or to register to take part visit https://www.prs.uk.com/about-us/best-employers-initiative or email Lucy Plumb on Bestemployers@prs.uk.com