Episode 2: You are important | Flourish
This powerful podcast, ‘you are important’, is a follow on from our previous release where Lotty, Harriet’s wife, talks of secondary trauma and being forgotten in grief. She tells her story of conflict between enjoying moments of happiness whilst dealing with terrible trauma and how important resilience really is!
A bespoke prototype designed by King’s Lynn based Southgate Global, a leader in the supply of packaging equipment, consumables and servicing in operational logistics and fulfilment, has helped a leading retail brand reduce their loading time by 50 per cent. Working closely with the online grocery brand – who were experiencing too many touchpoints, as well as some manual handling safety issues, around transferring groceries from their warehouse operation into their vehicles, Southgate’s expert in-house Design Team designed a bespoke cart specifically to address these issues, working for the specifics of the client’s site, their space requirements and the people using it. With each minor detail designed with a specific workflow in mind, the three-tier cart enabled the client to save 50 per cent in their loading time, increasing productivity for the business. As the need to maximise productivity in all areas of an operation has never been so crucial, Phil O’Driscoll, Head of Innovation and New Product Development at Southgate Global, explained that customised products that meet very specific needs or address unique challenges are becoming more in demand. “Customers either recognise an issue within their workflow but are unsure on how to fix it themselves, recognise that the standard equipment they are currently using just isn’t working to maximum potential, or they are being faced with new challenges that existing options cannot resolve.” “It’s here that the benefits of bespoke solutions come into play, and our garment trolley is a prime example of this. Right from the initial survey to the design brief, prototyping and final implementation, we built a solution that was based on expertise and experience and with a specific goal in mind. A service you just can’t get with off-the-shelf solutions.” With decades of experience serving over 3,000 customers in more than 20 countries around the world, Southgate prides itself on its expertise and range of operational logistics and fulfilment solutions that support some of the biggest organisations in the key sectors including 3PL, e-commerce, retail, post & parcel and general manufacturing. Describing the Southgate Design Team as ‘problem solvers’, O’Driscoll explained the intricate process of each bespoke solution. “We start each project from scratch with no assumptions or preconceptions. The team apply themselves to deeply understand the problem, ensuring to ask the right questions. Once we have the concept, we created a prototype before designing a final solution that meets the client’s exact needs. “Whether we’re fitting equipment to existing architecture or helping to redesign the process of how they move products from A to B, it’s a form of flexibility and personalised service that you just can’t find from off-the-shelf solutions. This approach means the solution is something that organisations can use as a key differentiator to make them more competitive. In an increasingly challenging environment where price is often used as the only point of differentiation this approach can make all the difference.’ Innovators across 3PL are using bespoke design solutions to improve efficiencies to improve any manual handling. As the challenges of running an efficient and cost-effective fulfilment operation continue to grow, Southgate continues to invest in creating innovative material handling equipment to help deliver a productive warehouse operation. For more information on Southgate’s design services, click here.
Exciting news for Olcote Wellbeing! I’ve been teaching at the centres for years, but I have a special affinity to Long Stratton Leisure Centre and even since selling up and moving into Norwich I still continue to teach there. From 1st July I will be bringing my Personal Training and Clinical Personal Training to the fantastic gym and e-gym space at the centre!
It’s a great gym space with first class equipment to really help you reach those fitness goals 💪 It offers:
Oh, and me too! An experienced level 4 Personal Trainer (CIMSPA REGISTERED AND ENDORSED) Clinical Personal Trainer, Core Specialist, Pilates Teacher, Yoga Teacher (36 years practice) , Fitness Instructor, Sports Therapist, Diet and Nutrition advice and Trained Counsellor – Getting you fit from the inside out!! Worried, about coming to a gym, or where to start? Don’t worry, I specialise in helping you start out on your fitness journey. No barriers, no judging, no bootcamp, just good, safe, experienced advice. I battle two complex and rare health conditions and set my business up years ago to show what you can achieve when health is not on your side. Want to start your fitness journey with me? Get in touch for more details olcotewellbeing@gmail.com or through the website: www.olcotewellbeing.comhttp://www.olcotewellbeing.com
To celebrate EasyPC’s new strategic partnership with interactive & collaborative technology vendor Avocor we are giving a business in East Anglia the chance to win an AVE-8610 interactive touchscreen, including free local delivery & installation – terms & conditions apply.
EasyPC, now have a comprehensive range of Avocor products, including 105” L Series on demo at our Norwich Office.
Here’s your chance to elevate your workspace with the latest interactive display technology! Simply enter our competition to win an Avocor 86″ AVE-8610 Touchscreen, boasting a 4K display, inbuilt speakers, and multi-point touch.
Photo caption: Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, with Suzanne Comaskey, retail operations manager at Big C, rolling out the bins at Big C’s distribution centre.
Norfolk-based Big C Cancer Charity is diverting waste from landfill and increasing its recycling rates, thanks to a new partnership with Anglian Waste Recycling.
Having carried out a waste audit, Anglian is now rolling out 16 new bins across 10 Big C shops to collect three different types of waste – dry mixed recycling, glass and general waste. Everything is then being collected by Anglian Waste Recycling for sorting and processing locally at its licensed facility in Attleborough, with zero being sent to landfill. A monthly waste report produced by Anglian will also enable Big C to monitor recycling rates and identify any additional opportunities. Suzanne Comaskey, retail operations manager at Big C, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Anglian which will help us to dispose of waste from our charity shops in a more sustainable way. The new contract with Anglian not only stops our waste from being sent out of the region to be processed but, by adding in new bins and segregating it as it comes out of our shops, we will be doing our bit to recycle more.” Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, said: “We’re delighted to help Big C make its operations more environmentally friendly. Waste has become a key focus for any kind of retail outlet looking to improve their sustainability credentials and for a charity such as Big C, this can also provide a way to potentially save some vital funds. By carrying out a waste audit to see what they currently throw away, we were able to identify additional ways for them to segregate their waste which will enable them to recycle more. As a local business, we are pleased to be supporting such an important charity on our doorstep.” Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses and organisations looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see www.anglianrecycling.co.uk
Walking With The Wounded lights beacons atop UK’s four highest peaks and Normandy beaches in commemoration of 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), a leading Armed Forces charity, recently played a pivotal role in commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6th, 2024. Four dedicated teams representing WWTW ascended four of the UK’s highest peaks to light beacons, symbolizing remembrance and honouring the sacrifices of all those who served during the historic D-Day campaign.
Selected as the chosen charity for this momentous occasion, the charity lit beacons atop Scafell Pike (England), Mount Snowdon (Wales), Ben Nevis (Scotland), and Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland). Each team, comprised of 8 to 12 individuals, including WWTW staff members, volunteers, and supporters from Sunbelt Rentals, carried a beacon to be lit in memory of the courageous Armed Forces personnel who fought during ‘Operation Overlord’ in 1944. The beacons were lit between 9:15pm to 9:45pm, marking a solemn tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
Tony Hulton, CEO of WWTW, stated, “Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) is honoured to stand alongside the nation in remembering the bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces personnel during ‘Operation Overlord.’ This significant anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role played by our servicemen and women in shaping history. It is our privilege to pay tribute to their courage and resilience.”
Norfolk Community Foundation has officially launched their ‘Good for Good’ programme, a groundbreaking initiative to make it easier for local businesses to achieve greater social impact.
What is Good for Good?
Good for Good helps Norfolk businesses of all sizes with the charities that need their time, expertise, and resources. Whether it’s offering professional skills, donating assets, or providing funding, Good for Good ensures local businesses’ contributions help those who need it most.
Why did we start it?
Good for Good is brought to you by Norfolk Community Foundation. We wanted to offer a way for businesses to support causes close to their hearts and achieve more by coordinating their efforts. We also wanted to help charities by directing support and energy where it will really make a difference. Connected to over 2,000 voluntary sector organisations and 100 local businesses, we have real-time knowledge of the most pressing needs in our community and the ways businesses can help to meet them.
How do we ensure everyone benefits?
As part of Good for Good, businesses get what they need, and charities do, too. Good for Good offers a framework for businesses to direct resources where they are needed most to create thriving communities, all while helping them to articulate their ESG impact to stakeholders, colleagues, and customers.
What’s new with Good for Good?
Building on the success of Norfolk ProHelp, which paired charities with professional skills, Good for Good offers an enhanced platform. It allows businesses to strategically address the needs of local charities through targeted giving, staff time, and sharing assets. Good for Good makes the process more efficient and impactful, working consciously, systematically and sustainably to serve local community needs.
Join them in making a difference! Together, we can create thriving communities across Norfolk.
It’s no secret that hydration is key to productivity in the workplace, and as experts in workplace hydration, we’ve got the guide to harnessing the power of water to improve employee wellbeing and performance. Read our hydration report here: https://hydration.zipwater.co.uk/ From top tips for keeping employees hydrated in the office, to the most water-rich foods to snack on, there’s something to learn for everyone. Did you know cucumber is 96% water? Or what the best hydration alternatives to water are? There’s also a guide to the top 5 tips for keeping employees hydrated at work, and much more. And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a hydration upgrade for your workforce, we have a solution for every workspace. Find out more: https://specify.zipwater.co.uk/our-ranges
Up Connect is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Best Business Services to the Fibre Community accolade at the prestigious 2024 UK Fibre Awards. The ceremony, held on June 6th at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, recognised our outstanding contributions to the fibre community. Read more
Small businesses constantly seek the most effective advertising strategies to promote their products and services in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. While both marketing and advertising are essential to a business’s outreach, marketing outlines the broad strategy of identifying and meeting customer needs and designing a comprehensive approach to marketing a product or service. This can be through tailored content, strategic placement, and direct engagement with consumers. However, advertising focuses on creating ads that directly promote a product or service through various channels, such as TV or online, aiming for immediate impact and customer response. The opportunities for advertising your small business span many online and offline platforms. Based on insights from industry leaders, here’s an exploration of the best advertising methods for small businesses. Understanding Your Business Needs Assessing your business’s specific needs is crucial before exploring the many advertising options available. Whether your primary goal is driving traffic, generating leads, increasing brand awareness, or boosting sales, identifying your primary goal will significantly influence your choice of advertising method. Types of Advertising for Small Business Google Ads Pay-Per-Click Google Ads PPC offers the advantage of targeted visibility on search engines. It encompasses search ads, website display ads, video ads on YouTube, and shopping ads for product listings. This diversity ensures there’s a PPC campaign suited for all business types and goals, making it a highly cost-effective strategy. Businesses can reach audiences across various platforms and formats, optimising visibility and engagement in a financially savvy way. Social Media Advertising Social media lets small businesses easily talk to their target audience on their favourite social networks. Businesses can promote their products and services through paid posts on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, creating brand awareness and fostering a community around their brand. The ability to target specific demographics in social media advertising ensures that messages reach the most relevant audiences. This multi-platform presence is vital for staying competitive and establishing a dynamic, visible brand in the modern marketplace. Many of these platforms also offer tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to see what visitors do after they reach the website. DTV: Digital Television Advertising Digital Television (DTV) advertising on platforms like Netflix and Sky can be a game changer for businesses with larger budgets. DTV allows for targeted ads that are affordable and effective. This method offers precision in reaching specific demographics, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to make a significant impact and stand out in a competitive market. Offline Advertising Methods Despite being in the digital age, offline marketing sources such as newspapers, magazines, and billboards continue to hold substantial value for small businesses seeking engaging marketing strategies. These tangible materials offer a physical presence that digital channels cannot replicate, creating lasting impressions in the minds of potential customers. Direct mail provides a cost-effective way to spread detailed information about products, services, and promotions directly to your target audience. On the other hand, billboards offer unparalleled visibility in high-traffic areas, allowing businesses to broadcast their brand message on a grand scale. Incorporating offline marketing sources into a broader advertising campaign can significantly enhance reach and effectiveness, creating a well-rounded approach that captures the attention of a diverse audience. Other Marketing Tools for Small Businesses On Page SEO Search Engine Optimisation means creating content for your website that search engines will prioritise at the top of their search results. This can be done by adding ‘keywords’ throughout your website’s copy and making your copy useful, digestible and easy to read. Businesses can also attract and retain audiences by creating valuable and relevant content, from blog posts to video content. This can enhance your brand’s recognition and position your business as an authoritative figure in your industry. Email Marketing Email marketing is a highly effective tool for small businesses to contact their customers directly. As a cost-effective solution, it allows for personalised engagement, delivering targeted messages straight to the inboxes of existing customers and prospects. Whether it’s newsletters, promotional offers, or informative content, email marketing provides a platform for businesses to nurture their relationships with consumers, encouraging loyalty and repeat business. Google Analytics Google Analytics is an indispensable platform that offers insights into website traffic, audience behaviour, and content engagement, enabling businesses to understand how users interact with their sites. Google Analytics helps set and track specific goals, such as form submissions or product purchases, providing tangible metrics to measure the success of your website and apps over time. Google Search Console Google Search Console is another critical tool that complements Google Analytics in fine-tuning your SEO strategy. It focuses more directly on your website’s visibility in Google’s search results, offering invaluable information on how Google views your site. This tool helps identify crawl errors, understand your site’s mobile usability, and see which queries bring users to your site. Social Media Social media is a great tool for reaching various audiences, regardless of your business aims. Each platform, from Instagram’s lively visuals to LinkedIn’s professional network, attracts a different kind of audience. This means you can pick and choose where to share your content based on who you want to talk to. Even without spending money to promote your posts, being active on social media boosts your brand’s visibility. By posting content that speaks directly to the interests and needs of your target audience, you’re not just spreading the word about your business but also building a recognisable presence. This keeps your brand fresh in people’s minds, so they’re more likely to think of you when they need your services. Choosing the Right Mix The best advertising method for small businesses often involves blending the abovementioned strategies. The key is to find the right mix that aligns with your business goals, target audience, and budget. Smash Marketing is committed to helping small businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing with a tailored approach that blends online advertising, SEO tactics, content management, and social media presence. They understand that every business is unique, so they take the time to listen to your vision and challenges, ensuring that their strategy is effective and bespoke to your specific needs. Conclusion In pursuing advertising success, small businesses must adapt to the changing trends and leverage the most effective strategies available. With their range of SEO and PPC services, Smash Marketing can provide tailored advertising and marketing services that align perfectly with your business goals. Need help to decide on the best advertising method for your small business? Contact Smash Marketing for personalised assistance, and watch your business smash through the barriers to success.
HR Consultant Gemma Crane is the Founder of Mindset-HR as well as an NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, and Mindset Coach. Here, the new key partner for Folk Features shares her journey. View the full article here
12th June, 12:15pm – 1:45pm – 30pp
LUNCH & LEARN – HOW TO HAVE A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION IN MENTAL HEALTH
Should you start a conversation about Mental Health? Absolutely! Starting a conversation about mental health is essential for breaking down stigma and fostering understanding. Remember, listening is crucial. Rather than giving advice, guide them toward sources of support. Mental health problems are more common than people think, and anyone can experience them. Join our Lunch & Learn Event for tips to initiate meaningful discussions. Contact Eudaemonia on info@eudaemonia.uk to book your space!
10th July, 12:15pm – 1:45pm – 30pp
LUNCH & LEARN – DEALING WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY
Stress & anxiety can help us to focus or take extra care when needed, but if it gets too much or goes on for a while, it can affect our daily life. Luckily, there are ways to deal with stress & anxiety that really work, and spotting the signs is the first step. Find out about common symptoms of stress & anxiety, possible reasons for it and what to do when you’re in the grip. Contact Eudaemonia on info@eudaemonia.uk to book your space!
14th August, 12:15pm – 1:45pm – 30pp
LUNCH & LEARN – BUILDING RESILIENCE
People can survive the most challenging ordeals – some even thrive. And yet, they may be unaware or unclear exactly how they got through the challenges they faced. Inner resilience is an important resource that appears to be the secret to Success Versus Happiness – What is More Important? in the outer world and the basis of good mental health.
Join our Lunch & Learn Event to explore how you can improve yours, and other resilience.
Contact Eudaemonia on info@eudaemonia.ukmailto:info@eudaemonia.uk to book your space!