Loddon based consultancy Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) have kicked off the new year with the announcement of the opening of a satellite office in Central London, which comes as part of their 2014 expansion drive.
The office, which is adjacent to Hatton Garden in Kirby Street, Farringdon, is ideally placed to bring the company closer to its clients based in the London area and further south, as well as provide a convenient base from which to reach major clients on the Continent, including several Directorate Generals at the European Commission in Brussels and Luxembourg, the International Manganese Institute in Paris and the European Chemicals Association in Helsinki.
Director, Meg Postle commented:
“Not only will this help us retain our high quality staff who want to move to London for personal reasons, but it also reflects our positive outlook for the company RPA in terms of growth. We feel fortunate to have established our head office in the stunning Norfolk countryside, but we’re also proud to show that the County’s businesses are well-equipped to compete in the fast-paced heart of the capital”.
The recent drive has also seen expansion in the Economics department, with the recruitment of local Economist, Shaun Da Costa, who joins the team straight from a placement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Vienna, Austria.
RPA is an independent consultancy based in Norfolk, providing expert advice to both public and private sector clients around the world, assisting decision makers with the development and implementation of sustainable policies. As well as the aforementioned organisations, the team’s main clients include UK Government bodies (such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and Defra) and major EU industries.
Since its formation, RPA have been commissioned to work on more than 800 projects, covering a broad range of policy areas, including flooding and coastal erosion, chemicals and REACH compliance, impact assessment and evaluation, environmental economics, managing water, ecosystem services, and consumer policy.
The Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 have been laid before Parliament and will come into force on 31 January 2014. Professional support lawyer Elizabeth Stevens summarises the changes.
Last year the Government consulted on its proposed changes to the existing TUPE Regulations and collective consultation requirements under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA). The TUPE Regulations have been criticised by the business sector in the past as being ‘gold-plated’, going beyond what is strictly necessary under the European Acquired Rights Directive (2001/23/EC). See our previous briefingon the Government’s response to the consultation.
The final amending Regulations have now been published and laid before Parliament, to come into force on 31 January 2014. The Explanatory Memorandum to accompany the amending Regulations states that the intention behind the amendments is to reduce the risk that they are interpreted more restrictively than is required by the 2001 Directive.
The key changes resulting from the amended Regulations are as follows:
• The express provisions covering ‘service provision changes’ (outsourcing) will remain, but are clarified to provide that the activities carried out after the change in service provider must be “fundamentally or essentially the same” as those carried on by the previous service provider;
• The requirement for transferors to provide employee liability information increases from a minimum of 14 days to 28 days before the transfer, for transfers taking effect on or after 1 May 2014;
• Terms derived from collective agreements will transfer and remain ‘static’ post-transfer (ie if any changes are subsequently collectively agreed without the transferee’s involvement). Transferee employers will be able to change any such terms one year after the transfer, provided the changes are no less favourable to the employee overall;
• Minor changes to the wording of existing provisions relating to dismissal because of a transfer, and a new provision that changes in the workplace location following a transfer are expressly included within the scope of an ‘economic, technical or organisational reason’ entailing changes in the workforce (meaning that a ‘place of work’ redundancy resulting from a transfer is no longer automatically unfair);
• Minor changes to the wording of existing provisions and restricting the variation of terms post-transfer, and now permitting variations that are either for an ‘economic, technical or organisational reason’ and are agreed by the employee, or if the terms of the contract permit the employer to make the variation;
• Amendments to TULRCA will clarify that consultation that begins prior to the transfer can count for the purposes of the collective redundancy consultation requirements, provided both the transferor and transferee agree and that the transferee carries out meaningful consultation;
• Micro-businesses (10 or fewer employees) will not be required to hold an election and will be permitted, from 31 July 2014, to consult directly with affected employees about the transfer if there is no recognised union or existing representatives.
The amending Regulations are available here. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) has also published new guidance on TUPE, to reflect the amendments.
Comment
In practical terms, the changes to TUPE are unlikely to have a significant impact on the majority of transfers. Many of the amendments only serve to ensure that the revised TUPE Regulations reflect the current interpretation of TUPE resulting from existing caselaw, both domestic and European.
Interestingly, the Government’s Impact Assessment, published alongside the new Regulations, suggests that the number of employment tribunal claims arising from TUPE will be reduced by 50% as a result of the amendments, providing an annual reduction in costs to businesses of an estimated £6.5m annually. This contributes to an estimated overall annual net benefit of £8.7m resulting from the reforms to TUPE.
Whilst the amendments may go some way in clarifying and simplifying the TUPE process for employers, it seems rather optimistic that TUPE-related claims will be reduced by such a large percentage. There will no doubt be future litigation concerning the scope and effect of the amended provisions, and it is too early to speculate to what extent, if at all, the number of claims will be reduced as a result.
For further advice on any employment law issue, please contact Steeles Law’s employment team on 01603 598000 or employment@steeleslaw.co.uk
Norse Commercial Services subsidiary GYB Services’ Building and Engineering team have been commissioned by Great Yarmouth Borough Council to carry out extensive refurbishment works to the Victorian pedestrian bridge over the Ravine at Gorleston seafront.
The £150k project will include complete removal existing decking, which will be sorted and reused where possible; replacement of structural steel beams and painting to a high marine grade specification with a 15 year guarantee . The existing timber balustrades will also be replaced with black ornate posts with galvanised steel insert railings and the new bridge deck will have a sanded finish with a non slip coating.
“This project is one of the largest undertaken by the Building and Engineering Team and is a real opportunity to show our expertise and high level of craftsmanship,” commented George Jarvis, GYB Services’ Building & Engineering Manager.
The finished bridge design will reflect the recently refurbished shelters along the seafront putting a modern spin on the engineers’ original design, which became known as ‘concrete Cockerill’. The finished bridge steel work will be black and grey with the bridge abutments also painted grey, which Jarvis says, “will give the bridge a solid and modern engineered style.”
GYBS are acting as principal contractor for the project, monitoring and instructing any works carried out by subcontractors.
Due to the scale of the project, it is notifiable to the Health and Safety Executive under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, “which brings additional challenges to the Job,” Jarvis said.
“The main area of the ravine pedestrian route has been closed, and when the job is underway a full encapsulating roofed scaffold will be erected. The scaffold structure itself will be very visible and, when removed at the end of the project in time for Easter 2014, will reveal the finished bridge. “
I am delighted to annonce that 5 of my cooking video clip have been authorised on the Food Channel Network and will be available to view very soon.
I would like to share some cooking tips once a month with you. Please feel free to give me some feedbacks as it’s the only way to progress……and maybe send me some tips too !!
NORWICH, Monday 20th January 2014 – Need help planning your 2014 getaway? Norwich International Airport invites you to attend their annual Travel Show on Saturday 25th January 10am-3pm in the airport terminal building. The Travel Show is open to everyone with free entry and free parking for all visitors in the short stay car park. Come along for some holiday inspiration and chat with the experts. There will be over 20 tour operator, airline and local business representatives offering first hand destination and product advice on their departures from Norwich International throughout 2014. Historically this day has always been a huge success with people eager to book and this year any holidays booked on the day will receive free holiday parking at Norwich International plus receive a booking discount of up to 5%. Don’t miss your chance to win one of the fabulous prizes on offer in the prize draw which will take place at 3pm. Prizes include; return flight tickets, Helicopter pleasure flight, flying lessons and much more. Additional free to enter competitions will be taking place on individual stands throughout the day with many more great prizes to be won. We look forward to seeing you there!
Work place pensions law has changed affecting all employers, from the largest firms to those with just one employee.
Insight Financial Associates Limited and Howes Percival LLP have joined forces to co-host a free seminar providing an overview of the pension reforms and the new responsibilities facing local businesses.
Our experts will provide a practical insight on how to comply with the new auto-enrolment obligations, as well as providing top tips on avoiding the pitfalls and how to formulate an action plan. Key topics will include: • What do the auto enrolment changes mean for businesses? • Which workers will this affect? • What type of pension scheme has to be offered? • Do employment contracts have to be re-written? • How should the responsibilities be managed? • What happens if businesses ignore it? • What support is available?
Delegates will also have an opportunity to participate in a group question and answer session with our expert panel and to share their views and personal experiences.
Date: Thursday, 23 January 2014 Venue: Norwich City College Skills Academy Address: St Andrews House, St Andrews Street, Norwich, NR2 4TP Time: 7.45 am – 10.00 am RSVP: by 17 January 2014
LP has recently welcomed a new member of staff with the recruitment of Trainee Solicitor, Richard Turner. Richard obtained his law degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2006 and after graduating, he worked for the British Transport Police and Transport for London as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst. Richard completed his Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course on a part-time basis at BPP University where he achieved a distinction. Richard is a keen sportsman with particular interests in athletics, cycling and football. Richard joins the Dispute Resolution team, working alongside Managing Partner, Mike Barlow.
Find out about Internship opportunities for those looking to studying the MA Museum Studies at UEA in partnership with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.
The School of Art History and World Art Studies at UEA is offering four Internships in partnership with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA) as part of the MA Museum Studies degree.
This course combines the cutting-edge research and curatorial experience of academic staff in the School with the professional resources and experience of the SCVA. It brings together in-depth historical and theoretical approaches to museums with practice-based modules addressing the public role of the museum, collections management and interpretation, with an emphasis on topical issues and responsive engagement.
The Internships provide students with £10,000 towards fees and expenses and those who are successful will undertake a programme of workplace-based training as part of a team at the SCVA, alongside their MA studies.
Other awards are also available to those studying within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, including AHRC and MA-specific Scholarships, with deadlines falling between 1 March and 31 March 2014. Those who are interested can find details regarding eligibility and the application process on the University’s website.
Thursday 16th January 2014- Airport announces the winner of the corporate travel demand survey
Mr Kevin Ovenden, CEO of the ACTEON GROUP Ltd, energy sector company based in Norwich, has won a valuable prize provided by Norwich International Airport – a set of 50 business lounge tickets which can be used over the next 12 months when traveling from the airport.
In October 2013, Norwich International Airport set up an online corporate travel demand survey and invited all businesses in the region to take part and share their air travel requirements with the airport so that the airport’s business development team can work with airline partners and focus the efforts on delivering the right choice of direct business flights to key domestic and European business centres from the region’s local airport.
Hamsin Hadziabdic, Business Development Manager at Norwich International Airport commented: “We are very pleased with the level of corporate responses received so far and we are planning to extend the survey into 2014. The responses are invaluable/essential tool for our business development work, as firstly they clearly demonstrate the readiness and willingness of the region’s businesses to work hand in hand with their local airport and secondly they help focus our route development efforts on working toward delivering new services to those domestic and European business centres which have been highlighted by the corporates in this survey. Furthermore, on behalf of the airport I would like to thank all the businesses who have taken part in the survey for their valuable feedback and their continued support in improving air links from the region’s local airport.”
Norwich International saw a 7.6% rise in passenger number in 2013 with over 460,000 people from the region using the city’s airport.
The passenger boost was a result of growth in a number of different sectors at the Airport. The biggest jump was in the holidaymaker category which increased by 45% on 2012, with over 107,000 people enjoying the benefits of starting their holiday from their local airport. A significant portion of the growth was generated by Thomson First Choice who doubled their activity in Norwich in 2013, compared to 2012. The holiday firm has reconfirmed its commitment to the Airport in 2014 by increasing the number of weekly flights to Palma Majorca and offering better flight times for holidaymakers as a result of designating an aircraft to live at the Airport throughout the entire summer season.
Offshore helicopter traffic enjoyed yet another year of record growth with over 98,000 passengers travelling offshore, an increase of 18% on the previous year. The Airport’s drive to be the location of choice for operators and their energy company clients is bearing fruit and Norwich is now the UK’s busiest offshore heliport after Aberdeen.
KLM’s hub feeder service to Amsterdam Schiphol had another strong year as a result of the addition of the fourth daily flight throughout the summer months. This service continues to play a key role in connecting the region’s economy to the rest of the world and the popularity of the service continues to grow with the region’s business and leisure travellers alike. KLM will be reintroducing the fourth daily flight from 30 March 2014 due to the success of the 2013 operation.
Passenger numbers using services to both Jersey and Edinburgh fell in the year caused by the reduction in the number of flights to both locations. However Flybe’s recent announcement that Loganair will assume the operation of the Edinburgh route from 30 March 2014 ensures that frequency will be restored to multi daily flights and the route will once again be able to offer flexible day returns and greater opportunity for short breaks in both Edinburgh and into the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, via Loganair’s wider network. Andrew Bell, the airport’s Chief Executive commented, “Posting strong passenger growth is good news for Norwich Airport and good news for the region, as ultimately the flights that are operated from the Airport must be used by the travelling public if they are to remain on offer. The addition of frequencies on the Edinburgh and Amsterdam services is testament to this. However, at the Airport we recognise that we still have a great deal to do in order to satisfy the demands of the region’s business and leisure travelers alike. We are working hard to bring back routes that proved popular in the past, and to identify new route opportunities that are being highlighted in our ongoing corporate demand survey. Whilst we do this, our focus remains fixed on ensuring that passengers’ experience when they fly from or arrive into Norwich International Airport is first class.”
Chadwicks are pleased to announce that Daniel Harvey, who secured a rare starred First in his economics degree from UEA, has joined theNorwich-based Independent Financial Advisers.
Daniel, who was also ranked top of his cohort for each year of his degree course, said ‘ I wanted to be able to combine my interest in finance with meeting and helping people – the thought of sitting in front of a screen in a trading room all day really didn’t appeal to me – so becoming a financial adviser seemed the ideal choice. I preferred the idea of working for a smaller company where I could make my mark and Chadwicks really stood out as a company that was committed to helping their staff develop.’ Chadwicks, who specialise in advising business and investment clients, are supporting Daniel to become qualified to Chartered level.
Director Richard Ross said ‘I met Daniel when I was studying at UEA myself and I am delighted he chose to work with us. He is our second graduate trainee and follows in the footsteps of Radostina Dencheva who joined us a couple of years ago.’
Radostina, who secured a distinction in her Economics Masters, also at UEA, is in the final stages of the CISI Masters in Wealth Management. She works as a technical paraplanner looking after the firm’s wealth management clients. ‘ I have learned a vast amount since joining Chadwicks. Our approach of constant improvement means there is always something new to focus on.’ Richard added ‘having bright young team members who bring fresh ideas gives us a perfect balance between enthusiasm and experience. We need people with a strong grasp of technical detail if we are to continue to attract clients with more complex financial planning needs.
Chadwicks Limited are independent financial advisers based in Norwich and have been trading since 1996. The firm has five employees and specialises in advising business owners – it supports a clear value chain: the creation, realisation and enjoyment of business value Corporate clients range from plcs to self-employer consultants; individual clients are from all walks of life.
Chadwicks are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as CPD providers. Director Richard Ross is a Chartered member of both the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment; holds an MBA from UEA, a Masters in Wealth Management and is currently studying for an Msc in Experimental Economics at UEA.
The company is committed to continual improvement and aims to make its clients finances ‘one less thing to worry about’.
For more information or to speak to someone at Chadwicks call 01603 251687 or visit www.chadwicks.co.uk
On 1 February 2014 Norwich based Image Display & Graphics Ltd celebrate 25 years in business. An award winning exhibition, display and graphics company they specialise in the design, creation and management of a wide variety of exhibition stands, displays, graphics, signage and events.
Launching as Image Development in February 1989 they commenced trading from a small city centre office in Norwich. By June of the same year they had moved to newly built manufacturing premises at Hellesdon Park, on the Norwich north-west ring-road. One unit became two within the first quarter and it wasn’t anytime at all until those 2 units had grown to 4. Some 25 years on Image are still at it and continue expanding and investing in their business. Having again outgrown rented premises in Bowthorpe they relocated to Fletcher Way Norwich in December 2012. Purchasing the property in July the building was completely gutted, refitted and refurbished during the following months to provide an energy-efficient, modern, purpose designed headquarters for their relocation ready for the New Year of 2013.
MD Iain Cosham had this to say about their 25 years in business and their recent major investment to remain in Norwich. “Over the years we’ve seen many changes and experienced many challenges. We’ve seen our industry change beyond all recognition from the days of the trades union closed shop arrangement which declined in the early 90’s to the advent of digital technology and the birth of the internet back in 1995. Since then it’s been a matter of continued investment in new technologies, production processes and materials to keep pace and remain competitive. For example we outgrew conventional large format printing several years ago and expanded into “grand format”. This added new exciting eco solvent machines to our print plant increasing the range of media’s we can print on but then we also needed more space to house them. Although our core focus remains mainly on exhibitions and events, signage and graphics have again become an increasing part of our day to day workload. So 25 years on our repertoire remains as comprehensive as ever and investment continues. The new building was a huge financial commitment to secure our future in Norwich but having been here a for just a year we’ve already found the needed to add another new large format Canon, fine art printer, just in time for Christmas”