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Empowering Business Communities: Tackling Challenges Together

In the ever-evolving business landscape, success extends beyond financial gains, encompassing the overall health of the broader business community. Recognising this, business leaders are urged to nurture a collaborative environment. Addressing challenges faced by both customers and suppliers becomes paramount for sustainable growth.

Introducing The Sounding Board initiative, a support system for entrepreneurs in Norfolk and Suffolk, offering valuable guidance and confidence needed to effectively tackle challenges, allowing them to concentrate on their well-being and business success.

Scheduled for January 30th, 2024, at Ravenwood Hall in Bury St Edmunds, the half-day seminar, “Making the Unknowns Known: Spotting Signs Your Customers & Suppliers Are Struggling and What to Do About It,”seeks to equip leaders with insights and strategies, to identify early warning signs and address potential issues.

The event kicks off with a morning registration and a warm welcome, followed by a presentation which will cover spotting the early signs of challenges faced by customers and suppliers, recognising market trends, handling difficult conversations, and knowing when and where to seek help. Followed by breakout discussion groups, to delve deeper, exchange perspectives, and explore solutions in smaller, focused groups. To include a buffet style lunch and all-day refreshments.  Joined by Judy Dow, Head of Philanthropy at the Norfolk Community Foundation, who will provide an update on their commendable initiatives, emphasising the positive impact of the business community support.

Aimed specifically at business owners, decision-makers, directors, partners, and entrepreneurs.

Ticket Price. £44.00 (including a buffet-style lunch).  This event is kindly sponsored by Brian Keane, Cameron Ventures. We operate as a not-for-profit, with all ticket sales and donations raised to help The Norfolk Community Foundation tackle food insecurity. Ticket donation here; The Sounding Board: Supporting Norfolk Community Foundation – JustGiving.

For more information, please contact Angela Brett

E Angela.brett@chadwicks.co.uk

T 01603 672777

Or visit www.thesoundingboard.org.uk

In today’s fast-paced business world, staying connected and productive is crucial. One way to facilitate this is by supplying employees with company mobile phones. Not only does this foster better communication and efficiency, but it also enhances security compared to using personal devices for work-related tasks. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of providing employees with company mobile phones and the security considerations that make it a smart choice for businesses.

1. Enhanced Productivity

A dedicated company mobile phone can help employees stay productive and efficient. They have a single device for both personal and professional use, eliminating the need to juggle multiple gadgets. It streamlines communication and simplifies the work process, ultimately saving time and reducing distractions.

1. Improved Communication

With company-provided mobile phones, employees have a direct line for work-related matters. This simplifies internal and external communication, enabling swift responses to clients, colleagues, and management. No longer will employees need to search for their personal phones during business hours, streamlining communication channels and fostering better relationships with clients and colleagues.

1. Enhanced Security

One of the most critical reasons to provide company mobile phones is security. When employees use their personal devices for work, it poses significant risks. Company data might be exposed to vulnerabilities, especially if the device is lost or stolen. With a company-provided phone, businesses can enforce stricter security protocols, including encryption, remote wiping of data, and regular updates, to safeguard sensitive information.

1. Data Protection

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses and keeping it secure is paramount. By using company mobile phones, businesses can protect their data and intellectual property. They can install security software, enforce strong password policies, and control access to sensitive information. In case of a breach, they can respond promptly to mitigate the damage.

1. Compliance with Regulations

Many industries are subject to regulations that require stringent data protection measures. Providing company mobile phones can help ensure compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and fines.

1. Efficient IT Management

Managing an array of personal devices can be a logistical nightmare for IT departments. Providing company mobile phones allows for centralized control and streamlined IT management. IT teams can easily configure, monitor, and troubleshoot these devices, which simplifies maintenance and reduces the likelihood of technical issues.

1. Cost Savings

While it may seem like an added expense, providing company mobile phones can actually save money in the long run. With centralized management and cost-sharing options, companies can optimize their mobile phone plans and reduce unnecessary expenses.

1. Employee Satisfaction

Employees appreciate the convenience of having a single device for work and personal use, and it often leads to higher job satisfaction. Additionally, employees don’t need to worry about mixing their personal lives with their professional responsibilities. In conclusion, supplying company mobile phones is a smart move for businesses, offering a multitude of benefits, especially when it comes to security. By providing dedicated devices, businesses can safeguard their data, ensure compliance, and boost efficiency while also increasing employee satisfaction. In the ever-evolving landscape of data security and mobile technology, investing in company mobile phones is a wise and proactive choice.

Anglian Demolition & Asbestos Ltd are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lee Fisk as its new Director of Health and Safety, effective immediately. Lee brings with him 34 years of in-depth knowledge and experience in the construction industry, 25 years of which have been specialising in health and safety with various tier one contractors including Mowlem’s, May Gurney, Morgan Sindall, Kier & VolkerFitzpatrick. Lee also worked with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for 5 years as a HS&E Product Developer and Strategy Manager. During his time in previous roles, Lee has worked alongside Anglian Demolition & Asbestos Ltd since the company’s inception. Lee Fisk commented:  “I have had the pleasure of working with Anglian since they established in 2007, so joining a company which has established itself based on a professional and safety conscious approach was important for me, as well as being part of a friendly, caring and growing family. I hope to bring my knowledge and experience to help contribute to the work the whole team are doing to maintain, improve and innovate our wide variety of construction and waste services to establish themselves as the No.1 contractor of choice.” Lee Storer, Managing Director at Anglian Waste Recycling Group said: “We are pleased to welcome Lee to Anglian, he brings with him a vast amount of knowledge and experience and is one of the most respected health & safety professionals in the region. This is a pivotal appointment for the group and complements our growth plans and ambitions whilst ensuring that we continue to maintain the highest of standards.

East coast legal firm Lucas & Wyllys solicitors expands with new East Norwich branch A legal firm which has been in operation for over 190 years from its bases in Gorleston and Great Yarmouth is expanding into Norwich. Lucas & Wyllys Solicitors, a legal firm specialising in private client, family law and conveyancing, has taken office space at Blofield Business Centre, just East of the city. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the firm, showcasing its commitment to growth and serving clients across Norfolk. Managing Partner Amy Church of Lucas & Wyllys said: “As we expand our footprint with the opening of our third office at Blofield Business Centre, we are thrilled about the opportunities this brings for us to better serve our clients. “This expansion is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and it reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving legal needs of our community. “We pride ourselves on being a modern, forward-thinking practice, and with nearly two centuries of experience, we offer a safe pair of hands for when customers need legal support.” In addition to traditional face-to-face legal help, Lucas and Wyllys offer a range of online legal services. The new East Norwich branch will offer the same breadth of legal expertise services that it does in its East coast to individuals and businesses in Blofield, Brundall, Acle, Rackheath, Salhouse and East Norwich. Office manager Robert Kemp, added: “The new office is strategically positioned to serve the growing needs of businesses and individuals in the East Norwich area, contributing to our overarching goal of fostering legal support and expertise within the region. The team are so excited about our new home.” The company, which now has 22 staff, was last month recognised as a finalist at the UK Modern Law Conveyancing Awards. Customers that need help buying and selling property can use the firm’s app, that keeps them up-to-date with progress in real-time. For more information about Lucas & Wyllys Solicitors, please visit https://lucasandwyllys.co.uk   Photo credits: Nurture Marketing

Your garage door is not just an entrance to your home; it’s a statement piece that contributes to your property’s curb appeal and overall functionality. If you’re considering an upgrade, transitioning to a sectional garage door might be the perfect solution. Enhanced Security: Sectional doors provide a higher level of security due to their construction. Our doors are at least 40mm thick and each individual sections are held together by strong hinges, making it difficult for intruders to force their way in. Additionally, many sectional doors come with advanced locking mechanisms and high strength motors. Energy Efficiency: Modern sectional garage doors are designed with insulation in mind. This feature helps regulate the temperature in your garage, preventing heat loss during the winter and keeping the space cooler in the summer. This can contribute to energy savings and make your garage a more comfortable environment. Smooth Operation: Sectional doors operate smoothly along tracks, reducing wear and tear on the components. This ensures a longer lifespan and requires less maintenance compared to traditional doors. Of course, cost is a very realistic factor in making the decision to upgrade. Initial Investment: While sectional garage doors may have a higher upfront cost than traditional doors, the benefits and long-term savings often outweigh the initial investment. Prices can vary depending on the material, insulation, and design features. Our sectionals start from the £1,600 mark. Maintenance Costs: Sectional doors generally require less maintenance than traditional doors, saving you money in the long run. Regular lubrication and occasional inspections are usually sufficient to keep them in optimal condition. Increased Property Value: Upgrading to a sectional garage door can enhance your home’s curb appeal and overall value. Potential buyers often appreciate modern and efficient features, making your property more attractive in the real estate market.

Anglian Waste Recycling are teaming up with TROX UK to provide ongoing waste management solutions for their 155,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and offices in Thetford, Norfolk. As a leader in the development, manufacture and sale of components, products and systems for indoor air conditioning and ventilation, TROX UK together with its parent company TROX GROUP have developed a long-term sustainability strategy with the core aim to achieve climate neutrality across global operations by 2040. The Anglian Waste team will be working alongside TROX to provide bespoke wheelie bins that have been retrofitted with forklift socks to assist with the moving and tipping of bins. Anglian will also be providing collections for general waste and wood for processing at the Attleborough facility just 16 miles away. Ryan Marshall, Senior Environmental & Waste Manager for Anglian commented: “Anglian are delighted to be working with such a prestigious and global organisation such as TROX UK. We are looking forward to developing the partnership and supporting TROX with improvements in their already impressive environmental achievements. We will be providing the TROX team with detailed waste data through our regular waste audit reports, which will further assist us in reducing waste, improve recycling performance and reduce vehicle miles.” Kerry Parrott, EHS Advisor at TROX UK commented: “We are pleased to have appointed Anglian Waste Recycling for our Thetford manufacturing facility, as we look to build further on our sustainability achievements in recent years, and deliver our interim sustainability goals for waste management performance and reporting.” Photo Caption: Left to Right – Kerry Parrott, EHS Advisor at TROX UK with Darcy Raven, Field Sales Executive at Anglian Waste Recycling.

Based in Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Uptech Ltd have emerged as a leader in providing comprehensive IT solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various industries. Their commitment to excellence, coupled with a team of highly skilled professionals, has propelled Uptech into becoming a trusted partner for organisations seeking top-notch IT support. Uptech Ltd’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation manifests in its emphasis on staying updated with the latest technological advancements. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and staying abreast of emerging trends, the company remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving IT landscape. Their tailored solutions encompass a spectrum of services, including managed IT services for seamless day-to-day operations, expertly designed network infrastructures for optimal connectivity and scalability, cloud solutions for efficient data management and collaboration, meticulous hardware and software support ensuring systems are up-to-date and secure, and strategic consultations guiding businesses towards technology-driven growth. Uptech’s solutions are not just about resolving immediate needs but are designed with a forward-thinking approach, aligning technological advancements with the long-term objectives of the businesses they serve. The reputation they have is fully justified and is now beginning to earn them more tangible forms of recognition that being said we at E2 Media are delighted to announce that Uptech Ltd are the latest recipients of one of our Award of Excellence for IT & Cyber Security Solutions 2023. We think it’s important to recognise organisations that are bringing something new and innovative to their marketplace. At E2 Media we’ve always been passionate supporters of independent companies that are the very backbone of our economy. It’s tough out there at the moment and whilst the global brands will weather the storm many of the smaller companies won’t. We owe it to our communities to support the smaller independent businesses within them and Uptech Ltd is a a wonderful example, showing what smaller independent companies can achieve with passion, and hardwork. Their unwavering commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements and evolving threats ensures that businesses partnering with Uptech Ltd receive not just services, but peace of mind. By offering their IT systems means they can streamline their clients operations smoothly so they can focus simply on running their business. The high regard they are held by their clients tells you everything you need to know not only about their services but also the ethical way in which they operate. In an era where technological prowess and security are paramount, Uptech Ltd continues to set the standard for excellence in IT solutions and cybersecurity. The challenge for Uptech Ltd in the future as they continue to grow and the demand for their services increases will be to maintain the same high standards that have become such a trademark and continuing to do what they do best. Given the reputation they have and the passion they have we think that Uptech Ltd is a name you’ll be hearing much more of in the years to come. For more information visit www.uptech.co.uk

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🔥🏆 Exciting News Alert! 🏆 🔥 Delta Fire Ltd has won Norfolk Business of the Year at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards, along side the prestigious Environmental & Sustainability Award! We’re absolutely thrilled and immensely grateful for this incredible recognition. It’s a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of every single member of our fantastic team! A  heartfelt thank you from Delta Fire to everyone who’s been a part of their journey!

On 16th November, some of our team headed to The Rum Warehouse, Liverpool for the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2023. We were over the moon to have been shortlisted for *TWO* awards ! Conveyancing Firm of the Year Midlands and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. This is testament to the hard work of our conveyancing team and our team of Mental Health First Aiders. It is wonderful that they have been recognised! We were treated to a circus themed evening with jugglers, clowns, fortune tellers and even an elephant! The awards were hosted by Jen Brister. Jen is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian and writer who has been seen on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, QI and Mock the Week. She is a regular performer on the UK and international comedy circuits and has written 7 solo shows which she has performed at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and toured extensively around the UK. Sadly, we did not win in our categories. There is always next year, and we were delighted to have been shortlisted. You can find the results of the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards here.

On 14th September 2023 we attended the National Paralegal Awards 2023. We are delighted that Serena Ely and Julie Garrod both came home with awards! Serena won Best Will Writing Paralegal and Julie came highly commended in Best Conveyancing Paralegal. Congratulations! The National Paralegal Awards 2023 focused on the achievements of paralegals in the UK. Whether they are employed, self-employed, a volunteer or a business, as well as companies that support the profession. The National Paralegal Awards is an exciting opportunity for the legal sector to reward and recognise the outstanding paralegal talent in the UK. Entered by some of the best, these awards are a chance for paralegals to show what they have achieved and to be celebrated amongst their peers. Nigel Craske, Senior Partner, and Amy Church, Managing Partner, joined Serena and Julie for an evening of food, entertainment and celebration at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham. The food was fantastic! Between the main course and dessert, they were entertained by Big Muma Funk, before the awards ceremony kicked off. When announcing Serena as the winner of Will Writing Paralegal, the judges said: “An interesting journey. This nominee demonstrates grit, determination and compassion. An admiral and human approach to the legal profession. Her achievements have contributed to her firms success and reputation and their innovative approach is of note. A very strong submission.” Amy Church, Managing Partner, comments “I am over the moon for Julie and Serena. Their recognition at the National Paralegal Awards reflects their hard work and commitment to the profession and their clients. Both Julie and Serena strive to provide a high level of service and I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised.”