Member News

At Impact Services we love what we do, and we are a family business. Not just because there are a few family connections in the team, from leadership all the way down, also because we operate as a close knit family group and we are tied to the same exemplar purpose in all that we do. When we gain new business, whether it is a single house or a large scale agricultural, commercial business or a school, we treat everyone the same. Not only that, but we celebrate everyone and approach the work in exactly the same way. And we love to support domestic customers on their renewable journey and business, farmers and academy trusts on their Net Zero journeys and help them save money. So, as a business, who have now been in operation for 15 years, we are super proud to announce our new contract as approved supply partners to E.ON covering the East of England. We are excited to be able to work with the excellent team at E.ON and support their customers in making positive impacts on the climate and saving money too. And of course, to be excellent in what you do it is the customers words that matter most, and this is why we are also so proud of our outstanding Google 5 star reviews and you can view these in the link below Impact Services are a 15-year-old, family business, who have completed 1,000’s of large and small scale renewable energy installations for the commercial sector, the farming sector, schools, social housing and private domestic clients. The business covers Solar PV, Batteries, Electric Vehicle Charging, Biomass, Heat Pumps and Thermodynamics Winners of National and Regional Energy Efficiency Awards too! https://tinyurl.com/3j9vrupm If you would like to know more about your own NetZero journey please get in touch with us brianimpact-services.co.uk

Norwich-based hand-made frozen meals brand, Farmyard Frozen, have announced they will be moving into their new premises at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre as part of their continued growth. The business which was born out of the Covid lockdowns in January 2021, has grown to the extent where they have outgrown their current production facilities and need more space to fulfil growing demand. Farmyard Frozen is the brainchild of Chef Andrew Jones and his wife Hannah Springham, the culinary figures behind the award-winning Farmyard restaurant in Norwich and The Dial House in Reepham. Their ambition was to create refined, chef-prepared, frozen meals made with top quality, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Meals range from luxury Beef Wellington to seasonal summer party food alongside vegetarian dishes and indulgent deserts. Farmyard Frozen’s products are also stocked in delis, farmshops and independent retailers across Norfolk and Suffolk as well as nationwide retailers sold and direct to customers via their online shop. Last night they were also honoured at yesterday’s British Frozen Food Federation Awards, winning a Retail Innovation Award for their work in the frozen food sector and a Retail Gold Award for Best Dessert for their aptly named Gold Bar. Their growth has been so substantial that a move to a more streamlined operation was needed. And through their work getting support and business advice through the Broadland Food Innovation Support team – a move into the Centre felt natural. Hannah says “We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our frozen meals and demand has grown so rapidly. It’s been brilliant working with the whole Broadland Food Innovation Centre project across all its different guises from the Support to the Cluster team. They have been really proactive and supportive. It only seems natural to move into the state-of the art Centre which is ideally located for us and our team of chefs.” The state-of-the-art units at the £11.4m Food Innovation Centre at the Food Enterprise Park, just outside Norwich opened in September 2022 and includes other tenants such as Prep King and Old Rectory Preserves. Hannah continues: “When we heard about the food production units at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre it sounded exactly what we were looking for because the facilities are first class. It’s also exciting that we will be at the heart of a supportive community of innovative food and drink businesses.” Press Release 15 June 2023 Hannah and Andrew are aiming to innovate the frozen food category after their research into the quality and general perception of frozen food. Through the support available from the Broadland Food Innovation Centre project, Hannah and Andrew have been working with a team at the University of East Anglia who are carrying out research to back up their concept that frozen food retains all the nutritional value of fresh food making it good for us and good for the planet, by reducing waste. Councillor Martin Booth of Broadland District Council said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have Farmyard Frozen joining us as our newest tenant at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre. Giving businesses the space to grow and be in a position where they can innovate to expand their product line is at the heart of our ambition for the project. I welcome Andrew and Hannah to the centre and wish them huge success for the future.”

Our first Big It Up 4 Big C fundraiser was a huge success! We had a range of schools, clubs and gatherings raising money for Big C. Activities included a Bake Sale, Wear It Blue Days, Zumba, Crafting and more! While we are still waiting for some final numbers to be totted up, we have a current fundraising total of £1685! The children at Aldborough Primary School took their own stance on how to include blue into their outfits with some having blue hair and face paint! While the Mattishall Brownies created a huge ‘C’ made out of pennies. Browick Road Junior School mixed their Wear It Blue Day with a Zumba Class and had loads of fun, and here at Big C, we were joined by the fabulous Marcella of Emporium Norwich who judged our bake sale at Centrum and awarded Star Baker to three beautiful creations. Thank you to everyone who took part, helped and raised money! We are so grateful and absolutely loved seeing your own fundraisers come to life! If you weren’t able to create a fundraiser or didn’t have a chance to get involved, there is still a chance to donate! Click here to donate Calling all Volunteers Do you know someone who likes to help others, has a excellent people skills and is interested in playing a part in helping those affected by cancer? Our Big C Shops are looking for volunteers in a variety of roles such as Shop Assistants, Donation Support as well as packing, sorting, stocking and more. If you have the required skills and experience or know someone who does, please let them know about these opportunities. Email people@big-c.co.uk  

Youngsters came face to face with a Gold Cup-winning racehorse during a magical meet-and-greet at The Nook. The visit was organised by Godolphin – the world’s largest thoroughbred horseracing and breeding team – who are corporate supporters of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). They brought ex-racehorse Papineau to meet children and families receiving care and support from EACH. The 2004 Ascot Gold Cup winner is part of a special retraining programme and, due to his calm, gentle and patient personality, has previously visited schoolchildren and hospital patients. David Bartholomew, EACH Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, said: “This visit meant so much to the children and families, as well as our staff. “We’re so grateful to Godolphin for their continued support and especially for coming just before Children’s Hospice Week. “The visit couldn’t have gone better and was brilliant and exciting from start to finish. A real triumph. “It was also moving at times, seeing the children’s reactions. “They were thrilled and for them to have the chance to touch, feel and even smell such a magnificent animal was genuinely heart-warming. “Whether you’re a horse-lover or not, you couldn’t help but be moved and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to host such a special, feelgood event at our hospice.” The visit was open to all families receiving care and support from EACH and took place at The Nook, in Framingham Earl. Siblings and grandparents also came along and enjoyed meeting Papineau, who was ridden to Gold Cup glory by EACH Ambassador Frankie Dettori. Play Specialist Clare Oakley said: “It was amazing and very special to see the looks and beaming smiles on children’s faces. “For them to be so close to such an amazing animal was wonderful to watch. “Families face real challenges but this was something they could enjoy together. “To share such an incredible experience, and have the photos, videos and memories, is something they will treasure forever.” After retiring, Papineau joined Godolphin’s rehoming scheme, which forms part of its charitable programme created by founder His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Now an ambassador for the programme, he is based at Woodditton Stud, in Newmarket. “It was such a privilege to be able to work with EACH to deliver such a fabulous experience for the children and families supported by this wonderful charity,” said Penny Taylor, Godolphin’s UK Charities Manager. “It was a truly magical day with Papineau demonstrating the true versatility of the thoroughbred. “On behalf of everyone at Godolphin, thank you for allowing us to help create some very special memories.” A special film about the visit was shown during ITV’s Royal Ascot coverage yesterday. To watch it, click here. Papineau visited on Saturday (17^th June) and Children’s Hospice Week got underway on Monday (19^th June). It runs until Sunday (25^th June). Pictures: Karen Self/EACH

Businesses are being encouraged to rally together and show their support for the vital work of a leading children’s hospice. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has launched its Business Circle – a new corporate venture open to companies across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. It will give them a chance to build connections and attend networking events, while at the same time making a financial commitment to EACH. The cost is £1,000 a year, including VAT, and Business Circle membership includes the chance to visit one of the charity’s hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. There will also be opportunities to sponsor events at a discounted rate, in addition to being a host venue for networking functions. “What better time to officially launch our new Business Circle than during Children’s Hospice Week?,” said EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen. “This national awareness week is so important for everyone here, to raise funds and heighten understanding of our vital work. “We rely on voluntary donations and a key part of our fundraising income comes from corporate friends and supporters. “This is a very special opportunity to cement that commitment, by pledging a certain amount every year – money that will make a tangible difference to the families, children and young people receiving our care and support. “It’s also a golden opportunity for companies to come together and join us at one of our quarterly networking events. “It will give them an opportunity to make new contacts and forge connections with businesses across East Anglia.” Members will also have the benefit of PR opportunities, have exclusive use of the Business Circle logo for internal communications, be featured on EACH’s dedicated Business Circle webpage and be listed in EACH’s Report and Accounts. They will also have the opportunity to be a keynote speaker at networking events, feature in EACH social media posts and receive tailored updates on EACH’s work. “We already have a Giving Circle for Major Doners and Supporters but are now very proud to introduce our Business Circle,” added Caroline. “Those who sign up will be helping us continue our vital work, offering a family-centred, needs-led approach to care and ensuring all the needs of the children and young people we care for are met – whether that be psychological, physical, emotional, social or spiritual.” To read more or sign up, head here. Alternatively, email Caroline via (caroline.allen@each.org.uk), Laura Southcott (Norfolk) via laura.southcott@each.org.uk, Hannah Forbester (Cambridge and West Essex) via hannah.forbester@each.org.uk, Billie Nugent (Suffolk and East Essex) via billie.nugent@each.org.uk or Rachel Mayes-Dally (Suffolk and North Essex) via rachel.mayes-dally@each.org.uk Children’s Hospice Week started on Monday and runs until Sunday (25^th June).

Determined walkers defied sweltering conditions to complete a 32-mile trek and raise more than £40,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The charity’s Pier 2 Pier challenge took participants along the stunning Norfolk Coastal Path from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. Eighty-eight people took part – another nine signed up but had to pull out because of injury or illness – and that tally included families who have received support or continue to be supported by EACH. Others represented businesses who were keen to get involved and raise funds. The walkers set off at 7am and the first person to cross the finish line, Lee Hopkins, reached Cromer nearly nine hours later at 3.50pm. The final walkers finished around 8pm. EACH Events Fundraiser Emma Cook said: “It was another fantastic and hugely successful day. “Despite the hot conditions, everyone rose to the challenge and enjoyed the camaraderie of walking together. “There’s always a great sense of spirit during this event and that was certainly evident again, because everyone motivates each other. “We’ve had some very positive feedback from participants saying they felt looked after and supported throughout. “They also commented on the organisation of the event which is lovely to hear. “Our thanks go to everyone who took part for helping us raise such a phenomenal amount of money. “It’s incredible and will go such a long way in terms of helping us continue our vital work.” Among those to take part were bereaved couple Demi Little and Jordan Keys, in addition to Norwich mum Leigh Smith. Georgia Miles and Lisa Ayton also pulled on their walking boots and have a close connection with EACH as their children receive care at The Nook and Milton, in Cambridgeshire, respectively. In addition, there was strong representation from the corporate world, including 27 members of staff from First Home Improvements, who raised more than £10,000. Other colleagues came from Midwich, VM Hosts, Cambridge Electrical Services and Cambridge EV Points, Unite Marketing and Events and Planning Manager Ltd. EACH Help at Home volunteer Marcia Foy was also among those to take on the challenge. “In addition to the walkers, our sincere thanks also go to everyone who made the event possible, including staff and four amazing volunteers,” added Emma. “Many others contributed on the day, including Rapid Relief Team, Glenn Hands, from Evocative Images, Norfolk and Suffolk 4×4 Response and Marett’s Chariots. We’re extremely grateful for their support.” EACH is hosting a Suffolk Pier 2 Pier walk, on 2^nd September. The 16-mile coastal walk takes participants from Lowestoft to Southwold. Pictures: Glenn Hands/EACH

“I was referred to the Green Light Trust by Bethanie, Chances Team Leader at Voluntary Norfolk and I can’t thank her enough.  I wanted to join the course because I had just turned 24 and had literally not done anything with my life. I remember always feeling anxious from the age of 5 and I hadn’t ever felt comfortable mixing with people in school or college.  My anxiety continued to get worse and worse over the years until I hardly left the house leaving me feeling “terrified” of the prospect of ever going outdoors again. I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, panic attacks and long-term anxiety.  All the medications I was given just made me feel worse.  My stepdad died during lockdown with COVID and I was very close to him so I just stayed at home, isolated, lonely and ended up living inside for four years. I found myself locked in a negative state of mind which kept me indoors and isolated from everything.  I didn’t trust anyone at all but being with the staff at the Green Light Trust has changed all that.  I think it’s totally changed the way I feel about people and the world too.   The staff are amazing you choose what you want to do so there’s no pressure on you.  You can just chill out and chat if you want.  They are just really caring people who just want you to do well but more importantly be happy. I used to tell myself really negative stories about how the world was and it wasn’t true – there are some really good people in the world who genuinely want to help. I was totally stuck and didn’t go anywhere.  The world outside just seemed completely dangerous and untrustworthy, and my life was ruled by fear and staying safe at home.  I realise now that you only get support if you ask for help and the course has been an amazingly positive experience for me. I only joined the course 7 weeks ago and have just enrolled in an allotment project in King’s Lynn.  I also went to a Women Only support group last week.  The course at Green Light Trust has inspired me to try these new things – it is exciting.  Once I took the first step, I wanted to get out there and try other new things. After telling myself for years I can’t do stuff and being locked in the house with my mental illness I now say “I can do this”   The feelings I thought were anxiety I’ve now re-labelled as “excitement” this helps me get out of the house if I start feeling the way I used to feel. Being out in nature has been so healing for me – and you don’t get that stuck inside the house! I now tell myself “I am ready” and I really feel I am.  I am looking at working in a nursery (plants) or I’m also thinking about doing a Horticulture Apprenticeship.  The staff at the Green Light Trust have supported me with this too. If you are thinking about doing a course – do it.  You may not think you are ready, but I think you are!  Everyone is ready to do something positive with their lives you just need to take the first small step. I’m already booked onto the next course which starts in August and I can’t believe my life has changed so much.

Anna Cislo at Norwich Crown Point depot (credit: Greater Anglia) Greater Anglia is shining a light on a vital behind-the-scenes role as it celebrates International Women in Engineering Day. The day promotes the work of women engineers across the globe along with encouraging more to study and work within the profession. Greater Anglia today highlights the work of Anna Cislo who is based at Norwich’s Crown Point depot. Anna, who is from Hungary, joined the engineering team in 2022 as a yard assistant and spends her time moving trains at slow speed within the depot so they are ready for passenger service, coupling trains together to form longer services and ensuring safe movement of trains around the depot while they are undergoing maintenance and servicing. She also refuels the trains and checks and refills their sand – which is used to help trains grip when braking in slippery conditions. These tasks all involve clear and concise communication where there is no room for misunderstanding, with safety being a top priority at all times. Anna was inspired to join the engineering team after working as a security officer at the site gate. “I enjoyed fixing stuff with my dad as a kid. When I saw two of my female colleagues, operations support manager Helen Dickerson and yard assistant Elwira Ciszewska, it inspired me to give it a go,” Anna said. “Working on a depot can be challenging, especially on nights where the work is time sensitive to make sure we get the trains out in time for the morning service. But as a team we work hard and support each other. “People on the depot are very friendly and helpful: no one is here to see you fail.” While engineering is a male-dominated industry, Greater Anglia has a well-developed diversity and inclusion strategy, one strand of which is increasing the number of women in the workplace. Anna and the team are eager to see more women apply for roles. “Greater Anglia is very supportive, there are lots of options and directions you can progress in. You can push your boundaries and see what you’re capable of,” she said. “It’s important to give everyone an opportunity and make it more equal: Helen and Elwira inspired me to join, so I want to do the same to other women too.” Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s engineering director, said: “We have huge talent within our organisation and it’s great to celebrate Anna and the vital work she does on International Women in Engineering Day. “We have a wide variety of roles within the team, from the engineering and operational through to administration. If you’ve got the right attitude and experience, we’d love to see you applying for roles when they appear.” All available roles are advertised on Greater Anglia’s website, where you can also sign up to job alerts: www.greateranglia.co.uk/careers

As a veteran combat helicopter pilot, with more that 20 years’ experience in the RAF, Sarah Furness speaks with a certain amount of authority on the subject of ‘uncertainty’, and how courage creates opportunity. The uncertainty of what to do when your aircraft strikes a high-tension wire in flight is not a challenge most of us will experience, but there are lessons to be learnt in the way we face the unexpected in our day-to-day working lives. Following up on the theme for the year of “Future Proofing Your Business”, at Larking Gowen’s Summer Business Breakfast, former Squadron Leader, Sarah, explained how her training and experience led her to understand that embracing uncertainty is an important step towards confidence and self-belief. “It’s important to remember you can’t eradicate uncertainty, but you can start to use it. Do something that scares you, and you can train yourself to handle uncertainty. If you do that, you’ll start to build your self-belief,” she said, at the event at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, near Ipswich, this week. Uncertainty often represents opportunity, and with self-belief you can take advantage of these opportunities. She highlighted the importance for business leaders to create a culture of self-belief, saying this could only be done by allowing people to make mistakes in a supportive atmosphere. Leaders must show they are not afraid to admit their own mistakes and set the example by ‘going first’ and sharing their mistakes despite it feeling uncomfortable. “Being good at what you do isn’t about being faultless. It’s about recognising your mistakes and growing from them. This takes courage, and like fear, courage is contagious,” she said. After graduating from Cambridge University, Sarah joined the RAF in 2000 at the age of 21 with the ambition of becoming a jet fighter pilot, inspired she says, by the Tom Cruise film classic, Top Gun. Not quite making the grade, she opted for the next best thing, a combat helicopter pilot flying Pumas. Her career saw her experience tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, and she has the accolade of being the first female helicopter pilot to fly an active special forces mission. She left the RAF in 2021 to pursue her interests in mindfulness and wellbeing as a professional coach, and has written a bestselling book Fly Higher. Speaking after the event, Larking Gowen Partner, Graham Mummery, said, “We’re extremely grateful to Sarah for such an interesting and inspiring presentation. We’ve had incredible feedback. Thanks to everyone who attended our Business Breakfast, and we look forward to seeing you at our Autumn event.” You can find out more about Sarah’s work by visiting her website here.

Mark is inspired this week by a TEDx talk which leads him to reflect on one of his favourite topics – evolution, tribes and what makes humans tick. It’s a tough question to ask yourself, but are you creating a cult or a culture? Mark and Becky discuss where the idea of culture comes from and what it really means for businesses. “Cult leaders see greatness in themselves”, whereas, if you operate as a culture, you see greatness in the team. They also discuss the impact the CEO/owner has on a culture and why active engagement is important. They consider the negative connotation behind the term ‘HR’ and why, perhaps, this no longer fits the modern world… GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Corporate Anthropologist, Michael Henderson – TEDx Michael Henderson website Jocko Willink – Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win Jim Collins – Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t The three secrets of resilient people – Lucy Hone – TEDx Listen here!

You can also now watch us on YouTube! Click here

Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

Maximum grant size: £10,000 Deadline: 2^nd August 2023 Grant overview: The Fund provides capital grants to community organisations in the rural areas of the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Projects should have the overarching objective of providing resilient community services and assets for local people to benefit the local economy, address the challenges of rural isolation, support social cohesion and boost local pride. There will be 2 years of funding. Available Funding:

• In year 1 (2023/24) there is a total of £75,000 available and capital grants of up to £10,000 can be awarded. Match funding of 25% is required and must be confirmed at the time of application. Match funding can be in the form of an in-kind contribution, for example volunteer time contributed towards building improvements. You can apply for a year 1 grant now.
• In year 2 (2024/25) there is a total of £225,000 available and capital grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 can be awarded. Again 25% match funding is required and must be confirmed at the time of application. Please note, while you are welcome to begin planning a project for year 2, you cannot make an application at this time. We expect to launch the year 2 application process in early 2024.

Fund details: Year 1 Year 2 Aim: Support impactful volunteering and social action projects by the purchase of equipment or improvements (not maintenance) to premises. Aim: Capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups through larger scale capital improvement (not maintenance) projects such as climate resilient infrastructure which can adapt to changing external factors, net zero infrastructure, grants for community catering kitchens etc. Objective: Enable communities to build upon local provision and benefit from well serviced and resilient facilities which meet local need now and into the future. Objective: Initiatives which create, improve and future proof community facilities, green spaces and local infrastructure. Vision: Investment will be targeted to improve local pride, support the wellbeing of rural communities, improve connectivity between areas, reduce social isolation and improve access to services and facilities. Projects should provide opportunities to increase social integration and engage residents in volunteering activities. Vision: Investment will benefit projects which reduce carbon emissions, work towards net zero targets, create resilient infrastructure and establish local green infrastructure projects in line with the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. Projects which incorporate this approach into the improvement or creation of community facilities that benefit the rural community and the wider environment and increase opportunities for local groups to operate and further invest back into the area will be prioritised.   Grant Exclusions:

• Revenue/activity costs.
• Purchasing assets which do not have a lasting value (1 year minimum).
• Purchasing/repairing play equipment, outdoor gym equipment or similar items.
• Purchasing benches, picnic tables or similar outdoor items
• Bus shelters.
• Footpaths/trods/waymarking or similar items.
• Non-electric vehicles.
• Projects that still need to raise additional funding at the time of application.
• Projects that require planning (or other permissions) but these permissions are not in place at point of application.
• Projects that have received funding from other DEFRA schemes e.g. The Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund.

Who can apply? The Fund is open to charities, community groups, parish or town councils, churches for projects that benefit the wider community, CIC’s and other social enterprises, scout and similar uniformed groups and sports clubs. Schools cannot apply.

Last updated: 6th June 2023 at 12:11pm On 10 May 2023, the Department for Business and Trade published a policy paper, “Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy.” The paper contained details that propose amendments to several areas of UK Employment law that will impact on your business, if made into law. This blog explores the potential impact that these changes may have on your business Its important to note that, at present, these remain as proposals and are not embedded in law- you should keep doing everything as usual for now. Working Time Regulations 1998 The proposals set out several amendments to the Working Time Regulations, reducing the administrative burden on employers by: Removing record-keeping requirements: Removing case law that imposes time-consuming requirements for businesses to maintain working hour records, you’ll no longer need to keep logs of hours worked by each employee. Permitting rolled-up holiday pay: The proposal re-introduces the practice of rolled-up holiday pay, so that workers can receive their holiday pay with every payslip. This is particularly relevant for seasonal, casual or temporary workers, who usually do not need to take holiday and therefore may receive a rolled up payment instead. Merging basic and additional statutory leave: Merging the current two separate leave entitlements into one pot of statutory annual leave, while maintaining the same amount of statutory leave entitlement overall. The current system separates the 4 weeks and 1.6 weeks entitlement as they come from two systems; this will merge to two, providing a total statutory allowance of 5.6 weeks. TUPE: Transfers of business ownership or services The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations protect employees when the business or organisation for which they work transfers to a new owner, it may also apply when a service transfers to a new provider. TUPE regulations provide important protections for employees and provide a legal framework for transfers of staff, the proposals seek to simplify this process for small and medium sized businesses up to 50 employees and for small TUPE transfers. Currently, businesses cannot consult employees directly where they do not have employee representatives in place, instead, they must elect employee representatives. The proposal is to remove the requirement to consult with elected employee representations for:

1. Businesses with fewer than 50 people
2. Transfers affecting less than 10 employees

This change will allow businesses in these circumstances to consult directly with the affected employees. Non-compete clauses Non-compete clauses are included in employment contracts to restrict an individual’s ability to work for or establish a competing business after they have moved on from a job. The proposals set out to limit the length of non-compete clauses to 3 months, providing employees with more flexibility to join a competitor or start up a rival business after they have left a position. This won’t impact on your ability to use (paid) notice periods or gardening leave, or to use non-solicitation clauses; nor will they impact on confidentiality clauses, or restrictions on (former) public sector employees under the business appointment rules. Next steps As these are proposals only at this stage, there’s no need to make any immediate changes. However, you’ll need to keep to up to date with the proposals and any implementation dates. We’ll keep you updated, but in the meantime, if you want to ensure that you’re fully compliant, let us help you and contact us today. This text was originally written by MAD-HR Ltd. Copyright © 2023 MAD-HR Ltd. All rights reserved: https://www.mad-hr.co.uk/blog/working-time-regulations-tupe-non-compete-clauses-proposed-legislative-changes. Image provided by MAD-HR