Since December 2021, the Broadland Food Innovation Centre has been delivering support to Norfolk and Suffolk’s Food & Drink community. To celebrate the success that this funded project has achieved and the work it will continue to do, the project is hosting a summer fete at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre. This is be a summer solstice celebration with a festive twist. Christmas in July is a key moment in the Food & Drink industry calendar as it’s the time of year when all the major retailers present their Christmas ranges and the food and drink press start to plan their Christmas pages. Looking ahead some 4-5 months before the Christmas frenzy means even the smallest producer can be prepared to showcase food and drink products the best way they can. The Summer Snowcase will provide local businesses the opportunity to understand, gain expert advice and help strategise their festive campaign. A comprehensive workshop will share the latest festive trends looking at Christmases past, as well as trends for the future; learn how to plan a product launch and subsequently a marketing campaign; as well as crucial production and distribution planning advice. Then businesses will have the chance to get their festive campaign critiqued by a regional buyer. Following the workshop there will be a presentation to celebrate the achievements of the Broadland Food Innovation Centre. A panel of project beneficiaries including Weddell & Turner, Jimmy’s Limoncello and Wildcraft Brewery will share their stories about how the project helped each of their unique businesses. The teams behind the project will share what has been accomplished through the program and what support will continue to help businesses going forward. Finally, the Summer Snowcase evening will culminate in a reception party with live music and lots of local food and drink to sample. The summer fete is open to all and will bring together the food and drink community to celebrate the past 18 months and offer the chance to network with one another as well as with local authorities, key influencers and project stakeholders. It maybe the summer solstice but expect Christmas jumpers, Snowmen and the odd Santa Claus… Image provided by Food Innovation Centre
As part of its Rebuilding Thriving Local Economies initiative, Barclays has partnered with people and businesses in four pilot local economies across the UK. In 2020, the initiative was launched in Great Yarmouth and activity will run until March 2024. Working with others, Barclays hopes to help address some of the social and economic challenges faced across the community. As part of this, Barclays provided funding to directly help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and from July 2021 to December 2022, Family Action – a charity providing practical, financial and emotional support to those in need – distributed grants to vulnerable families and college students in challenging circumstances in Great Yarmouth. They worked with a range of local organisations to identify individuals and families in need of financial support, including educational institutions and charities. In total, there were 156 successful grant applications, receiving an average of over £500 of funding. These grants have been used for a range of purposes, including buying food and essential household items, and contributing towards utility bills and council tax. They have also been used to contribute towards travel for employment and educational costs to increase access to learning, as well as internet access and devices to stay connected like laptops and smartphones. One beneficiary was a young person having to move in with her grandmother because of family issues. The funding enabled her to purchase a laptop and continue her sixth-form studies, after which she was planning to attend university and pursue a nursing career. The majority of people who accessed this funding had to rely on foodbanks, were burdened with debt (including rent arrears) or grappling with serious mental health problems. There were also families under acute stress, dealing with bereavements or facing unemployment because of COVID-19. One recipient was a 20-year-old student caring for their mother, who was struggling with mental health problems since her husband died from COVID-19. Their combined means of income was her mother’s universal credit, and the student found it challenging to secure a part-time job that would accommodate her caregiving responsibilities and studies. The impact of the funding was felt across applications, with all successful applicants stating that they had seen an improvement to their financial pressure and burden. Importantly, they also reported improved access to education or training (63%) and a nearly one third (30%) noted improved employment prospects. Beneficiaries also reported reduced anxiety and stress (42%) and improved health and wellbeing (33%). Family Action has been bringing about positive change to the lives of vulnerable families since 1869. They collaborate with project partners and referral agencies to identify grant recipients through their community-based services and financial assistance programmes. To find out more about Family Action, visit https://www.family-action.org.uk/, call 0808 802 6666 or email familyline@family-action.org.uk Image provided by Barclays
Every year the 1st June marks the beginning of Volunteers’ Week – a week of celebration of everything to do with volunteering. Charities and community groups large and small take part by organising events or finding their own creative ways to thank their volunteers and celebrate their invaluable contribution to local communities. This Volunteers’ Week, Voluntary Norfolk would also like to take the opportunity to thank all businesses that have made it possible for their employees to volunteer through employer-supported volunteering. Local businesses really seem to appreciate the incredible breadth of work that Norfolk groups and charities do. We have been absolutely delighted to hear from many businesses who were keen to get involved with local causes in the last year. Volunteering is, of course, a two-way street. And there is no doubt that the reason why more and more businesses are interested in volunteering is also because they recognise the benefits volunteering can have for them and their employees. Not only can it help employers maintain a healthy work environment and support their team’s wellbeing, but it also provides opportunities to develop their team’s skills. Teamwork, creativity, compassion, communication skills are needed in virtually any professional role. They also form the basis of many voluntary roles. Volunteering doesn’t have to require onerous time commitment. As little as 30 minutes a week can be enough to support a cause close to your heart. Voluntary Norfolk’s platform Get InVOLved Norfolk advertises almost 400 roles across the county, so it’s never been easier to find the right opportunity for you or your team. You can even set up a page for a particular organisation and keep track of the hours your employees volunteer, which will make it even easier to demonstrate the impact they make in their community. Find out more on our page for Corporate Volunteering. Image provided by Voluntary Norfolk
Hair goes nothing! A plucky charity shop manager is braving the shave for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Liz Knights runs the EACH shop in Market Place, Dereham, and her ‘hair-devil’ fundraiser is taking place in-store on Tuesday, 6th June. Liz said: “I know all too well what a brilliant charity EACH is. “It does so much incredible work supporting children and families in their hour of need and this is my way of generating extra funds. “It’s going to be a very strange experience and I’m a bit nervous, but also looking forward to raising as much as possible. “I’ve set up a fundraising page and also have a form in the shop, so hopefully our loyal customers will get behind me and show their support. “I’d be so grateful to anyone kind enough to sponsor me. Anything and everything is appreciated, no matter how big or small.” The shaving is being done by EACH volunteers Holly Hunt and Warren Knights – Liz’s son. To sponsor her, head here. EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and, this year alone, needs to raise £7.8 million from its Retail operation, which includes stores across Norfolk and a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. For more information about volunteering, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk Image credit EACH
The rise in corporation tax will force many East Anglia companies to delay business investment, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP. More than half of East Anglia businesses (63%) say they will pause future investment, after the headline rate of corporation tax rose to 25% at the beginning of April 2023, up from 19% in the 2022-23 tax year. BDO’s bi-monthly Economic Engine survey of more than 500 mid-market businesses has revealed that 37% of respondents will either have to make redundancies or take on fewer people, with the recent rise in corporation tax leading to a reduction in profits paid out to shareholders for 50% of businesses. Worryingly, more than a quarter (27%) said the uplift in corporation tax had prompted them to consider leaving the UK. While many businesses had hoped the Chancellor would publish a roadmap at the Spring Budget setting out a phased reduction in corporation tax rates, no such announcement was forthcoming. The much-debated move follows years of tax-cutting by the Conservatives, from a high of 28% in 2011 to 19% in 2017. In his March 2021 Budget, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced plans to increase the headline rate in a bid to aid the country’s financial recovery post-pandemic. Peter Harrup, partner and Head of BDO LLP in East Anglia, commented: “Pre-Budget, many East Anglia businesses made their feelings clear that they would like to see a reversal of the rise in corporation tax. The Government has so far stood firm, but the Chancellor’s recent remarks on business taxes being too high suggests he might reconsider this position at the next Budget. “Our survey indicates that the recent rise in the headline corporation tax rate will dampen current business investment plans and potentially hamper growth in the region as businesses pull back on spending. It has also highlighted a high degree of concern about the international competitiveness of the UK’s corporate tax regime. However, the new ‘full expensing’ capital allowances regime has been positively welcomed, suggesting the knock-on effect of the tax hike may only be short-term.” According to Economic Engine survey, 60% of East Anglia businesses say that the new capital allowances rules, which give businesses a 25% subsidy to buy new plant and machinery, would lead to them to invest more in equipment. Harrup added: “While it’s encouraging to see businesses planning to capitalise on the rule changes, there will be a swathe of service-led companies that will get little benefit from the new regime. Ensuring that service sector businesses are also incentivised to invest in growth, with subsidies being delivered in other ways, will be key to long-term, sustainable growth across the board.” Image provided by BDO LLP
Carers Week takes place this year from 5th to 11th June 2023. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as unpaid carers and access much-needed support. Chamber member and regional charity, Caring Together, are offering Norfolk businesses free support to identify and help the carers in their staff teams. Norfolk businesses can sign up for a free 1-hour webinar on Friday 9th June at 12.30pm to help them support employees who are also unpaid carers. Unpaid carers are people who look after a partner, family member or friend with a disability or long-term illness. With three in five of us becoming unpaid carers in our lifetime, this is an issue that also affects staff who are trying to juggle working with a caring role. Employees could be:
Looking after an elderly parent in the mornings, evenings or at weekends
Caring for a partner who has had a stroke, heart attack or been diagnosed with cancer
Looking after a disabled child, or one with additional needs such as ADHD or Autism
Every day 600 people give up their jobs because the pressures of caring and working become too much. This can be very difficult for them as they lose out on income, career development, the social aspects of work and a sense of purpose. It can also be very difficult for their employer who loses a skilled, experienced and valued team member. Charity, Caring Together is inviting businesses to attend the webinar and find out how they can support unpaid carers in the workplace – benefiting both the employer and the carer. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carer-friendly-tick-award-employers-introduction-webinar-tickets-611350845837 The charity is also providing a free short film to show to staff during Carers Week. This film helps raise awareness of what it is to be an unpaid carer, and the help that is available locally to support carers. You can request the film at https://www.caringtogether.org/help-us-help-others/companies-and-organisations/support-for-companies/
Rail passengers in East Anglia are advised to check before they travel on 31 May and 1, 2 and 3 June. Strike action will affect Greater Anglia services on 31 May and 2/3 June, and action short of a strike will cause some cancellations on Thursday 1 June. On 31 May and 3 June, there will be a reduced service on a limited number of routes. Most routes, including all regional lines, will have no service at all. Where services do run, they will start later and finish earlier than normal, with start/finish times varying across the network. On 2 June, services will operate between 07.00 and 23.00, with all last trains reaching their destination by 23.00. Some routes will have a reduced frequency, but many routes will have a normal or near normal service during the hours that trains are running. Some of the first services on Thursday 1 June and Sunday 4 June may also be affected. Although these are not strike days, there will be some knock-on effects from the days before. On 1 June, most routes will also see some planned cancellations, due to action short of a strike. Service Summary for 31 May We will operate a reduced service on a limited number of routes.
Hourly service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street; Colchester and London Liverpool Street; Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street; and for Stansted Express services between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street
Trains that do run are expected to start from 07.00 onwards, with trains operating until mid to late evening and all last trains finishing earlier than normal
One train every two hours between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street from 08.00 until early evening, with the last train from London back to Cambridge at 18.58 on 31 May only.
No services running on other lines, including on regional/branch lines, other than those listed above
Service Summary for 1 June On Thursday 1 June, due the knock-on effects of the previous day’s strike there will be no services before 07.00 and, due to action short of a strike, there will be some cancellations across the Greater Anglia network throughout the day (full list attached at the end of this release). Service Summary for 2 June On Friday 2 June, most services will operate with trains running on most Greater Anglia routes between 07.00 and 2300, with all last trains reaching their destination by 23.00. Some routes, including Norwich to London and Ipswich to Lowestoft, will have a reduced frequency, but many routes will have a normal or near normal service during the hours that trains are running. However, there will be no services between Walton-on-the-Naze and Colchester Town/Colchester, or between Hertford East and London, or between Stratford and Meridian Water. Service Summary for 3 June We will operate a reduced service on a limited number of routes.
Hourly service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street; Colchester and London Liverpool Street; Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street; and for Stansted Express services between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street
Trains that do run are expected to start from 07.00 onwards, with trains operating until mid to late evening and all last trains finishing earlier than normal
No services running on other lines, including on regional/branch lines, other than those listed above. That also means no Greater Anglia services at all serving Cambridge.
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director said: “We are very sorry that once again our customers will be disrupted by industrial action. Customers are advised to check before they travel on all strike days, as the number of services affected varies, with trains operating on very few routes at all on 31 May and 3 June, but on most routes and more frequently on 2 June. There are also cancellations on 1 June, due to action short of a strike. The rail industry is working hard to resolve these disputes and talks will continue with ASLEF and RMT to try and reach an agreement.” Passengers who have already pre-booked tickets to travel on strike days can change them, use them to travel on either the day before or up to two days later, or apply for a refund by going back to their original retailer. Passenger assistance will be available as usual for all trains which are running. Anyone requiring assistance who cannot avoid travelling by train on strike days should plan their journey and book assistance in advance if possible. Further information is available from greateranglia.co.uk/strikes
Children and families came together for a sun-drenched day of belated Coronation celebrations. Live music, face-painting, arts, crafts and a delicious afternoon tea were among the highlights of Saturday’s event at The Nook, in Framingham Earl. Youngsters also enjoyed blowing bubbles and playing traditional garden games, in addition to interactive storytelling and a sensory tent Others enjoyed having their picture taken alongside cardboard cut-out soldiers in a special photobooth. The Coronation street party was attended by 60 people and organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Wellbeing Lead Jayne Chesterton said: “It was a lovely afternoon and we were blessed with glorious sunshine. “I was struck by how many people and areas of the organisation came together, from members of the Care team to colleagues from Fundraising, Marketing and Communications and Facilities. “Everyone was there to make it a very positive and enjoyable event for families. “There was a street party vibe and it was relaxing, quality time – a safe space for everyone to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. “As well as the children, mums and dads, we were also joined by grandparents and one young lady brought her best friend as she wanted her to see The Nook. “The children who were with us for care also joined in and their families came along to join in the celebrations.” Also in attendance were some wonderful EACH volunteers, along with three volunteers from Center Parcs. “The Clown Doctors, who use interactive, creative play and song to engage children, also came while a volunteer interactive storyteller captured families’ imagination and Jeff Sharkey, from Musical Keys, was an engaging, familiar and friendly face,” added Jayne. “We also invited along a chap called Colin, who has been to previous events and brings along a traditional organ. “His music provided a perfect backdrop and it turned out it was his 70th birthday. “It was wonderful that he came along to share his special day with us and I’m delighted to say he’s now signed up to become a fully-fledged volunteer.” Two others, a 13-year-old sibling and one of the mums, were also celebrating their big days and Jeff, from Musical Keys, sang Happy Birthday. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
Photo: Martin Dronfield, Executive Chair, EEEGR Credit: EEEGR Photo: Charlie Jordan, CEO, ScottishPower Renewables Credit: EEEGR Photo: Rob Bush, General Manager, EEEGR Credit: EEEGR – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – “The East of England is the Energy Production Capital of the UK” EEEGR Chair’s Bold Statement to Industry In his opening speech at the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) SNS2023 conference this week, Executive Chair and Opergy Commercial Director, Martin Dronfield, boldly claimed that the East of England is the energy production capital of the UK. Backing up this claim with energy production stats supplied by Opergy, Mr Dronfield told conference delegates that the region is currently supplying the equivalent of 8 million homes with their power, just under a third of all of the homes in the UK, with this figure rising to a potential 24 million homes by 2035. He stated “The East of England is home to 37% of the UK’s existing offshore wind farms producing 5 gigawatts of electricity with a further 9.7 gigawatts in the pipeline. The Southern North Sea still produces a third of the UK’s gas requirements from 139 offshore production platforms and 30% of the UK’s gas flows through the Bacton Gas Terminal.” “We produce 0.5 gigawatts of electricity from onshore wind farms, a third of a GW from bio energy projects and a third of a gigawatt from 137 solar projects. We have 1.1 gigawatts of installed battery storage capacity and 1.2 gigawatt capacity from Sizewell B and a further 3.2 gigawatts from the planned Sizewell C.” He continued. Martin predicts that the industry will see increasing collaboration between energy sectors, integration between energy developers and huge opportunities for the workforce as they develop opportunities across sectors in order to deliver Government net zero targets. “The conference theme ‘Vision 2030’ is not just a tagline, it is also a challenge and an opportunity. The UK’s net zero ambition won’t happen overnight, the transition needs to be well planned and worked out with regard for the companies and people in our sector.” Dronfield concluded. Martin was followed by plenary speakers from developers at the heart of the region’s future development, including Charlie Jordan (ScottishPower Renewables), Rob Anderson (Vattenfall), and Tim Pick (Offshore Wind Champion). Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables (SPR):“Energy Security is more important than ever and so is the need to tackle climate change. We need to deliver 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and the East of England is very much at the heart of trying to deliver this. SPR are building offshore wind projects across the world and we have strong ambitions to build another 3 GW of offshore projects and large-scale hydrogen projects in the East of England. I can’t think of anywhere globally that are doing more in the energy space than the East of England.”Rob Anderson, Project Director for Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, Vattenfall“The size of projects represented at this event are huge. The vision for the region is to be a superpower of offshore wind and when complete the Norfolk Zone will be the world’s largest wind zone with over 4 GW of power. Vattenfall have been very busy in the region in preparation for the project including undertaking archaeological digs, road access work and nature preservation projects with an aim to protect and sustain the region.”Tim Pick, Offshore Wind Champion and Co-Chair Offshore Wind Acceleration Task Force“2023 needs to be the year of delivery for offshore wind and words need to be transformed into action. There are a lot of positives in the industry at the moment with new leasing rounds in Scotland and supply chain development, plus the Government are looking to reform the CfD process and the dawn of floating offshore wind gives us an opportunity to do thing differently.” Throughout day one of the conference and exhibition, delegates were given the opportunity to hear more from key developers and industry thought-leaders, on topics ranging from the decarbonisation of the supply chain, the UK’s CCS opportunities, how hydrogen is evolving in the region, geothermal technology in the renewable energy mix and how to build a net zero workforce. On day two, delegates heard about supply chain opportunities for Sizewell C and the offshore wind cluster for the east, East Wind spoke about the importance of collaboration, recruitment issues companies in the industry are facing and how they can get involved in the cluster. Conference attendees also heard updates on the East of England projects, including ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia Hub, the Great Yarmouth O&M Campus, Equinor’s Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon extension, Associated British Ports’ LEEF project, RWE’s North Falls and Five Estuaries, Vattenfall’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, Orsted’s Hornsea Three, Bacton Energy Hub and Freeport East. Rob Bush, EEEGR General Manager brought the conference to a close on day two where the energy in the room was palpable, with many delegates and exhibitors buoyed up by what the east has to offer and how a collaborative approach will help build an even brighter future for the region. Photos provided by EEEGR
We are looking for extreme adventurers to lend a hand to Take Our Hand by skydiving at 14,000ft. This bucket list challenge is like nothing else you will experience. Taking place on Saturday 24th June at Beccles Airfield. To register your interest please complete the form on the below link or email fundraising@takeourhand.org.uk. Find out more here
Football fan Andy Cranch has reflected on a “magical, once-in-a lifetime experience” after completing 1,000 keepie-uppies at all 92 League clubs. The 58-year-old clocked up 3,000 miles, starting at Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium and finishing at Portman Road, Ipswich, raising more than £3,500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). His fortnight-long challenge saw him visit all 92 Football League grounds, including Norwich City, Colchester United and Peterborough United, as well as iconic Premier League stadiums like Old Trafford, Anfield, Villa Park, Stamford Bridge and The Etihad Stadium. At every one he completed 1,000 keepie-uppies – a feat he completed in around 15 minutes – before jumping back in his car and continuing his whistle-stop UK tour. “It was intense, with lots of early starts and late nights,” he said. “However, what an amazing fortnight it was – even better and more enjoyable than I thought. “I loved every minute and it’s something I’ll always remember as a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. “We had a real adventure and met some wonderful people. “Everyone was extremely generous and we were made so welcome everywhere we went. “There were so many highlights that I couldn’t possibly pick out one or two. “I loved visiting all the big stadiums and it was great completing my keepie-uppies in front of giant stands or alongside statues of legends. “However, I also loved going to the smaller grounds and everyone was so hospitable.” Andy, who was joined on his travels by wife Ali, was on the books at Exeter City as a youngster before drifting into non-league football and playing for Histon, Cambridge City, Shelford and Ely City. He is player-manager of the Over-55 England Veterans and represented England’s Seniors at the 2022 World Cup, in Thailand. The Cambridge resident said money is still rolling in and he was delighted to raise so much for EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. “I couldn’t be happier,” said Andy, who has a special connection as sister-in-law Jules Gibson-Cranch is Locality Wellbeing Lead at The Treehouse, in Ipswich. “It’s a very special local charity and one that so many of us feel strongly about. “EACH has touched, helped and supported so many people and that’s why I was so determined to do whatever I could to help.” Prior to his challenge, Andy, who owns Banquet Inn mobile bar and Crofters ice cream and coffee shop at Lammas Land, in Newnham Park, paid a visit to the EACH hospice at Milton, where he was shown around by Community Fundraiser Helena Davis. His challenge started on 9th May and finished on Monday (22nd May), with his fundraising challenge featuring on that night’s BBC Look East programme. There is still time to make a donation by heading here.
Greater Anglia is to ban the carriage of e-scooters on all trains across its network, following concerns over potential risks to passenger safety. From Thursday 1 June, e-scooters will no longer be allowed on-board Greater Anglia trains because of the risk posed by the type of batteries that typically power the scooters. The operator is taking measures to ensure the safety of the railway and passengers, in line with action being taken by many other train operators. The ban is also being enforced on the same date by other train companies including South Eastern, Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and South Western Railway, with bans already in place on East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway, Chiltern, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Great Western Railway and Northern. Although there have been no safety incidents to date involving e-scooters on Greater Anglia services, Transport for London has also banned e-scooters following two incidents of privately-owned powered e-scooters catching fire on their network. Matt Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s Head of Safety, Security and Sustainability, said: “Safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority, and we know that e-scooters have battery packs which vary greatly in quality. “The decision has therefore been made to ban these items from carriage on our network due to recent incidents elsewhere and the risks associated with them using faulty lithium batteries and catching fire.” This new policy covers e-scooters only. Mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and e-bikes are exempt from the ban.