Member News

It’s sadly no secret that financial worries are on the rise.  Lowering the utility and petrol price hikes, inflation or other costs of living isn’t something many of us have a say in. However, the good news is as employers there are plenty of things, we can be doing to help to help our employees and support positive financial wellbeing. We all know that money issues can have an overwhelming impact on our mental, physical and emotional health, because of course, it isn’t just about how we look after our finances, but how we can manage them and feel. Here are top financial wellbeing tips for employers to support employees:

• Explore cost-effective support.  Obviously, it’s not always feasible, however investigate what support you can provide at low/no cost to yourself.  For example, more home-based working to reduce petrol costs or a food hamper at Christmas.

• Provide wellbeing sessions.  For example, yoga, fitness classes, step challenges or Pilates to employees in the office or at home, to help employees cut or cancel gym costs.

• Money -specific benefits:  There are lots of benefits out there which support the financial health of employees, for example Health Cash Care plans. These platforms allow access to discounts on weekly shops and gym memberships, to money back from opticians’ appointments.

• Offer regular wellness check ins.  This promotes a culture where employees can discuss their money worries openly, without fear that it’s a ‘taboo’ conversation.

• Provide professional financial education resources.  Providing your employees with professional financial advice on money matters as part of your benefits package, i.e. by offering them access to a financial advisor.

• Salary sacrifice schemes.  Salary sacrifice schemes that allow employees to pay for things through their company payroll to reduce the amount of tax paid can help them to save money. Generally pension contributions are paid this way but can also include payments for transport such as company cars, bikes, and bus passes, and even mobile phones, gym passes and health and dental care.

• Communication is King:  Communicate what financial benefits you offer to your employees making sure that the information provided is up-to-date and relevant.  No matter how good the financial wellbeing support is that you have in place, if it is not well communicated and understood then it’s likely that it will be overlooked by employees.

Tags: Employee Engagement, Financial Wellbeing, Health, Health and Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, HR, Mental Health, Mental Wellbeing, Wellbeing At Work, Wellbeing Programme, Wellbeing Strategy, wellness At Work, Workplace Wellbeing Image provided by Hands on at work

CyberScale, a specialist Cyber Security Consultancy, based in Norwich is has appointed Professor Cameron ‘Buck’ Rogers as the first member its newly established advisory board. Having enjoyed an accomplished career in Cyber Security with roles that have included CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) at the Bank of England, Global Head of Resilience Risk at HSBC and latterly, Head of Cyber and Information Security at BAE Systems Buck will bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to CyberScale at a crucial time in the next chapter of the company’s growth and development. Darren Chapman, founder, and Principal Consultant at CyberScale said:  “This is a key  appointment at CyberScale, and comes at a pivotal time for us as we expand our footprint, particularly across the SMB (small and medium business) space.  The focus of Buck’s role will be to help us ensure that we continue to provide both the most relevant, and highest impact security services to our current and future clients.  His knowledge, experience and contacts in the industry will be invaluable as he helps us optimise our portfolio of Cyber & Information Security Services as well as mentoring our already skilled and experienced team”. Professor Rogers said that joining the CyberScale Advisory Board was a very simple decision to make, commenting;  “Having experienced first-hand the quality of CyberScale’s work and their commitment to making vital cyber security services accessible to any type of business, I was delighted to accept the opportunity to help.  I was excited by the company’s new initiatives in helping small and medium businesses to face up to the challenge of cyber security when they don’t have access to the same resources as larger enterprises.” Buck’s Professorship is in Cyber Security and Digital Innovation at Gloucestershire University. Outside of his Professorship, Buck is a Fellow of CREST (Council for Ethical Security Testers). Buck also provides cyber expertise to the International Monetary Fund, an agency of the UN, where Buck helps Countries to understand and regulate Cyber risk. He sits on the expert panel for Regulation Technology Associates and is cyber security advisor to Cyb3r Operations, a cyber intelligence company.  Buck has also worked with the G7/G20 via the Carnegie Endowment for Peace on Cyber Security, and the global financial system. Image provided by Cyberscale          

Kind-hearted students are basking in ‘story’ after donating a bumper haul of books to charity. The giant collection, ranging from children’s classics to fiction and academic textbooks, has been handed to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by The Thetford Academy. They will be distributed throughout the charity’s 46 shops. The Thetford Academy has previously supported EACH but this is its first donation since before the Covid pandemic. “Our students and staff are always keen to support local charities,” said School Librarian Jacqueline Browne. “We’re therefore very proud to be able to donate our ‘pre-loved’ books to a charity that does so much work for local children who need care and support during difficult times. “We want to say a huge thank you to our local community, who have been very generous in donating lots of books to us following their lockdown clear outs. “EACH is such a worthwhile cause and we’re delighted to help generate income for a charity that specifically supports the children, young people, and families of our region – something we feel immensely passionate about ourselves.” In addition to its donation of around 500 books, the school also held a book sale and raised just over £30 for EACH. Stephen Ball, EACH’s Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Manager, said: “Our sincere thanks go to The Thetford Academy. “It’s a very generous donation and these books will now be distributed throughout our shops, as and when required and requested. “They will generate vital income to help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. EACH Retail Central Support Administrator Jo Wilding and volunteer Dorothy King are pictured with the books at the charity’s Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. Image credits EACH

Photo: Children at Woods Loke Primary School during a visit from Skills for Energy on World Book Day Credit: Skills for Energy/EEEGR In celebration of World Book Day, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at EEEGR’s Skills for Energy, visited the local Rainbows, Brownies, and guides unit on Wednesday 1st of March, 2023 as well as local schools on Thursday the 2nd of March 2023 to deliver activities, inspiring the next energy generation. Each student walked away with a copy of the book of Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty at the end of the activity. Thanks to members of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), these events were delivered with the support of HTL, North Star and Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm. Sophie said: “My aim was to inspire the next generation of young people to interact with the ideas of recycling, renewables, and sustainability whilst taking part in an engaging activity that promotes curiosity and questions about engineering and the wider industry. Thanks to our sponsors, we have managed to deliver what we hope will be the start of many similar initiatives.” Danny Peachey, General Manager, HTL Group said: “It was great to see Skills for Energy delivering the activity with the Brownies, where the group read Rosie Revere, Engineer and used recycling to create a model boat. HTL is proud to be an EEEGR sponsor working side by side with SFE to inspire the next generation.” The school activity was held at Woods Loke Primary School in Lowestoft. During the activity the children had the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about their energy future options, and take home a book in the hope that it will pique their interest and inspire them about the options available. Glynn Fereday, SSE Renewables Operations Manager for Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, said: “It’s a great privilege to be able to share the story of offshore wind with young people to mark World Book Day 2023. It was such a joy to see the children’s faces when we talked to them about the challenging and exciting roles on an offshore wind farm and showed them some of the protective clothing our technicians wear to keep them safe when they’re working out at sea keeping the lights on for homes and businesses. It’s vitally important to show youngsters the breadth of STEM opportunities available to them and the role they can play in the net zero world.” Emma Moore, Training Officer for North Star in the Lowestoft base, has been joining in the fun as those attending take part in reading, colouring, and “boat building” activities. In a statement, Emma said: “Inspiring the next generation remains at the heart of our business . We’ve been training the next generation of marine professionals for more than 26 years through our cadetship programme. Learn more about North Star, and our commitment to training and development here: https://www.northstarshipping.co.uk/careers” In a final statement, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at Skills for Energy and EEEGR, said: “We’ve all worked with talented engineers who design, build, and maintain the world around us. Engineers use their creativity with problem solving skills and EEEGR, through the Skills for Energy activities, want to inspire children to explore this path.” Sophie is available for interview or contact on: E: sophie.skipp@eeegr.com | M: 07879697710

Community-minded residents from an aptly-named street have handed over a bumper cheque to charity. Kind-hearted people living in Christmas Lane, Lowestoft, decorated and illuminated their houses during the festive season and raised nearly £1,500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Visitors came from far and wide to see the eye-catching extravaganza and were asked to pop donations in collection buckets. A cheque for £1,412 was recently handed over by residents Denise Bretton and Paul Gray to EACH Community Fundraiser Megan Kemp. The presentation took place at The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl, near Norwich. “It’s been so rewarding for Christmas Lane residents to raise money for EACH – a charity we immediately agreed upon,” said Richard Louis Ainslie, who hatched the original plan for the fundraiser with Denise. “As we bring light to the people of Lowestoft and further afield, we hope the money raised will bring light into the lives of those that need support, medically and emotionally, at the most difficult time of their lives. “It’s been amazing to create such a strong bond with EACH – one that will keep becoming stronger.” The magical displays, featuring every house in the lane, some in nearby Prospect Road and one in Noel Road, contain thousands of twinkling lights and everything from stars and bells to snowmen and Santas. Megan said: “It’s an extremely kind gesture from the people of Christmas Lane. “The displays sound truly stunning and every penny donated will help us provide care and support for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, right across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.” Image credits EACH  

A green-fingered charity volunteer says she loves combining her passion for gardening with helping others. Julia Dalton is part of the Help at Home service run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Volunteers are matched with a family so they can provide vital practical support with chores like cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, dog-walking and DIY. In Julia’s case, she helps a family tend to their garden and spares two or three hours a week. “I feel very lucky to be helping others, while doing something I genuinely enjoy and am passionate about,” said the 67-year-old, who retired in 2021 but previously worked at Houghton Hall for 15 years. “When I signed up, I said I was particularly interested in gardening, because that’s my background and what I did in my previous job. “I was matched with a family who only wanted a gardener, and didn’t need any help in the house, so it was perfect. “I go once a week and it’s generally for two or three hours, although sometimes more depending on what I’m doing. “It’s great and I love it. “For one thing, I like being outside. I’d been a full-time gardener beforehand and it was something I missed. “However, the main thing I love is doing something that helps others. “It means they don’t have to worry and I can keep their garden tidy, looking after the flower beds and pruning when necessary. “It’s more a case of little things than big projects – some weeding here and there, keeping the path clear and taking things to the tip.” Julia, who has a son, Harry, 23, lived in California for nine years before moving to Norfolk in 2003 and she currently resides in Norwich. She decided to start volunteering this time last year and completed some initial training with EACH Volunteer Co-ordinator Anne Rayner. She was then matched with her family and started volunteering in the Spring. “The irony is that I first came across it by accident, because I was looking on Indeed for part-time jobs,” said Julia. “That’s where I saw an advert for a part-time gardener at The Nook. “I thought ‘oh, that’s interesting’ and got in touch, which is what led to me joining the Help at Home service. “It’s not something I’d heard of previously but I’m so glad to be part of it now. “The first year has gone so quickly and it’s definitely something I plan to continue. I certainly don’t have any plans to stop. “You get to build a relationship with the family, which is lovely and rewarding. “It’s nice to feel you’re helping and making a difference. “Sometimes it doesn’t always feel like much, but they’re always very appreciative. “I’d definitely recommend it to others.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, it has two other hospices – The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. To read more about Help at Home, click here. For more information about the service, head to the EACH website, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four). Image credits EACH  

Above: The new running in board at Brundall Gardens. Pictured from left: Gillian Lincoln, station adopter, Martin Halliday, Wherry Lines CRP, Greg Chandler, station adopter and Phil Hogg, Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Project Delivery Site Manager. New signage has been installed at Brundall Gardens Station combining a modern twist with a nod to the past. Brundall Gardens station on the Wherry Lines between Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft has been cared for by adopter and nearby resident, Greg Chandler for almost 20 years and his efforts have seen the station recognised with awards and a special wildlife friendly accreditation. Over the past few months, the station has received substantial investment by train operator, Greater Anglia, which has included the resurfacing of platforms and a new lighting scheme. The recent works have enabled some changes to the station planting and this has enabled new station name signs known within the rail industry as Running in Boards to be installed. The new signs have been funded by the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and are a modern twist on the original signage in place when the station opened as a halt in the 1920s. Construction of the signage has been a family affair with Greg building the frames and his son, a cabinet maker, creating the mahogany architrave. Greater Anglia’s project delivery site manager, Phil Hogg who has been overseeing the station improvement scheme assisted with the installation. Station Adopter Greg Chandler said, “I’ve wanted to reinstate the traditional Running in Boards at the station for several years, having seen them pictured in old photographs. When the project to install new lighting at the station began, it was necessary to remove some of the hedging and this gave the opportunity to create a little more space, enabling the installation of the new signs. “They are a modern take on the original signage and I am grateful to Phil Hogg at Greater Anglia for his assistance in installing them and to the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership for providing the funding.” Martin Halliday, Community Rail development Officer added; “We were delighted to assist Greg with funding for new signage at Brundall Gardens. Based upon original designs from the 1920s, these splendid additions include a modern element which will make them more friendly for passengers. We are continually looking to improve station signage across the area and where possible incorporating larger signs which are also helpful for those with dementia.” As part of Greater Anglia’s upgrade of the station, the project team have also installed a specially constructed composting unit donated by principal contractor Braybrook and will be assisting with new planting in the spring. Phil Hogg, project delivery site manager at Greater Anglia said; “We have worked closely with Greg and Gillian to carefully undertake improvements to the station infrastructure, the work involved removing a substantial amount of hedging, new lighting and re-surfacing and we were pleased to be able to support efforts to install this excellent new signage.” The railway station opened in 1924, some 80 years after the line first opened, and was initially named Brundall Gardens Halt. The station was jointly funded by the railway and cinema impresario Mr. Frederick Cooper who owned the adjacent Brundall Gardens. It was built to support visitors to the lakes, waterways and a restaurant which were part of the original gardens. Today, around 14,000 people use the station annually, a mixture of residents and those visiting the nearby marina. The station is adopted by Greg Chandler and Gillian Lincoln and features a fascinating array of planting, supporting bees and butterflies. The recent works at the station has facilitated additional space for new planting schemes which Gillian is currently planning. The station was the first in the region to receive accreditation for its wildlife friendly environment and Greg and the volunteer team have been recognised at both regional and national level for their efforts. Above: Brundall Gardens Halt signage circa 1960 (courtesy Graham Kenworthy Collection)

A Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Greater Anglia is advising customers how they can benefit from the best value fares ahead of the national fares increase next month. From 5 March 2023, fares will rise by an average of 5.9% and customers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to benefit from cheaper prices. Anyone buying tickets for travel after 5 March can benefit from 2022 prices if they buy between now and March 4. Customers buying tickets from 5 March onwards will be charged the new fares. Martin Moran, Commercial Director, Greater Anglia, said: “If you buy a ticket between now and 4 March, even for travel after 5 March, the ticket will be sold at the current price. The new fares will only start to be sold on and from 5 March itself. “We want customers to benefit from the best value fares. When using ticket machines, customers can select the ‘cheapest fare’ button and anyone purchasing Advance tickets via our website can use the ‘best fare finder’.” Customers are also reminded to buy direct from the Greater Anglia website or app, as the train operator does not charge booking fees. There will be no changes to car parking charges across the Greater Anglia network from 5 March. A trial discounting the cost of parking is currently underway at 14 stations Tariffs have been reduced at Audley End, Billericay, Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Diss, Harlow Town, Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon, Lowestoft, Manningtree, March, Marks Tey, Rayleigh, Whittlesford and Wickford. The trial follows the introduction of new, hourly parking tariffs at 30 Greater Anglia station car parks, so people have a cheaper option if they’re not planning to park all day, reflecting the way work patterns have changed since the pandemic. Last year, Greater Anglia also launched a new flexible car parking season ticket – giving rail passengers who park at stations two or three days a week on a regular basis a discount of up to 12.5 per cent. The flexible parking season ticket gives eight parking sessions which have to be used within 28 days of purchase – matching the new Flexi Season train ticket. The eight parking sessions can be used on any day – there is no need to specify them in advance. Customers are reminded that strike action will affect services on 16, 18, 30 March and 1 April. Anyone travelling on those days is advised to check before they travel.

A fun-loving family that has raised more than £30,000 for worthy causes has signed up a charity Bubble Rush. Lee Howlett and four-year-old son Arthur will be among those representing Team Hector at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) event in July. They are supporting EACH because of the care it provided for little Hector, before his death at the age of just 15 months in February 2022. He had Alpers syndrome – a rare mitochondrial disease caused by a double mutation of the POLG gene. Hector’s family have been tireless fundraisers since his diagnosis, raising more than £30,000 which helped build the play park behind their home in Great Witchingham. The rest was split between EACH, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital and mitochondrial disease charity The Lily Foundation. Mum Tara, 36, said: “When Hector first got sick we set up a GoFundMe page to finish our local play park in Great Witchingham. “We hoped to raise £8,000 and, incredibly, that target was hit within 24 hours. “The page ended up raising £25,000, which was then divided between other charities, including EACH. “Since then, some friends have run, or are running, the London Marathon for the Lily Foundation and, this year, we wanted to take part in the Bubble Rush. “We thought it would be a fun thing to do, especially for Arthur. “He’ll by five by then and talks about his brother every day. We thought it would be nice for him to get some sponsorship for EACH. “Lee and myself have both had bereavement counselling and we’ve been invited to lots of events. “However, we haven’t felt able to attend any yet so the Bubble Rush will be the first for us.” Arthur and dad Lee will be joined by Lee’s brother and sister-in-law, Damien Le-May and Victoria Pask, Tommy Le-May, 15, Henry Muskett, 14, and George Muskett, 15. However, they hope others may join them in flying the flag for Team Hector. To read Hector’s story, click here. EACH’s foam-filled Norwich Bubble Rush will take place at the Norfolk Showground on 16^th July and the course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath. To sign up or find out more, click here. To sponsor Team Hector, click here. View Hectors Story below Image credits EACH

East Anglia businesses have set out their top ‘levelling up’ priorities, ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget. Businesses in the region have placed tax cuts and government subsidies for regional businesses, ahead of other key business policy areas such as infrastructure investment and job creation. According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-market businesses, a quarter (25%) of mid-sized businesses in East Anglia want to see the Government offer tax cuts and subsidies to regional businesses, as part of the so-called ‘levelling-up’ agenda. Nationally, 22% want to see this as a Government priority. The survey by the accountancy and advisory firm, also showed that improving digital connectivity and investing in skills were other areas businesses believe the Government should focus on in delivering its pledge to level up the regions. Peter Harrup, Partner and Head of East Anglia at BDO LLP, commented: “It’s unsurprising to see that tax cuts and efficiency measures, alongside important economic issues, feature strongly in the list of key levelling up priorities – something that regional businesses are calling for ahead of the Spring Budget later this month.” Last week, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill reached Committee stage in the House of Lords, as it makes its passage through Parliament. The Government has proposed to speed up the process and deliver on its commitment to offer all of England the opportunity to benefit to from a devolution deal by 2030. Harrup added: “It’s clear from our latest Rethinking the Economy survey that levelling up remains an important part of the narrative for East Anglia businesses and one that the Government must maintain momentum on if it’s to meaningfully engage with regional businesses, communities and local leaders and even the playing field in terms of delivering on its promise of a de-centralised democracy.” Image provided by BDO LLP

28th of February 2023 Written by Lee Hart, Head of Knowhow Energy Overview Headlines: – Gas and Electricity Wholesale prices are lower. – EU Gas Storage levels are high at 62% full. – Large numbers of LNG shipments to Europe. Since our last Energy Report, Gas and Electricity Year Ahead Wholesale prices are lower. The healthy Gas supply position continues to contribute to the downward price trend, despite the lower temperatures increasing demand. EU Gas Storage levels remain high at 62% full, compared to 64% last week. This is much higher than had been feared and provides some confidence that the target of 90% full by November can be reached, in readiness for the winter. Large numbers of LNG shipments are still being made, and the US Freeport LNG terminal has partially returned to service, which may help reduce the demand pressures expected from Asia. Over the last week we have seen an increased contribution of Gas for generation, at 42% compared to 29% the previous week. This is largely due to a reduction in Wind at 22% from 34%. Imports of Electricity from the continent are high, partly due to the return of French Nuclear assets, after extensive maintenance. This reduces some of the burden on the UK to generate high-cost Electricity at peak demand. The National Grid has measures in place to react to any Electricity supply shortages, which includes placing Coal assets on standby. The government has announced that the Energy Bills Discount Scheme will replace the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme, from 1st April 2023. Please see our Blog for more details. Despite the lower costs, there continues to be some volatility, which may be exaggerated should there be another significant global event or an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. For this reason, we would advise looking at your options for contracts ending in 2023 and having conversations with Indigo Swan about your specific requirements. Read the full report below

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