Member News

We are thrilled to welcome visitors to Banham Zoo this Easter holiday for a brand-new, animal egg extravaganza.

Something eggstraordinary is happening at Banham Zoo! Mysterious giant eggs have appeared throughout the park, and we need your help to find them all!

An Easter Adventure Awaits

Adventure around Banham Zoo, spotting five GIANT inflatable animal eggs: including a tortoise, snake, flamingo, vulture and penguin egg.

Fun for All Ages

Get stuck into an incredible live Easter stage show in partnership with Go Awesome, go wild at our zoo fun fair (a first for Banham Zoo), and delve into the world of conservation with expert-led animal talks, all while encountering hundreds of animals, from the majestic Amur tiger to our brand-new Maned wolf pups born this year.

And if that wasn’t enough, visitors can enjoy a selection of delicious treats from exclusive Easter holiday food trucks.

“At Banham Zoo, we’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new GIANT egg hunt as part of our exciting Easter Gone Wild activities line-up. This family-friendly trail is designed to not only entertain but also engage children with wildlife conservation in a fun and interactive way. As they explore the zoo, searching for the inflatable animal eggs, they’ll discover fascinating facts about the animals that call our zoo home, all while learning about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. We hope this hands-on experience sparks curiosity and a love for animals in the next generation of conservationists!”

Tickets for Easter are available to purchase online with more information at:

https://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/at-the-zoo/events/easter-holidays

Kids Go Free Promotion This Easter

Come and see the Giant animal eggs this Easter with our incredible kids-go-free offer!

Simply book online before March 30th using the code KIDSGOFREE at checkout, just in time for Easter.

Find out more about the Kids Go Free promotion here:

https://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/at-the-zoo/events/easter-holidays

https://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/

Future Radio has introduced a ‘Create Your Own Radio Show’ experience, which involves choosing your favourite tracks, introducing them, recording in our professional radio studios and actually hearing the show broadcast on air! You’ll also receive a link to the show on Future Radio’s website www.futureradio.co.uk, so you can share your stardom with friends and family!

This is a unique experience, as no other radio station offers this opportunity in Norfolk.  

More details can be found at https://futureradio.co.uk/radio-show-experience/.

A Double Win for Uptech!

We’re delighted to share that Uptech has picked up two fantastic awards in the 2025 SME News UK Enterprise Awards:

✨ Best Managed IT Service Provider – East of England

🛡️ Excellence Award for Cyber Security Solutions – East of England

As you can see from the photo of our Managing Director, Jason Carlton, we’re pretty chuffed with the news – and rightly so. These awards are a brilliant recognition of the way we work: proactive, people-first, and always focused on helping our clients get the best from their tech.

Whether it’s day-to-day IT support, long-term planning, or strengthening cyber security, our team is all about working as a true partner to businesses – not just a supplier.

This recognition also comes at a time of real growth for us. Our team is expanding, and with the recent acquisition of Jalapeno, an IT company based in Lincoln, we’re now supporting even more businesses across the East of England, from Norwich and King’s Lynn, to Lincoln and beyond.

Client feedback and testimonials played a big role in this win – and we’re incredibly grateful for the trust and support we get from the organisations we work with every day.

So thank you to our brilliant team, our clients, and our wider business community. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited about what’s coming next.

If you’re looking for an IT partner who’ll actually listen, plan ahead, and get things done (without the jargon), we’d love to chat.

👉 Get in touch with Uptech here

Imagine working with a marketing agency that doesn’t tie you down… 🚀

At Smash, we believe in no contracts, no stress—just results. We know that long-term commitments can feel restrictive, which is why we let our work do the talking. Our flexible, results-driven approach means you stay because you want to, not because you have to.

How do we do this? By focusing on what actually moves the needle for your business. Whether it’s SEO, paid ads, social media, or website optimisation, we tailor strategies that drive real growth—without locking you into a contract. Plus, our transparent reporting keeps you in the loop, so you always know what’s working.

Marketing should be simple, effective, and stress-free. Ready to make it happen? Let’s chat!

Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming brand Captain Fawcett is proud to announce his ‘Bianco Classico‘ Beard Butter has WON the category for ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ at the prestigious Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 Awards. The Cosmoprof Awards, in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS, celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry. Chosen from over 800 products, just 3 finalists make it though the judging process in each category.  Richie Finney MBE, founder of Captain Fawcett says: “To win from over 800 entries in the renowned ‘Oscars of Beauty’ is a truly remarkable achievement. Not least because up against the world’s biggest players, Captain Fawcett has won with a genuine small batch product, handmade here at Captain Fawcett HQ in Norfolk. So a special mention to the fantastic McCavity’s Crew, Terry, Ginni & Yolante, who actually make and package ‘Bianco Classico’ Beard Butter in situ in Norfolk, UK. In truth, there are very few companies who can claim to make their own products in house. Simply magnificent!  “A huge thank you to all involved, especially Bottega della Barba, the Captain’s superb distributors in Italy.  “It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be a winner, standing tall amid the beauty and grooming industry’s world leaders. The Cosmoprof Awards are highly competitive, with impressive innovations from all across the world, so to win such acclaim is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole Captain Fawcett team. Evivva!”

 

Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience. Captain Fawcett’s ‘Bianco Classico’ is crafted for all hair types. Complementing the award-winning Beard Butter, the range includes a Moustache Wax and Purple toning Shampoo,  crafted to highlight the brilliant gleam of silver, grey, blond and bleached hair. Joanna Vital, Captain Fawcett’s Commercial Director, joined global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 21st March.  She says “Grazie mille, Bologna! Italy has always led the way in style, and no one rocks the ‘silver fox’ look like an Italian man. Captain Fawcett’s Beard Butter was crafted for men who celebrate their age with confidence and sophistication, so to receive this award here is truly a huge honour. Thanks to the incredible Fawcett crew and to our loyal customers who inspire us every day. And to Italy for showing the world how to age with polish and flair! Salute!” Joanna attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba on behalf of Richie Finney, who is currently in the USA about to embark on an epic 6 week road trip tour for Captain Fawcett’s Great Expedition 2025. Thanks to Joanna for doing a fantastic job in representing Captain Fawcett at Cosmoprof.

CELEBRATE YOUR DREAM DAY UNDER OUR 900 YEAR OLD CANOPY INCLUDED;

CHARMING CEREMONY
ELEGANT RECEPTION
* BOTH AREA’S BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED
& WEDDING PLANNER

If you’re not interested in a ceremony, why not opt for a DJ or a fun photo booth instead?

Secure your date with us, and together we will turn your dream into a reality while creating unforgettable memories.

hello@thepriory1101.co.uk

Commercial Space Available

Are you seeking to expand your business?

The Monk’s Suite may be the ideal solution for you.

• Three spacious offices
• Interview/client meeting room
• Breakout area
• Lift for disabled access
• Restroom
• Private alarmed entrance

Additionally, there is a fully equipped large training room.

Please contact us to view or for more information.

Last Thursday Brave Futures hosted a heartfelt Afternoon Tea at Carrow House to celebrate new milestones in Norfolk as we approach 10 years of supporting children and young people in our community. It was an inspiring event, filled with a wonderful blend of community supporters, corporate partners, and service professionals.

This gathering gave us the opportunity to reflect on the incredible outcomes children can achieve after experiencing trauma. Despite the hardships they’ve faced, they go on to achieve greatness, thanks to the incredible support they receive and their own bravery. But there’s still work to be done.

Brave Futures must continue to be here for all the children who will one day need us.

Events like this are a step closer to a world where our services may not be needed, where we can work together to raise awareness and safeguard children, ensuring they never face such trauma.

We were honoured to be joined by our ambassador, Chris Sargisson, who offered a valuable insight into the life-changing impact our charity can have on a child who has suffered sexual abuse.

It was truly wonderful to come together to discuss this important issue and ways forward, with such enthusiasm and support from everyone involved. All of us at Brave Futures feel incredibly grateful for the positive energy and commitment shown by those who joined us.

Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward fighting child sexual abuse and supporting those who need us most.

If you can help to support as a volunteer or as a corporate sponsor, or get involved in the forthcoming Dragon Boat Race 🐉 please do get in touch with rachael@bravefutures.org – let’s stand together to make a difference!

Campaign is the world’s leading business media brand serving the marketing, advertising and media communities and each year it releases its School Reports, which analyses the top agencies in the UK and ranks them based on billings attributed to their client accounts.  It features the top 100 media agencies, the top 100 creative agencies and the top 30 regional agencies among other listings.

Norfolk Chamber member JMS Group Ltd, based in Hethersett, just outside Norwich, flies the flag for Norfolk by attaining a Top 10 position in the Top 30 Regional agency rankings (agencies based outside M25), and coming in at an incredible 65^th in the Top 100 Creative Agencies in the whole of the UK. 

JMS produce TV, Radio and Online content for many brands both large and national (Foodhub delivery app) and smaller and local (Aldiss department stores in Norfolk).

Up until 2024 JMS had never been in the Top 100.  This sees the agency now ranking in the same list as huge names such as Saatchi & Saatchi, VCCP, McCann UK and Leo Burnett.

Managing Director, Francesca de Lacey said ‘I’m so proud of the whole team and our growth, particularly in the TV advertising sector. Although the business is over 40 years old, it’s really been in the last decade that we’ve grown our TV offering significantly and are a recognised production partner for brands all across the UK wanting to use TV to grow their business.’

Hello from The Space Norwich!  

We are a dynamic conferencing and performance venue, and we’re excited to share some fantastic upcoming events with you that we are hosting. 

🎭 Upcoming Events: 
📅 West Norwich and Dereham SSP Dance Show – 28th March 
📅 City Academy Norwich Performance – 3rd April 
📅 YMCA Annual Celebration – 24th April 
📅 2Bros Bodybuilding Competition – 17th May 
📅 Gin & Rum Festival – 5th July 

At The Space, we host a wide range of events and pride ourselves on our flexible venue and versatile team. Got a unique idea? We’d love to bring it to life—contact us with any inquiries! 

📍 Where to Find Us: 
The Space, Roundtree Way, NR7 8SQ, Norwich 
Easily accessible by bus, car, or taxi. 

We can’t wait to welcome you! 

We’re heading over to Anglia Business Exhibition on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, at Trinity Park Event Centre in Ipswich. Now in its 29th year, this valuable event brings people together from across the region for a day of networking and opportunities – so it’s definitely worth crossing the border for! ​

Come and chat with our friendly experts about your website and app needs.

We’ll also be advising on all aspects of email marketing and our Smart Messenger platform.

Don’t forget to try your luck in our fun instant win competition while you’re at our stand.

👉 ABE25 Details & Tickets​

See you there – no passport required!

iBoxit, a company based at Norwich Research Park, has been named as the winner of the Business Innovation Award at the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2025. iBoxit is a collaboration between entrepreneur John Farley and the University of East Anglia (UEA) under the tutelage of Prof Sheng Qi.

iBoxit is leading the charge to tackle the environmental impact of expanded polystyrene. Through its innovative development of a new, environmentally-sustainable packaging that uses an intricate mixture of existing plastic and plant-based composite to replace the expanded polystyrene boxes that are currently used to transport fish, it’s paving the way for a future where polystyrene could be eliminated entirely.

Its solution not only helps reduce landfill waste and ocean pollution but also supports the food industry and benefits the global food chain.

It is estimated that 9.5bn expanded polystyrene boxes were used in 2020 and this is expected to grow to 13.5bn by 2025. The majority of boxes are single-use and not recyclable. The fishing industry worldwide discards almost half the total consumption into the oceans, with the remainder finding their way to landfill.

The new transportation box, which importantly, can be integrated into existing worldwide transportation systems, has the same thermal properties as expanded polystyrene boxes and stacks safely. It is fully recyclable and reusable, with a shelf life of 10 years, offering a more sustainable long-term solution for packaging and distribution.

The Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2025 celebrate the exceptional vision, innovation and leadership of local businesses. The winners were selected by the judging panel because they have truly set new benchmarks for excellence.

John said, “We are really pleased to have had our work recognised with this award. Norfolk really has got a reputation for innovative thinking and with Norwich Research Park and the UEA on our doorstep it is vital that we work together with the brilliant minds there to come up with sustainable solutions that will improve the lives of many on our planet both now and in the future. With iBoxit we aim to change the way a huge industry approaches the transportation of fish and ultimately other foodstuffs.”