Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Mark Ellaway, Digital Marketing Director of Bigfork.
From how he started his career, to building Bigfork, Mark talks all things digital. Mark shares his no-nonsense, down-to-earth advice on great website design, working through the pandemic with a creative, brilliant and skilled team, to the process of applying for Bigfork’s B Corps certification – if you’re into digital or you want to know more about great website design listen in!
We’re Bigfork, and we do web design, SEO and PPC.
That means we can build you a great website, get more people to visit it and turn more of them into customers. Basically, if you want to use the internet to grow your business, we can help.
By humans, for humans.
We may be digital people, but first and foremost, we’re human beings.
For us, digital marketing isn’t really about technology. It’s about reaching people. And that’s exactly what we help you to do. Technology is just a tool. What matters is the value you offer, the products you’ve created and the ideas you want to express.
That’s why we build a strong relationship with you, so you can build a stronger relationship with your own customers.
Bigfork Norwich 01603 513080 Henderson Business Centre,
Ivy Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR5 8BF
Cambridge 01223 902219 St John’s Innovation Centre,
Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0WS
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Chris Spinks, Managing Director of Westcotec.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Chris Spinks joined the Police Force at 19 –working in response policing then specialising in roads policing and firearms including Royalty Protection and security convoy driving. From Constable in Norwich and Wymondham through Armed Response Vehicle Crew to Sergeant in Fakenham and to Inspector in King’s Lynn, and then Chief Inspector, a Head of Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing and firearms operations.
Westcotec thrive on innovation, relishing the challenge of bringing new approaches to old problems. Alongside traditional speed limit warning signs the company produces very specialist devices including, Road Flood Warning and Bridge Height Warning systems and Collision Avoidance System.
Westcotec manufacture in their own factory based in Norfolk, utilising high quality, rigorously tested components. The single site for Manufacture, Technical Support, Research, Development, Sales and Marketing provides an ability to react swiftly to customer’s requirements particularly in the more specialist areas, this flexibility has led to custom in not only in the UK but also across Northern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
They are one of only a few to have obtained the required CE mark for their VAS products. Westcotec has pioneered alternative energy with wind and solar options, available throughout most of its product range. Westcotec are determined to reduce their carbon footprint so for every sign sold a tree is planted in the company owned woodland, to date this numbers in excess of 8000 trees.
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Mark White, The LinkedIn Professional.
Did you know that LinkedIn’s biggest demographic is age 25-35?
In this episode, Mark discusses insights and advice, and how LinkedIn can work better for you and your team. From dwell time, voice messaging to training your home page – this is a brilliant podcast if you are looking to increase your LinkedIn presence.
Mark has trained over 500 businesses, over 13 years working with companies, teams and individuals to help them match their business needs and opportunities with all that LinkedIn offers … essentially unlocking the opportunities that exist to start more meaningful conversations, advance more sales opportunities and increase visibility & marketing.
In this podcast, we’re joined by Richard Seppings, Founder of Anglia Car Charging, an independent installer of electric car charging equipment.
From working in his family-run business on a Norfolk farm, getting into Newcastle University with tons of determination and grit and working within the agricultural sector before discovering the world of green energy. This podcast is full of sustainability, electric cars, and environmental issues.
Delivering EV charging solutions for businesses and organisations of all sizes across East Anglia
We are number 1 in East Anglia for the supply and installation of EV charging systems. Based just south of Norwich, we cover the whole East Anglian region.
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Neil Foley, Founder of the Business Growth Club.
Neil helps small business owners in Norfolk to stop competing on price, increase sales and grow.
“I’ve run my own business for over twenty-six years, so completely understand the trials and tribulations we small business owners go through.
My first business started from scratch and I have never forgotten how hard it was to gain traction. So many different hats to wear, all at the same time!”
Small Businesses have been under intense pressure over the past two years, and with energy costs rising – growth of the small business is going to be challenged even further.
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in today’s episode Haze Carver is chatting with Lauren Farley, Business Development & Events Coordinator at Norwich Theatre Royal.
Lauren discusses her jam-packed year at the Theatre – with some of the most incredible performances from Carlos Acosta to Waitress and Les Miserables as well as Jack and the Beanstalk our 2022 pantomime!
“We have re-launched our corporate scheme, enhancing the offering for businesses and employees alike, offering more benefits as well as unique opportunities through the corporate scheme. Our Creative Engagement team are about to launch an unbelievable Autumn programme of events, which kicks off with our Open Day and Family Festival in July, where we are opening our doors once again and giving people an opportunity to see behind the magic and stand on our very own stage.”
International Men’s Day is approaching, and we spoke to Jason Carlton, Director of Uptech on the importance of raising awareness of mental health in organisations.
“International Men’s Day is a good talking point to embrace the people around us and take the opportunity to check in with loved ones, family members, friends and work colleagues on how there are….is anything troubling them that they may be willing to share and open up with.
A high percentage of men are very good at masking their true thoughts and feelings and not sharing with others with their real problems. We have the tendency to allow our thoughts to build up challenges and problems that confront us which in turn can trigger our vulnerabilities that leads to an unclear state of mind into what we think is the way out.
Our mental state and wellbeing is clearly not just down to gender or age its a massive problem across for board and is wrapped around different layers in what is perceived to fit in culturally and accepted in our environments and communities which can isolate us and single us out and have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing feeling alone.
If there is a takeaway in awareness of mental health issues – I would encourage business owners – leaders to roll out mental health champion training within their organisations.
For family members and friends to get involved in your local organisations within your community in learning skills be part of how you can help.
It’s so important with many of us losing someone because we couldn’t see the symptoms …. So to be able to try and recognise when someone is screaming for help but no one hears them!
From personal experience first-hand what I know now has helped me understand more about having the tools and the ability to help others and point them to seek the right help before it’s too late.
Being a mental health champion is not about being the fixer or giving professional advice, for me it’s being the beacon and being able to act when there are obvious signs, when talking to someone who may well be suffering on the inside but doesn’t know how or won’t cry for help!”
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in this episode Haze Carver is chatting to Lorraine Bliss, MBE and CEO of St Edmunds Society.
Lorraine is heading up a dedicated, passionate team at St Edmunds Society. St Ed’s are the Leading provider of employability skills for young people, providing support for young people living in poverty and struggling with mainstream school.
Lorraine talks about the difficulties, challenges, and wonderful successes that every student at St Ed’s faces and goes through. From the challenges of funding, and donated kitchens for the students to fit, to their recent awards ceremony earlier this year at The Halls in Norwich, Loraine’s determination and passion for her resilient students shines – she remembers every student and each and every story.
Since recording the podcast we are thrilled that St Ed’s won at the recent CSJ Awards! Enormous Co.ngratulations to Lorraine and everyone at the St Ed’s family!
You can listen to the full podcast below
Short on time? Listen to the bitesize Co.next version here
St Edmunds Society are a Norwich-based charity, offering vocational training and employability skills training to young people aged 16-18 (or up to 25 if you have an EHCP). We work with tutors and in partnership with industry experts, to give young people the skills and experience to build their future.
Jordan talks to Haze about Curlyworm’s beginnings in 2019, keeping it going through covid when she lost all her income overnight, up to building her agency from a 5 figure turnover in 2 years to the point where she is bringing in someone else to join the team.
If you missed Jordan’s workshop at our recent flagship B2B event, then listen in to this brilliant podcast to find out more about female empowerment, job titles with a twist, and working your socks off as a family-run business.
We’re proud anti-hustlers
You won’t find us bragging about being part of the “5am club” in fact, we love a good lie-in. Curlyworm Creative was founded to give us the freedom to live life on our terms. And that’s exactly what we do for our clients. Hell, we’ve even helped people give up their 9-5s, all through our awesome content.
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in this episode Haze Carver is talking to Thomas Panton, CEO & sustainability expert at Canopey.com (formerly Greenr).
“Your home for better buying. Quantified impact data, ethical brands, better impact products. Fight back against the big-boy polluters, it’s time to Bin B*zos and Buy Better.”
Thomas is CEO and resident sustainability veteran at Canopey, having worked in the industry for a decade with organisations like Greenpeace UK and Surfers Against Sewage. As a previous startup founder, Climate Change MSc student, and LinkedIn Top Green Voice, Thomas is Canopey’s lucky volunteer when it comes to speaking at events, and talks to Haze on all things sustainable – from crowdfunding, angel investors, hot summers to how perfectionism often hinders the progress we need to make in the climate change movement.
Thomas Panton is an experienced speaker for the London Speaker Bureau in the environment sector, spending his time educating, inspiring, and engaging different audiences to begin their journey to become more sustainable. He also talks about mental health in high pressure roles, and advises other founders on wellbeing and making tough decisions.
We’re proud to have Thomas as a Business Climate Leader for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Thomas is Co-creator of The Topic, with Nadiah Arif. A podcast that talks about everything from climate change to human rights, raising awareness on these important issues and educating people on how to get more involved in challenging the status quo.
He is also Founder of Festovers, upcycling leftover consumer waste. One of IQ Mag’s Green Guardians. BBC Oxford’s expert on festival tent waste and sustainability.
We’re not just building a shopping platform, we’re building a community of people and brands that want to create a greener future.
We want to make it easier for everyone to shop more ethically and become a platform that educates people on sustainability issues so they can learn how to create the change they want to see. Our vision is to make sustainable living, living.
Good value, better values
We’re not just about making shopping more ethical: better values are at the core of everything we do. From creating a diverse and talented team, to ensuring our marketing is accessible.
Welcome to the Norfolk Chambers podcast, in this episode Haze Carver is with Izzy Lerpiniere | East Norfolk Sixth Form College.
This week’s podcast is with Izzy Lerpiniere, High Schools and Alumni Coordinator at East Norfolk Sixth Form in Gorleston, a top performing sixth form for Great Yarmouth & Waveney.
Izzy coordinated the Eco-Schools campaign for the college, completing the project and application work, and achieved their Green Flag accreditation with a distinction!
“We are an education provider, so funding and regulations are governed by external organisations, however we have the power of lots of young people who hold sustainability a priority – and we are able to harness this and use it in our sustainability strive.”
With her new role as High Schools Coordinator, Izzy talks about her hope to run sustainability workshops with high school students, and is also keen to do more sustainability engagement with primary schools, through working with our Schools & Community Champion.
Izzy is also working with the UKSSN (UK Schools for Sustainability Network) and is involved with our Business Climate Leaders programme – You can view Izzy’s profile here
Listen to the full podcast below
Short on time? Why not listen to Izzy’s advice for under 35s below
Stress Awareness Month falls on April every year since 1992. This month is to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. Find out more about Stress Awareness Month here
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF STRESS?
Stress is a body’s reaction to a negative change in a person’s life. Our bodies react to life situations very differently and when negative, unexpected situation arises we all respond very differently. Some can cope whereas others may feel completely lost, under pressure and having very little control over the dilemma. The impact of stress may result into temporary (or long term) mental health problems and emotional turmoil. Examples of stress symptoms include unable to concentrate, panic attacks, breathing problems, crying and lack of sleep.
The cause of stress could be due to a number of things such as a breakdown in relationship, money problems, bereavement, exams, being bullied and being over worked.
Stress can impact work, friends and family.
HOW TO MANAGE STRESS
All employers have come across the issue of a stressed employees due to work place or personal issues at home. So what can an employer do to help?
Talk to your employees. Get your employees to open up and talk. If the employee does not want to talk – encourage them to seek GP advise. Some organisations offer an employee assistance program (telephone support). Such program assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems.
There are a few reputable organisations who offer employers and employees support with stress (telephone and website) such as www.mind.org.uk and www.samaritans.org .
Talk through stress busters such as exercise. Exercising can help reduce tension and stress whilst releasing positive mental endorphins. Exercise can also help with self esteem and may help employee to sleep better.
Healthy eating is also another good option to explore with your employee. Healthy Eating is key. A well balance diet and getting the right nutrients to stay healthy is fundamental.
If the employee is stressed with work, encourage the employee to take regular breaks. Set smaller and more achievable targets so that they are in control of their work. Put a performance plan in place so the employee can focus on key tasks.
Encourage the employee to take a break away from work – perhaps focus on a short holiday, a couple of days away from the office, a change of scenery.
This year, the charity ‘Mind’ is encouraging employers to create a ‘stress awareness space’ at work so staff can share their thoughts and feelings about what makes them stressed. Trial this and see if staff can open up. The aim is by sharing information employees maybe able to get some great support and tips.
If you have any questions in regards to stress in the workplace please call us on 0333 240 7208 or contact us today.
