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Norfolk Chambers visit Place UK

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Earlier in June, we were delighted to host a North Norfolk Chambers of Commerce networking evening right here on our farm! 
The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce help to bring local businesses together, sparking ideas and turning conversations into opportunities – it is fantastic to be a part of it.
We loved sharing a glimpse into our world, from the produce we grow to over 70 years of farming heritage, alongside our commitment to sustainable practices and supporting our local community.
💚 It was a brilliant evening filled with meaningful conversations and new connections – thank you to everyone who joined us!

What Norfolk’s Event Scene Can Teach Us About Community, Creativity and Showing Up

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When we launched Norfolk Events, the ambition was
straightforward: build a free, easy-to-use platform that helped people across
Norfolk find things to do. What we didn’t fully anticipate was what the
platform would teach us about the county itself.

A year in, with over 200 organisers, 1,000+ events, and a
growing audience of thousands of monthly users, the picture that’s emerged is
one of a county far more creative, connected and community-minded than it’s
often given credit for. And there are lessons in that for every business in
Norfolk and not just those running events.

Community is the product

One of the most consistent themes we’ve encountered through
our Wednesday Wisdom series – where we speak to creators, marketers and event
professionals across the county is that the best events aren’t selling an
experience. They’re creating belonging. Laura
Francis, the creator behind @dinky_in_norfolk,
describes her philosophy as helping families and visitors discover places that
feel genuinely special, championing local businesses and proving that you don’t
need to travel far to find magic. That’s not event management, that’s community
building with an event as the vehicle.

For businesses, the parallel is direct. Your events,
whatever form they take, are an opportunity to create a sense of belonging
around your brand. The people who feel part of something come back. The people
who feel like customers often don’t.

Authenticity travels further than production value

Norfolk’s event scene is rich with examples of low-budget,
high-impact gatherings that punch well above their weight because they’re
rooted in something genuine. A local food market with a compelling story about
its producers. An art exhibition where the artist is present and talks to
visitors. A community run that feels less like a race and more like a
celebration of a place.

The insight for businesses is that people are increasingly
good at detecting when something is produced for optics versus when it’s
created from genuine enthusiasm. In a world of increasingly polished content,
authenticity is the differentiator. Events are one of the few remaining spaces
where that authenticity can be felt, not just communicated.

Norfolk’s geography is a strength, not a limitation

A common assumption is that Norfolk’s relative isolation
from major urban centres is a barrier to building a thriving events culture.
The evidence suggests the opposite. Because people here are more likely to seek
out local experiences rather than travelling to London or beyond, there’s a
deeply loyal and engaged audience for well-run local events.

Businesses that recognise this and invest in being part of
their local community through events, partnerships and presence – are building
something that national competitors simply can’t replicate: genuine roots.

The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has long championed the idea
that local businesses supporting each other creates an ecosystem stronger than
the sum of its parts. Events are one of the most visible and powerful
expressions of that principle in action. Show up for your community, and your
community will show up for you.

Norfolk Events is a free discovery platform listing
1,000+ events across Norfolk. Wednesday Wisdom – the platform’s thought
leadership series featuring insights from Norfolk’s creative and business
community – is published available here – News – Norfolk Events 

Join The Benjamin Foundation Board of Trustees

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Join Our Board
of Trustees

 

We are
seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our
organisation toward a brighter future!

 

v  Have you got the skills to
help The Benjamin Foundation provide positive outcomes for children, young
people and families across East Anglia?

 

v  Are you passionate about
supporting children, young people and families in need?

 

v  Do you believe in the power of
positive relationships and resilience?

 

We are looking for Trustees who can
bring fresh perspectives, strategic insight, and a passion for social change.
Ideal candidates will have experience in one of the following areas:
fundraising, early years education, youth work, social enterprise, mental
health or safeguarding, and a commitment to our mission and values.

 

We are always pleased to hear from
individuals with lived experience of issues that the charity seeks to support
such as youth homelessness, mental health, special educational needs or
disabilities.

 

This is a volunteer role offered on a
three-year term, with the possibility of extending for an additional three
years. Trustees are expected to attend meetings every 6 weeks in the evening.
The meetings are held at our head office in Norwich, but we understand that
flexibility is important and occasional virtual attendance can be arranged.

 

The Benjamin
Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young
people. An enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.

 

The Benjamin
Foundation embeds the Nurtured Heart Approach ® which creates strong and
improved relationships by focusing on positive behaviour rather than energising
negativity, providing clear rules and consequences, creating an environment in
which people thrive.

 

To learn more about this exciting
opportunity and how you can contribute to our cause, visit www.benjaminfoundation.co.uk or contact [email protected]. We can
easily set up an informal chat with our CEO or our Chair of Trustees if you
want to find out more.

Discover GreenAcres Colney Park: A Living Memorial Park in the Heart of Norfolk

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Discover GreenAcres Colney Park: A Living Memorial Park in the Heart of Norfolk

Set within beautiful natural surroundings on the outskirts of Norwich, GreenAcres Colney Park is a place where nature, remembrance and connection come together.

As one of GreenAcres’ Living Memorial Parks, Colney Park offers families a peaceful alternative to traditional cemeteries. Here, carefully maintained landscapes, mature trees and changing seasons create a place that feels alive, welcoming and full of natural beauty throughout the year.

Whether you are planning ahead, exploring memorial options for a loved one, or simply looking for a place to reflect, Colney Park provides a setting designed to support families long after a funeral has taken place.

What is a Living Memorial Park?

A Living Memorial Park is more than a final resting place.

Unlike traditional cemeteries, our Parks are designed to be enjoyed, visited and experienced throughout the seasons. They are places where families can walk, reflect, remember and reconnect with loved ones in beautiful natural surroundings.

At Colney Park, nature plays an important role in creating a sense of comfort and connection. From the first signs of spring growth to the rich colours of autumn, the landscape changes throughout the year, providing a living reminder that life continues and memories remain.

A Place for Remembrance and Reflection

Everyone experiences grief differently, which is why we believe remembrance should be personal.

Many families visit Colney Park to spend quiet time in nature, celebrate anniversaries, share memories, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through the grounds. Others find comfort in returning regularly as part of their own personal rituals of remembrance.

Our Park provides space for these moments, offering a calm and welcoming environment where families can reflect in their own way and at their own pace.

Memorial Options at Colney Park

Colney Park offers a range of memorial options to suit different wishes and preferences.

Families can choose from burial and ashes interment options set within thoughtfully designed natural surroundings. Our dedicated team is always available to guide families through the choices available and help them find an option that feels right for them.

For those wishing to plan ahead, we also offer the opportunity to make arrangements in advance, providing peace of mind for the future.

Designed Around Nature

Nature is at the heart of everything we do.

Throughout the Park, carefully managed landscapes, mature trees and seasonal planting create a beautiful environment that can be enjoyed all year round. The Park is designed not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a place to pause, breathe and reconnect with the natural world.

Many visitors tell us that spending time in nature helps them feel closer to loved ones while also bringing a sense of peace and perspective.

Visit Colney Park

The best way to experience Colney Park is to visit in person.

Whether you are considering memorial options, planning ahead, or simply curious about what makes a Living Memorial Park different, we would be delighted to welcome you.

Arrange a visit, take a walk through the Park and discover how GreenAcres Colney Park offers a unique place for remembrance, reflection and connection in the heart of Norfolk.

To learn more or book a show round, contact our friendly team today. – Contact Us – GreenAcres Group

Talking ESG in health and care: Nature’s impact across acute, mental health and community

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This is the third instalment of our Talking ESG – ESG in the health and care sector. 

Your host, Jill Mason, is joined by Tania Richards (senior policy adviser at Mills & Reeve), Helen Neave (co-founder and director of Make It Wild), Johnny Shah (director of Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals) and Amanda Sellers (former operations director at Cygnet).

They discuss the Wildlife and Countryside Link report, which called for green social prescribing and equitable access to nature to be widely adopted for the prevention of ill health, and how this fits in with the NHS 10-year plan.

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Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.

ACG CleanTech Showcase 2026 brings investors, innovators and advisers together at Hethel Engineering Centre

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Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money
you invest.
This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if
something goes wrong.
Take 2 minutes to learn more: https://www.angliacapitalgroup.co.uk/investor-risk 

On 30 April 2026, ACG hosted its sell-out CleanTech Showcase 2026 in partnership with Hethel Innovation and supported by Connected Innovation at the Hethel Engineering Centre in Norfolk, bringing together professionals, industry experts and decision-makers to explore the opportunities emerging across the CleanTech landscape.


What we heard

  • Insight-led discussion: presentations and panel conversations focused on where CleanTech innovation is gaining momentum—and what’s needed to commercialise and scale.

  • Innovation showcases: a series of presentations and case studies highlighting regional businesses applying technology to energy, carbon reduction and resource efficiency.

  • Capital and growth perspectives: practical reflections on funding pathways, partnership models and the role of strategic capital in accelerating deployment.

  • Connections that count: high-quality networking across founders, advisers and investors—creating new conversations and follow-up opportunities beyond the room.


CleanTech East: Building a regional cluster


Fiona Lettice, Emeritus Professor of Innovation Management – UEA, introduced CleanTech East—a new sector cluster designed to connect businesses, researchers, investors and the public sector to accelerate innovation and knowledge transfer. She set out the vision for its base at Scottow Enterprise Park, targeting early pilots and collaboration across areas including waste-to-energy, battery storage, low-carbon production, data centre decarbonisation and sustainable aviation.


Keynote: Sustainable Development Goals as market signals


In his keynote, Johnathan Reynolds (Opergy) reframed the UN Sustainable Development Goals as market signals shaping policy, capital and customer demand. He urged the region to seize the East of England’s strengths as an investable CleanTech geography—and to focus on what investors back: clear market timing, credible routes to revenue and a team that can deliver.


Panel: From prototype to commercial reality


The panel discussion explored what it really takes to move CleanTech from promising prototypes into bankable, deployable solutions. Panellists shared practical perspectives on proving demand, running pilots, building partnerships and navigating the funding and procurement hurdles that often sit between innovation and repeatable commercial rollout. With thanks to the panellists:

 

Johnathan Reynolds – Managing Director, Opergy – Panel Chair

Saffron Myhill – Low Carbon Innovation Fund Manager

Steven Wilson – Head of Innovation, Business Engagement and Inward Investment, Freeport East

Peter Kinsley – Innovation Manager, ORE Catapult

John Farley – Co-Founder, iBoxit



Thank you to our partners and participants


We’re grateful to Hethel Innovation for partnering with us on the CleanTech Showcase and to everyone who joined us to share ideas, challenge assumptions and build new connections. Events like this work because of the energy in the room—from speakers and showcasing companies to the investors and advisers leaning in to support the next stage of growth.


Get involved


If you’d like to be involved in future ACG sector showcases—whether as a speaker, a showcasing business or an attendee—please get in touch with the ACG team at [email protected] You can also keep an eye on our events programme for upcoming dates and themes.


Capital at risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Peerless Plastics & Coatings Hosts Manufacturing Innovation Conference Focused on Skills, Digitisation & Sustainability

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Peerless Plastics & Coatings Hosts Manufacturing Innovation Conference Focused on Skills, Digitisation & Sustainability

Peerless Plastics & Coatings recently welcomed customers, partners, and industry professionals to our latest manufacturing conference and factory event — bringing together experts from across the UK manufacturing sector to discuss some of the most important topics shaping the future of industry.

The event focused on four key themes:

  • • Developing the future manufacturing workforce
  • • Practical digitisation and AI adoption
  • • Funding and support for SME manufacturers
  • • Sustainable product design through advanced hard coatings

Following the presentations, guests were invited on a guided factory tour of our facilities, before finishing the day with a live collaborative robotics demonstration from igus UK.

Supporting the Future Manufacturing Workforce

Our first guest speaker, Will Bridgman from Warren, delivered an insightful presentation on apprenticeships, workforce development, and the future challenges facing UK manufacturing businesses.

Will discussed the importance of investing in people, developing practical skills, and creating long-term career opportunities within the manufacturing sector. The presentation highlighted how apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in building sustainable businesses and helping manufacturers address ongoing skills shortages.

The session also explored how the next generation of manufacturing professionals will increasingly require a blend of traditional engineering knowledge alongside digital and technological capabilities.

Practical Digitisation & AI for Manufacturers

Jason Mashinchi from Cambridge Kinetics then provided a highly practical and engaging presentation on business digitisation, data analysis, and integrating AI into manufacturing operations.

Rather than focusing on complex theory, Jason demonstrated how SME manufacturers can take realistic, achievable steps towards digitisation by:

  • • Understanding and analysing operational data
  • • Improving visibility across business processes
  • • Introducing automation gradually
  • • Identifying areas where AI can improve efficiency and decision-making

The session reinforced an important message for manufacturers:
digitisation and AI are no longer future concepts — they are becoming essential tools for improving competitiveness, productivity, and operational performance.

Funding & Support Available for SME Manufacturers

James Williamson from Made Smarter East of England spoke about the support programmes, advice, and funding opportunities available to help UK manufacturers adopt digital technologies and automation.

The presentation gave attendees valuable insight into how organisations like Made Smarter are helping SME manufacturers overcome common barriers to digital transformation, including:

  • • Access to funding
  • • Technology adoption
  • • Skills development
  • • Automation support
  • • Digital strategy planning

For many businesses attending, this session highlighted practical routes to modernisation that are both achievable and financially accessible.

Hard Coatings, Product Protection & Sustainability

Peerless Plastics & Coatings’ own Peter Llewellyn-Stamp delivered a presentation focused on the benefits of hard coating plastic components and the role advanced coatings can play in improving both product performance and sustainability.

Peter explained how protective hard coatings help:

  • • Extend product lifespan
  • • Improve abrasion and chemical resistance
  • • Enhance durability in demanding environments
  • • Reduce replacement frequency and material waste

The presentation also explored how longer-lasting coated plastic products can contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices by reducing lifecycle waste and improving long-term product performance.

Showcasing Our Manufacturing Capabilities

After the conference presentations, guests were invited to take part in a guided tour of the Peerless Plastics & Coatings facility.

The tour provided attendees with the opportunity to see first-hand the wide range of services we offer, including:

  • • Protective hard coatings
  • • Injection moulding
  • • CNC machining and fabrication
  • • Large format digital printing
  • • High-accuracy finishing and assembly

Visitors were also able to see examples of the high-quality work produced across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial, retail, rail, and electronics sectors.

Collaborative Robotics Demonstration from igus UK

The event concluded with a live demonstration from the team at igus UK, showcasing how affordable and accessible collaborative robots (cobots) are becoming for SME manufacturers.

The demonstration highlighted how automation solutions can now be implemented cost-effectively to improve:

  • • Repetitive manufacturing tasks
  • • Process consistency
  • • Productivity
  • • Workforce efficiency

The session generated significant interest amongst attendees and reinforced the growing role that practical automation will play within the future of UK manufacturing.

Bringing Industry Together

The event was a fantastic opportunity to bring together professionals from across manufacturing to share ideas, discuss challenges, and explore practical solutions for the future.

At Peerless Plastics & Coatings, we are passionate about supporting innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing sector — whether through advanced coatings technology, sustainable product development, or embracing modern manufacturing solutions.

We would like to thank all of our guest speakers, attendees, and partners for contributing to such a successful and insightful event.

We look forward to hosting future events and continuing the conversation around innovation, sustainability, skills, and technology in UK manufacturing.

Interested in Learning More?

To learn more about Peerless Plastics & Coatings and our services, please visit our website or contact our team directly.

#Manufacturing #UKManufacturing #Innovation #Sustainability #Digitisation #AI #Automation #Engineering #HardCoatings #Plastics #Industry40 #MadeSmarter #Cobots

NARS Netwalking Event

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Join us for our first ever Netwalking event!

Start the day with a spring in your step, connecting with your local business community with a gentle walk around beautiful Whitlingham Lake.

This will be followed by breakfast and coffee at Flint Barn Cafe for anyone who would like to stay on (not included in ticket price).

All proceeds from the event will go towards our lifesaving work. We hope to see you there!

Important info:

  • Please arrive for 8am – there will be a short intro from NARS before the walk begins
  • We will be meeting at the Flint Barn car park
  • The walk will take around 45minutes to an hour
  • Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome
  • Your tickets price includes a NARS goodie bag which will be given to you at the end of the event
  • We will be hosting a raffle post-walk for anyone who would like to buy tickets
  • There are multiple ticketed car parks available for those who are driving

College of West Anglia students explore foraging and sustainable cooking with Artemisia

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Level One hospitality and catering students explored the connection between nature and food during a unique cooking experience. Led by the team from Artemisia, a community interest company specialising in plant knowledge and herbal education.

Students took part in a guided foraging session, where members of the Artemisia team introduced them to a variety of edible plants growing in the woodland. Students learned how to safely identify different species and understand their culinary uses.

Led by Jo, Katy, and Penny from the Artemisia team, learners had the opportunity to discover common plants and ingredients. As well as gaining a deeper understanding of the knowledge and care needed to forage safely.

Alongside the practical skills, the group also learnt more about the legal side of foraging, including legislation around uprooting plants and Schedule 8 species, which are protected.

After gathering selected plants, students returned to the College, where they used the ingredients in the production kitchen to prepare a range of dishes inspired by the plants they had discovered.

The experiences gave students the opportunity to see how locally sourced and foraged ingredients can be incorporated into modern cooking, while also highlighting the importance of sustainability and a deeper connection to food sources.

Artemisia, founded in 2022, works to help communities access knowledge about plant medicine, cultivation and sustainable environmental practices. The organisation aims to empower people to take responsibility for their health and local environment while building practical skills and understanding around plants.

Adam Burns, Course Director, said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn directly from experienced foragers and develop their knowledge in such a practical and engaging setting. Experiences like this help bring learning to life, build confidence and encourage students to think differently about the natural world around them.”

Katy Fulillove, herbalist and director of Artemisia, added, “We are really excited to be working with the College of West Anglia on this! As well as adding a raft of interesting flavours, textures and colours to our plates, learning how to identify and prepare wild food and medicine is hugely beneficial for health. Getting out in nature and harvesting seasonally encourages us to observe changes in the landscape as the year goes on, which is great for wellbeing. It really connects us with the ecosystems around us and helps safeguard our wild spaces, as when people understand the importance of what is growing locally, they are more likely to forage sensitively and protect habitats from harm.”

The hands-on experience created a valuable opportunity for learners to gain knowledge and confidence through practical learning sessions. As well as enabling them to deepen their understanding of the relationship between food, nature and sustainability.

Networking Outdoors in Nature – Netwalking

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Norwich Networking & Social Club

Netwalking in Whitlingham

🗓 Friday 1st May
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Whitlingham Country Park (Meet in the Flint Barn Car Park)
📍 what3words: wings.patio.tracks
☕ Coffee afterwards at Flint Barn Farm

A healthy way to network… Come and meet professionals from across Norfolk whilst getting your steps in, being in nature and breathing fresh air in your lungs!

At this event you’ll meet professionals from various industries, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain fresh perspectives, or simply step away from your desk, Netwalking offers an enjoyable way to make friends, connect and grow.

Our circular walk will start at Flint Barn Cafe and will circle back there for coffee and further networking.

Walk information:

  • Dress – Casual walking clothes
  • Distance – Approx 3 miles
  • Meet on the grass close to Flint Barn Cafe (car park side of building)
  • Level of Difficulty – Easy walk at your pace
  • Friendly dogs on leads are welcome (please bring dog bags/treats)

Your walk leader will be Stacy Bradley.

🚗 Parking: Whitlingham car parks operate charges apply. For free parking you can park along Whitlingham Lane and walk in — please check signage and park considerately.

Car park fees:
Up to 1 hour: £2
Up to 2 hours: £3.10
Up to 4 hours: £4.50
All day: £6

RSVP to secure your spot.

Let’s build an incredible community together in Norwich!

Launch Event!

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You are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the launch of the collaboration between Swaffham & District Mental Health Association and Ness M Care Services.
This event marks the beginning of a partnership aimed at strengthening community support and improving access to care and wellbeing services in Swaffham.
Swaffham & District Mental Health Association offers a social day care service for people living with social isolation and mental health problems, while Ness M Care Services is a nurse led company that provides specialised home-based care designed to give people the option to be cared for in the comfort of their own home. By combining expertise and resources, we aim to deliver more coordinated, responsive, and sustainable support in response to increasing community needs.
The celebration will be an opportunity to meet the teams involved, learn more about the services that will be offered through this partnership, and connect with others who are passionate about supporting the community.
Your presence would mean a great deal to us as we mark this important milestone together.

See what’s coming up at Buy Local Norfolk

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View our upcoming networking events:

Thurs 9th April at 1pm: Virtual Networking with Mark White – Making LinkedIn the place you want to be. 

Tues 21 Apr at 10.30am: In-Person Networking Cromer Pier Theatre Tour

Wed 13 May at 11am: Virtual Networking Business Clinic

Thurs 21 May at 6.30pm: In-person Networking and AGM with NARS – The George Hotel, Dereham

9th June at 12.30pm: Virtual Networking with Kate Anderson: Being Image Smart

Wed 17th June at 10am: In-person Networking Exclusive Behind the scenes tour with PSH Environmental

Thurs 07 Jul at 1pm: Virtual Business Clinic 

Buy Local Norfolk is a dynamic social enterprise on a mission to shine a spotlight on the remarkable sustainability, diversity, and community champions that call this vibrant county home. Our members are the beating heart of Norfolk – local businesses that are driven by a shared vision for a brighter, more prosperous future for all who live, work, and play here.