Keeping Abreast is a UK charity dedicated to supporting people considering or recovering from breast reconstruction following breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery. The charity provides emotional, practical, and informational support to help individuals make informed decisions about their bodies and feel confident throughout their reconstruction journey.
Through peer support sessions, a Helpline, and a Buddy Service, Keeping Abreast connects people with trained volunteers who have lived experience of reconstruction, offering reassurance and understanding at a vulnerable time. The charity also provides Pink Information Packs and post-surgery Comfort and Care Bags, giving patients accessible information and practical items to support recovery.
Founded nearly 20 years ago by breast cancer nurses, Keeping Abreast works closely with hospitals, healthcare professionals, and cancer support organisations. Its services complement clinical care by offering a compassionate, community-based network of support, ensuring no one faces breast reconstruction alone.
HelloHorizon is a Norwich-based web and software development studio
working with small and medium-sized businesses across the UK. We design
and build websites, internal systems, and AI automations that reduce manual
work and help businesses generate more consistent enquiries.
Our work focuses on practical outcomes and solutions rather than just pretty design. That includes custom website builds, internal software systems, CRM and data integrations, and AI-driven automation where it
genuinely adds value. We often work with businesses that have outgrown
off-the-shelf tools and need systems and websites tailored to how they actually
operate.
Clients choose HelloHorizon for clear communication,
straightforward advice, and solutions built to scale without unnecessary
complexity.
Despite the rise of social media recruiting and AI tools,
traditional job boards are still playing a key role in connecting employers
with active job seekers.
The challenge isn’t reach – it’s managing application
quality. Clear, optimised job adverts, targeted placement, and multi-board
strategies can make a big difference in attracting the right candidates.
In our latest blog, we explore why traditional job boards
still matter and how to use them more strategically.
The Government has confirmed that, from April 2026, two
significant reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) are expected to come into
force.
If you’re
an employer, it’s important to understand what these changes mean in practice
not only for your employees, but also for your policies, budgets, and
compliance obligations. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key
changes, what they mean for your business, and how Stallard Kane’s HR team will
support you every step of the way.
What are the two key changes?
1. SSP
will be payable from Day 1 of sickness absence
Currently, employees are only
eligible to receive SSP from the fourth qualifying day of sickness absence; the
first three days are unpaid, unless the employee qualifies for enhanced sick
pay.
Under the new legislation, the
three-day waiting period will be removed, and SSP will become a ‘Day 1’
entitlement. This means it will be paid from the first qualifying day of
sickness absence (provided eligibility criteria are met).
2. The
Lower Earnings Limit will be removed
At present, an employee must earn
at least the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL), currently £123 per week (2025/26
rate), to qualify for SSP.
From
April 2026 this minimum earnings threshold will be abolished. This means that
all employees, regardless of how much they earn, will be eligible for SSP if
they meet the other qualifying conditions (such as being classed as an employee
and being off work due to illness for at least four consecutive calendar
days).
What do these changes mean for me as an employer?
These reforms represent a shift
in both cost and administration for employers. Here’s what to consider:
Increased sick pay liability: employers
will potentially pay more in SSP, as it will begin from Day 1 of absence
rather than Day 4
More employees will qualify: with the LEL
removed, even those working limited hours or on very low incomes who were
previously ineligible will now be entitled to SSP
Greater emphasis on absence management:
employers will need to ensure that absence reporting procedures are
robust, as accurate records will be crucial for compliance and payroll.
Prompt and clear recording of the start date of absence is essential to ensure
SSP is paid correctly from Day 1.
Possible impact on Enhanced Sick Pay
schemes: if you offer contractual sick pay, the interaction between
enhanced policies and the new SSP rules should be reviewed; policies may
need to be realigned to ensure they are not inadvertently overpaying or
duplicating entitlement
What should I do to prepare?
Although these changes aren’t due
until April 2026, early preparation is key. Here are the practical steps
employers should begin taking now:
Equip managers with the knowledge and
tools to handle SSP queries, report absences correctly, and understand the
updated entitlement criteria
Include absence management in your ongoing
compliance training
How will Stallard Kane support me?
At Stallard Kane, we know that
employment law updates can quickly become a burden for busy businesses. That’s
why our HR team is already preparing the tools, templates, and support you’ll
need to navigate the 2026 SSP reforms with confidence.
We’ll ensure your absence, sick
pay, and employee conduct policies are fully compliant with the new SSP rules
and tailored to your business context, leaving you free to focus on running
your business.
Click here to learn more about Everywhen’s
range of risk solutions
We are proud to offer Pet First Aid training open for pet owners and those working with pets.
This course is ideal for:
🐶 Dog walkers
🐕 Pet sitters
✂️ Groomers
🏡 Kennel and cattery staff
🐾 Animal daycare staff
🎓 Students studying animal care
👩⚕️ Veterinary assistants
🐕🦺 Rescue and rehoming volunteers
❤️ Pet owners who want to be prepared What you’ll learn:
• How to assess a pet in an emergency
• CPR for dogs and cats
• How to deal with choking, bleeding, burns and shock
• Recognising signs of illness or injury
• Safe handling and transportation of injured animals
✔ Certified Level 2 course
✔ Practical, easy-to-follow training
✔ Gain confidence to act quickly in an emergency
This week’s announcements signal a clear shift in apprenticeships: – Less funding focused purely on people management pathways – More emphasis on practical, role-based capability But this doesn’t mean apprenticeships are losing their value. In fact, it’s an opportunity to rethink how you develop your workforce. FENews have recently reported, “Ministers are concerned about spiralling numbers of expensive higher-level apprenticeships being taken up by older workers, while starts at lower levels and among young people have crashed. Apprenticeships in leadership and management quickly emerged as likely targets.” Leadership hasn’t disappeared — it’s just being built differently: – Through delivery – Through problem-solving – Through real, on-the-job impact So what are the alternatives worth considering? If the role is about: 👇
– Keeping things organised and supporting teams Consider: Business Administrator Level 3 A strong foundation for coordination, communication, and early leadership – Fixing problems and improving performance Consider: Improvement Technician Level 3 Ideal for operational environments focused on efficiency and results – Leading through customer experience Consider: Customer Service Specialist Level 3 Great for developing senior team members who guide others – Supporting learning (Education only) Consider: Teaching Assistant Level 3 What if the focus is change and improvement? – Analysing and redesigning work Consider: Business Analyst Level 4 – Delivering projects and change Consider: Associate Project Manager Level 4 For many employers, this is a practical alternative to Level 5 management standards When does Associate Project Manager work best? – When roles focus on delivery, projects, or transformation – When coordination across teams is key – When outcomes matter more than hierarchy – Less suitable for heavily HR-focused roles or large-scale people management A key shift to understand We’re moving from: “Managing people” to: “Delivering outcomes, improving performance, and leading change” The bottom line? There may be fewer funded options focused purely on leadership and people management… …but there are still powerful ways to build those skills. At Swarm Training, we help employers combine: – Apprenticeships – Short leadership programmes – On-the-job development So your teams don’t just learn — they perform and grow. If you’re reviewing your apprenticeship strategy right now, let’s talk on – 0800 0868199
This session is a clear, plain English update on what’s changing and what you need to do next. We’ll focus on practical actions rather than theory, helping you understand how to stay compliant without unnecessary complexity.
You’ll leave with a straightforward plan to reduce risk and strengthen your security posture.
Who is this session for?
This session is ideal if you want to make sure, you’re fully up to speed with the latest Cyber Essentials changes, or if you’re responsible for ensuring the business stays compliant and secure. It’s especially useful for anyone who wants clarity on what’s expected — and confidence that they’re staying ahead of the changes.
What should you expect?
A plain‑English breakdown of the latest Cyber Essentials
Clarity on what’s actually changing, and what those changes mean for your organisation
A focus on real‑world actions, not theory, so you know exactly what to prioritise.
Guidance on how to stay compliant without adding complexity or creating extra admin.
A simple, straightforward next‑steps plan to help you reduce risk and strengthen your overall security posture.
Robert Sears | High-Performance Coach & Sports Therapist
I’ve spent over 22 years helping people move better, perform better, and push beyond what they thought was possible.
Based in Norwich, I work as an international personal trainer, sports therapist, and running and triathlon coach. I work with a wide range of people—from first-time parkrunners to athletes competing at European and World Championship level, as well as elite performers and West End theatre professionals.
My approach is simple: no gimmicks, no shortcuts—just proven systems, precision coaching, and hands-on therapy that delivers real results.
I work both in person and online, helping people build strong, resilient bodies that can perform under pressure—whether that’s completing a first race or competing on the world stage.
I’ve been back in Norwich for 10 years, and I’ve often been described as one of the city’s best kept secrets. That’s about to change!
Put Your Brand At The Heart Of Norfolk Business:
Sponsor An EDP Business Awards Category
The Eastern Daily Press Business Awards is Norfolk’s biggest business event of the year, celebrating the companies, leaders and
innovators who make our region such a vibrant place to live and work. Category
sponsorship is a powerful way for your organisation to align with local success
and put your brand in front of the county’s most ambitious businesses.
Why sponsor a category?
Category sponsorship gives you much more than just a
logo on the night. It’s a 9 month profile opportunity that can help you:
Build brand visibility
across print, digital and social channels
Position your
organisation as a champion of a particular theme (such as growth,
innovation or sustainability)
Connect with decision
makers at shortlisted and winning businesses
Demonstrate your
commitment to Norfolk and its economic success
Sponsors typically benefit from branding, PR and
networking opportunities before, during and after the awards, helping you reach
both existing and new audiences in a meaningful way.
High impact categories available
A range of category sponsorship opportunities are
available, including:
Start Up Business of the Year
Small Business of the Year
Medium Business of the Year
Businessperson of the Year
Environmental and Sustainability Award
Growth Business of the Year
Each category offers a chance to associate your brand
with a specific story – whether that’s backing early-stage innovation,
supporting smaller firms, recognising inspirational leaders or championing
green business.
What sponsors receive
Prominent branding
across awards marketing, in print and online
Visibility in EDP
coverage before, during and after the awards
Involvement in
judging for your sponsored category
On‑stage presence at the
ceremony, including presenting the category trophy
A practical way to
engage with and support the Norfolk business community, especially for
Chamber members
Register your interest
If you’re interested in exploring category sponsorship
options for the next EDP Business Awards, please get in touch to discuss
availability, packages and how best to align your brand with the awards.
To find out more and register your interest, visit:
www.edpbusinessawards.co.uk
and navigate to the sponsorship section or contact the EDP Business Awards team
directly @:
Mactech Energy Group – Experts in Energy Workforce Solutions. Founded in 1986, Mactech Energy Group is a leading provider of workforce, planning, and project solutions to the nuclear and complex regulated industries. With over 37 years of sector experience, we support clients across the full project lifecycle — from new build and construction to operations, outages, and decommissioning. Our Mission is to empower the nuclear and energy sectors with trusted, compliant, and high-quality workforce solutions that enable safe, efficient, and successful project delivery. Sectors We Support • Nuclear Energy (New Build, Operations, Decommissioning) • Renewable & Low Carbon Energy • Defence & Complex Regulated Environments
Helping businesses take control of their energy costs
Turning energy from a cost into a commercial opportunity
About Conserve Energy
Conserve Energy is a specialist energy consultancy focused on reducing costs and creating new revenue opportunities through smarter energy strategies.
We work with commercial and industrial clients, landowners, and developers to optimise how energy is bought, used, and sold — with a particular focus on unlocking value from on-site and local generation. Whether clients require straightforward contract support or more advanced energy solutions, we tailor our approach to match their objectives. Our expertise spans traditional procurement through to advanced solutions such as peer-to-peer sleeving arrangements, enabling clients to: Reduce exposure to volatile wholesale markets Increase returns from renewable generation Connect local supply with local demand Create long-term, stable energy pricing structures With over 30 years of industry experience and involvement in more than 4GW of renewable energy projects, we combine technical expertise with practical commercial delivery.
What We Do
Energy Procurement
We provide straightforward, transparent energy procurement and brokering services, securing competitive contracts for clients who want a simple, reliable approach to managing their energy supply.
Peer-to-Peer & Sleeved Energy Solutions We structure private energy arrangements that connect generators directly with consumers — increasing export value and reducing import costs without replacing existing suppliers.
On-Site Generation We design and implement solutions to maximise the value of on-site renewable assets through self-consumption and optimised energy use.
Project Delivery & Management We support the development of new energy projects from early-stage planning through to delivery, including coordination of consultants, planning support, and negotiation with DNOs and network operators to secure efficient, cost-effective connections.
Grid & Connection Strategy We advise on grid connections, capacity, and infrastructure to support new developments and optimise long-term project value.
Why Conserve Energy
14+ years delivering renewable energy solutions across projects of all scales
Commercially driven, backed by strong technical expertise
Leaders in private energy markets and peer-to-peer energy models
Independent, transparent, and client-focused
Direct relationships with all major suppliers, with access across the full energy value chain
Looking to take better control of your energy costs or explore new opportunities? Get in touch.