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CCN achieves SMAS Worksafe Pro (SSIP) Certification
We’re pleased to announce that CCN has been awarded SMAS Worksafe Pro certification, a recognised SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) accreditation!
This is an important milestone for our business and reflects the processes and culture we’ve built around health and safety. SSIP accreditation demonstrates that our health and safety practices have been independently assessed and meet recognised industry standards.
For our clients this provides further reassurance that:
- We operate in line with current health and safety legislation
Risk management is embedded into every day
We take a proactive approach to protecting everyone involved with our works
Health and safety isn’t just a requirement, it’s a responsibility. Achieving SMAS Worksafe Pro reinforces our commitment to:
- Delivering work safely and professionally
Continuously improving our processes
Building trust with clients and contractors
While we’re proud to have achieved this certification, we see it as part of a wider journey. We’ll continue to invest in our people, systems, and standards to ensure we consistently deliver safe, high-quality work.
If you’d like to learn more about our approach or discuss how we can support your next project, feel free to get in touch!
BrightPeak launched following strategic acquisition of WS Training
The UK’s skills and vocational landscape has been bolstered by the official launch of BrightPeak, a collective of specialist training providers united by a shared mission to support learners and employers to grow, succeed and thrive.
The formation of BrightPeak follows the strategic acquisition of WS Training by Coniston Peak, the parent company.
The Suffolk-based provider now joins forces in a powerful national partnership alongside Midlands-based Workpays and the North-East’s Orangebox Training Solutions.
Together, these three established brands form the core of the BrightPeak collective, creating a formidable national footprint dedicated to social mobility and vocational excellence.
For nearly 30 years, WS Training has been a cornerstone of excellence in East Anglia. This move strengthens the provider’s capacity to deliver its core services across apprenticeships, commercial training and its highly-regarded supported learning (SEND) provision.
With Suffolk centres in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Lowestoft and Haverhill, WS Training will now collaborate with its new BrightPeak sister companies to maximise opportunities for learners and employers across England.
Alex Glasner, CEO BrightPeak and Anne Wright, CEO BrightPeak. Picture: BrightPeak
Jane Wood, the outgoing Executive Chair of WS Training, is retiring after three decades at the helm. Under her leadership, the provider became a vital part of the Suffolk business community, earning her an invitation to 10 Downing Street for services to education.
“After 30 years of owning and running WS Training, I am confident that joining BrightPeak is the right path for us,” said Jane. “They share our values, respect the strength of the team, and are committed to building on our success.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved – from our regulatory turnarounds to our expansion into SEND support – and I am confident the business will thrive as part of this collective.”
WS Training joins BrightPeak at a time of significant momentum. In 2024, the provider expanded its SEND provision with a new dedicated centre in Lowestoft, and its apprenticeship achievement rates continue to outpace the national average.
The formation of BrightPeak facilitates a powerful collaboration between WS Training, Workpays (acquired in 2021), and Orangebox (acquired in 2025). This alignment is designed to accelerate growth and ensure that training programmes continue to bridge the skills gap in local economies nationwide.
Alex Glasner, Founder of Coniston Peak and the driving force behind BrightPeak, said: “We are so glad to have WS Training join our wider family as we officially launch BrightPeak.
“Jane has stewarded this company to being one of the most important training providers not just in the East of England, but across the UK.
“BrightPeak is about a collective of specialists coming together. Success is driven by people and a passion for making a difference, and by uniting WS Training, Workpays and Orangebox, we are creating a partnership focused on growing together. We are looking forward to learning from the WS Training team to carry out our shared core mission.”
Day-to-day operations at WS Training will continue as normal, with the existing team remaining focused on delivering high-quality training and support to their learners and employer partners under the new BrightPeak umbrella.
*For more details about WS Training visit www.wstraining.co.uk.
The Whisky Bond
Bespoke whisky tastings
Wading In – Brand-New South American Habitat Announced at Banham Zoo!
Something exciting is stirring at Banham Zoo, and it’s set to make a splash!
Work has officially begun on a brand-new South American habitat that will soon welcome two incredible species: the world’s largest rodent, the Capybara, and the gentle rainforest giant, the Brazilian Tapir.
This exciting redevelopment will turn an underused area of the zoo into a vibrant, mixed-species habitat designed to encourage natural behaviours, provide exceptional standards of care, and create meaningful opportunities for visitors to connect with wildlife.
Every element of the design, from naturalistic landscaping to high-quality indoor facilities, has been carefully considered with animal welfare at its heart.
The project will roll out in two phases. First to arrive will be the capybara, bringing their famously relaxed charm and love of lounging to their brand-new home. Meanwhile, specialist infrastructure is being prepared behind the scenes for the Brazilian tapir, ensuring the habitat is perfectly suited to these remarkable rainforest residents when they join the group.
In the wild, capybaras thrive in social groups and rely on water to stay cool and safe, while Brazilian tapirs, often known as “gardeners of the forest”, play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping to regenerate tropical ecosystems. By welcoming these species, Banham Zoo will shine a spotlight on the biodiversity of South America and the urgent need to protect these habitats for future generations.
Josh Hunter-Harl, Director of Sales and Marketing at ZSEA, said,
“As a conservation and education charity, this is a really exciting step for Banham Zoo and a brilliant example of how we’re continuing to invest in both animal welfare and visitor experience.
Capybara and Brazilian tapir are fantastic, characterful species, and this new habitat will not only give them a great home but also give our visitors a fun and memorable way to connect with South American wildlife and highlight the importance of protecting it.
Guests will be able to see the habitat take shape over the coming months, following the journey from construction through to animal arrivals, as part of our ongoing investment in enhancing habitats and creating more immersive visitor experiences.”
A huge thank you to City College Norwich students who are donating labour building the capybara house, MKM for the donation of building materials, and Anglian Metal Roofing for the donation of roofing materials and labour.
Visitors can look forward to watching the transformation unfold in the coming months, with sneak peeks, construction milestones, and, of course, exciting arrival updates shared along the way.
Big changes are coming to Banham Zoo, and they’re going to be wild!
Wading In – Brand-New South American Habitat Announced at Banham Zoo!
Something exciting is stirring at Banham Zoo, and it’s set to make a splash!
Work has officially begun on a brand-new South American habitat that will soon welcome two incredible species: the world’s largest rodent, the Capybara, and the gentle rainforest giant, the Brazilian Tapir.
This exciting redevelopment will turn an underused area of the zoo into a vibrant, mixed-species habitat designed to encourage natural behaviours, provide exceptional standards of care, and create meaningful opportunities for visitors to connect with wildlife.
Every element of the design, from naturalistic landscaping to high-quality indoor facilities, has been carefully considered with animal welfare at its heart.
The project will roll out in two phases. First to arrive will be the capybara, bringing their famously relaxed charm and love of lounging to their brand-new home. Meanwhile, specialist infrastructure is being prepared behind the scenes for the Brazilian tapir, ensuring the habitat is perfectly suited to these remarkable rainforest residents when they join the group.
In the wild, capybaras thrive in social groups and rely on water to stay cool and safe, while Brazilian tapirs, often known as “gardeners of the forest”, play a vital role in seed dispersal, helping to regenerate tropical ecosystems. By welcoming these species, Banham Zoo will shine a spotlight on the biodiversity of South America and the urgent need to protect these habitats for future generations.
Josh Hunter-Harl, Director of Sales and Marketing at ZSEA, said,
“As a conservation and education charity, this is a really exciting step for Banham Zoo and a brilliant example of how we’re continuing to invest in both animal welfare and visitor experience.
Capybara and Brazilian tapir are fantastic, characterful species, and this new habitat will not only give them a great home but also give our visitors a fun and memorable way to connect with South American wildlife and highlight the importance of protecting it.
Guests will be able to see the habitat take shape over the coming months, following the journey from construction through to animal arrivals, as part of our ongoing investment in enhancing habitats and creating more immersive visitor experiences.”
A huge thank you to City College Norwich students who are donating labour building the capybara house, MKM for the donation of building materials, and Anglian Metal Roofing for the donation of roofing materials and labour.
Visitors can look forward to watching the transformation unfold in the coming months, with sneak peeks, construction milestones, and, of course, exciting arrival updates shared along the way.
Big changes are coming to Banham Zoo, and they’re going to be wild!
ALL IN THE LINE OF DUTY: TRUE CRIME AND CORRUPTION
All in the Line of Duty: True Crime and Corruption
Join us for an evening of professional insight and interactive investigation with former Scotland Yard detective chief inspector and criminal psychologist Steve Gaskin.
Following the highly successful ‘Dine with a Detective’ events, Steve is back by popular demand and will explore the broader issues of police accountability, corruption and investigative challenges within law enforcement, drawing on high-profile cases and his own extensive experience.
In the first half, Steve will discuss the complexities of investigating misconduct within the police service, including the protocols around vetting and prevention of abuse of power. He will share perspectives from cases covered in national media and provide his own professional commentary which was also featured on a recent Channel 5 documentary.
In the second half of the evening, you’ll take on the role of an investigator. Using a fictionalised case file involving potential misconduct, you’ll examine key pieces of evidence to uncover what really happened. Whether working in groups or independently, you’ll have the chance to:
Perform handwriting analysis, carry out ‘physical fit’ evidence, analyse DNA results, listen to a police interview and prepare your questioning, and, finally, piece together the truth based on the evidence you find.
This unique evening provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at true crime investigation and chance to become a detective yourself!
Event Info
Date: Friday, April 17
Location: Gunn Club, Carrow Road Stadium, Norwich, NR1 1JE
Timings Doors open at 6:30pm, event begins at 7:30pm and evening closes at 11pm (approx.)
Dress code: Smart casual | Complimentary parking available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Standard rate tickets: £20 | Season ticket holder rate: £18
Accessibility tickets: call 01603 218724 for more info
Tickets purchased are not eligible for a refund. Please see full event terms and conditions below
RenEnergy Confirms the Departure of Founder and Chairman Damian Baker
RenEnergy UK Ltd has announced that its Founder and Chairman,
Damian Baker, is stepping down from his role, following a series of strategic
leadership changes earlier this year.
As Founder and Chairman, Damian has played a pivotal role in shaping the company
since establishing it in 2006. Over his 20 years as Managing Director and
subsequent tenure as Chairman, he set the strategic direction of the business,
built key supplier relationships, and drove the foundations for its long‑term growth.
Following his appointment in January, Managing Director Keith Hobbs has overseen a smooth
transition and worked closely with RenEnergy’s Senior Leadership Team,
including Financial Controller, Laurence Moore, Head of People, Sue Pepperday, Sales
Director, Tom Lloyd, Consultancy Director, Fiona Keysell, Head of Operations,
Luke Fletcher, and Head of Design, Paul Newlove. RenEnergy’s Senior Leadership
Team will continue to work closely with Keith, supporting the next phase of the
company’s growth and providing strong leadership across their respective
divisions.
On Damian’s departure, Keith said: “For
twenty years, Damian has led RenEnergy with expertise, skill and dedication. It
is a testament to his strategic instincts that the business has gone from
strength to strength during an era of economic instability, change, and
transformation within the energy industry.
Over the years, Renenergy has been made stronger due to the partnerships and
connections Damian has created. On behalf of RenEnergy, I would like to wish
Damian all the best in his future endeavours.”
To
find out more about RenEnergy, visit: https://www.renenergy.co.uk/
Keeping Abreast ‘More than just Fashion’ Show: The 10th Show
This is not just a fashion show.
It is an emotionally powerful celebration of resilience, community and support.
Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st October at Epic Studios, Norwich
The ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Show is one of
the most powerful awareness and confidence-building events in the region. Every
two years, 24–30 women; facing or having undergone breast cancer reconstruction
surgery, take to the catwalk for their time to shine. For many, it is a
transformative experience — a moment to reclaim confidence, celebrate strength
and form lifelong networks of support.
This year, for our milestone 10th Show we are at a new, central venue – Epic Studios, we have a promising and captive audience of over 450 guests per night. Presented again this year by Chris Page from ITV Norfolk, and Sascha Williams (previously of ITV) the show is fully choreographed by Stephen Knights, produced by Production Bureau and feature clothing from the likes of Marks and Spencer, Scarlet, Elora, Snoop boutique and more to be announced.
“I didn’t know who I was anymore,
so I wanted to get back on the catwalk today and say this is me”
“It means that I can show
other women that they can be beautiful again after breast cancer”
“For me it’s about
celebrating myself and being really proud to be on stage. It’s such a life
changing operation reconstruction and having that support is so important but
once you’ve been through that process, having the opportunity to get out there
and go ‘oh my god I’m still here, I’m still alive and I feel fantastic!”
If you would like to watch the previous year’s video
highlights reel, to see the impact for yourself, you can do so on our Website
or YouTube channels below:
Keeping Abreast 2025 Fashion Show Highlights
We’re in the early stages of planning and are looking for sponsors, supporters, prize donations, and funding as well as the all-important model applications, which will be launching soon! If you’d like to be involved in any way, please contact our Fundraising Officer, Caitlin at [email protected]
Tickets:
VIP tickets will be available for £42.00 and include a welcome drink, goodie bag and prime front rows seating
Standard tickets will be available for £19.50
Tickets will go on sale from May – date TBC!
Why Traditional Job Boards Still Matter in Modern Recruitment
Are traditional job boards becoming obsolete?
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.
📖 Read more here:
Strengthening Energy Sector Collaboration with the University of East Anglia
The University of East Anglia (UEA) and
the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) are working in partnership on this exclusive one-hour lunchtime webinar – taking place at 12:00pm on 20 April 2026.
Please send your email address to Jade for the Microsoft Teams link: [email protected]
Hosted by Dr Jade Stalker, The Energy Sector Champion at Norwich
Business School, this informative session will provide practical
guidance on how the energy sector can effectively engage with UEA including who
to connect with, in what capacity, and how to build meaningful partnerships
that support both business growth and staff skills development.
During the webinar, we will explore opportunities to
collaborate with UEA’s Research and Innovation team (RIN), covering knowledge
transfer partnerships, consultancy opportunities,
and other funding avenues supporting research &
innovation activities. We will highlight the vital role that strong
partnerships between industry and academia play in driving innovation and
advancing the energy sector.
UEA’s Head of Student Opportunities will further outline the
many ways your organisation can connect with emerging talent. This includes
advertising vacancies through CareersCentral at UEA, offering student
internships, year-in-industry placements, graduate roles, and more. The
Head of Apprenticeships will outline apprenticeship opportunities.
Finally, you will discover how to showcase your company and industry
expertise at UEA careers and employability events, helping you raise your
profile among highly skilled students and graduates.
The webinar will take place via Microsoft Teams and will include
dedicated time for Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and
explore opportunities specific to your organisation.
Please send your email address to Jade for the Microsoft Teams link: [email protected]