A BIG welcome toGravity Trampoline Park Norwichthe latest business to jump on board our digital signage networks across Norfolk. Gravity are using our network of digital screens to gain brand awareness leading up to the opening of the park at Riverside May 30th. Gravity have two parks already, one in Yorkshire & the other in Kent. Trampoline parks are becoming more popular across the country and are a fun way for both children and adults to keep active. The third park opening up in Norwich will be at the old Wonderland unit at Riverside and is great news for all involved.
GRAVITY is all about getting fit, keeping fit and most of all, having fun!! GRAVITY Trampoline Parks are a great way for people of all ages to exercise by just having fun! Wall-to-wall trampolines are connected together to form a huge open play area with those at the edge literally going up the wall! These amazing open expanses of bounceable space are used for a variety of activities including; free jumping, TrampoLEAN fitness classes, group entertainment and parties with an incomparable atmosphere. There are specialised areas for basketball and dodgeball, as well as foam pits and areas for learning new skills in market leading safety.
We designed the Gravity ad combining both video and motion graphics to capture our audiences attention and offer an interactive experience. Adverts with movement gain 371% more attention than a static image. The Gravity digital-out-of-home campaign can be seen on our Domination Circuit reaching 500,000 people per week!
Peerless Plastics and Coatings are very proud to announce a new addition to the family, Direct to Media Print. Based on the success of Peerless over the last few years, they noticed a need for large format,eye catching graphics and print which can be enhanced with a protective coating for everyday use.
The new partner company is based in the same HQ as Peerless in Thetford. Allowing seamless transition from the print bed to the coating line for afully protected, UV cured hard coat. Protective coatings can be applied in both clear gloss or matte finish and givefull protection against cleaning with even the most stubborn of chemicals. They also provideabrasion resistance.
A large print bed of 2.5 metres wide and the ability to print onto rigid media up to 50mm in thickness provides endless opportunities. Alternatively reel to reel printing is available on flexible media such as vinyl or canvas.
An integral design studio is also present. Full design is available including graphics, photo correction and multi panel layouts for large wall art and buildings.
For more information contact the DTM team on0845 643 5175 or email[email protected].
A long standing plastics and coating company, Peerless specialise in plastic and applying protective coatings to it. Supply product and services to the likes of the NHS, Network Rail and Mercedes Benz Peerless have the knowledge and skills to find the right solution to any project.
About Direct to Media Limited
Incorporated in March 2016, Direct to Media Limited is a brand new company born to provide Direct to Media Services, specialising in print. Launching with a brand new Signracer 2500 H-LED Hybrid Printer for both rigid and flexible media.
Able to provide rigid printing on material up to 50mm in thickness or reel to reel print on vinyl and canvas for near infinite prints up to 2.5 metres in width.
If you still haven’t seen the latest Bond film, please skip to 02:58!
James and Mark are watching over the news this week, and playing pop culture catch up, as James’s self-imposed ‘No News November’ ends, and they discuss what the new COVID variant Omicron could mean for businesses as we head into winter. They discuss how we need to lean on the skills and lessons we have learnt during the last 18 months including how to adapt, lead by example, and empower people to take responsibility.
*Please note this episode was recorded before the Government update on COVID restrictions made on 8.12.21*
Top tips
06:58 Tip 1 – Adapt – “Planning is important, but plans are a waste of time” Winston Churchill
10:50 Tip 2 – “Sweep the sheds” – nobody is too senior to roll their sleeves up
13:30 Tip 3 – Take responsibility, act like a leader
Eastern Voice & Data, a business technology provider based in Norwich are celebrating after winning the national award for Network Project of the Year.
Eastern Voice and Data has been established for over 20 years and have built an enviable reputation and were awarded the accolade at the Network Computing Awards 2021 event held in London on the 21st of October.
Russell, Managing Director, explained “One of our clients is the Boudica Schools Trust, and we provide technology services to their multiple academies across Norfolk. This includes the new Bure Park Specialist Academy in Great Yarmouth and Sprowston Community Academy in Norwich.”
The installation was designed and implemented to enable the central IT team to control technology services via a secure cloud-based portal. This includes IT Network Switches, Wi-Fi, Security Firewalls, Door Access Control, CCTV, and Voice Communications.
The design and implementation of this solution was deemed noteworthy enough to be referenced by leading network manufacture ZyXel as a case study. It was then put forward as ZyXel’s entry for Network Project of the Year 2021 at the National Computing Awards.
Callum Jackson, the Technical Director for Eastern Voice and Data who led the installations added “We designed and implemented a network that would harden security protecting against threats from both inside and out.
A primary goal was for the entire network to be centrally managed by the trust IT team with the aim to reduce the amount of site visits and increase the visibility of any issues.
The project ensured continuity of equipment and configuration throughout all the academies within the trust. This allowed the entire network to be maintained efficiently by the trust IT team.”
“I was excited when I found out we had been nominated for the award, I’m pleased to say that we won!” explained Andrew Mash, Technical Sales Director, Eastern Voice and Data.
For a regional technology business to win a national award of this standing is quite notable as it demonstrates the capability of a local business. It’s also significant that the Education Trust itself is held up as a trail blazer in effecting change for the benefit of their students.
Jonathan Lumb, IT Manager at Boudica Schools Trust was quoted saying “The network has become an important tool for both our teachers and students because technology helps us provide engaging and powerful learning experiences and content. The new network offers greater efficiency and security, especially implementing a new cloud-based web filtering software that controls the types of content that can be accessed by pupils. The new network system also creates better learning opportunities and standards, while reducing costs”
Eastern Voice & Data are a business technologyprovider based in Norwich. We’ve been established over 20 years and have built an enviable reputation.
Long term clients include Diocese of Norwich, Theatre Royal, Norfolk Fire Service, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, UEA as well as many businesses both small and large.
Do you have a big idea Eastern Voice & Data can help you with? Call 01603 743388 or contact us
This week’s episode is all about coping with Christmas! James and Mark look back nostalgically on bygone years, and have musical references aplenty to keep spirits up. They have been inspired by recent guest Chris Anthony, and in the spirit of Christmas, decided to devote this episode to the mantra of ‘being in service to others’ and offer their wellbeing tips for coping with the festive period.
How can you actually switch off, cope with burnout, and set realistic expectations? Many will be feeling the ‘pressure of Christmas’ after another challenging year, and James and Mark are here with their top tips on what you can do to manage expectations and pressure.
We want to wish all our listeners a happy holiday season, and a prosperous new year!
We will be taking a break for a while as we reboot in the new year – make sure you are subscribed to the Impromptu Business Chat channels on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible and more, so you don’t miss the exciting announcement on our revamped series, coming early 2022!
You can also contact the team at [email protected] if there are any topics you think we should cover in the future, or if you think you are an expert in your field, and think we should chat to you on a special episode!
Show notes
Tip1: 03:00 – Set realistic expectations, add a sense of realism, and create a routine
Tip 2: 09:00 – Set a few hours aside to plan aims for the new year but only if you have had some down time!
Tip 3: 12:49 – Think about the people around you – who might not be looking forward to this period, and what can you do to show them that you care.
Greater Anglia is making a temporary reduction to its timetable in response to falling passenger numbers and to ensure the company can continue to provide a reliable service throughout the latest phase of the pandemic.
Some services are being removed from the weekday timetable from Monday 20 December. This still leaves over 1,200 services – just under 90 per cent of the pre-pandemic timetable – still running.
Jay Thompson, Greater Anglia’s train service delivery director, said: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes to customers.
“Government guidelines asking people to work from home combined with Christmas when fewer people travel has led to a drop in our passenger numbers.
“In addition, we have to plan for our staff being affected by the new omicron variant, especially as we are already starting to see the early signs of its impact. We’ve therefore decided to make some revisions to our timetable now, to ensure we can provide a reliable service to our customers over the coming weeks.
“We believe this is better than cancelling trains on the day which is far more inconvenient for our customers – this way they can plan their journeys in advance.”
Full details of the service changes will be published on the Greater Anglia website.
Greater Anglia is thanking the large numbers of customers who are wearing face coverings at stations and on trains, which once again is mandatory unless you are exempt. People who do not wear face coverings could face fines of up to £6,400.
The company is continuing with enhanced cleaning and sanitisation especially of high touch areas such as push buttons, grab handles and arm rests.
Ventilation on trains is provided by air conditioning which sucks fresh air in every six to nine minutes or opening windows and doors opening at stations.
People wishing to find a train with fewer passengers can use the “less busy trains” tool on the company’s website which enables customers to pick the quietest trains travelling to and from London Liverpool Street.
Anyone with Covid symptoms is reminded not to travel and to get tested.
We caught up with Gold Patrons, Greater Anglia and asked ‘What are the positives your business has seen in 2021′?
This year we have seen record-breaking punctuality thanks in part to continuing performance initiatives and our new trains.
What does 2022 look like for you?
We will continue to run a safe and reliable service for all passengers – commuters, leisure and business travellers. We will continue our rollout of new trains, including on the line between Kings Lynn and London Liverpool Street. We also hope we can help businesses in Norfolk along the route to net zero with green travel plans using rail.
Why its important for you to be a Gold Patron?
Being a Gold Patron of The Norfolk Chambers is a brilliant way for Greater Anglia to stay connected with and support the business community in Norfolk.
The Hope at Christmas appeal, launched to support people who are experiencing homelessness this winter, has seen a huge response from the public;
Stockings of Christmas treats, food hampers, toys, and essential items will be donated to families and individuals who can benefit from them this Christmas;
It is the second Hope at Christmas campaign from charity Hopestead
People in Norfolk have given hope this Christmas by generously donating to an appeal set up to support people who are experiencing homelessness this winter.
The Hope at Christmas appeal, run by charity Hopestead, asked the public to contribute food, clothing and toy items that could be used to create hampers and gift packs. People could also make monetary donations via a JustGiving site, or purchase items from an Amazon wish list.
The response was incredible and as a result of the generosity of the public, 189 stockings of essential items and Christmas treats, as well as 101 Christmas food hampers for families and individuals have been created.
In addition, £500 has been donated to purchase fresh food for Christmas dinners, and toys and selection boxes for over 50 children have also been gifted through the appeal.
Finally, furry friends haven’t been forgotten with food, treats and toys collected for over 100 dogs.
Marie-Claire Delbrouque, CEI of Hopestead, said: “We’ve been absolutely thrilled by the fantastic response to our Hope at Christmas appeal, it has been truly inspiring to see such generosity shown by so many people.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has contributed. It has been a tough year again for so many and through this campaign, we wanted to spread a little joy, and a lot of hope.
“The donations will go directly to families and individuals who can benefit from them this Christmas.
“In whatever way we can, we want to make a difference, and thanks to the kindness of the public, we can do that this festive season. Thank you.”
It is the second year that the Hope at Christmas appeal has been run by Hopestead and this year the donations will be made to families and individuals via four charities Hopestead has partnered with, including FABB (Food and Beverage Buggies) in Norwich.
Carol McWhinnie from FABB (Food and Beverage Buggies), Norwich said: “Look what we can do together, with good hearts and a common cause. We’re overwhelmed by your kindness. Mums are sleeping better as they know you’ve looked after their little ones when they’re struggling too. Lonely people in hostels are touched by your acts of kindness. What’s spreading faster than Covid in Norfolk is simple kindness. Thank you all.”
With a mission to end homelessness in the East of England, Hopestead is looking ahead to more partnership working in the new year as Marie-Claire Delbrouque explained: “We believe that everyone should have a warm, safe home and to achieve this, we are working with amazing partners and organisations across the region.
“We will continue this collaborative approach as we move into 2022, and tackle the challenges ahead.
“I am so grateful to all our partners and the public who have supported us over the last year. Together, we can make a difference.”
Greater Anglia has sent over 3.5 tonnes of leaves – weighing about the same as a hippopotamus – to be composted over the last three years.
The company clears up leaves at seven stations across the network where there is the most waste caused by leaves and vegetation.
Skips placed at Ingatestone and Newport stations in Essex, Broxbourne station in Hertfordshire and Norwich station in Norfolk have been filled with leaves from station car parks and forecourts.
They are then taken by the company’s waste management contractor Veolia to be turned into compost, ideal for fertilising soil.
Greater Anglia set up the scheme, with its cleaning contractors Carlisle Cleaning Services, in 2019, as part of the train company’s bid to reduce waste going to landfill.
So far, a total of 3.62 tonnes of leaves have been turned into compost – but this figure does not include all leaves collected this autumn and winter.
Stephanie Evans, Greater Anglia’s environment and energy manager, said: “We’re reviewing every opportunity we can take to increase recycling and reduce waste across our business.
“Sweeping up leaves and sending them off to be composted not only keeps stations clean, tidy and free of slippery wet leaves for our customers, but it’s also great to be reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill too.”
Alex Orr, Carlisle Cleaning’s managing director, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support this environmental initiative on behalf of our valued client, Greater Anglia.
“We aim within our operational activities, wherever possible, to reduce environmental harm, minimise the use of energy and other resources, and ensure that the principles of sustainable development are promoted where possible.”
This year Greater Anglia pledged all 56 of its station gardens to Wild East, a re-naturing movement which is aiming to restore 20 per cent of East Anglia back to nature.
A survey of station gardens found more than 200 species of flora and fauna including rare butterflies and slow worms.
The train company has recently started taking part in a two-year national air quality monitoring pilot at five of its busiest stations.
Information about all of Greater Anglia’s environmental initiatives is available on the company’s ‘Greener Anglia’ online hub which includes a carbon calculator which shows people how much carbon by swapping a car journey for the train.
The University of East Anglia is looking for employers to help inspire young males across Norfolk to aim high through their Inside Industry programme.
The programme aims to give young males a taste of life in the world of work and inspire them to aim high to achieve their career ambitions. Working class males are particularly under-represented at universities across the country and are out-performed by their female peers academically.
Giving students real-life experience and practical advice can have a real impact on aspirations, particularly for working class males, and help them to plan for their future, whatever they choose to do next.
East Anglia’s largest business rescue and insolvency practice McTear Williams & Wood, has raised £2,280 for charity at its 8th popular annual bowls tournament.
Twelve teams of professionals from across the region battled for the “McTear Williams & Wood Bowls Trophy” which was held at the Diss & District Bowls Club on Tuesday 26 April 2016. The winners were the “Hawks” team, Peter Hazell of George Hazell & Co, Liam Walker of Anglia Finance, Tracy England of Birkett Long and James Knights of Knights Lowe . In keeping with tradition the contestants wore an array of novelty slippers ranging from puppy dogs to monster claws. Funds raised from the event went to the Jubilee Sailing Trust, a United Nations accredited disability charity, promoting integration through the challenge and adventure of tall ship sailing, by providing life-changing adventures to people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of physical ability. The cheque was presented by Chris Williams to Sophia Adams of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, who has enjoyed several of the sailing trips herself. Chris’s father had done three trips with the charity sailing across the English Channel, Bay of Biscay and the Caribbean; in presenting the cheque Chris said “For my father to sail across the oceans again in his nineties was a dream come true for him.”
Once again McTear Williams & Wood extend their thanks to everyone who took part and to the Diss & District Bowls Club. Plans are underway to repeat the event next year.
The team in The Edge Health & Fitness Club at Barnham Broom is on a mission this New Year to motivate individuals and support them in reaching their fitness goals.
Their fully qualified on-site Fitness & Wellbeing Instructors, work alongside members to determine their targets, plan how they can achieve these, and drive them towards success.
Their spacious gym, spins bikes, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and courts allow members to focus on their fitness and wellbeing. Alongside this, The Edge offers in-person and virtual fitness classes, which provide members with the option to try something different and exercise at a time that suits them best.
The Edge is about much more than just going to the gym once a week. The Edge offers an experience where members can combine their visit to the superb facilities with a leisurely lunch in the Sports Bar, an afternoon tea with friends in the Brasserie Lounge, a Spa treatment or even a round of golf. The Edge team offers a personalised and helpful approach to each member to make sure that everyone gets the most out of their membership.
They have recently launched their refer a friend scheme, where members can receive a £50 gift voucher if they introduce another individual to The Edge. This is a great incentive as the voucher can be used throughout the Barnham Broom resort, offering members the opportunity to indulge in a Spa treatment, dine in the Brasserie or even try their hand at a game of golf.
In addition, The Edge offers many exclusive benefits to students, NHS, armed forces, corporate businesses, and more.