member

The sun is shinning today in Norfolk, summer may be around the corner so here’s week 7 #AShortStory to get you in the summer mood in a classical way.

As February brings hearts and roses to the forefront, it’s a timely reminder that the strongest relationships in business are built on compatibility, trust and long-term commitment.

Across Norfolk’s engineering, manufacturing and commercial sectors, competition for talent is heating up, but recruitment shouldn’t feel like speed dating.

At PureKat Consultancy Ltd, we believe in chemistry.

Not just CVs

Not just qualifications

Not just availability

Real alignment

We partner with Norfolk businesses to deliver talent that fits technically, culturally and strategically — the kind of hire that doesn’t just join your team… but strengthens it.

❤️ Skilled Engineering & Technical Professionals

❤️ Manufacturing & Production Talent

❤️ CNC & Specialist Trades

❤️ Warehouse & Logistics Teams

❤️ Commercial & Office Support

Because when the right candidate meets the right company, productivity improves, retention grows and businesses thrive.

This Valentine’s, don’t settle for “it’ll do.”

Invest in a recruitment partnership that understands your values, your pressures, and your long-term vision.

Let PureKat Consultancy Ltd play matchmaker and help you find the talent your business will truly fall for.

For more information, please contact our Operations Director Daniel Dagley on 01603 567354 or email [email protected] today.

Steeles Law Head of Planning & Environment David Merson looks at the Coalition’s proposals to revise the Judicial Review process.

Chris Grayling, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, has today issued a consultation paper entitled ‘Judicial Review: proposals for reform’.

The paper sets out the reforms the Coalition propose to make in three key areas of the Judicial Review process namely: (i) the time limits within which Judicial Review proceedings must be brought; (ii) the procedure for applying for permission to bring Judicial Review proceedings; and (iii) the fees charged in Judicial Review proceedings.

In respect of the first, the paper identifies two categories of case to which the proposed shorter time limit might be appropriate one of which is planning decisions although on the Coalition’s own figures this is certainly not an area responsible for the bulk of Judicial Review applications.

In coming up with its proposal the Coalition seeks to draw parallels with the statutory appeals process in planning. This is however unhelpful because Judicial Review deals with procedural failings which may not always be apparent at the time of the decision and certainly will not have been considered in any detail in the preceding considerations as opposed to the appeals process which deals with merits which will have previously been considered at the pre-application stage, at the determination stage and at the appeal stage before the matter ever reaches the court. This means that on the one hand one is looking at issues that are only just emerging from investigation and inter party exchanges including discovery and Freedom of Information requests as opposed to ones that have been argued and honed down very clearly in a number of different arenas.

In addition, the reduced time limit will not provide for sufficient time to deal with either the pre-action protocol requirements introduced to try and bring about a consensual resolution without the need to resort to the court or the funding issues that so very often arise when third party challenges are in contemplation.

Despite what the Coalition believes it is thought likely that this proposal will lead to more proceedings being issued if only to protect positions while the protocol ‘Letter before action’ and funding issues are addressed.

In addition there may be scope for other avenues of challenge.

For one, the judicial discretion to extend the time limit in limited exceptional cases may fall foul of European requirements of certainty particularly in Environmental Law cases.

It is also noted that the proposed time limit is shorter than that allowed for challenging decisions of the European Institutions and may therefore be susceptible to challenge particularly in relation to those challenges which are based in Environmental Law on for example access to justice under the Aarhus Convention or failures to apply or properly apply European Directives dealing with Habits and Protected Species.

In respect of the second limb of reform the Coalition proposes changes to the procedure for permission to restrict the number of opportunities available. In cases where the claimant has been refused permission on the papers, and the matter is one which has been the subject of a prior judicial hearing, the claimant’s right to ask for an oral renewal of the application for permission would be removed and any appeal to the Court of Appeal would also be on the papers only.

Finally, in respect of the third limb of reform, the Coalition proposes that the applicant should pay a fee for an oral renewal of an application for permission to be set at the same level as for a full hearing of the Judicial Review (currently £215 but under current general proposals rising to £235). Where the application for permission is successful it is proposed that the further fee for a full Judicial Review hearing would be waived but it should be noted that the Coalition will consider the scope for adjusting fees further over time so that they reflect the full costs of providing the service.

The deadline for consultation responses is 24 January 2013 which can be submitted on-line, by e-mail or by post and full details of the proposals and consultation can be found here.

If you require further information or advice on any issues raised in this article or any other planning & environmental matter please contact David Merson on 020 7421 1720 or [email protected]

Wingfield Consultants have received the coveted ‘E2 Media Award of Excellence’. 

E2 Media: ‘Our award winners stand out from their competitors due to various reasons, such as unique products, investment in upgrading services, or involvement in the local community. However, they all share an exceptional level of service, which is crucial to any business’.  

Simon Wingfield, Founder of Wingfield Consultants commented:

‘This award is in recognition of the work our consultancy does in our local community. We love helping local organisations, businesses, charities, and social enterprises to flourish’. 

This is the TWENTIETH award win, finalist, shortlist or nominee recognition for Wingfield Consultants in 2024 and early 2025. It follows:

1.     CorporateLiveWire Global Awards 2023-24 for Business Consultancy of the Year – UK win.

2.     National Mentoring Awards – Excellence in Mentoring Award win (for Simon Wingfield).

3.     SME News Business Elite Awards win for Best Business Growth Solutions Consultancy (East of England).

4.     StartUp Awards finalist for Business Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year (East of England).

5.     British Business Awards finalist for Small Business of the Year.

6.     Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist for Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year (East of England)

7.     Previous shortlist position for the Business Awards UK Awards.

8.     Business Awards UK Newcomer Business Consultancy of the Year win (Norfolk).

9.     Business Awards UK CEO/Director of the Year win (Norfolk – Simon Wingfield).

10.  South Norfolk Community Awards nominee for Business in the Community.

11.  ‘Stevies’ Silver at The International Business Awards. An Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility Award.

12.  Scale-Up Awards finalist for the ESG & Social Impact category.

13.  BQF Patron’s Award 2025: Excellent Organisations Doing Excellent Things category shortlist.

14.  UK Business Awards 2024 – Finalist for Leader of the Year.

15.  Top 100 Influential People- Winner (for Simon Wingfield).    

16.  Business Brilliance Awards 2025 –  Finalist in the Brand Brilliance category.

17.  Enterprise Nation Adviser Awards 2024 – Finalist in the Social Impact and Sustainability category.

18.  Global Leaders and Business Awards 2025 – Winner in the Management Consulting category.

19.  Business Awards UK 2025 – Winner in the Best International Consultancy category.

Useful Links:
Home | E2 Media Online

After 2 years of searching in the final part of 2012 The RedCat Partnership has finally found a suitable provider of eLearning the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

The CIEH is one of the most respected awarding bodies that provide training and we are excited to be able to increase our portfolio;

NB we are still delivering face to face training but see eLearning as a valuable addition to the courses we offer- and eLearning has enabled us to blend the traditional face to face courses- reducing time & cost to clients

What is eLearning?

eLearning is another way of studying – you are no longer tied down to fixed dates and times. eLearning increases flexibility and you can complete your study at a date and time to suit you; it is therefore more convienient. Clients can chose for the staff still to undertake the training at work or at home

Some of the advantages of CIEH eLearning:

– Learning is self-paced – you chose your pace and you can go back over the modules covered

– Learning is self directed

– The eLearning incorporates different delivery methods – it is varied and engaging

-The content is fresh and modern

– It does not require physical attendance

-You have the support of one of the RedCat team to help you should you need any assistance

-We can also provide a course book if we believe this is beneficial (e.g. for Level 2 Food Safety)

-There are instant reports and training records

-There are revision questions and activities

-There is an end test with a record of completion that you can print off

What eLearning courses are available?

Level 1 – induction level:

-Level 1 Food Safety

-Level 1 Health and Safety

-Introduction to First Aid

-Introduction to Environmental Awareness

Level 2 – suitable for all employees:

– Level 2 Food Safety

– Level 2 Health and Safety

– Level 2 COSHH (Hazardous Substances)

– Level 2 Principles of Manual Handling

-Level 2 Fire Safety

Interested in a course?

– What to do : Call us to discuss your training options

– Booking: We will require a booking form to be completed and then we will invoice you (payment by BACS is required)

– Cost: This depends on the package selected: see individual course flyers & the quantity booked

– After booking: You will receive and email with your ‘log in’ details. After logging in for the first time you will need to change your password and remember to exit correctly from each module – you are free to progress at your own pace! To check requirements and the view a demo vist www.cieh-elearning.com

– Support: The RedCat team are on hand to help at any (reasonable) time.

Contact us on www.redcat.gb.com or 01603 502136

NB we are still delivering face to face training- see the website for full details- and give us a call to discuss how we can help you!

So if you need staff training quickly and efficiently do give us a call

Catherine joined Leathes Prior in March 2011, and during her period of training she undertook seats in Employment, Wills Trusts & Probate and Dispute Resolution.

Catherine is originally from Barnsley, where she gained 5 A levels at A grade, before graduating from the University of East Anglia with an 2:1 law degree in 2006. She completed her Legal Practice Course in Leeds in 2008 before joining Rotherham based law-firm Waring Associates as a Legal Assistant where she worked for three years gaining extensive experience particularly in the field of employment law. It was perhaps no surprise, therefore, to discover that Catherine found her feet within Leathes Prior’s Employment Team, where she will now remain.

Catherine comments on her appointment: “I am delighted to have secured a position upon qualification both at Leathes Prior and within the Employment Team in particular. I have a very keen interest in this area of law and have greatly enjoyed working with the Team as a Trainee. I look forward to committing myself to our busy Team and the firm and assisting in future growth and development”

Dan Chapman, Head of the Employment Team commented: “I am thrilled about Catherine’s arrival. She is a good lawyer with excellent technical skills and will be a great addition to the team; her experience in employment law already far exceeds her level of qualification as a Solicitor and she will be a real asset for us and our clients.”

Great Yarmouth based market-leading energy production technology services company Proserv has bolstered its rapidly-evolving global footprint and specialist integrated services after acquiring major US company, Total Instrumentation & Controls (TIC).

The acquisition of Houston-based TIC, which specialises in advanced process and control systems equipment and has a second manufacturing facility in Lafayette (LA), also significantly increases Proserv’s talent pool by more than 300 people to over 1600 with the entire American-based workforce joining forces with the company under the Proserv mantle.

TIC provides a broad range of installation and maintenance services to equipment manufacturing, drilling, production and pipeline companies. Specialising in blow-out prevention (BOP) stacking and installation services for offshore applications, the company manufactures drilling and production control systems and supplies ancillary subsea components such as remote terminal units (RTUs) and topside umbilical termination units (TUTUs).

The deal reinforces Proserv’s position as a leading player in the drilling and production controls market and provides the company with enhanced capabilities to expand its offering into the BOP subsea controls and services sector.

David Lamont, Proserv’s chief executive officer, said: “The acquisition of TIC is completely in line with our ambitious growth strategy – investing in companies and complementary world-class technologies that strengthen our suite of innovative products and services.

“This is a significant development for Proserv as TIC is a leading independent contractor to subsea BOP manufacturers, meaning the deal will create a greater strong-hold for Proserv in the Gulf of Mexico market, enhancing our integrated capabilities. In turn, this will allow us to cross-sell Proserv products and services through TIC’s customer base, creating considerably more capacity to develop our international business.

“Existing product lines, such as our Gilmore Valve range, are complemented by TIC’s service offering and will enable us to provide the offshore and land based drilling sector with a more comprehensive drilling controls solution.

“We are thrilled to welcome the TIC team to Proserv. They bring a broad range of technical skills and experience, but most importantly they share our core values and ambition to be the provider of choice to our customers and together, as one company, we are even stronger.”

Steve Lykins, chief operating officer at TIC, said: “We are delighted to become part of the Proserv family and believe it will create a unique opportunity to grow our business to benefit our customers and our people.

“TIC has been a leading expert in process control and safety shutdown systems and services for over 20 years and through Proserv’s global footprint and world-class portfolio of services, we can look to strengthen our service capabilities and accelerate our international expansion.”

Proserv is a market-leading company specialising in exploration & production, drilling, and infrastructure technical solutions and services to the global energy industry. The company operates worldwide from 30 sites in 6 geographical regions namely North UK & Africa, South UK & Europe, Scandinavia, the Americas, Middle East & North Africa and the Far East & Australia.

Proserv has experienced exceptional growth over the past 12 months particularly in the subsea services sector. Earlier this year, more than 300 members of Weatherford staff joined Proserv when the company’s subsea controls subsidiaries were acquired in May.

For more information about Proserv, visit: www.proserv.com

The new Children and Families Bill passed its second reading on 25 February 2013 in the House of Commons. The Bill extends the statutory rights that both parents have in their children’s upbringing.

The new Children and Families Bill passed its second reading on 25 February 2013 in the House of Commons. The Bill extends the statutory rights that both parents have in their children’s upbringing.

The Bill provides statutory recognition that it is in the child’s interest for both parents to remain involved in the child’s life, unless the child is at risk of harm, stating, “to presume, unless the contrary is shown” that the involvement of each of the child’s parents in his or her life “will further the child’s welfare”.

The Bill also replaces the current “residence” and “contact” orders with a single “child arrangements” order. This will set out where the children live and how much time they spend with the other parent. This is a welcome change as too often separated parents focus on whether one parent should have the label of a contact or a shared residence order, even though they have agreed the division of time. It will also help parents to move away from terminology with implies that there is a winner or a loser in disputes concerning children.

The Bill also contains further rights for employees in respect of parental leave and more rights for couples expecting a child. Flexible working requests will be considered from all employees, not just those who are parents or carers.

Further updates will be available on the Steeles Law website as the Children and Families Bill progresses through Parliament.

For advice on children matters, contact our friendly family team.

KLM NORWICH SERVICES INCREASED – KLM sees passenger figures increase and adds a fourth daily frequency –

KLM has announced a fourth daily service from Norwich Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for summer 2013. Increased frequency on the popular route will further cement Norwich’s position as one of KLM’s most successful departure points on its extensive UK network.

Via their award winning hub airport in Amsterdam, KLM offers the East of the UK over 100 worldwide destinations on its intercontinental network and over 650 destinations across KLM’s Skyteam partner networks. Better connections to destinations such as Dubai, Lima or Toronto are made easier with KLM via Amsterdam and at very attractive fares. In addition, point to point business travellers can benefit from the convenient flight schedule out of Norwich, which enables them to conduct a full day’s business in the Netherlands.

Says Henri Hourcade, AIR FRANCE KLM General Manager UK & Ireland: “We are delighted to further improve the KLM service on such an important regional route, and hope it will be warmly welcomed by our passengers. We are very happy to provide better connectivity to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for both leisure and business passengers, and our three daily frequencies will increase to four from today. We are pleased this is happening in Norwich where KLM has been present for so many years not only as a Scheduled Airline but also with our Engineering Unit.”

For more information on KLM visit www.klm.com or call 0871 231 0000.

-Ends- Timetable* Flight number Frequency Departure (local time) Arrival (local time) KL1502 Daily 06:15 08:10 KL1506 Daily 09:40 11:35 KL1508 Weekday 13:55 15:50 KL1512 Daily 17:15 19:10

Flight number Frequency Departure (local time) Arrival (local time) KL1505 Daily 09:15 09:05 KL1507 Weekday 13:30 13:20 KL1511 Daily 16:50 16:40 KL1515 Daily 21:15 21:05 *Summer schedule valid from 31.03.13 until 26.10.13. Subject to change

For further press information please contact the KLM press office at the Red Consultancy on: Email: [email protected] / Telephone: 020 7025 6625

Notes to Editors: About KLM KLM offers the choice of 17 UK departure points. KLM is part of the AIR FRANCE KLM Group which was voted Best Short haul Airline 2013 at the Business Travel Awards. KLM flies via the multi-awarding winning Amsterdam Airport Schiphol whose wealth of accolades include Business Traveller’s ‘Best Airport in Europe’ award 2012. Voted Best Airline for Staff Service at the 2012 World Airline Awards, KLM offers passengers the opportunity to fly in Economy, Economy Comfort and World Business Class. Passengers can book online at www.klm.com as well as save time by checking in online up to one hour before departure.

New limits for compensation awards by employment tribunals have been announced and will take effect from 1 February 2013. Steeles Law trainee solicitor Laura Tanguay and Professional Support Lawyer Elizabeth Stevens report.

On 1 February 2013, the maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal will rise from £72,300 to £74,200 and the maximum amount of a statutory week’s pay, used to calculate statutory redundancy pay (among other things), will rise from £430 to £450.

The figures reflect an RPI increase of 2.6% in the year to September 2012.

Summary of changes:

• Maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal: increasing from £72,300 to £74,200
• Maximum limit on a week’s pay: increasing from £430 to £450
• Minimum basic award for certain unfair dismissals (dismissals for reasons of trade union membership or activities, health and safety duties, pension scheme trustee duties or acting as an employee representative): increasing from £5,300 to £5,500
• Maximum basic award or statutory redundancy payment: increasing from £12,900 to £13,500

These new rates will apply in instances where the effective date of termination falls on or after 1 February 2013.

For any employment enquiries please contact the Steeles Law employment team on [email protected] or 01603 598000.

Leathes Prior is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring the Pedal Norfolk Cycling Festival, taking place at Holkham Hall on May 4th, 5th and 6th. Although centered around cycling this festival is being designed to attract all the family with activities and entertainment for a fun day out.

For more information please see:

https://www.pedalnorfolk.co.uk/

https://www.holkham.co.uk/