member
This course is ideal for:
Funding for Leadership and Management Apprenticeships is changing – Where do we go from here?
This weekâs announcements signal a clear shift in apprenticeships:
– Less funding focused purely on people management pathways
– More emphasis on practical, role-based capability
But this doesnât mean apprenticeships are losing their value.
In fact, itâs 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 hasnât disappeared â itâs 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: đ
– 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
Weâre moving from: âManaging peopleâ to: âDelivering outcomes, improving performance, and leading changeâ
The bottom line?
There may be fewer funded options focused purely on leadership and people managementâŚ
âŚbut 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 donât just learn â they perform and grow.
If you’re reviewing your apprenticeship strategy right now, letâs talk on – 0800 0868199
FIVELive: Breakfast Briefings â Cyber Essentials Update
This session is a clear, plain English update on whatâs changing and what you need to do next. Weâll focus on practical actions rather than theory, helping you understand how to stay compliant without unnecessary complexity.
Youâll 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, youâre fully up to speed with the latest Cyber Essentials changes, or if youâre responsible for ensuring the business stays compliant and secure. Itâs especially useful for anyone who wants clarity on whatâs expected â and confidence that theyâre staying ahead of the changes.
What should you expect?
- A plainâEnglish breakdown of the latest Cyber Essentials
- Clarity on whatâs actually changing, and what those changes mean for your organisation
- A focus on realâworld 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 nextâsteps plan to help you reduce risk and strengthen your overall security posture.
Robsears.io
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!
Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2026 sponsorship opportunities
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 countyâs most ambitious businesses.
Why sponsor a category?
Category sponsorship gives you much more than just a
logo on the night. Itâs 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 â whether thatâs 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 - Onâstage 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 youâre 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 @:
– –
web
Mactech Energy Group
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 â 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
Conserve Energy
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.
Caroline Ellis
Web
Grand National Season Opener 2026
đđ The Grand National Raceday at Great Yarmouth â Season Opener
On Saturday 11th April, experience an afternoon packed with thrilling racing action, big-race drama, and unforgettable moments at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.
Not only will there be seven exhilarating flat races taking place on the turf, racegoers also get to soak in the world-famous Grand National which will be shown live on the big screen. Feel the tension rise with every jump, cheer on your favourites, and join in with the buzzing atmosphere as horses battle over fences in one of the most iconic races in the world.
Timings
Gates open – 12:32
First race – 14:02
Last race – 17:42
Autism in Racing
We can’t wait to have the team from Autism in Racing with us for our opening meeting, providing friendly faces and safe sensory/quiet room spaces with a trained host who understands and can support the needs of people with autism.
Tickets
A whole host of ticket options and hospitality packages are available. Under 18s attend for free when accompanied by an adult.