Freebridge Community Housing are delighted to announce that their outgoing Chief Executive, Tony Hall, has been nominated for a Housing Heroes Award in the Lifetime achievement in housing category.
Tony Hall, who will be leaving Freebridge at the end of the month, after almost 14 years at the head of the West Norfolk housing and community organisation, has spent over 30 years working at a senior level in social housing and local governments all over the country.
Tony was previously Director of Community with the Borough Council and oversaw the transfer of almost 7,000 homes to the newly established Freebridge in April 2006. Since then the organisation has made an impact through activities such as the decent homes improvement programme, the regeneration of Hillington Square, taking over the ownership and management of Providence Street Community Centre and the Discovery Centre, and developing many new homes.
The Housing Heroes Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 10 September as part of Housing 2020 – Europe’s largest housing event, which this year is going entirely virtual.
Tony Hall said: “When I announced my retirement at the beginning of the year I didn’t think I’d be finishing my time in housing in such unusual circumstances. That said I feel very lucky to have worked in this hugely rewarding sector in a job that I’ve enjoyed and hearing the news of my nomination has been a very pleasant surprise during my final weeks here at Freebridge Community Housing.”
A new collaborative project between Big C, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and Spire, is delivering special care packages to local cancer patients who face surgery during the pandemic. The new care packs, which are filled with useful items, home comforts and information on support from Big C and the local community, are being delivered to NNUH patients at Spire. These are NHS patients, requiring time-sensitive surgery, having treatment at Spire under agreement due to Covid-19. 20 packages will be delivered per week, half for women and half for men. £10,000 for the project has been funded by the NNUH charity. Dr Melanie Pascale, Director or Charitable Operations at Big C said, “We know that undergoing treatment can be a difficult time for those diagnosed with cancer, especially given the current situation with Covid-19. The care packages are a way for the NNUH and Big C to remind those affected by cancer that they’re not alone and support is available. We hope they will bring some comfort to those receiving them.” Naomi Reid, Ward Reception Team Leader and Clinical Administrator at Spire Hospital said, “Thank you Big C, the packages are just lovely and what a wonderful thing that you do.” Trudy Garriock, Specialist Nurse at Spire said, “I gave out two of the lovely packs yesterday and both the patients were overwhelmed. Both commented how generous it was and thought the contents were fabulous.” Julie Cooper, Head of Grants for the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together with Big C to support NNUH patients, and we are really pleased that we have been able to use part of our NHS Charities Together Covid Grants to do so.” To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
At TML we believe in investing in our future which we believe is built by the younger generation, that is why we regularly support a range of students from different education routes. We invest our time and expertise into work experience placements and day release students providing them with a good insight into their future career prospects and help them to gain key skills and knowledge of the industry.
Charli – Work Experience Student from UTCN
“During my time at TML, I have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills to aid me in my education and future employment. Not only are the employees kind, but they also ensure that tasks and knowledge shared are fully understood, which allowed me to apply my current knowledge to new situations. During times of quiet machining workload alternative tasks were found for me in other areas of the business so I have had exposure to the complete engineering process from purchasing materials to shipment of parts.
I have completed 2 work experience placements at TML, so this shows how much I’ve enjoyed my experience here. I highly recommend TML!”
Dan – Work Placement T-Level Student from City College
“My placement at TML has given me an insight into the entire engineering process, I have predominately been involved with machining but also had exposure to the process of material selection and traceability, the importance of inspection through to posting out final product.
I have had to complete 315 hours of work experience for my course, I have now exceeded these required hours and TML have been keen to continue developing my skill set and knowledge. During my time with TML I have had the opportunity to undertake manual handling training which has led to certification in this area, which has indicated to me they have an interest in my professional progression. All employees have been welcoming and friendly putting me very much at ease, which has made it easy to ask questions and develop my knowledge.
Overall, they are a great group of people, and it has been a great experience having my work placement here.”
SME News were proud to announce the return of their Business Elite Awards for 2024, and were delighted to advise that they recognised Wingfield Consultants Ltd with the following title:
WINNER: Best Business Growth Solutions Consultancy 2024 – East England
Simon Wingfield, Founder of Wingfield Consultants, said: ‘We are really pleased to be recognised by SME News for the support we give local businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire’.
This is the THIRD big win for Wingfield Consultants in 2024. It follows the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards 2023-24 win for Business Consultancy of the Year – UK win and The National Mentoring Awards – Excellence in Mentoring Award win (for Simon Wingfield).
The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House is delighted to be relaunching our invaluable Hospice at Home Service.
We feel patients at the end of life must have access to high quality care, advice and support in their preferred place of care, and that care extends to their family and informal and formal care-givers.
The Hospice promotes care and support that are delivered in a culture that respects patient autonomy and is centered around individual end of life care wishes.
The commitment of the local Integrated Care Board to the financial support of this service is welcomed by our CEO Niki Ellis who has campaigned for many years for the development of this much needed service.
“Caring for patients who are in the last weeks of life is a specialist and vitally important service. When delivered well, with compassion, knowledge and shaped by what is important to the person – it is a powerful and moving experience. We only get one chance to get it right for the patient and their family and our team go to extraordinary lengths to ensure we get it right every time.”
The main objective of the service is to allow those who wish to die at home to be supported to do so by a team of Hospice staff with specialist expertise in end of life care.
Care is based on a holistic approach that focuses on the needs of the patient and their family, respecting people’s beliefs and values. The service complements and supports existing services including GPs, community nurses, domiciliary care agencies and care homes.
As a charity the Hospice continues to fundraise within the community; if you would like to find out more about how you can make a difference please contact the Fundraising Team on 01485 601701 or by email [email protected]
Norfolk distillery beats stiff competition from around the world, including Scotland’s finest, to win one of whisky’s ultimate accolades…
Just 17 years after laying down its first casks
£59 bottles are available now, but be quick they’re selling fast!
A pioneering English distillery that opened its doors just 17 years ago is celebrating winning one of global whisky’s ultimate accolades after scooping Best Single Malt at the annual World Whiskies Awards.
Norfolk-based The English Distillery became the first operational whisky distillery in more than 100 years when it opened for business in 2006.
Now it has claimed an even more impressive first by beating off stiff competition from some of the world’s oldest and rarest whiskies with a sherry cask matured single malt whisky that it launched less than six months ago to critical acclaim.
Bottled by hand at its Breckland-based distillery, The English Sherry Cask is an unpeated single malt whisky, which has been matured from start to finish in the finest PX sherry casks to create a stunning expression that it said had been “well worth the wait”.
The distillery learned of its world-winning success in front of the whisky industry’s finest at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London on Wednesday evening (20th March) as awards organiser Whisky Magazine celebrated “the best people, places, and products in the whisky world”.
Founded by farmer James Nelstrop to fulfil a lifelong dream, the distillery – guided by the experience of legendary Master Distiller Ian Henderson – began to lay down whiskies in its dunnage warehouses, with the sole aim of making world class single malt whisky in England following a century’s absence of whisky making in the country.
Like all its whiskies, the winning whisky was made using barley grown locally and on the Nelstrop family farms. The entire distillation process of milling, mashing, distilling with a pair of traditional and beautiful copper stills, maturing in the finest oak casks and hand bottling, all take place at the distillery.
James’ son Andrew, who has led the 20-strong team at the picturesque distillery since his father’s death in 2014.
Andrew said: “We’re stunned. Whilst any whisky maker hopes to win an award, winning the big one is the realisation of my father’s sole goal of creating world class single malt whiskies in England, and sharing them with whisky lovers around the world.”
Father of two Andrew, whose wife Katy works alongside him as The English Distillery’s Marketing Director, added: “This is a super way to celebrate our 18th year of whisky distilling. It’s a testament to our distillers’ work and I know my father would have been hugely proud of this achievement, as are we.
“As the English Whisky category continues to grow with pace, this award is another milestone for whisky making in England, particularly when it’s judged against some of the finest single malt whiskies from around the world, including Scotland.”
The winning whisky boasts aromas of rich dark fruits from the sherry-filled casks, which combine in a nose of raw honey and vanilla, leading to a burst of sweet toffee, cherries and digestives on the palate. The result is a wonderfully balanced and rich whisky that is not outshone by the wood.
Bottled at 46% abv, non chill filtered and natural in colour, The English Sherry Cask is a no age statement whisky that is part of the distillery’s core range, which includes The English Original and The English Smokey (both RRP £47.50, 70cl bottle).
Stockist House of Malt describes the winning whisky as a “delightful newcomer to The English Distillery’s core range… with a luxuriously thick sherry character, brimming with flavours of crumbly biscuits, smooth vanilla caramel, simmered berries, and sun-dried figs”.
Norwich-based printing firm BDH Tullford has launched a brand new range of transparent pull-up banners, ideal for use as portable hygiene screens.
Suitable for use in a wide range of environments, including offices, salons and waiting rooms, the company’s online store has both fixed-height and adjustable options available.
Not only are they lightweight and easy to use, BDH Tullford can also print onto the clear screens, allowing you to add branding, messages and directions to the banner, so you can deliver valuable messaging while keeping staff and customers safe.
Captain Fawcett Ltd is simply delighted to be recognised as an East of England Export Champion by the Department for International Trade (DIT). It is particularly welcome in this, Captain Fawcett’s 10th Anniversary year. Celebrations to mark the occasion have, of course, been somewhat delayed due to unfolding global events yet plans for developing product ranges and reaching out to new territories have continued, albeit with meetings taking place online rather than the company’s preferred face-to-face approach. Combining a unique brand of Edwardian derring do with a humorously idiosyncratic take on what it means to be a gentleman in the 21st century, Captain Fawcett Ltd is a manufacturer, distributor and exporter of high quality gentlemen’s grooming products (First Class Gentlemen’s Grooming Requisites). Based at his Gentlemen’s Emporium in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, UK, all Captain Fawcett oils are produced in-house and the legendary wax is still made by the company’s founder himself. Captain Fawcett Ltd is proud of being a niche brand, uncompromising on quality. All packaging is made in the UK, as are all Fawcett products. Attention to detail is paramount. It is a great honour to be included amongst those fine companies acknowledged for an inspirational attitude to growing a business through exporting products and thus championing this outward bound approach in the East of England. As an Export Champion, rest assured Captain Fawcett Ltd will be playing our part in peer to peer conversations, encouraging fellow companies in the East of England region to start exporting, to offer practical advice on how to turn exporting ambitions into reality and to share our experiences of how the DIT helped Captain Fawcett Ltd to forge ahead into new markets. Beginning as an entrepreneurial start-up, Captain Fawcett Ltd is now an established SME, exporting to 42 countries world-wide, including key and emerging markets such as the US and India. With the ever increasing demand for high quality British products, there is undoubtedly fantastic opportunity for British businesses to build stronger trading relationships and win greater access to some of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world. All hugely exciting for a business begun at a kitchen table in Terrington St Clement! Captain Fawcett founder, Richie Finney, says “For any business interested in exporting, I’d say don’t hesitate to get in touch with the DIT. They have a superb network of International trade advisers local to territories worldwide, ready to help with tailored advice, guidance and running workshops on a vast range of topics, plus relevant funding support. It will be a great honour to inspire other UK businesses who haven’t yet begun to sell overseas to dive in and start swimming!”
DIT assistance Companies looking for support from DIT should call 01707 398 398 or email [email protected]. They can also visit great.gov.uk, which has information on live export opportunities and includes general information on exporting and events.
Plans are underway for an expansion to Bluebell Nursery, part of Langley Prep School in Taverham, due to an unprecedented demand for places.
The expansion comes following the launch of a brand new baby room in 2022, which has been so successful that there is now a mounting waiting list. The plans will see the build of a new, purpose-built nursery space to cater to the demand for places.
The nursery, which is based on the 100 acre Langley Prep site, caters for babies and children from 6 months to 4 years old.
Head of Nursery and Pre-Prep, Mrs Allison Skipper comments, “We are absolutely delighted with the success of Bluebell Nursery and what’s really special is seeing the children not just settling but flourishing in the new setting. The feedback from parents has blown us away, and we couldn’t ignore the demand for more places, so that’s why we are expanding.”
The new nursery space will feature a ‘Tots-Town’ theme, with role play and sensory learning a key focus. The facility will also continue Langley’s Outdoor Learning focus, with a woodland theme and the chance for children to play and explore in the extensive woodland and grounds. The development will also see existing buildings on the school site re-purposed to form a Pre-School for those aged 3 to 4.
“Our daughter joined Bluebell Nursery aged 12 months and later this year she will move up to the next room,” comments a Nursery parent. “The way in which the practitioners interact with her is more than any parent could ask for – the care and interest they have is so apparent. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, that Bluebell has been the best start for our daughter, and this is just the start of her Langley journey.”
Bluebell Nursery offers an all year-round nursery provision, with an option for term-time-only for those parents who have children in the Langley Pre-Prep or Prep School.
The opening of the expanded nursery is planned for April 2024.
Before then, on Thursday 21st March, there is a Nursery Open Day and, from Monday 4th to Friday 8th March, there is an ‘Open Week’ for families to tour the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep at Langley in Taverham. Book your date and time slot today: https://langleyschool.co.uk/open-events/
A great opportunity to celebrate the start of Spring by visiting a working tulip field.
The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House and tulip grower Mark Eves of Norfolk Tulips are thrilled to announce the return of Tulips for Tapping again this Spring. This will be the fourth year this unique event has taken place and will run from Thursday 18th April to Monday 29th April 2024 (closed Tuesday 23rd April and Wednesday 24th April). The event is a rare chance to celebrate the start of Spring by visiting and walking through working tulip fields, taking advantage of special photo opportunities and enjoying a day out in the beautiful Norfolk countryside.
The tulip fields are located just off the A148, close to the Sandringham Estate in King’s Lynn. The exact location will be given to ticket holders at the time of purchase. Tickets will be for 45 minute slots with first entry at 10am and last entry at 3.30pm. Adult admission is £7.50 each, children (aged 5 to 17) are £5.00 each and under 5s are free. This year we are offering three late evenings, where we will be open from 10am and last entry will be 7pm (Friday 19th April, Thursday 25th April and Friday 26th April). This year there will be a parking charge of £2.00 per car which will cover the cost incurred by The Norfolk Hospice to rent the land for the car park. Please note, there is no public transport or walking access to the event; all attendees must travel to the event by car or taxi.
The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House invites everyone to come and enjoy the breath-taking display of colour and celebration of the tulip season. While there is a small price increase for tickets this year, the price is reflective of the cost to run this event and is benchmarked against similar events which run throughout the UK. Tulips for Tapping continues to be a great opportunity to experience the stunning display of colour and beauty the tulip fields offer, with all proceeds going directly to the Hospice. The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House provides vital services in the local community offering free care, comfort and compassion for people who are living with a life limiting condition, whilst also providing support for their families and friends.
Nicola Ellis, Chief Executive at The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House said “We are delighted to be opening the tulip fields for another incredible event. Each year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the visitors, who come from near and far, to see the splendid sight of the tulips in full bloom.
As a charity providing free end of life care to people in West Norfolk we are reliant on the income that events such as this generate. With our annual care services running in excess of £3.25 million a year, we welcome the opportunity to invite people to share in such a wonderful experience whilst contributing to such a great cause.
I would especially like to thank the team at Norfolk Tulips, Michael Rae and Roydon Hall Farms for making this event happen once again in 2024.”
To ensure entry, tickets must be pre-booked in advance, online at www.norfolkhospice.org.uk. Tickets go on sale on Monday 8th April at 10am. There will be local traders selling food and refreshments, toilet facilities, parking and a stall selling merchandise at the event.
Dogs and drones are strictly forbidden on the fields. While those using wheelchairs and buggies are wholeheartedly welcomed at the fields, we would ask that users be aware that conditions on the day are wholly dependent upon the weather. The terrain will be uneven and can be muddy or dusty; please bear this in mind before you visit and ensure you wear appropriate footwear. Please note the site is a no-smoking zone.
For further information, please visit www.norfolkhospice.org.uk or contact The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House on 01485 601 701.
How Image Experiential survived, emerged, and evolved into a stronger local business.
A Norwich-based events business celebrates success, with an extraordinary resurgence in their 35th year.
The reported financial success comes alongside significant change for Image Experiential – formerly Image Display & Graphics – that goes beyond an updated name.
Like many industries, 2020 was catastrophic for live events. With a year’s worth of events vanishing overnight and the industry taking a drastic nosedive, Image were quickly forced to grapple for survival. With no choice but to pivot away from events, the team turned their expertise to new avenues.
Managing Director, Alex Cosham explained: “It was a matter of survival mode kicking in. We needed something that would use all of our in-house skills in design, marketing, and manufacturing. So, we became Image Garden Rooms to engage our production team and launched our brand consultancy Image Development to support other businesses with the enforced changes Covid demanded.”
“It tested relationships and the resolve of our business to the limits” he adds, talking about the “extraordinary resilience” needed to navigate the pandemic.
Luckily, live events began to return, a comeback that resulted in 2023 global event revenues reaching 97% of 2019 levels (UFI, Global Barometer – July 2023). The knock-on effect for Image has been exceptional, with strong financial reports, a full calendar, and a growing team into 2024.
As events entered a new era, Image began a new chapter of their own too. 2023 was the first year with Alex Cosham in post as Managing Director, taking over the family business after 34 extraordinary years of father Iain Cosham steering the ship.
“I had some extraordinary teachers, team-mates and clients, which have helped make my first year one of the most successful years in our humble history”, Alex Cosham reflects.
Alongside the company’s financial successes, they have also seen a rise in creative briefs and unique projects, continuing to push the envelope on creativity and leaning into the ‘experiential’.
Hence, the shift in name from Image Display and Graphics to Image Experiential was something that “just made sense” to Cosham.
But despite the change, he assures us that some things haven’t changed.
“We kept the stuff that mattered, the practical know-how, the honest to goodness quality craftsmanship that started in a dusty garage back in the 80s, the spirit of real customer service, the attitude needed to push back. Becoming Image Experiential ready for 2024 feels like the next evolution of our business that we’ve seen taking shape over the last year.”
About Image Experiential: Image Experiential is a Norwich-based events company specialising in exhibition stand design and build, interior fit-outs, and experiential marketing.
About Image Development: Image Development is a refreshingly simple brand consultancy, helping
businesses across East Anglia to find their ‘marketing zen’ with simple, effective support
Image: An exhibition stand designed and built by Image Experiential for Norfolk-based business and longterm client Natures Menu at Crufts.
