Award winning wealth managers Chadwicks has appointed two Associate Directors. Radostina Dencheva and James Bacon joined the firm as Graduate Trainees having each completed a Masters degree at the UEA and are now Chartered advisers.
Director Richard Ross said ‘this represents an important milestone in our development. James and Radi have done some fantastic work in enhancing our proposition and supporting the development of our staff. Their promotion lays the foundations for the next stage of our evolution. It is also a great validation of our policy of investing in talented young people’.
Radostina, who was recognised as one of the Top 35 Next Generation Advisers by Citywire earlier in the year, is an economics graduate and a Chartered Wealth Manager and is particularly interested in socially responsible investing. James has a MSc in Investment and Financial Management, is a Chartered Financial Planner and likes to focus on portfolio construction and financial planning. Chadwicks is proud of its record in developing its staff, as Richard Ross said ‘ the deal is that if you’re working here you’re learning – and we will support, encourage and cajole you to become better qualified.’
A scheme which will help get people into apprenticeships in small businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk has been launched by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Pool is being set up in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils and will help transfer unspent apprenticeship levy payments from levy payers to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the area.
Levy payers with unspent levy need to be identified and encouraged to allocate some or all of their unspent levy to a virtual pot. Any preferred use of their funds – a certain apprenticeship standard, sector, location – will be identified at this stage.
The LEP or an endorsed partner will then source businesses direct or through an apprenticeship provider that has potential apprentices who are looking to ‘receive’ the funds. An introduction will be made and if all parties, including the training provider, are happy with the match, funds can start to be transferred.
New Anglia LEP is working with businesses, colleges and universities in the region to identify potential opportunities and a budget of £120,000 has been allocated to fund the development of the New Anglia Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Pool.
Chris Starkie, chief executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “Intervention is required in order to boost the number of apprenticeship starts, particularly among SMEs which make up the vast majority of employers in the area.
“This scheme is part of a wider series of actions designed to support apprenticeships across Norfolk and Suffolk and it is essential there is a coordinated approach across stakeholders. This will ensure we can maximise opportunities and prevent employers being engaged multiple times by different stakeholders.”
Natasha Waller, Skills Manager for New Anglia LEP, said: “This will be a massive boost for apprenticeships and training at a time when these opportunities are dwindling. People are central to all of our ambitions and goals and this underlines our commitment to help people of all ages set their aspirations high and open them up to the careers available to them.”
For the initiative to work effectively and to have a significant impact, it needs to be done at scale and with support for both the levy payers – companies with a staffing bill of more than £3 million a year – and the SMEs.
An apprenticeship levy coordinator has been appointed by the LEP and this post will be funded for the two years of the programme.
Chantry Place has announced the return of student night, which will take place on Thursday 6th October 2022 from 5pm-8pm.
Big names signed-up to take part in the event include H&M, Schuh, Apple, Wagamama, The Real Greek, Levi’s, Lisa Angel and many more with discounts of up to 50 per cent on the night exclusively for students.
The Centre is also providing entertainment, including a DJ, photobooth and chill-out zone with beanbags and games.
The first 200 students through the doors who head to the lower ground floor to find the Chantry Place marketing team, who will be based opposite Boots on the night, will also be able to get their hands on a goody bag.
Plus, there will be a competition exclusively for students attending on the night to win £300 plus Apple AirPods!*
Other highlights include free samples from Lush, a chance to win on the spin to win wheel in Schuh, Lisa Angel will have goody bags for the first 50 customers, Bubble CiTea will give out special scratch cards and Wagamama will offer samples.
Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “45 retailers are currently confirmed to take part in the event and all students are welcome to enjoy our late night shopping event. Chantry Place offers so much for students and we can’t wait to welcome current students along to see what we have to offer and enjoy the night, as well as new freshers to see the exciting retail mix and food offering that we and Norwich offers.”
To discover the full list of retailers taking part, click here.
For more information about Chantry Place, please visit www.ChantryPlace.co.uk or follow their social media @chantryplacenorwich
*The winner must have a valid student ID to claim the prize. If unable to provide proof, the competition will be redrawn and given to someone with a valid student ID.
All offers and discounts are correct at time of writing but may be changed or withdrawn by the retailer.
Above: Greater Anglia’s Crown Point Depot Credit: Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia’s Norwich Crown Point Depot is celebrating 40 years of servicing Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex’s trains.
The depot, which employs over 100 staff, has seen many changes over the years, most recently undergoing an extensive redevelopment to accommodate Greater Anglia’s new train fleet.
The work began in 2018, with Greater Anglia investing over £80 million in the project to transform the depot with better facilities to maintain and clean the company’s 58 new Stadler trains, as well as a new train washing facility, improved servicing equipment and the ability to store and dispense more fuel.
The work included the installation of an £8.7 million new bogie drop facility – which allows engineers to repair, remove and replace components on the underneath of train carriages, such as the wheelsets and underframe equipment. New equipment transfer turntables and support offices were also added.
Greater Anglia now operates the depot in partnership with Stadler, the manufacturer of the new fleet of trains.
The landmark project ushered in a new era for the region’s railways and secured the depot’s future with train maintenance expertise staying in Norwich to continue the city’s long-standing crucial role in the delivery of the region’s train service.
That presence is valuable to the local and regional economy, with benefits for Norwich and Norfolk both from having employees based at the depot and from the linked supply chain.
Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, Jamie Burles, said, “The depot has been vital to ensuring we provide the best possible service to passengers across East Anglia since 1982 and will continue to play that crucial role well into the future.
“The team there does a fantastic job day-in, day-out, and I would like to thank them for their dedication to providing a reliable and punctual train service for the region.”
Crown Point Depot was officially opened on 27 October 1982, by the chairman of the British Railways Board, Peter Parker.
It replaced Norwich engine shed and allowed InterCity trains that had been serviced at Great Yarmouth to move to a central location. It was electrified in 1985, along with the Great Eastern Main Line.
As part of the privatisation of British Rail, in 1997, it was taken over by Anglia Railways. It has since passed with the East Anglia franchise to One Railway, National Express East Anglia and now Greater Anglia.
New branding is due to be unveiled to mark the depot’s 40th birthday and the completion of the redevelopment work.
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Above: Crown Point Depot, Norwich Credit: Greater Anglia
Above: Plaque at Crown Point Depot
Above: An Open Day held at Crown Point Depot in the 1980s
Above: Depot staff in 2014 with a train named ‘Crown Point’
Above: New walkways in the newly redeveloped depot. Credit: Greater Anglia
AFI KLM E&M subsidiary is delighted to announce the signing of airframe maintenance contract extension with West Atlantic UK Limited.
Paris, Amstelveen, Norwich, 4th November 2019 – KLM UK Engineering are pleased to announce a further extension to its airframe heavy maintenance contract with West Atlantic UK Limited on their Boeing 737 Freighter fleet.
Peter van der Horst, Managing Director commented: “We are delighted that West Atlantic UK Ltd have decided to continue to extend their heavy maintenance contract with KLM UK Engineering, we have been supporting West Atlantic UK Ltd for a number of years and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”
Nigel Hiorns, Managing Director West Atlantic UK Ltd said: “Having been a customer of KLM UK Engineering’s for a number of years now, we are very pleased to announce the continuation of this working relationship and look forward to our fleet continuing its maintenance programme at the KLM UK Engineering facilities.”
About West Atlantic UK Ltd
West Atlantic UK Ltd is part of the West Atlantic/Swiftair group which is one of the largest European cargo operators with customers throughout EU. The UK airline operates a fleet of 23 Boeing 737-300 & 400 and -800 freighter aircraft and was the launch customer for the 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter).
Above: One of Greater Anglia’s new trains at Lowestoft Credit: Greater Anglia
Attracting passengers back to East Anglia’s rural rail branch lines was the focus at Greater Anglia’s annual community rail conference held last week.
Community Rail Partnerships, station adopters, local authorities and other organisations from across East Anglia came together with Greater Anglia representatives at the annual Community Rail Conference to discuss how to ensure a bright future for the region’s local rail branch lines.
Nationally, rail passenger numbers are back up to 80-85% of pre-pandemic levels so the focus was on how to continue to attract passengers to use their local rail lines, building on the transformational benefits brought by Greater Anglia’s new trains.
Discussions focused on how to help community rail lines recover beyond the pandemic; how to maximise the positive impact of the new trains; how community rail partnerships can help strengthen further their links with local communities, involving schools, colleges and local authorities to help bring about positive changes locally, and how to improve diversity and inclusion.
The conference was attended by East Anglia’s six Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs), Station Adoption community volunteers, local authorities, Transport Focus, the Community Rail Network (which represents CRPs and promotes community rail at a national level) and the Department for Transport.
Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said, “Community rail initiatives help to bring railways closer to the communities they serve, encouraging more people to take the train and supporting local communities by making it easier for residents to travel for work, learning, shopping or leisure and for visitors or tourists to get around with benefits for the local economy.
“Most community rail lines saw significant growth in passenger numbers in recent years before the pandemic and our new, high quality, longer trains provide a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people to take the train.
“We’ll continue to build on our strong track record of partnership working, which has seen community rail lines become more and more popular with customers, whilst train services and stations have become more integrated with local communities’ needs, with more frequent services, all year round, in place on most routes.”
He added: “A huge thanks to all involved for making the conference such a positive, effective event with clear goals and a shared desire to ensure our local lines continue to thrive and maximise the impact of the exciting transformation delivered by the introduction of our new trains.”
To date in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, partnership working has helped to boost tourism and local economies and improve health and well-being through the production of local area guides, guided walks, special event trains, volunteering initiatives, community art projects, wildlife initiatives, partnership initiatives to deliver service improvements and station upgrades and wider community involvement schemes.
Norwich based energy consultants, Indigo Swan, raise an impressive £5,000 for an inspirational Norfolk charity in their annual ‘Big Indigo Charity Quiz’. It brings the total figure raised by Indigo Swan for the charity up to an incredible £17,000!
More than 165 guests attended the evening in aid of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, a charity who offer advice and support to those affected by mental health problems, which took place at EPIC Studios on Wednesday 6th November.
James Groves, Managing Director at Indigo Swan commented: “To see what started as a quiz by candlelight in a restaurant in Norwich with 30 people 5 years ago, grow to the amazing event we had last week is amazing! The support we see from the local business community grows every year and the impact it has on Norfolk & Waveney Mind is so rewarding to see.“
Indigo Swan, who recently won the regional ‘Workplace Wellbeing’ British Chambers of Commerce Business Award, also used the occasion to celebrate the company’s 10th birthday. Each of the rounds tied into Indigo Swan in someway with topics including birds, the last 10 years and a general knowledge round with a twist.
Alexandra Haswell, Fundraising and Campaigns Manager at Norfolk and Waveney Mind said: “We are so grateful to the hard work that Indigo Swan put in to such a fantastic quiz this year and for their support over the last five years. The money they have raised is vital to helping us continue supporting people in the Norfolk and Waveney area and raising awareness to continue to reduce the stigma associated with mental ill health.”
A record number of students have joined the professional accountancy training programme at leading East Anglian firm, Larking Gowen.
The 41 students include school leavers, university graduates and placement students, who will be working across the firm’s offices in Norfolk, Suffolk and north Essex. They will be working towards a variety of accountancy, taxation and other specialist qualifications.
Julie Grimmer, Managing Partner at Larking Gowen, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to our latest intake of trainees. It’s refreshing to see so many talented young people coming forward to take their first steps in what should be a very rewarding career.”
Julie, who joined the firm as a trainee herself, said the training programmes are not just about passing exams. “Our employment proposition is a commitment to career-long training and development, offering a wide range of experience in the business. They’ll be supported and mentored by experienced professionals who’ll be looking out for them every step of the way.”
She continued, “As with my own personal journey through the business, we want our current crop of trainees to go on to build lifelong careers at Larking Gowen.”
“One in five of the children we support receives care because of these special gifts” – Free Wills Month is a golden opportunity to support EACH
The public are being encouraged to think about the future by leaving a “special gift” that benefits children and young people receiving vital hospice care.
Free Wills Month takes place in October and gives people over the age of 18 an opportunity to have their Will written or updated for ‘free’.
In return, they are encouraged to make a donation or leave a gift to a charity like East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
EACH Individual Giving Manager Amy Cudmore said: “This special month is an opportunity to start a very important conversation and ensure the public are aware they can leave a gift in their Will.
“After taking care of family and friends, it’s an opportunity to help us continue our work supporting children and their families for generations to come.
“One in five of the children we support receives care because of these gifts and we’re asking supporters to consider having their Will written.
“Leaving something, no matter how big or small, really will make a huge difference in terms of helping us continue our vital work across East Anglia.
“It’s an incredible, very personal way to help give more children and young people the opportunity to receive our tailored, high-quality specialist services.”
EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, is directing supporters to a free online Will writing service called Farewill.
It provides an opportunity for people to write their Will online, at no cost, in return for making a donation to EACH.
For more information about leaving a gift in your Will, head here. Alternatively, email [email protected] or call 01223 800807.
EACH has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and Milton, near Cambridge.
Law firm Howes Percival has recorded a 12% increase in turnover since the start of 2020, with profits per equity partner also up 12% over the same period, according to its latest annual results.
The firm has seen turnover increase from £23.4m before the pandemic, to £26.3m this year and market share increase in Norwich and its other UK offices.
The last 12 months have also seen Howes Percival invest in a nationwide expansion programme, with close to 100 new recruits appointed in that period.
Howes Percival has had an office in Norwich for over 30 years and the team of more than 100 staff provide the full range of corporate and private client services to the city and the wider region.
Norwich partner Tessa Haskey said, “We are absolutely delighted with the way the firm has performed over the last couple of years. Like everyone, we experienced the shock waves when the pandemic struck, but we were able to adapt quickly to the new ways of working to support our staff and clients. As a result, we’ve have seen strong growth in core areas such as corporate and commercial, property, litigation, employment law and private client services.
“Our people have been at the heart of everything that has happened in the last couple of years and our focus was very much on ensuring that everyone was supported, valued and rewarded during such a challenging period. Together we developed improved ways of working and supporting each other that continue today, with more flexible working, more family-friendly working practices and health and well-being benefits. Our bonus scheme applies to all employees and recognises the contribution that everyone has made.”
Swarm Training and Swarm REAGIT are excited to announce their next open day being held at our purpose built engineering centre in Norwich!
Our open days are always popular events where we open our doors to welcome parents and potential apprentices as well as new and existing employers from around the county!!
Come on in and meet some of our current apprentices, meet the dedicated teaching and support team, view the ever expanding facilities and meet some of our supporting organisations too!!
MigAnglia will be onsite with their incredible Fronius virtual welder as well as their welding kit and demonstrating their Swift Cut CNC plasma profiling table as well as Nederman extraction with some of their incredible range of extractors!
During this event, you can gather information on apprenticeship opportunities, learn about the various pathways in engineering or look at a commercial course to upskill yourself or your team members.
Apprenticeships Norfolk will be delivering sessions around government funding and initiatives and help to remove some of the confusion around what’s available and how you access it, and how they can support you to employ an apprentice to grow your business.
We will also be launching our new Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship which will officially begin in July. If this is of interest to you and your staff, we highly recommend coming to see how it will be run, what facilities we have and to meet our very experienced tutor! You can then register and enrol staff on the day if you are ready to.
Our full range of practical Apprenticeship courses includes:
Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery (launching in July 2025)
Level 2 Engineering Operative
Level 2 Welder
Level 3 Pipe Welder
Level 3 Metal Fabricator
Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Engineering
Level 3 Installation & Maintenance Electrician
If you would like to attend, you can Register Here for the 10am – 12pm session or Register Here for the 1pm to 3pm session.
Alternatively, call Lou Stannett on 07951 950197, or email her on [email protected] for more details.
To celebrate the installation of our new print press, we are running a special offer of 1,000 flyers for just £45. Contact us on [email protected] to claim yours.
