Bidwells, one of the UK’s leading property consultancies, today announced the launch of Bidwells TV
The new channel, which is accessible via PCs, laptops, Tablets (such as iPads) and smart phones will feature every residential property marketed by Bidwells in their offices in Nprwich, Cambridge and Saffron Walden. Each featured property, whether for sale or to let, will be promoted via a tailored, high quality animated walk-through video.
Recent research conducted by Nielsen, a leading global information and measurement company, concluded that property marketing via online TV channels, is more effective than traditional advertising methods and the most compelling medium to show case property.
Commenting at the launch of Bidwells TV Marc Langdon, Bidwells said
“Online video walk-throughs allow potential buyers to view new homes without having to step outside their front door – or even on their smartphones – wherever and whenever they want.”
“This innovative way of marketing is particularly popular because it enables the seller to display particular features of the property, which may not always be easy with more traditional methods of marketing, such as newspaper advertising.”
” Bidwells TV will be an integral part of every property marketing campaign we implement – ie the campaign will comprise print ads, portal campaigns (such as Rightmove and Zoopla), digital marketing and now virtual tours on a dedicated channel. No competitor can match that potent mix”.
Norwich based SaxonAir Charter Ltd has seen a record increase in air charter use during the first six months trading of 2013.
Aeroplane charter hours for the first half of the year increased by over 65% against the same first six months trading of 2012, with Helicopter charter hours at its Norwich base up by 41% in the same period. Christopher Mace, Group Commercial Director, believes this positive news is a further sign of increased business activity from the UK as companies see the value in optimising travel time for key staff away from both the office environment and family life. SaxonAir has recently undertaken a campaign to promote private air charter to the business community highlighting the time saving benefits, flexibility and potential boost in productivity that can be gained by using the service.
“Air Charter is not necessarily about living a luxury lifestyle, being served champagne and caviar on-board” advises Mr Mace. “The majority of our clients are in fact businesses who appreciate that air charter enables them to make the very best use of their time with pre-cleared check-ins, the ability to undertake work on board in private and secure surroundings as well as landing at private airports closer to their destination not served by the airlines.”
Travelling with scheduled airlines can take you out of the office for several days, driving to major airports and adjusting your day to fit into the airline schedule – plus there’s the stress of delays or missing your flight if your meeting over-runs, lengthy check-in queues and pricy city hotel stopovers. With SaxonAir’s air charter service you can be in the air within minutes of arriving at your local airport, arrive refreshed and ready for a productive day’s business being back home to your family that evening – and back at your desk the next morning ensuring your business keeps flowing.
“There is no substitute for meeting face to face” adds Mace, “a major contract could be in the balance, presentations to be given or multiple sites to visit. These are many of the reasons when our business clients use the service as part of their overall transport solutions. The increased use of our aircraft in the first half of this year is down to a better understanding of air charter, our staff’s commitment to customer service and the varied modern aircraft fleet that we can offer”.
SaxonAir operates from their headquarters in Norwich alongside operating bases in London, Cannes and Thessaloniki in Greece. The varied aircraft fleet on offer ranges from entry level Citation Mustang jets to midsize Hawker 900XP and both a single and twin engine helicopter fleet. In its six years of operation the SaxonAir group of companies has continued to expand and today sees its total number of staff at almost 50, bringing a significant boost to the East Anglian region’s economy and infrastructure at Norwich International Airport.
BEST WESTERN Brook Hotel are looking to recruit a full time Receptionist in their Norwich Hotel, working 5 Reception shifts on a rota basis – early shifts are 7am to 3pm and late shifts are 3pm to 11pm, includes weekends.
Please apply if you have reception experience and a great customer care background.
Send your CV with covering email to [email protected] or by post to Sarah Jones, B.W. Brook Hotel, 2 Barnard Road, Norwich, NR5 9JB
As part of our commitment to keeping you informed about police and crime issues affecting the business community, we will be issuing brief monthly email updates on any areas relevant to you.
Please see below for July’s update. If you require any further information on the issues noted, please contact Norfolk Police on 101.
Crime across the county is down compared with this time last year. For the year 2012/13 to the end of June 2013, crime is down 4.5%, with 146 fewer crimes being recorded than the previous year. Current business crime issues are:
COUNTY – Diesel thefts – An increase in diesel thefts has been noted over the past month. Diesel is being targeted from motor vehicles, plant machinery, boats and containers. The key area targeted is around the Broads, also spreading into the Great Yarmouth district. The majority of offences are occurring overnight. In some offences large amounts of fuel is being taken which suggests that offenders are using a large lorry or container. Any containers or vehicles should be stored securely where possible and any suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately on 999.
COUNTY – New online advice for businesses – A wealth of advice and information relating to business safety is now available on the Norfolk Constabulary website. This section of the site has been update to include sections on key subjects for local businesses, including rural crime, scams, night time and licensing and fraud.
NORWICH – Cash exchange scam – Officers from Norwich North Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have issued several images of a group of people they want to speak to after a number of cash exchange frauds were committed across Norwich during the weekend of 31 May 2013.
COUNTY – Rogue trader jailed – A rogue trader who charged overinflated prices for unnecessary and substandard work across East Anglia has been jailed for 18 months. Arthur Draper persuaded elderly homeowners in Norfolk and Suffolk to have work done on their properties, and also benefitted from overcharged work carried out in Cambridgeshire.
PORINGLAND – Truck and trailer stolen – Police are appealing for information after a pick-up truck was stolen during a burglary in Poringland. The incident happened between midnight and 6am onTuesday 2 July, in West Green.
Join Police Direct Police Direct is a high tech messaging service provided by Suffolk Police, which is designed to bring you up to date information about crime and policing issues in your area. We can send you information by email to your computer, by text to your mobile phone, or by leaving a message on your landline.
Has your local police officer, member of police staff or community volunteer gone that extra mile for you? Is there something they do for your community you would like to acknowledge?
Norfolk Constabulary is asking you to show your appreciation by voting for them in our Norfolk Safer Community Award (NOSCAs).
Now entering its sixth year, the Norfolk Safer Community Awards offer people the opportunity to support the continuing efforts of the community and the Constabulary in keeping Norfolk a safe county to live, work and visit.
The awards combine internal recognition with local communities voting for officers deserving of an award for their contributions to their local community. Additionally, if people know of an exceptional individual or group who deserve to be thanked they are encouraged to nominate them for an award.
T/Chief Constable Simon Bailey praised the Norfolk Safer Community Awards saying:
“Highlighting the crucial work officers, staff and members of our local communities undertake every single day to help keep their neighbourhoods safe is a fundamental part of policing. The Norfolk Safer Community Awards offer us the opportunity to recognise their contributions appropriately.
“If you know a police officer, police community support officer, special constable or member of the community who has helped you to feel safe in your home or neighbourhood, perhaps by tackling an issue which matters to you, then please vote for them in these awards.”
Readers of the Eastern Daily Press can choose their Community Officer of the Year from those nominated by district commanders at Norfolk Constabulary. Voting forms will be available in paper and online.
The three other categories that members of the public can nominate someone for are The John (Cecil) Mason Volunteer of the Year, Young Citizen(s) of the Year and Community Citizen(s) of the Year.
The Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award is a new category for 2013. It is an opportunity for the Chief Constable to recognise the work of an individual or team where their contribution to delivering the Constabulary’s performance has been significant yet under-recognised.
Norfolk Safer Community Awards are funded by sponsorship from commercial and community partners.
The event has two gold sponsors who significantly contribute to the awards and we are grateful for their support. As media partner, the EDP promotes the event in paper and on the EDP24 website and Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport provides the venue and catering at a reduced rate.
Sponsors for 2013 include:
• Eastern Daily Press – Community Police Officers of the Year • Holiday Inn – venue sponsorship • Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk • City College Norwich • Norfolk Chamber of Commerce • Shell UK Ltd • Reed Specialist Recruitment • GSL Dardan
Nominations can be made for people from local communities through to police officers and police staff, who with their actions and words have made a difference to the area we live and work in.
The deadline for nominations is 7 August 2013. The winners and runners-up will be invited to a special awards evening taking place at Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport on 3 October 2013.
Entry criteria and voting forms are available to download on the Norfolk Constabulary website www.norfolk.police.uk
Ashton KCJ Solicitors is delighted to announce a number of new Associate appointments from within the firm.
Four members of staff have been appointed as Associates, having successfully completed Ashton KCJ’s Development Programme.
Congratulations go to Gillian Brasher, Jennie Kingham and Teresa Callender, from our Lifetime Planning team and Mark Watson from the Corporate & Commercial team. Gillian, who heads our Trust and Tax team, is based in our Cambridge office, Jennie is based in Ipswich, Teresa works at our Bury St Edmunds Guildhall Street office and Mark is based in Norwich.
Ashton KCJ’s CEO, Edward O’Rourke says: “I would like to congratulate Gillian, Jennie, Teresa and Mark on this achievement, which is richly deserved. These appointments demonstrate Ashton KCJ’s commitment to investing in the professional development of our staff. It is always rewarding to be able to promote talented team members from within the firm. These appointments take the number of associates in the firm to 17 – together with our 40 partners, they are working to meet a wide range of legal needs across the region and beyond.”
RenEnergy UK Ltd has today announced a series of strategic organisational changes designed to accelerate growth, strengthen alignment with Aggreko’s IPP Solutions team, and position the business for a successful 2026 and beyond.
From 1 January 2026 RenEnergy and the Aggreko IPP Solutions team in Europe will begin a closer alignment of capabilities. This development will open up selected IPP pipeline opportunities to RenEnergy, enabling both companies to benefit from shared expertise and resources. It will also help to establish more direct communication channels with the Aggreko sales team, creating new routes for lead generation and supporting stronger pipeline growth.
In a significant leadership transition, Damian Baker, who founded RenEnergy in 2006, has served as Managing Director for 20 years, will move into the newly created role of Chairman, where he will continue to influence the company’s strategic direction, leveraging his deep industry insight and extensive network to help drive business development and accelerate growth. It will also give him a chance to continue to build relationships with key suppliers and business contacts and to take on more mentoring and coaching, roles which he is passionate about and excels in.
Damian Baker, RenEnergy UK Founder & Chairman said, “I am very excited to take on the new strategic role as Chairman. RenEnergy has developed over the years and is the UK’s leading Solar Carport and Canopy company and is working on some exciting new products which will be coming to market over the next few months. I am looking forward to assisting Kieth with his transition into the business.”
Keith Hobbs assumed the role of Managing Director for RenEnergy from 1 January 2026. Keith joined Aggreko in February 2024 as Development Director, IPP Europe, and brings extensive experience across the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. His previous senior roles at Infinis Energy and Sembcorp Energy UK underscore his strong track record in development and business growth. Damian and Keith will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition throughout Q1 2026.
Keith Hobbs, RenEnergy Managing Director said, “This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside Damian and the RenEnergy team. The business has strong capabilities across a broad range of renewable energy solutions, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in shaping its future and leading RenEnergy toward continued growth and a sustainable future.”
Key senior leadership team members Sales Director, Tom Lloyd, Consultancy Director, Fiona Keysell and Development Director, Stuart Smith will report directly to Keith. With two key RenEnergy leaders continuing in vital roles as part of Aggreko’s wider European structure. HR Business Partner Sue Pepperday will report to Aggreko’s People Director for Europe, Lucy Taylor, and Finance Business Partner Laurence Moore will report to Wayne Bradburn, Head of Finance for the UK & Ireland.
“These changes mark an exciting new chapter for RenEnergy,” said Alan Dunne, Aggreko Managing Director, UK & Ireland. “By strengthening our alignment with Aggreko’s IPP Solutions capabilities and welcoming Keith into a critical leadership role, we are setting the stage for continued momentum in the renewable energy sector. We are incredibly grateful for Damian’s longstanding leadership and look forward to his continued influence as Chairman.”
RenEnergy extends its appreciation to all employees for their continued dedication and looks forward to a dynamic and successful 2026 when it will also be celebrating its 20th Anniversary of incorporation.
Eight Norfolk businesses have received support from the latest round of the Jarrold Growth Fund, this year in partnership with Norfolk County Council. From hand-forged metalwork to artisan kombucha and innovative tech platforms, this year’s recipients showcase the diversity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit that make Norfolk’s business community so special.
The Jarrold Group launched its Growth Fund in February 2024 as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to Norwich and Norfolk and the business community. This year’s partnership with Norfolk County Council brings together shared values of innovation, sustainability and community, with £100,000 of combined support available through a mix of funding, mentoring and practical help.
More than 70 start-ups and established businesses applied to the scheme in March 2025 with eight successfully securing funding, investment or support.
The following businesses received a blend of financial and practical support from Jarrold Group and Norfolk County Council:
Urban Interiors was the first business to receive funding, allowing the founder to embark on training and benefit from professional support to elevate her local profile. L V Bespoke are specialists in creating bespoke metalwork and point-of-sale displays for the horticultural and lifestyle sectors, blending craftsmanship, creativity, and functionality. The Growth Fund will enable LV to scale up their operations and develop the business in a structured, sustainable way. Oichi Kombucha, run by three sisters in rural Norfolk, is dedicated to creating authentic artisan kombucha infusions, made with seasonal, fresh and foraged ingredients. Jarrold Growth Fund support will enable Oichi to develop new flavours and expand into vending machine distribution. Oichi will also receive support from Jarrolds’ marketing agency, Yawn, and its logistics resources. Due Trade creates online ordering platforms for the B2B sector, enabling businesses to increase trade orders and save time on inbound enquiries. The Growth Fund will allow Due Trade to invest in a business developer to support its customers and support the company’s next phase of growth. One of a Kind Club is a well-loved jewellery brand, already available throughout the UK. The Growth Fund will enable the business to launch a new sustainable range and develop a better understanding of high-street trends, visual merchandising, marketing expertise and customer preferences to inform future product development and retail strategy. Norfolk County Council also provided funding to the following organisations:
Zoological Society of East Anglia was awarded funding to revamp its outside seating area at Banham Zoo, enhancing the attraction’s food and beverage offering. Stepping Stones is a charity based in Norwich where adults with learning disabilities receive the education, training and support they require to fulfil their potential. Funding from the Growth Fund will enable Stepping Stones to further develop its range of student-made products, such as stationery, calendars, t-shirts and bags. This includes attending its first trade show in London to showcase products to a national B2B audience. Dragonfly Flooring is an independent business in south Norfolk which received funding to help develop its marketing strategy, including an investment in impactful vehicle graphics to ensure it stands out.
Caroline Ellis is group business development manager at the Jarrold Group. “This year’s Growth Fund has shown once again how much innovation and heart there is across Norfolk,” Caroline explains. “We wanted to support businesses that combine creativity with a clear sense of purpose and growth in mind and our chosen applicants have that in abundance.
“At the Jarrold Group, we don’t just offer funding, we share our expertise in training, marketing, logistics, facilities management and retail to help these businesses grow in a way that’s sustainable and true to their vision. All the businesses we have selected as beneficiaries of the Jarrold Growth Fund will receive a relevant package of practical support to enable their sustainable growth and progression.”
Hannah Springham, co-founder of Farmyard Frozen, explains why receiving Jarrold Growth Fund investment in 2024 was a game-changer for her business.
“Jarrold’s investment in Farmyard could not have come at a better time for us,” Hannah explains. “It has helped us pivot into selling our Norfolk-made products to international first and business class airlines, which has been a real game changer for our business. The help, support and faith that the Jarrold team have provided has been incredible: we feel very fortunate and are really enjoying engaging with them and leaning into their experience and advice as we grow.”
“My advice for recipients is to be relentless. Never give up, there is always a way to make it happen,” adds Hannah.
Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Norfolk County Council said: “These innovative businesses will receive the support they need, both financial and practical, to grow in a way that is sustainable. You only have to read the comments from some of these ventures about the impact it will have to see its real value, and I’m delighted that Norfolk County Council has been able to collaborate with Jarrold to provide this support.”
Recent local media reports have indicated that more over 60s are getting divorced. This follows a recent report published by the Office for National Statistics.
Emma Alfieri from our family team comments: “The team has seen an increasing number of Divorce Petitions being brought amongst the older generation, particularly those in their 60s and 70s. The reason for the steady rise appears to be down to a number of social factors, including the fact that both sexes are living longer as it is reported that life expectancy has increased, particularly for men.
We are experiencing many older clients that are becoming disillusioned with their marriages once the children have flown the nest and for many, the view seems to be that retirement is the start of the next phase of their lives, not the end.
There also appears to be an increase in women’s independence, and cultural values give the perception that divorces are now more socially acceptable”.
Financial matters can be more complicated when over 60s are going through divorce proceedings, particularly when pensions are in payment. Therefore we would suggest that early legal advice is sought.
For further information please contact our family team.
In the current heatwave, Labour MP Linda Riordan has tabled an early day motion which could make it law for workplaces to send staff home when temperatures reach more than 30C. The group of MPs behind the campaign, which it seems is unlikely to succeed, claim that it could prevent potentially fatal accidents.
The Halifax MP said ministers should “resolve uncertainty for employers about their duty to combat excessive heat in the workplace by introducing a maximum working workplace temperature of 30 degrees C (86F) and of 27 degrees C (81 degrees F) for those doing strenuous work”.
The motion warns that employees in workplaces are often subjected to temperatures which can “impact seriously on their health and well-being”.
“While the current warm weather can make some workplaces uncomfortable, I think it would be very difficult to enforce a maximum temperature as humidity and air quality vary so much from one workplace to another,” said Big Sky Additions’ director, Justin Murray. “We would encourage all employers to do as much as they can to make workplace temperatures bearable to ensure high levels of productivity and staff welfare are maintained,” he added. “Simple things like using blinds to block out direct sunlight, providing free standing fans close to windows to circulate cooler air and turning off unnecessary computer equipment can all help to keep office temperatures down,” suggested Justin.
There are currently guidelines regarding minimum workplace temperatures, but nothing to cover the current heatwave conditions. An official code of practice introduced in 1992 as part of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations states that workplace temperatures should not normally drop below 16 degrees C – or 13 degrees C if the work involves severe physical effort – but there is no suggested maximum limit.
Karl Alderton, the founder and managing director of Norwich-based telecoms company, Comms Supply, an EDP Future50 company, has hit out at other suppliers in the business telecoms sector. He is calling for all suppliers to pass on recent wholesale telecoms price reductions to their existing clients.
Wholesale telecoms costs have dropped three times during the past 18 months. The first two reductions were in landline to mobile call costs. These were triggered by Ofcom, the independent regulator for the UK communications industries, capping the cost of mobile termination rates. Ofcom introduced a staged plan to reduce costs which will conclude by 2015. The most recent wholesale reduction is in physical line rental.
Increased competition amongst the biggest players within the industry is also bringing about improved access to advanced technologies and cost efficiencies. For example, Talk Talk, Vodafone (who have recently taken over Cable & Wireless) and BT Wholesale are pushing hard against each other, particularly in the area of leased lines. Leased lines, or Ethernet services, allow data to be transmitted over a direct fibre ‘pipe’ from a client’s office to an exchange and have, historically, been too expensive for smaller businesses. With the big three players making major advances in this technology and making it available to smaller businesses, leased lines are becoming a cost effective option for more and more organisations.
These price drops, technological advances and efficiencies have saved business telecoms suppliers significant amounts of money across their client contracts and yet the vast majority of suppliers have not passed any savings on to their existing customers.
Comms Supply has passed all their wholesale savings straight on to customers and will be making a further reduction in charges on 1st September 2013. This means that customers will see the third reduction in their monthly bill in less than two years.
“I’m sure that many business owners would say that my decision to reduce our potential profits by passing on wholesale price reductions to customers is a foolish one,” says Karl Alderton. “But I set up Comms Supply with a very public commitment to treating my customers with respect and being open and honest in the way we operate. If I didn’t pass on these savings to customers then that promise would be completely meaningless.”
“I’m incredibly frustrated by the widespread business practice of offering new customers a special deal or reduced rates to tempt them in,” continues Karl. “In my view, existing customers deserve the very best service and prices we can provide. That’s the only way we will secure their loyalty and have the opportunity to stay with them as their businesses grow.”
Comms Supply launched in early 2012, providing customers across East Anglia – and beyond – with a range of business telecoms services: from basic phone or broadband line rental to complete systems. The company has invested heavily in developing new technology including a hosted solution which provides a cost effective and efficient option for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Comms Supply’s open and honest approach has been well-received by customers. The company reached an annual turnover of £1million in June this year and has more than doubled its workforce in the past 12 months.
To find out more or to arrange a free business telecoms audit please call 0333 2020 900 or visit www.commssupply.co.uk.