Bigfork hit the surf with a brand new website for the top kayak company, Tootega. Tootega kayaks are designed and made in Attleborough, Norfolk and this company has been hugely successful. The new website shows off a brand new design, product range, improved navigation system and new photography. Check out the new website and treat yourself to a kayak. See you on the water!
If you’re part of a charity or VCSE (Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise) organisation and wondering how to make sense of Net Zero, you’re definitely not alone.
Join us on Thursday 4th December at 11am for a Sustainability Shorts webinar, especially tailored for the charity sector.
We’ll explore:
🌍 What ‘Net Zero’ actually means
📉 The key emission categories that matter for you
🎯 How to set realistic targets and begin cutting carbon
💸 Investment & funding routes to support your journey
Register now and get your organisation moving in the right direction 👉 https://groundworksbs.org.uk/net-zero-for-vcses-webinar/
Benefit Cosmetics is known for its glamorous vintage-style beauty products. But the quality of the global makeup and skincare brand goes way beyond the mascaras, lipsticks and blushers.
In 2012, the Chelmsford-based company won the overall Best Employer award, and an award for innovation based on glowing staff survey results. It seems its people really do benefit from working there, enjoying engagement techniques that are as quirky as the products themselves.
Founded in 1976 by twins Jean and Jane Ford in San Francisco, Benefit now sells in more than 30 countries. Being so well known, it could be very easy for the company to rely on its commercial reputation to attract and retain workers. However, the ‘feel-good’ brand really does ‘walk the walk’ and ‘talk the talk’. It gives its people a great place to work and in 2012, their employees showed their appreciation by giving them outstanding survey feedback.
The results and awards reinforced the areas of engagement that Benefit felt it was already strong in. Employees’ positive feedback told the company that certain elements of engagement had long been successful. Other feedback confirmed that the business was on the right track in terms of focusing on the areas that needed improvement.
With the help of Andrea Lansbury, Benefit’s HR Director, we got the inside scoop on their winning engagement strategy.
Best Employer award as a recruitment tool
Although Benefit has a presence around the world, the Best Employer regional award was very valuable in terms of attracting new staff from around Essex. Andrea points out that the awards are still used in Benefit’s recruitment process; the Best Employer logos are featured on the Benefit careers website and in email signatures.
Empowering staff to be creative
Benefit’s creativity isn’t just found on the tins of lip gloss. It’s innovative and friendly approach is applied to how employees are treated. Andrea explains: “We believe that with every pair of hands comes a free brain, and we feel strongly that all employees should feel empowered to make improvements, and propose changes and ideas. We believe that by creating a fun and quirky working environment we encourage talent.”
Putting the sparkle into employee engagement
The company’s unique engagement activities are enough to make traditionalists blush!
An example is the FISH philosophy, which swims deep at Benefit. Originating in 1998 at Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market (yes, really!) this approach to engagement has grown into a corporate phenomenon. The philosophy incorporates four basic ideas that aim to have a positive impact on corporate culture: choosing your attitude, playing at work, making someone’s day and being present. People have more fun at work, which impacts their day-to-day life at the office and at home. It’s so effective that Benefit has trained its staff in this vibrant engagement strategy.
Not only that, but Benefit’s charity fundraising initiatives include the ‘Brow Arch March’ for international cancer support charity, Look Good Feel Better. In 2012 the company had fundraisers running a relay from Edinburgh to London in aid of women’s charity Refuge, and which used a giant mascara wand as the rely baton! What’s next for Benefit? Since winning the award in 2012, Benefit has run a climate survey to keep track of developments, and staff will be taking part again in this year’s Best Employer survey. Andrea says: “We have done lots of work with development and introduced some new and exciting employee benefits such as summertime working hours, whereby everyone at head office and field managers can leave work at 3pm on Fridays in June, July and August. We have also increased holiday entitlement and the amount of product that we give to employees. “It would be great to see if this has had a positive impact,” she adds. “We have also achieved the status of the Number One Premium Makeup Brand – it would be amazing to know whether this has also had a positive impact on people, as well as on top line sales.” Key advice for top-class engagement
Andrea believes the key to excellent engagement is putting staff at the core of your organisation. She explains: “It really is all about your people; it’s not a cliché, they make the difference. Whilst reward and recognition is important, the need to provide a stimulating environment, and to give challenge and development is also essential.”
And it seems that Benefit is putting the bronzer to one side as they go for gold this year’s survey. Why not join them? Enter the free 2014 Best Employer survey now. Find out more by contacting Pure’s Marketing Manager, Anna Hill, on: 01223 209888 or [email protected].
Window graphics are a fantastic way to announce to the world (well, at least your passing customer traffic) of any seasonal promotions or new services you may have. They are cost effective and more importantly they’re not permanent – meaning your message can be readily changed to suit your promotion.
Take for example Easter (because let’s face it, it’s literally around the corner!), using bright and engaging temporary window graphics could be the difference in securing a sale from a passing customer who may otherwise have gone to a competitor.
Shallow, we know, but we are all guilty of being attracted to pretty things – and there’s nothing wrong with that. But why not increase your potential sales by making sure your windows are the prettiest out there? It’s fast and easy to do resulting in dramatic effects on the look of your business exterior for a relatively low cost.
If you go to an experienced and reputable sign maker (like us, for instance) then you can even ask them to create the graphics on your behalf to make sure your message packs the punch it really deserves and is targeted to the right market audience. Plus, window graphics can be turned around pretty quickly (depending on the complexity) so even if you think it might be too late to meet a seasonal promotion, it’s always worth asking.
These days there are lots of different materials to choose from, making sure you can always create the perfect display for your purposes. Take a look at our portfolio for a little bit of inspiration and then get in touch to see how we can help.
The cost of acquiring charitable donations is significant – each year charities spend hundreds of thousands on TV appeals, Radio appeals, events, collections, staff, mailings and so on to persuade people to support a particular cause.
At Break, we want to make our acquisition investment worthwhile by understanding what motivates someone to give their money or donate their goods in the first place and the best ways to communicate with previous or potential donors in the future. We want to make our investment (and maybe yours) work smarter.
We have therefore commissioned Zing Insights, an independent research agency to collect your views which will shape our strategy for the future. As a thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback everyone will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a Pad mini.
Thankyou if you have supported Break in the past and/or for completing this survey which should take no more than five minutes.
The information we get will be so helpful to us.
The man behind one of the most significant and influential reports on extending the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry will be a keynote speaker at the EEEGR2014 Conference in Norwich in July.
Sir Ian Wood will outline key issues in his review, describe progress since its publication and discuss the potential impact for the East of England.
The Wood Report, commissioned by Government, concluded that the British economy could benefit by up to £200bn over the next 20 years by maximising resources and extending the life of its industry to recover an additional 3-4 billion barrels of North Sea oil and gas.
Simon Gray, chief executive of EEEGR (the East of England Energy Group), was delighted by Sir Ian’s recommendations which be believed would lead to a renaissance of gas production in the Southern North Sea.
“It was great to see him tackle so many key issues and encourage urgent action,” he said.
It is one of many issues across the energy industry which will come under scrutiny from hundreds of delegates at EEEGR2014, to be held at the John Innes Conference Centre on Thursday July 3rd.
Prospects for unconventional gas recovery will also feature strongly in a programme which touches on nearly all of the varied resources which make the region a leading all energy hub.
“The contribution of our region is imperative to the UK’s future energy needs and the conference is all about the action needed and the opportunities arising whatever branch of energy you are involved in,” said Mr Gray.
Shadow Energy Minister Tom Greatrex will be another key speaker at the conference, putting a political slant on the industry’s future.
Also lined up as speakers are Tim Watkins, Sizewell A, Magnox; Andrew Austin, Igas Energy; Duarte Figueira, DECC; Olivia Hartridge, Morgan Stanley; David Williams, Eco2; Jonathan Selwyn, Lark Energy; George Grant, Watt Power/Stag Energy/Progress; Basil Scarsella, UK Power Networks; James Bream, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce – with Judith Patten of All Energy as facilitator.
The previous day, July 2nd, will see EEEGR’s Energy Innovation Award entries presented and judged at Norwich City football ground’s Top of the Terrace – with the awards handed out at a Gala Dinner in the evening. EEEGR2014 and the Innovation Awards are both part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
To book delegate or exhibition spaces at EEEGR2014 or tickets for the Gala Awards Dinner, call 01493 446535 or visit www.eeegr.com
We have another even coming up in our series of regular ‘In the Spotlight’ sessions. Finance! is a surgery style-event featuring Farnell Clarke Accountants and Norwich Credit Union. Come along to see how you could finance your business or what support you would get from an accountant.
A College of West Anglia (CWA) student has taken home a gold medal after an impressive performance at the Eastern Regional Championships.
Honey Howling, who is currently studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Science (Level 3), represented CWA as part of the North Norfolk Judo Club team, competing against some of the best young athletes in the region. Her powerful performance and technical skill earned her the top spot on the podium, marking a standout moment in her sporting journey.
Honey balances her competitive training with her academic commitments at CWA, where she is developing her practical and theoretical understanding of sport, performance, and athletic development.
Honey said: “Competing at a high level in judo is very demanding, but the support I have received from my tutors at CWA along the way has allowed me to stay dedicated to both my studies and training. Competing for club and the college has been an honour!”
Programme Manager for Sports and Public Protective Services Sean McQuaid said, “We are thrilled to see Honey excel in her sporting career while studying with us. Her success highlights the strength of our Sport Science programme and the commitment to our students reaching their full potential. Honey is an exceptional role model for others across the department.”
Industry: Land & Building Surveying
When Tim launched Voller Surveying Services Ltd, he was stepping into self-employment for the first time and with that came a steep learning curve.
“I had no experience of being self-employed as a limited company,” says Tim. “The complexities around self-assessment, taxation, dividends, invoicing, GDPR, and just generally running the financial side were a huge challenge.”
Like many business owners, Tim wanted to spend his time doing what he does best: growing his business and supporting clients, rather than getting bogged down in the admin and tax side of things.
“Claire and her team handle all the accounting side of my business,” Tim explains. “Claire, Ruth and Danny are always friendly, professional and offer helpful advice or remind me when I need to do something!”
From managing accounts to providing ongoing guidance, the team’s proactive and approachable support has made it easier for Tim to stay on top of his finances while keeping his focus on the day-to-day running of his business.
What stood out most to Tim was the team’s personal touch.
“They’re always approachable. They take the time to reply to all my many questions and respond promptly in a way that makes sense. I feel they genuinely care about my business and its success,” he says.
That genuine care and clear communication have given Tim the reassurance that his finances are in safe hands.
Since partnering with Jennison Accounting, Tim has seen a real difference:
Greater confidence in his business finances
More time to focus on surveying, quoting, and building client relationships
Tangible improvements in cash flow, time management, and clarity on finances
“All of the above, without question,” he says.
The Recommendation
Tim first came to Jennison Accounting on a friend’s recommendation, and he’s now more than happy to pass that advice on to others.
“I would highly recommend working with Jennison Accounting. They’ve been so valuable in helping my business over the last two years. I have confidence in their ability, which allows me to focus on the areas where I’m skilled to do so.”
Private air charter operator SaxonAir Charter continues its growth this spring after signing an agreement to manage a further Hawker 900XP midsize jet. SaxonAir have owned and operated their own Hawker 900XP for the past two years and have over this time gained considerable experience of the aircraft and a regular client following.
SaxonAir CEO Alex Durand says ‘We are all very pleased about the addition of another Hawker 900XP to the SaxonAir fleet. The aircraft is one of the most popular types we operate and it comes online at a great time in which we have seen continued growth in our charter utilisation.’
The Hawker 900XP is the world’s bestselling midsize business jet and delivers an unrivalled combination of range, speed, payload and comfort. It can travel 2,700nm carrying up to eight passengers in comfort. This particular aircraft continues to be popular with SaxonAir’s own customers due to its spacious modern layout, cabin attendant service and hot food capability. The aircraft has already flown to destinations in Russia, Italy, France and Israel since its recent introduction onto the fleet.
The aircraft management deal will see SaxonAir providing crewing, continuing airworthiness, maintenance and operational support under commercial air charter use. The aircraft will be based at London Luton airport increasing SaxonAir’s London presence alongside its second Hawker 900XP and the smaller Hawker 400XP light jet. SaxonAir also operates Citation Mustang entry level jets, a King Air 350 turboprop as well as a mixed helicopter fleet from its Norwich headquarters and other locations in both the UK and Europe.
To charter the Hawker 900XP contact SaxonAir’s dedicated charter team by calling +44 (0)1603 518118 or email [email protected].
Norwich-based market research consultancy Insight Track is expanding its research management team with the appointment of Caroline Botwood as a Research Manager.
Caroline was formerly a Research Manager in Aviva’s Customer Insight team, and is eminently well qualified for a career in pursuit of elusive marketing insights with her degree in Criminology and subsequent MSc in Knowledge Discovery!
The role is a newly created position as the business expands to meet the needs of a growing client-base, with organisations seeking to differentiate their brands, and drive customer satisfaction, through marketing based on a sound understanding of customer behaviours, perceptions and expectations.
Caroline is relishing the opportunity to bring her skills and experience to bear for clients of Insight Track saying: “Having worked ‘client-side’ myself in marketing research, I have a strong empathy for the needs and challenges of clients at time when marketing teams are under ever greater pressure to demonstrate the ROI of their marketing budgets”.
Will Herschel-Shorland, Managing Director, mirrors Caroline’s enthusiasm, saying: “Caroline’s blue-chip background and client-side experience will be a great asset to our research management team and her rounded perspective will be widely appreciated by our clients.”
Norse material recycling facility redevelopment update
The £8 million redevelopment of Norse Environmental Waste Services’ facility on the outskirts of Norwich is well underway and on schedule according to Operations Director Dave Newell.
“The new building is now fully roofed and effectively waterproofed and therefore work is now starting on laying the internal concrete floors, exterior doors and main electrical installations,” he said. “We are on target to begin installing the new waste processing machinery from early July 2014. This will be completely installed by early September 2014, thereby enabling commissioning over the following four weeks ready for the commencement of the new Contract on 1st October.”
The 3,110m2 extension to the existing site will allow considerably more waste to be recycled within the county, avoiding unnecessary landfill and generating increased revenue in terms of recyclable material sold.
In addition there will be significant environmental benefits in that it will enable the company to process waste quicker, and handle new waste streams in the future.
When the new facility comes on stream, Norse’s total waste management operations around the region will be worth around £25 million a year, including residential and trade waste collections, the household recycling centres in Norfolk and the extended materials recycling centre.
“This is all good news for local residents,” commented Commercial Director Ruth Metcalf. “It is a fine example of a joined-up approach to waste management and recycling, and cost-effective service delivery to tax payers.”