We are delighted to announce that footballing legend Grant Holt popped by to our Norwich office recently, to meet the team, film some videos and promote all things CPL!
The news comes as Contract Personnel is proud to announce that we will continue our valued partnership with Norwich City Football Club for the 2025–26 season, marking our 10th consecutive year of our involvement with the club.
Grant filmed some videos to help promote the work of CPL, along with answering some calls from our candidates, some light-hearted sketches and then spent time meeting our team and posing for photos.
Make sure you are following Contract Personnel on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram as some of the videos have been released – with more to come!
At Contract Personnel, our goal is the same as it has been for the past 35 years – helping people find rewarding work and helping businesses find the right staff to succeed. Whether you’re a fan looking for your next role or a company looking to grow your team, we’re here to help.
We thank Grant for his time and all at Norwich City Football Club for making this happen.
If you are looking for work, or need help finding staff, speak to the team TODAY!
Steeles Lawis pleased toannounce a trio of staff promotions to Associate level.
Amy Taylor, a Solicitor specialising in wills and probate matters, joined the team in 2012, having qualified locally in 2008.
Gemma Hoskins, Marketing Manager at Steeles, who also leads on business development, similarly joined in 2012 and is the first non-lawyer to achieve the role of Associate.
Lindsey Crockett, a Commercial Solicitor, joined the firm in 2010 as a trainee, successfully working her way up the ranks to Associate level.
Stephen Drake, Managing Director at Steeles Law, commented: “At Steeles, we have always recognised the need to identify and develop talent within the firm. It is an essential tool in growing and evolving the business. Amy, Gemma and Lindsey have proven themselves to be committed members of staff, helping to inject fresh ideas and practices for the good of the wider team. We congratulate them and wish them continued success in their new roles”.
Swarm Apprenticeships and Orbit East are partnering to launch an exciting and unique new youth programme, giving almost 100 young people the chance to gain valuable training and employment opportunities.
Swarm Futures will be working with young people to build up their skills to ultimately provide opportunities through Enterprise Apprenticeships with local companies across Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Ipswich and Lowestoft. This initiative complements other programmes such as Norwich for Jobs.
Orbit East; part of Orbit Group which manages 38,000 homes nationally is estimated to have over 260 of Orbit’s young tenants at risk of not being in education, employment or training. This programme will provide the stepping stone for these people to move into fulfilling careers within the region.
Swarm Futures will involve training workshops and a post training support programme aimed at enhancing the younger generation’s employment, life and enterprise skills and helping them to identify relevant local opportunities. This will increase the chances of their applications being noticed and help them promote themselves well at interview.
Chris Perry, Managing Director of Swarm said, “We are really pleased to be able to work with Orbit East to create this innovative pre-employment support that combines our experience in recruiting apprentices for organisations across the region and our business and enterprise training to give young people a real chance to stand out from the crowd.” He goes on to say
“From my previous professional experience working at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, I have been able to work with hundreds of employers in regards to investing in young people. During this time it was generally agreed that when recruiting for new employees they might shortlist on the basis of qualifications, but it is attitude, enthusiasm and applicable commercial awareness that gets young people noticed and ultimately a job. This is where I believe this programme will excel, making sure that young people participating in the programme appear on shortlists, confident and ready for interview.”
Sam Scharf, Head of Community Investment said: “We are excited to be working with Swarm, who clearly understand both the needs and desires of young people and of local businesses across the East. This will provide unique opportunities for young people across our communities to work in really meaningful roles, developing enterprise skills in local businesses they probably already know”.
To find out more or come along to the open events then you can find details on our website www.swarmfutures.org.uk
Reedham rail station will receive extra care and attention from community volunteers, as two new station adopters join the existing team.
Local residents, Catherine Ford and Colin Brown, are joining Mike Stoker, Mike Warner and Ann Thompson to help out at Reedham, and, as well as tending the station garden and seeking sponsorship from local business, they have big plans to bring one of the disused station waiting rooms back into use to tell the story of the Norwich – Great Yarmouth line, the first railway in Norfolk.
The team plans to start restoring the old waiting room on the Great Yarmouth / Lowestoft bound platform, which was built in the late Victorian era, later this summer. The room will be painted in LNER heritage colours and will be used to display old photographs, information and memorabilia about the railway line.
In the meantime the newly expanded team will concentrate on keeping the station gardens and car park in pristine condition.
Adopter, Mike Warner, has landscaped the gardens, stocked the leaflet racks with information, kept the station clean and tidy and tended the flowers for the past eight years. He has been assisted by Mike Stoker, who has connections with the station since childhood, for the past four years.
Last year, the adopters installed three bright murals on the disused station buildings depicting scenes of coast and countryside, reflecting the diverse landscape that the line runs through.
The murals, along with flower tubs, landscaping of the station garden areas and the decorating of boarding to look like station windows, create the feeling of a thriving and well-kept station and a pleasant atmosphere for passengers as they wait for trains.
Mike Warner commented, “We are really grateful to everyone who has donated plants which has helped us to create our extensive station gardens. We have a lot of plans for the station and will continue to work with Abellio Greater Anglia to bring about further improvements in the future.”
Plants and hedging have been donated by Broadland District Council, the Humpty Dumpty Brewery, Pettits Animal Adventure Park and NENTA Train Tours.
Abellio Greater Anglia’s Area Customer Service Manager, James Reeve, said, “I’d like to welcome the new team members at Reedham. The station continues to go from strength to strength thanks to this huge community effort and we are very grateful for all their hard work and creative ideas that have transformed the station.”
The ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme started in 2003 and enables individuals or groups to adopt their local railway station and contribute to its presentation and welfare for the benefit of the local community.
The voluntary scheme was originally created to improve lines of communication between the train operator and station users however, over the years it has grown to become much more, with station adopters now playing an active role in keeping stations looking good through inventive gardening projects, creative community art projects, taking part in station ‘health checks’ or being the eyes and ears of their station.
Over the years, station adopters have also played a key role in raising money for new initiatives, such as improved waiting facilities or planting beautiful station gardens.
Abellio Greater Anglia now has over 183 adopters at over 90 stations across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
With over five and a half million lamp posts currently in operation across the UK, modern and old alike, ensuring their integrity and safety is paramount. Local councils and housing authorities can be all too aware of the expense of replacing corroded lamp posts and the complaints that come with public lighting being out of action. In addition, corroded lamp posts can cause accidents if they become unstable. The ability to locate defects early and easily can increase the chances of repair, hence saving tax-payer money and enables consistent working street lighting which can improve road safety within communities along with the further benefits of reducing crime and create a more pleasant environment, in turn promoting security and well-being.
Lighting columns are most susceptible to corrosion at and slightly below ground level; water, road salt, other chlorides and oxygen from the air combine to make it a highly corrosive area and in such a limited space, testing can be difficult and often results in excavation. In fact, difficulties in accessing steel tubing in restricted areas can be true of many industries, such as the pipework and risers through bulkheads and deck plates on board ships or in offshore installations for example. A system deployable from the ground level can enable detection of these hard to reach areas therefore reducing downtimes of equipment and staff alike.
Our rugged and compact ColcheK can do just that. Using the normal access door of a lamp post, the probe is able to scan the critical area and give an instant reading of the percentage loss of wall thickness directly on to the meter, from 5% loss to a depth of up to 1 meter underground in fact. With the Isle of Mann TT (IOMTT) motorcycle races looming, in May our client, Douglas Borough Council, knew that the lighting columns in and around the course needed to be investigated thoroughly to ensure the safety of everyone attending and our in-house manufactured units would be able to quickly give them the information they required. As TVC are sponsoring young racer James Cowton at the IOMTT this year, it seemed to be the perfect time to combine our working relationships with the exciting build up to the bike’s arrival and the start of the event, along with seeing the ColcheK in action.
After days of testing and safety procedures on the part of the council and the TT itself being set up, it was time for the action to begin and what an exciting IOMTT it was this year! From Michael Dunlop switching from Milwaukee Yamaha to BMW during practices to John McGuiness storming to victory in the TT Senior race and earning his 23rd TT win. Team Mugen dominated the Zero bike race with John McGuiness taking the team to victory but the elusive 120mph record remains – with 119mph registered this year, it’s likely we will see Team Mugen next year as they attempt to set the 120mph record.
Our sponsored rider, James Cowton, had a good TT overall. James had stepped in for Team PRB Racing, headed by racer Rob Barber and his father, as Rob suffered a significant collar bone injury in May this year. James qualified for and competed in the Superbike, Supersport (Race 1 & 2), Lightweight and Senior races. He finished in the top half of the table for each one, racking up speeds of up to 123mph and with an outstanding performance in the Lightweight race in which he finished in 4th place, we can guarantee that this is one youngster to watch in the future.
Norfolk financial planning firm Loveday & Partners, based at Broadland Business Park in Norwich, are the latest company to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by signing up to become a member of the nook business network.
The nook business network asks for companies small, medium and large throughout Norfolk to commit to raising a significant amount of money over the term of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support the charity will provide.
The corporate scheme for the local business community will help EACH to raise the funds required to realise its vision for the nook appeal of a new children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk.
Loveday & Partners Director, Mark Loveday who attended the launch event of the nook appeal at the Norfolk Showground in the presence of EACH Royal Patron HRH The Duchess of Cambridge was quick to pledge the company’s support to not only raise funds for the appeal but to also raise awareness of the appeal to others and encourage their support.
Mark Loveday, Director, Loveday & Partners, said: “The support offered by EACH to families during incredibly difficult times is absolutely incredible and it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to help create a purpose built facility to enable EACH to continue its work in our community for generations to come.”
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted that Mark and the team at Loveday & Partners have decided to support us with the nook appeal and have signed up to the scheme we are running for local businesses.
“Mark made a point of speaking with me at the launch event to offer his support to our appeal. It’s great this has manifested itself in terms of the company supporting us by raising funds and spreading the word of the nook appeal, raising awareness and encouraging others to support this very worthwhile cause.
“To make this new children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk a reality, and for it to really benefit Norfolk families at an unimaginably difficult time in their lives, we really do need the support of the whole Norfolk community – individuals, community groups, schools and of course the business community. The support from Loveday & Partners is extremely welcome and all at EACH look forward to working with Mark and the team moving forward.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01603 666767 or [email protected] and for more information on Loveday & Partners please visit www.lovedayandpartners.com
We are offering free coworking spaces to 8 individuals on Thursday 16th July at No8 Thorpe Road, Norwich!
We are releasing 8 of our coworking spaces free of charge to the first 8 individuals who contact us. The spaces will be available on Thursday 16th July at No8 Thorpe Road.
We are releasing these desks for international collaboration day 2015.
For more information on these free coworking spaces click here
Local solicitors are all in a spin for cancer charity Big C
Norwich solicitors Cozens-Hardy LLP are delighted to confirm that the Cozens-Hardy Cycle Ride, in aid of Big C, will take place next Sunday 19th July at Blickling Estate.
Having raised over £1,000 for Big C with the inaugural event last year, the firm is hoping it can build in the success of 2014 and generate even more funds for Norfolk and Waveney’s local cancer charity.
The event offers three scenic 25-mile routes, each starting and ending at the stunning venue of Blickling Estate. Riders can choose which – and how many – loops they wish to ride on the day, a format that offers great flexibility to individuals and those riding as a team. The event will be run under British Cycling rules, but there is no restriction on the type of bicycle you can ride – last year witnessed shoppers alongside mountain bikes and road bikes!
Anna Farquharson, Marketing Partner, commented:
“Cycling is a hugely popular sport and we wanted to structure an event which was accessible to everyone, whether they are a regular cyclist or a novice. By bringing all the loops back to our event village, no one is ever far away from a drink refill, cake or pizza, or their supporters and teammates. We’ve also negotiated preferential rates for Blickling Hall, gardens and grounds for participants and their families, so hopefully there is something for everyone.”
Amy Sale, Big C Community Fundraiser enthused:
“We are delighted that the Cozens-Hardy Cycle Ride is running for a second year. The event format is brilliant and I know that Cozens-Hardy had really positive feedback about the routes last year. We would particularly like to encourage local businesses to enter a team – it’s a really well organised, fun day out in the Norfolk countryside and for every person entered, you are effectively donating £3 straight to Big C.”
Entry to the event can be made on the day or in advance via the event website ww.thecozens-hardycycleride.co.uk. The cost is £20 per head, of which £3 goes directly to Big C. Children under 16 years ride for free when accompanied by an adult. If riders want to raise more funds for Big C, sponsorship forms can be found on the website.
Easton and Otley College scooped several awards at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show.
In livestock competitions, students showed Marlingford Holsteins (cows) picking up a third place, two fourths, a fifth and a first place and King George V trophy for the ‘cow producing 50 tonnes of milk’ category on the first day. On the second day they collected two first places in the young handler’s classes. Norfolk Horns (sheep) were also shown but just missed out on major prizes this year.
The main stand gave visitors the chance to experience interactive happenings, ranging from a table tennis playing robot to snake handlingreceived a runners up award for having the best trade stand.
The horticulture and floristry stand received a gold medal for their creative table garden and peacock design. Individually in terms of floristry, Easton and Otley students picked up a first, second and third place in the floristry ‘class competition’ showcasing positive female role models with the winner, Grace Lester from Framlingham Earl in Norfolk, receiving a total of 99 out of 100 for her design based on Charlotte Bronte.
Elsewhere, current horticultural apprentice Harry Dreadhelped his employer,’Andrew Thacker Landscape Services’ receive a silver gilt award for their garden design.
Assistant Principal, Christina Sadler and Director of Enterprise and Marketing, Clare Dyble, judged a young farmers competition where members (of the young farmers) designed games to promote careers in food and farming to visiting schools. (The winner was Wymondham young farmers who invented a game called Guess Moo – loosely based on the old school eighties game called Guess Who).
New College Principal, David Henley enjoyed his first Royal Norfolk Show, meeting up with this year’s show president, Robert Carter.
In the main ring, the Household Cavalry wowed audiences with their displays. One of the troop included former Easton and Otley student, Tom Alden who was able to briefly catch up with former teacher, Hilary Francois, back at the college.
College spokesperson, John Nice, said, “The Royal Norfolk Show is a fantastic event and we are always delighted to play our part. We were thrilled to pick up so many awards this year. Well done to students and staff for all their hard work.”
Click on the link below to view photos taken on the days:
Local independent finance firm, Nurture Financial Planning based at Yare House in Norwich, are the latest company to sign up to the nook business network supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) vision for a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk.
This new corporate scheme devised by the charity encourages companies small, medium and large to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a numberof benefits and support the charity will provide.
The company, who place great emphasis on their social responsibility, have supported a number of different local and national charities over the years raising thousands of pounds, were quick to offer their support for the nook, not only looking to raise £15,000 over the appeal term but also to work at promoting the appeal to customers and clients alike.
Simon Linstead, Managing Director of Nurture Finanacial Planning, said: “As a company we take our corporate responsibility very seriously and after seeing press coverage of the proposed new hospice and finding out more about the nook appeal we were delighted to support by signing up to the business network. EACH is a local charity helping local families at a time when they need it most and as a local company we feel both proud and fortunate that we can play our part.”
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We have had a really positive start to 2015 in terms of local company support via the nook business network scheme and it is fantastic that Simon and his team at Nurture have agreed to support us also.
“With a £10 million appeal target, the financial element of the fundraising is hugely important but it is also imperative that as many people as possible know of our vision of a new children’s hospice in Norfolk giving them the opportunity to join us and help us achieve our goal. Therefore the awareness that Nurture will provide along with their financial contribution is absolutely fantastic and I am really looking forward to working with them throughout the appeal and beyond.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, please contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01953 666767 or [email protected] or for more information on Nurture Financial Planning please visit www.nurturefp.co.uk
Charity fundraising challenges are not only an important part of a company’s corporate social responsibility. They can also have a far wider impact on reinforcing a culture of teamwork and camaraderie, making the organisation one which a potential new recruit will aspire to join.
This is something our director, Lynn Walters, experienced first-hand when she was talked into taking on the gruelling 24-hour, National Three Peaks challenge, alongside five other members of the Pure team.
Lynn said: “Although I was aware that taking part in a charity challenge would be a great thing to do, I was still overwhelmed by just how positive the experience was.
“As a socially responsible business we’ve always actively supported local charities. Our companywide events have already raised almost £98k since we started in 2002. We also support our employees in any charity challenges they wish to undertake themselves, giving them additional time off to enable them to complete their chosen goal and kick-starting their fundraising with a £250 donation.
“But it’s been several years since I was directly involved in a challenge like this, and it reminded me just how this investment of time and money can bring many other returns. While it was only six of us who actually climbed the Three Peaks, it felt like we had the whole company with us, every step of the way.
“Our training stories were shared via our intranet, making everyone feel engaged in our mission. Even those who hadn’t signed up to do the actual climb were inspired to create their own fundraising attempt. A spin-off pedometer challenge was organised, with a team walking in their lunch breaks until they clocked up 500 miles between them. So we went from having six team members involved, to more than 70, and across all four of our offices.
“On the day before the challenge, we were given an amazing send off by all our colleagues. Throughout the weekend we were constantly receiving messages of support via text and social media. Overall it took us 26 hours to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden. For me the best part was sharing it with an amazing group of people who all supported each other, laughed, cried and celebrated in equal measure. And that included all our colleagues supporting us back at home as well.
“A supportive and team-focussed culture is one which many businesses strive to achieve. It took me climbing 10,300 feet to remember that one amazing way to help maintain a culture like this is to bring everyone together through the common ‘feel-good’ factor of charity activity. It’s also a fantastic way for senior managers and directors to connect and share experiences with their team.
“Thank you also to everyone who has sponsored us. So far we have raised around £6,500 for two important charities, Arthur Rank and Thrombosis UK, which is more than what we had ever hoped for.”
We often spend so much time hiding behind our screens, sitting at our desk, and spending hours on calls, that we forget the single greatest place for learning, creativity and growth.
There is considerable research that shows how being outdoors can benefit our physical and mental health and boost productivity.
According to a study by the University of Exeter, spending just 2 hours a week in nature is linked to better health and wellbeing. Time spent in the natural world not only relieves stress, but leaves us feeling more refreshed and energetic.
Green Light Trust is a registered charity and leading provider of educational and wellbeing programmes in nature for children, young people and adults across East Anglia. We have three sites in Norfolk at Blickling Estate, Oxburgh Hall and Strumpshaw Fen.
Our Woodland Team days offer your team the opportunity to destress, reconnect with others and develop skills such as collaboration and problem solving.
If you are looking for a chance to have a fun team day out the office whilst conserving the natural environment and supporting a great cause, send an email to [email protected].