BBA Digital Media had the great pleasure to work with Sundown & Reload Festival, the first business/event to jump on board our digital signage display networks. The intention was to help increase ticket sales for both festivals, which were held at the Royal Norfolk Show Ground this September. The adverts were displayed at two different locations: one being at Carrefour Health & Fitness, located at Longwater near to where the festivals were to be held. The other screen is located at 24/7 Fitness at the Riverside complex totalling an audience of 10,000+ people. The two adverts, each of a 10 second duration, were taken up by both events in the lead up to the festivals. The eye-catching displays gave details of each festivals line-up and ticket purchasing information.
The new shared parental leave legislation has been in place for six months now. But a report from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) shows that while managers are generally supportive of all forms of parental leave, employees are not so confident of their managers’ support.
This new legislation was put in place to help drive gender equality in the workplace, eliminate discrimination around maternity leave and to build employee engagement. So what can employers do to remove any perceived barriers, and to increase the uptake of what is anticipated to be a critical opportunity to enable more women to proceed into senior roles?
1. Demonstrate a clear policy
Make sure your organisation has updated all of its plans and policies to ensure it covers all forms of parental leave. Then make sure this information is clearly shared with all employees through staff handbooks, contracts and any other appropriate internal communication channels. This way your staff will see that you have already considered everything carefully and are prepared to welcome requests to take shared leave.
2. Start planning immediately
Remember each employee must give at least an eight week notice period of their intention to take leave. As soon as someone approaches you, take the opportunity to start planning appropriate cover immediately. This will not only help ensure that you can manage a smooth transition, but also reassure everyone else in the team that any additional work won’t land on them without any planning or forewarning.
3. Decide if the leave can be covered internally
One of the first steps is to establish if appropriate cover can be sourced internally. This could either be done by redistributing the work between the team, or by identifying if there is a suitable employee who can step up into the role or be seconded from another department. If someone does take on the role temporarily, ensure everyone has a clear understanding of the expectations and timescales involved, and of any additional rewards or career progression opportunities which will be available as a result.
4. Decide how to recruit externally
The ILM report shows that currently only a quarter of employers go outside the organisation and use an external appointee to fill the role. However, this option was far more common among small businesses, of which there are many in our region. If you do decide to recruit externally, consider using the support of a recruitment agency, recruitment companies are experts in sourcing flexible, skilled and immediately available candidates. This will provide additional expertise in identifying someone with the skills and experience needed to hit the ground running in a temporary role. It will also help to provide guidance on ensuring all the appropriate regulations for appointing someone on a fixed term contract are complied with.
5. Provide ongoing support
Once the appropriate cover is in place, make sure you continue to provide ongoing support. Check in regularly with those who have taken over any work, and also any team members who may be affected by the change. Remember to ensure that you’ve factored in time for appropriate handovers at the end of the leave, as well as the beginning, to support the employee when they return to work.
BBA Digital Media had the great pleasure of working with Hatters, Jonathan Trumbell, Ginger & Chadds this summer.
The group were the second independent business from Norwich to join our digital-out-of-home revolution. The intention was to help attract people into all four stores during the busy summer months, helping drive sales of both the new season fashion wear and the summer sales as we approach the autumn months.
The adverts were displayed at two different locations: one being at Carrefour Health & Fitness and the other at 24/7 Fitness at the Riverside complex in front of our 10,000+ strong captive audience. The advert was of static content featuring all four stores and their website details, which was displayed on our eye-catching screens in one of our twelve advertising slots for a duration of 10 seconds every 2 minutes.
Norwich Research Park has officially welcomed one of the world’s leading independent seed technology businesses, Germains Seed Technology, to their brand new state-of-the-art laboratory.
The bespoke facility at Centrum, Norwich Research Park’s research, innovation and business hub, accommodates senior members of Germains’ Research and Development team with a strategic focus on the science of seed priming and crop development.
Dr Sally Ann Forsyth, chief executive officer at Norwich Research Park, welcomed Germains to the £11.5m Centrum building saying: “We are delighted Germains Seed Technology has chosen Norwich Research Park as a location to further research seed priming and crop development. This reinforces our global position in creating a unique cluster of business and research organisations with world-leading science credentials.”
“Norwich Research Park provides first-class science facilities and our laboratories at Centrum best-place Germains to carry out their research and development in a supportive agri-tech environment,” said Dr Forsyth.
Germains was acquired by FTSE 100 company Associated British Foods in 1990. In addition to existing Research and Development facilities in the UK, Netherlands and the US, the opening of their latest laboratory and research office further strengthens Germains’ existing links with scientific and business partners at Norwich Research Park.
Senior scientist, Dr Hamad Siddiqui, said: “With our new laboratory at Centrum, Germains benefits from the expertise and technical infrastructure at Norwich Research Park. We already collaborate with the John Innes Centre and we are looking to build new collaborations with other institutions, too.”
Dr. Gerard Mulqueen, European business director at Germains Seed Technology, which operates globally with sites across two continents, said: “This fundamental research facility at Norwich Research Park’s Centrum laboratories is a further enhancement to our product development programme, enabling Germains to continue meeting the future needs of our customers and the industry as a whole.”
Germains joins more than 40 other businesses based at Norwich Research Park including four world-renowned research institutes, the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. More than 12,000 people work at the site including 3,000 researchers and clinicians. The offices and laboratories at Centrum are well-suited to growing and established science-based companies looking to enjoy the benefits of being located alongside innovative businesses and cutting-edge research institutes at the Park.
Providing industry-leading innovative seed technology, Germains provides value added solutions to maximise the natural potential of seed in the field. As one of the world’s largest independent seed technology providers with a heritage of nearly 150 years, Germains operate globally with sites across two continents. Demonstrating commitment to science and development, work has now started in the new laboratory.
Age UK Norwich celebrates its 10th anniversary of Still on the Ball, its much-loved football reminiscence group that has been bringing friendship, laughter and connection to people living with dementia since 2015.
The concept for Still on the Ball was brought to Norwich in 2015 by Gina Brown, inspired by her successful work in Aberdeen. Recognising the power of football to spark memories and conversation, Gina partnered with Age UK Norwich to create a local group that would capture that same spirit in the heart of Norfolk. The group was appropriately named Still on the Ball, giving a nod to the Norwich City anthem ‘On the Ball City’.
Meeting monthly at Carrow Road, home of Norwich City Football Club, the group provides a warm and welcoming space for participants to reminisce about matches, players and moments that have shaped their lives. Using photos, memorabilia and lively discussion, sessions bring people together to share stories, laughter and camaraderie. As one regular described, “It feels like being back on the terraces with friends again.”
Over the years, Still on the Ball has welcomed special guests, including former Norwich City players, and enjoyed exclusive tours of Carrow Road and the Colney Training Ground. Even during the COVID lockdowns, dedicated volunteers kept the spirit alive by creating virtual sessions, ensuring the team stayed connected.
The project’s success lies in its inclusive and friendly approach. Visitors often remark how seamlessly volunteers and members blend together, a reflection of the group’s ethos. Many volunteers, four of whom have been involved since the very beginning, have formed long-lasting bonds with members, helping to maintain vital community connections that can often fade after a dementia diagnosis.
While Norwich City pride runs deep, Still on the Ball welcomes fans from all clubs. Sessions explore the broader story of football, ensuring that everyone, no matter where their team allegiance lies, can join in the memories and the joy.
“Still on the Ball is about so much more than football,” said Katy Omer, Age UK Norwich’s Health and Community Outreach Officer. “It’s about belonging, laughter and giving people the confidence to share their stories again. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate ten years of friendship and community.”
This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers and the ongoing support from the community. Age UK Norwich extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped sustain Still on the Ball over the past decade.
A special mention goes to Neil Hickman at Hickman Supplies, whose long-term sponsorship has played a vital role in the continuation and growth of the group. His generosity and commitment have ensured that the sessions could continue to bring joy, connection and support to so many.
After ten incredible years, Still on the Ball continues to be a shining example of how sport and memory can come together to make a difference. The group embodies Age UK Norwich’s mission to reduce isolation, foster community, and celebrate the lives and experiences of older people.
As the group looks forward to its next decade, one thing remains certain: the ball is still very much rolling.
Help Keep the Memories Alive
For ten years, Still on the Ball has brought joy, laughter and connection to people living with dementia. Your donation helps us continue this vital work, creating a space where stories are shared, friendships grow and no one feels alone.
We’re looking for local businesses and individuals who believe in the power of community. By sponsoring Still on the Ball, you’ll help us fund future sessions, resources and outreach, ensuring the group continues to thrive for years to come.
Most employees will need to take sick leave at some point in
their working lives. Both physical and mental health problems can count as
sickness. Employers must treat mental and physical health as equally important.
Unplanned absence can be unavoidable but gives you no
control over work priorities or any time to arrange cover. It can include
things such as time off for dependants, but sickness absence is the most common
type of unplanned absence that you will need to deal with when managing people.
Effectively addressing sickness absence in organisations
can:
Reduce
absence levels
Improve
employee morale and wellbeing
Boost
productivity
Save
money
Measuring absence
Sickness absence is defined by Acas as any period of time
when an employee is unable to work due to illness, injury, or other medical
reasons. Accurate measurement and monitoring, identifying trends, and exploring
the underlying causes are key to effective absence management.
Do I need an absence policy?
Having clear absence policies can help manage absence in
organisations. Policies make it clear what is expected of the employer and
their employees if they need time off work. Employers must inform employees of
terms and conditions relating to sickness or injury, including sick pay.
Absence policies should cover how planned absence is dealt
with:
Holiday
Maternity,
paternity, adoption, or parental leave
Time
off for medical or hospital appointments
But also, absences that can’t be planned in advance:
Sickness
Time
off for dependants
Time
off for bereavement
When
there’s extreme weather or travel disruption
For some areas of absence, there will be a requirement to
follow legislation:
Statutory
sick pay (SSP)
Fit
notes and proof of sickness
Time
off for dependants
How do I manage short-term absence?
Return-to-work interviews can help early identification of
short-term absence. They also enable managers to start a dialogue about any
underlying issues causing the absence. Promoting a positive attendance culture,
while emphasising that genuine sickness absence will be supported, can help to
ensure non-genuine absence is not tolerated.
Data protection
Organisations should consider data protection rules and
confidentiality if they’re recording medical information about employees. For
example, if you’re recording the reasons for employees’ sickness absence.
Be
able to give a reason for keeping this information
Make
sure you only share it with relevant people
At Lovewell Blake, we can draft your absence policies and
support you with any absence issues that arise, so you can make sure they are
legally compliant, and your company isn’t exposed to unnecessary risks, as you
grow your workforce.
New 90 minute services between Norwich and London and the expectation of new trains delivered early on are central to the next rail franchise announced by Government in a big boost for the passengers and businesses supporting the Great Eastern Rail Campaign.
Taskforce co-chairs Mark Pendlington and Chloe Smith MP today responded to the publication of the invitation to tender (ITT) for the Greater Anglia rail franchise:
“Today’s publication is the expected next step in our rail campaign. Thousands of passengers and businesses have got behind our campaign across three counties to get faster, more reliable rail services between Norwich and London.
“We have secured agreement at every level to new trains and track upgrades, which together will allow for “Norwich in 90”, “Ipswich in 60” and benefits along the line. Most of all, passengers need a more reliable service. The day-to-day and economic benefits of what we have won will be immense for our region and completed in ten years.
“The ITT is where service and rolling stock are specified. We welcome today’s publication because it clearly responds to passenger need. As promised, it lays out the expectation of new trains, together with how this will be achieved commercially. In short, the winner of this contest will provide state of the art trains to East Anglia within the next few years.
“In the short term, we also welcome the provision of additional fast services from Norwich and Ipswich to London.
“In the long term, our work continues to make sure the necessary track improvements take place over the next ten years, as planned.”
The three shortlisted bidders will now put forward their proposals and the successful bidder will be announced in summer next year, with the new franchise set to start from October 2016.
The full invitation to tender is available on the Department for Transport website here.
On Tuesday 15th September, 25 leaders of business, education and economic development from across Suffolk and Norfolk attended a business dinner at Aviva’s Marble Hall in Norwich, in honour of a visit from His Excellency The High Commissioner for South Africa, Mr Obed Mlaba.
The dinner, was the finale in one day programme co-ordinated by New Anglia LEP, in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, designed to help forge stronger connections and expand business and educational opportunities between the Eastern Region and South Africa.
Lindsey Rix, Chief Operating Officer of the UK & Ireland General Insurance business, Aviva and Board Member of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, who hosted the business dinner said:
“South Africa is the most developed economy in the continent and there is a very strong appetite for trade, investment and engagement with businesses.
“There is a great deal we have in common. This includes a strong commitment to education, the importance of renewable and offshore energy and developing the green economy. So, His Excellency’s visit was a really exciting opportunity to develop even stronger links to expand our educational, trade and investment potential and cultural opportunities.”
His Excellency said:
“We were delighted to visit the Eastern Region and create fruitful linkages in the areas of education, renewable energy and the ocean economy. South Africa is looking for partners through trade and investment opportunities between South Africa and East Anglia and has created strong connections.”
Suffolk
In the morning, Stuart Bannerman, Director of UCS International at University Campus Suffolk hosted an event for the High Commissioner, which was organised by Suffolk County Council.
This included presentations on Suffolk and Norfolk’s green economy and renewable energy, presented by Johnathan Reynolds of Nautilus Associates and a member of New Anglia’s Green Economy Board.
His Excellency also met with Tim Hunt, Managing Director of the UK University Consortium for Africa and businesses keen to do business in South Africa including Jason Hawkins-Row, CEO of Aponic, which creates vertical plant growing systems, a pioneering fibre optic cable provider and a telecoms planning solutions company.
Norfolk
On his visit to Norfolk, which was organised by Norfolk County Council, His Excellency visited the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) new Enterprise Centre and met with Richard Harvey, Academic Director of Admissions and Internationalisation. The High Commissioner learnt about the work of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, Ocean Biochemistry and opportunities for forging links between Universities in South Africa and the UEA.
Meetings were arranged with seven local companies keen to expand their trade links with South Africa or start doing business in the country. This included businesses operating in the areas of environment, food, engineering and publishing.
The High Commissioner, who has a keen interest in sport, also visited Norwich City Community Sports Foundation and met David McNally, Chief Executive of Norwich City Football Club.
BBA Digital Media had the great pleasure to work alongside East Anglia’s largest house scene event #HOUSE. The intention was to help increase ticket sales and create brand awareness leading up to the event, which took place at Mercy Nightclub on the August Bank Holiday. The advert was displayed in front of our captive audiences at two different locations: one being at Carrefour Health & Fitness, located at Longwater and the other screen located at 24/7 Fitness at the Riverside complex totalling an audience of 10,000+ people. The advert was of static content advertising details of the events line-up and ticket purchasing information, which was displayed on our eye-catching digital screens in one of our twelve advertising slots for a duration of 10 seconds every 2 minutes.
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Bigfork won the contract to design and build the new website for the Interreg France Channel England programme. The aim of this new programme is to fund high quality cooperation projects with organisations in the Channel border region. The brief was to design a branded website that promoted the programme to potential partners and allowed members to log and keep up to date with the progamme’s progress.