EE’s new 4G home broadband, which combines the 4GEE Home Router with a powerful external antenna and professional installation service was launched on 9th February. It has caused a great deal of excitement amongst people in rural locations struggling with poor broadband speeds and offers a very large maximum data allowance of 200GB for just £60 per month.
Peter Freeman of Internet Service Provider ‘FreeClix’ said “The use of antennas to increase the signal to an indoor router is nothing new, the industry has been using this solution in rural locations for people with 3G technology for over a decade.
It’s brilliant news that EE have packaged this widely available consumer-grade technology with a large data allowance at such an economical price point for customers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help the thousands of rural businesses who also want an affordable data package they can use with secure business class hardware enabling them to meet their connectivity needs.”
Whilst being a good news story for many rural homes, the EE 4G home broadband solution is not available to business customers as the monthly data allowance is only available on a consumer tariff to individuals. Currently the largest monthly data package available to small businesses from EE is 120GB at a cost of £90 per month.
Pete continued “At SimRush we only use EE data sims in our 4G hardware. EE has the fastest and most reliable network across the UK, but it’s completely ridiculous that I can’t supply my small business customers with the same amount of data as a consumer can have – from the same provider! EE needs to stop discriminating against the rural business community; EE needs to wake up and step up, rural businesses need EE to provide them with as good a deal as consumers can get to enable them to connect, grow and contribute to the rural economy”
Pete also cautioned business owners against using the home solution hardware to connect their businesses to the internet. “Speed is of course at the forefront of any business owners mind but the 4G connection is only part of what a business needs to provide fast and reliable internet access to its users. Public IP addressing is usually a must, failover or back up connections also need to be considered.”
Security of your and your customers data is of the utmost importance when considering the best connectivity solution, particularly with the new accountability requirement in the GDPR requiring businesses to implement appropriate technical measures to ensure and be able to demonstrate that data processing is performed in accordance with the GDPR.
“Managed WiFi is becoming increasingly necessary to protect business and private data whilst offering guests access to the internet whilst on your premises. Consumer grade equipment is not the path to take for business networks as it does not offer the management facilities required; they don’t have the right tools in the box”
KLM INCREASES SERVICES FROM NORWICH – Fourth daily frequency commences from start of Summer Schedule 2013 –
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will add a fourth daily flight from Norwich International Airport (NWI) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) from Sunday 31 March, 2013. The new frequency will offer a more flexible and business friendly schedule and increase long-haul connectivity via KLM’s Amsterdam Schiphol hub.
The new frequency will be bookable from 20 October, with travel from 1 April 2013 and will increase capacity on the route by 33%. Return flights from Norwich to Amsterdam begin from just £119 return including all taxes. The increased frequency on the route cements Norwich International Airport’s position as one of the building blocks of KLM’s extensive UK network. Load factors on the route have increased year on year with average load factors now running at 73.3%, one of the highest across KLM’s UK network. Forward bookings to Amsterdam are also up by 4% year on year.
Comments Henri Hourcade, AIR FRANCE KLM, General Manager UK & Ireland: “The addition of a fourth frequency from Norwich demonstrates our commitment to the region. The increase in frequencies will streamline the region’s worldwide connectivity via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and provide passengers with a more flexible service. For businesses, the extra frequency will allow for swifter connections to our long-haul network and in addition, it will give far greater flexibility to travellers doing business in Amsterdam and Europe who need to return to Norwich on the same day.”
The most popular long haul destinations from Norwich are Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York, whilst popular European routes include Berlin, Billund, Frankfurt and Trondheim. The new flight schedule will be:
From Norwich International Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
KL1502 06.15 08.10
KL1506 09.45 11.40
KL1508 13.55 15.50
KL1512 17.15 19.10
From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Norwich International Airport:
KL1505 09.20 09.10
KL1507 13.30 13.20
KL1511 16.50 16.40
KL1515 21.15 21.05
For further information, please contact Samantha Darlaston, Danielle Wright, Niamh Commins or Camilla Jenkin at Consolidated PR on 020 7781 2300; email [email protected]
Paris, Amstelveen, Norwich – February 2018 – AFI KLM E&M subsidiary is delighted to announce the signing of a line maintenance agreement with Finnair.
A European leader in the regional jets & narrow body aircraft market and having an internationally acknowledged expertise on the Boeing 737, Embraer 170/190, BAe146/Avro RJ, Fokker 70/100 & Airbus A320 Family, KLM UK Engineering is delighted to confirm its contract with Finnair.
KLM UK Engineering will be supporting Finnair with their Embraer E190 & Airbus A320 Family aircraft providing line maintenance support in Edinburgh commencing early 2018.
Ian Bartholomew, Director Business Development & Sales – ‘KLM UK Engineering Limited will be supporting both Embraer & A320 aircraft for Finnair at our established line maintenance station in Edinburgh. Having been operating at Edinburgh for over 20 years, we are delighted that Finnair are part of our growing customer base and look forward to our future working relationship.’
2 x MA Scholarships offered for the following courses with a value equivalent to Home/EU fees:– MA Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies – MA Cultural Heritage and International Development – MA History of Art – MA Museum Studies
4 x MA Museum Studies Internships are also offered as part of our MA Museum Studies degree. A programme of workplace-based training will be arranged for each Intern who will be expected to contribute to the work of their team as though they were members of staff. The internships cover fees (at the Home/EU student rate) and a bursary of approximately £5,000. One internship is available in each of the following areas:– Curatorial – Collections Management – Education – Marketing/Public Services For further information please visit www.uea.ac.uk/art/pgtfunding or contact the Admissions Team, email: [email protected]
Did you know that people who are neurodivergent are twice as likely to be unemployed? Local social enterprise, Rippleacts, wants to break down these barriers through training but they need your help to do it.
Rippleacts is a Norwich-based social enterprise empowering unemployed people to make a lasting positive change to their lives. After completing an innovative coaching programme, their clients contribute their newly learned skills and talent to support local good causes, thereby creating a series of positive ripple effects.
Rippleacts are planning to provide training for businesses and organisations on how to effectively manage and support employees who are neurodivergent and/or struggling with their mental health. These courses will be co-designed and co-delivered by Rippleacts participants, empowering them to educate from their own lived experience.
By taking just 2 minutes to complete the survey you can help them to tailor their training offer, ensuring it’s as impactful as possible.
Chamber of Commerce Member Human Capital Department have been shortlisted for the Award of HR Top Advisor by Enterpise Nation [Business Support Group].
Peter Lawrence of Human Capital Department has been recognised as a top 50 advisor for support behind the scenes to ensure Norfolk’s businesses get the best People Management and Development advice so that they survive and florish going forward.
We are all about getting the right systems and processes in place to help businesses, and it’s great to be recognised as one of the top 5 HR Advisors in the Enterprise Nation network.
To vote for Peter as best in HR class go to www.enterprisenation.com/top50
This summer, Norwich’s now iconic 10km run returns to the fine city for its fourth year. We are pleased to reveal that we will again be sponsoring the fantastic event that is ‘Run Norwich’!
Year-on-year the event has grown to the point where, within just the first week of general entries going on sale, the race was 70% full. This is a testament to the growing popularity of the event and a good reason for prospective entrants to secure their place NOW before they’re all gone! To enter, please visit https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter/.
We’re extremely excited to be part of such a popular event for the fourth year in a row. While Run Norwich is primarily a 10km run, to many (us included) it’s so much more than that. It’s an occasion, an impressive spectacle and perhaps most importantly of all a celebration of the city.
The great thing about Run Norwich is that it has something for everyone, it’s an event that attracts all kinds of people from all over. You’ll find both novice runners and seasoned professionals here, residents as well as international participants.
The race itself will take runners on a scenic journey through Norwich, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Norwich Castle, Cathedral and Norwich City Football Club. Thanks to the excellent organisation of the event by the Community Sports Foundation (CSF) race day is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
Run Norwich takes place on Sunday 5th August 2018 and should you wish to take part in the award-nominated 10k run, then waste no time in booking your place here: https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/enter/.
Great Yarmouth based company Gapton Computers is set to join with Netmatters Ltd to create one of the region’s largest, full-service technology companies; offering ever improving levels of service to all businesses throughout East Anglia and the rest of the UK.
As of the 1st March 2018, Gapton Computers will join forces with Netmatters Ltd in a move that will establish Netmatters Ltd as the region’s largest, full-service technology agency. Trading as solely Netmatters Ltd from this date, we will operate from two locations within East Anglia, including our existing office in Wymondham, as well as our newly established offices in Great Yarmouth.
Gapton Computers has been trading since December 2008 and has focused on supporting the IT infrastructure for many businesses within the Great Yarmouth area. Under the management of Mark Johnson, Gapton Computers has achieved considerable success and has developed close relationships with many local businesses.
Over the past 10 years, we have continued to grow in terms of our offerings and dedicated team of experts who are at the forefront of the Netmatters business; supporting our customers and helping continue their success. This development will be further enhanced with the merger with Gapton Computers.
“Both companies have a similar approach in terms of how they support their clients… both take ownership and work with their business clients to ensure they have the technical support required to help them be successful” – Mark Johnson, formerly Managing Director of Gapton Computers.
Mark, formerly Managing Director of Gapton computers will continue to be a valued member of the team, taking a more technical position as we move forward.
Following the combination, Netmatters Ltd will welcome a larger team of expert personnel and will continue to maintain the office in Great Yarmouth – benefiting local customers by providing rapid local support.
“All former Gapton Personnel have taken new positions with Netmatters so we can maintain the good relationships we have with all our clients. We aim to maintain the personal service by aligning teams of technicians with accounts to gain the benefits of familiarity alongside a large resource pool if the need arises.” – James Gulliver, Managing Director at Netmatters.
Netmatters is passionate about technology and only employs people with the same mindset, as we believe the old adage that; if you love what you do, you will care about it.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Netmatters team who will be more than happy to provide more information.
Freebridge Community Housing announced as one of the countries best places to work
Freebridge Community Housing are delighted to announce that they once again appear on the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For list.
Not only did Freebridge reach 68th place in the list, they also retained their One Star accreditation, which they first received back in 2014. The accreditation means that Freebridge continues to have ‘very good’ levels of employee engagement within the organisation.
Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge, said: “I could not be happier to have Freebridge recognised in this way. Appearing on the list is largely down to the efforts that our employees make in creating a great working environment and I want to thank them for their continued support.
“I am also looking forward to reading the feedback on our entry and identifying further ways to make Freebridge a great place to come to work.”
The Best Companies employee engagement survey captures how people genuinely feel about working for their organisations.
Best Companies methodology shows that the following eight factors are linked to overall engagement. They are: Leadership, My Team, Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Giving Something Back and My Manager. As well as completing the employee engagement surveys, Freebridge also completed an extensive questionnaire which provides an overview of the organisation.
Colour Print is please to announce the arrival of a new addition to the printing family.
Our brand new Xerox Versantr 180 brings a new lease of life to digital printing soloutions.
Do you need Landscape A4 documents, or perhaps a six page A4 brochure? Well, now we can produce these in smaller and more economical quantities for you.
Not only providing a new dimension to your marketing resources, but also offering personalisation opportunities too.
We can print Coated and uncoated papers, bright papers, labels, business cards, glossy brochures, window decals, durable/synthetic papers, greeting cards, tabs, embossed, polyesters and custom solutions Mixed-stock jobs supported too.
Flagship Group’s first ever higher level apprentices undertaking its pioneering ‘Bright Futures Programme’ are well on their way to gaining a degree and a career in housing. During National Apprenticeships Week (5-9 March), Flagship are celebrating the new qualification and the value of apprentices within the business. The innovative degree sponsored management training programme, which is a first for the housing sector, brings together the best of higher and vocational education. Matt Levesley, 18, and Ellie Colk, 19, both from Norwich, started their Housing Policy and Practice Apprenticeship last summer and will complete the course in 2020. At that time, both will have gained a degree and have permanent employment with Flagship. Matt said: “When I saw the apprenticeship advertised I thought housing would be really interesting as it’s so topical, especially at the moment. “The course is fantastic as you get to work across a broad range of departments such as HR, Development, Response and Housing so you quickly learn about all aspects of the business and meet lots of different colleagues. “Flagship is a really welcoming organisation and there are so many exciting things to get involved in.” Ellie said: “This particular apprenticeship really appealed to me as it looked different to many of the others which focus a lot on admin. Already we’ve been involved in lots of projects. I like the variety as you’re always doing something different so no two days are the same. “It’s a great opportunity to learn valuable skills such as social and IT skills which you can apply anywhere.” The Programme brings together the next generation of housing employees with leaders and mentors from the industry. From September 2018, two new positions will be available on the Bright Futures Programme. The apprentices will split their time between the workplace and university study. Most of the university study will be online with some attendance at Salford University, dependent on the needs of the apprentice and Flagship. Lisa Collen, Director of People at Flagship, said: “We’re passionate about growing our own talent which is why we value our Apprenticeship Programme so much. With over 20 years of experience in the housing sector, our skilled staff are keen to pass on their knowledge to the next generation, hoping to make a difference in the housing industry. “Ellie and Matt have been fantastic, really embracing our new course. It’s proven to be an excellent way for our apprentices to gain professional training and hands-on practical experience at the same time. This not only allows them to develop a good understanding of our business, but also means they make valuable contributions to our teams.” Since launching its Apprenticeship Programme in 2014, Flagship Group has had 13 young people complete their qualifications, and currently 27 apprentices are working towards qualification completion. For more information about all of Flagship’s apprenticeship opportunities please contact the Learning and Development Team on L&[email protected] A film of Matt and Ellie talking about their Bright Future apprenticeship can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/85MZkERSUIc