bmi regional celebrates the anniversary of two of its most popular UK routes this week. The Aberdeen to Manchester and Aberdeen to Norwich service has carried more than one million passengers since the routes were established.
The first flight from Aberdeen to Norwich took off from Aberdeen Airport on March 31st 2003. A decade on, the regional airline now operates twice daily flights Monday to Friday and two at weekends. Now, 15 years on the Aberdeen to Manchester route continues to be integral to bmi regional’s UK schedule, providing direct links between the two cities, with up to 17 flights per week, using the Embraer 145 jet fleet. Both services have been extremely popular with both business and leisure travellers visiting the city whilst also providing seamless connections to key business centres across the world.
Cathal O’Connell chief executive of bmi regional, said: “Since the launch of the Aberdeen to Manchester and Norwich service, we have had consistently strong load factors, thanks to the continued support of our customers. “With frequent and convenient flight times for business trips and extended family breaks, the service has allowed people living in Aberdeen the opportunity to travel to a wide range of worldwide destinations from their local airport. Flights from Norwich to Aberdeen start from £140 one way including taxes. Flights are available to book now at www.bmiregional.com.
bmi regional operates over 450 flights a week throughout the UK and Europe and received the accolade of being the UK’s most punctual airline for the seventh year in a row. The airline’s extensive route network spans across Europe, with flights from the UK to Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland.
The company is committed to retaining the airline’s iconic brand values and high levels of service which include check-in up to 30 minutes prior to departure, a free 20kg hold baggage allowance and complimentary catering on board.
Attleborough based multi-service
contractor Anglian, has increased the processing capacity within its waste
recycling division following investment in a new state-of-the-art shredder.
Supplied by Doyle Machinery,
the Arjes Titan 950 can shred a variety of materials including metal, wood,
plastics and commercial waste, to process each type for recycling. This
colossal 37 tonne shredder is designed to handle even the most demanding
applications, making it well suited to Anglian’s busy, large-scale waste
recycling operation which processes hundreds of tonnes of scrap metal and other
recyclable materials each year.
Investment in the Titan 950 is
set to pay dividends for Anglian as it also separates ferrous and non-ferrous
metals. This will increase the efficiency of the company’s metal segregation,
delivering more high-quality heavy melting steel (HMS 1&2) and valuable
metals such as copper, which are all sent off to be recycled.
The shredder is mobile too, thanks
to a crawler track system, allowing Anglian to manoeuvre the machinery around
its 10-acre waste processing facility to shred the waste which is stored in individual
bays.
Lee Storer, managing director
of Anglian, said: “We are delighted to take delivery of the new shredder which
will bolster the capabilities of our busy waste recycling division. Investment
in plant such as this ensures that Anglian maintains its position as the
region’s leading waste processing and metal recycling facility. Anglian is the
only company to shred scrap metal in Norfolk so we’re looking forward to really
putting the shredder through its paces, as we continue to increase the amount
of materials sent off for recycling and looping back into the circular
economy.”
To discuss your waste processing or recycling needs, get in touch with Anglian -www.angliandemo.co.uk
Despite being around for over 30 years, Tours for Christians had no online presence so they got in touch with the team at Tudor Lodge Consultants to help drive enquiries online through SEO (search engine optimisation).
Our task was to position the company asChristian Tourexperts and although they are based in London, to be able to reach out to all Christian communities thorughout the UK. They particularly wanted to grow their exposure for Israel tours whichremains a very popular destination for Christians as it isthe birthplace of Jesus, has countless holy and significant sites anda huge degree of natural beauty and culture tooffer.
From tours to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee and beyond, there is so much that Tours for Christians are able to offer. Working with well-renowned names in the Christian Tour industry means that they are able to offer some of the finest tours of Israel for Christians to be found anywhere.
What We have Done
Tours for Christians approached us with only a limited service to Israel. However, looking to expand their reach and appeal in the Christian market has meant that we have created for them a range of content and made many changes and improvements to their site to ensure they are found for services to Christians to Israel and otherwise.
We have added bespoke content; full of information for the Christian community and easy to read guides about the historical sites and tours you can make – which will make the sitea resource in its own right. These landing pages will make it easy for users to find information about the area and lead to potential enquiries.We have also approached a number of travel and religious websites and blogs to write about the tours on offer and in doing so, we generatenatural and highly relevant linksto the website (which boosts therankings!)
As well as adding videos, we have addedmaps and images to their website. This has increased user friendliness and makes the site more engaging and also holidaymakers to plan their trips accordingly.
Increasing the visibilityof the website has been key for this project. Since the start of our work on the site, Tours for Christians have seen their search engine rankings fly up. Now found on the first 2 pages for a number of industry searches, they are improving with every day.
The New Anglia Growth Hub has become the first and only organisation in the country to have secured a coveted business adviser accreditation – the equivalent of a blue flag in this sector.
The Level 7 Diploma in Professional Business and Enterprise Support is the equivalent of a Master’s degree on the qualification and credit framework scale and it means business owners across the two counties can feel safe in the knowledge that the support they are receiving has been rigorously examined and is of the highest quality available.
The award is governed by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), which sets the standard for business support services and is the exemplar standard for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
John Stenhouse who fronts the New Anglia Growth Hub, which is managed by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, explained how the fact that every single one of his business advisers had achieved Level 7 “was clear proof not only of their nine months of study and dedication, but their total commitment to always providing the best approach to advising businesses.”
“The Growth Hub will continue to have a major influence in helping our growing businesses access the right kind of financial and practical support”.
Small Business Minister Anna Soubry said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and this government continues to build the right environment for them to thrive.
“Growth Hubs have already helped thousands of businesses and, with the full network up and running, every registered business in England can access the expertise they need to succeed. The New Anglia Growth Hub’s business adviser accreditation will help entrepreneurs boost their businesses and create more jobs for people in the local area.”
SFEDI Chief Executive Ruth Lowbridge added: “The New Anglia Growth Hub are an exemplar of best practise in enterprise support. SFEDI research shows that businesses that engage in support are more resilient and more than twice as likely to experience business growth. This cannot be achieved without a quality and consistent approach to learning and skills development.”
Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The quantity of support offered by the New Anglia Growth Hub is there in black and white – over 20,000 hours of face to face advice to more than 5,000 businesses speaks for itself. This accreditation tells businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk they can also rely on the quality of support, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.”
A free appointment can be booked with a local Growth Hub adviser by calling 0300 333 6536 or email: [email protected]
East Anglian Engineering company Pruce Newman are delighted to announce that for the next 12 months they will be supporting The Benjamin Foundation as their Charity of the Year, through a range of fundraising events and promotional activities between now and June 2019. Keith Dixon (Compliance Manager, left) and Alan Pruce (Operations Director, right) recently met with Chris Elliott of the Benjamin Foundation (centre) to launch the partnership and to plan activities for the coming 12 months.
The Benjamin Foundation was set up by Richard and Vanessa Draper in 1994 following the death of their son Benjamin in a motorcycle accident. Starting by providing rural youth services in North Norfolk, the charity has since grown to help around 2,000 people across Norfolk and Suffolk each year, providing them with hope, opportunity, stability and independence.
The charity offers a wide range of services, including:
Accommodation centres for homeless young people. These provide support and a safe place to live for vulnerable 16-25 year olds with no home, helping them get their lives back on track. They can also accommodate young people who may benefit more from living in a family home.
Support to strengthen family relationships by working with parents and children. The Benjamin Foundation works in more than 80 schools where they support children with their emotional wellbeing, and parents who need some extra help.
Help with every day issues such as finding affordable childcare, with their nurseries and pre- and after school clubs in North Walsham and Ditchingham. These help parents continue with their jobs, knowing their children are in safe hands.
Five retail stores, the profits from which go back into the charity. The Benjamin Foundation has furniture store branches in Holt, Dereham and Norwich, which sell donated furniture and white goods. Their Re-use shop in Ipswich sells a wide range of second-hand items, and Kidstore, in North Walsham, sells nearly new kids clothing, baby equipment and toys.
Pruce Newman, which fabricates and installs specialist industrial pipework and steelwork across the South and East of England, has a strong commitment to delivering positive change in the communities in which it works, and chose the Benjamin Foundation as its 2018-19 Charity of the Year from a wide range of potential charity partners suggested by its staff. Speaking about the selection, Alan Pruce commented:
“After completing a successful 12 months of fundraising for EACH, we have accepted the challenge of helping The Benjamin Foundation, and we are confident that we will be able to provide a similar level of fundraising and support for this worthwhile cause during the next year. The Benjamin Foundation provides much-needed services, operating in a similar geographical area to Pruce Newman, and we’re delighted that we can play our part by raising money and raising awareness for this local charity which is going from strength to strength.
“We’re already planning a packed calendar of events, to keep fundraising momentum high throughout the year, and our staff have already suggested some great ways in which they would like to support The Benjamin Foundation over the next 12 months. As well as participating in their Sleep Out, we’ll be announcing our own challenges – encouraging our staff, customers and suppliers to join in and raise as much as possible for the charity.”
Chris Elliott, Marketing & Fundraising Manager at The Benjamin Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to have the support of Pruce Newman for the coming year. Their support will allow us to continue to provide hope, opportunity, stability and independence to over 2,000 local people who need us each year.”
The Norwich Sleep Out, which builds awareness of the issue of homelessness in the region, is the Benjamin Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event. This year, the event takes place at Carrow Road, on the 15th November. Pruce Newman will be entering a team in the event, and will be publicising details of this, and other fundraising opportunities in the near future. If you’d like to donate, the Pruce Newman team have set up a Virgin Money Giving page – click here to visit the site.
More information about The Benjamin Foundation, and the support that they provide, can be found at benjaminfoundation.co.uk
There’s surely no better way to mark World Chocolate Day (Saturday 7th July) than launching two new exciting, premium chocolate bars? So that’s exactly what the clever people at artisan chocolate producer Gnaw Chocolate have done to celebrate any chocolate lovers’ favourite day of the year.
The new range of 72% cocoa dark chocolate bars are available now in two delicious flavours – Gnaw Toasted Coconut; a tropically inspired 72% dark bar with coconutty nibbles and Gnaw Raspberry Crisp; smooth-talking raspberry and chocolatey deliciousness. The premium bars retail at £2.99 RRP and will be a permanent addition to the company’s fun and quirky range.
Lovingly crafted by the Norfolk chocolate manufacturer, these indulgent bars not only taste incredible they are also suitable for an increasing number of consumers who have food intolerances or are making lifestyle choices around the type of food they eat. The new bars are both suitable for vegetarians and are also dairy-free. The Toasted Coconut bar is also great news for those who have gluten-sensitivity or have coeliac disease as it is gluten-free.
Matt Legon, Gnaw’s Founder says: “By keeping a close eye on the market, we developed the high cocoa, 72% range in response to a clear demand. We are pleased to be able to respond with two exciting new luxurious chocolate bars which not only taste incredible but are suitable for the growing numbers of people living with food intolerances. Our amazing new product development team couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate World Chocolate Day this Saturday than launching our latest creations for chocolate fans to enjoy, both here in the U.K. and around the world”.
Every single one of Gnaw’s artisan chocolates is carefully handcrafted in their Norwich kitchens with locally-sourced ingredients, natural flavours, and no added nasties; the very best of ingredients are all hand-mixed together with a big warm hug of Gnaw playful fun!
The team at Gnaw are a dedicated bunch, intently focussed on their next distinctive flavour-combination, breaking from conventional thinking to bring big smiles to the faces of their customers; their aim? To spread chocolatey joy to everyone.
To get your hands on the new 72% dark chocolate range, please visit www.gnawchocolate.co.uk
Keep up to date with all Gnaw’s chocolatey news by following them on social media: Facebook – Gnaw Chocolate Twitter – @gnawchocolate Instagram – @gnawchocolate
🎉 Big news from the Smash Marketing team! Beks was recognised at the BNI Norfolk Awards Gala 2024/2025, winning the Director Consultant Award for the City Chapter. This award celebrates connection, collaboration, and helping businesses like yours grow through strong networks and shared success.
At Smash Marketing, it’s all about people, building relationships that make a real difference. So here’s to Beks, to the community, and to every business owner who shows up, supports others, and makes things happen.
Last Thursday, our team enjoyed a fantastic
day at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce B2B event at the Norfolk Showground.
The day brought together a wide range of local businesses, all keen to connect,
collaborate, and share ideas, and it was great to be part of such a vibrant
community.
Meeting the
Local Business Community
Our Partnership Manager Liam and Business
Manager Claire were both there representing the firm and spoke with many
business owners, advisers, and professionals from across Norfolk.
The event provided a brilliant opportunity to
talk about how we support businesses facing financial challenges, as well as
the positive impact of early advice when it comes to business recovery and
restructuring.
Conversations throughout the day highlighted
how valuable it is for local businesses to access practical, professional
advice during uncertain times, whether for themselves or their clients.
A Touch of
Friendly Competition
Our stand attracted plenty of visitors keen to
enter our prize draw for a luxury Jarrolds hamper!
Everyone who stopped by and dropped their
business card into the bowl was in with a chance to win, and the lucky winner will
soon be announced on our socials.
A Great Day
for Local Connections
The event was a reminder of the importance of
community within Norfolk’s business landscape.
We’re proud to support and collaborate with
local organisations through the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, helping to keep our
business network strong, resilient, and ready for the future.
We’d like to thank everyone who came to see us,
and we will soon be in touch with those we chatted to. You can also drop Liam an
email at [email protected],
if you’d like to continue any conversations!
NORWICH, Thursday 4th April 2013 – New service to Turkey starts today from Norwich. Oska Travel officially marks the launch of their low cost luxury holidays to Turkey from Norwich International Airport today. The flights to Antalya, Turkey will operate during April for a short season in advance of the main summer flying program from Norwich International. The holidays include guided tours and accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels for a touch of luxury at affordable prices. Andrew Bell, CEO at Norwich International commented “Turkey is an exceptionally popular destination from our region, and we are delighted that these flights have proven to be a hit with our customers. This service compliments the summer flights offered by Thomson and Thomas Cook to both Antalya and Dalaman during 2013 and we hope to work with Oska Travel to offer another short series later in the year. Andreas F Forsthuber, Director KENBA Group said “OSKA Travel will do our best to make customers as happy as possible during their Turkey vacation. We do hope that word will spread and the interest for these off season offers will even increase in the near future.”
Photo: James and Valerie Kirkwood with Gary Blake, Customer Services Manager at Norwich International. All passengers received Turkish Delight pieces at Check-in today to celebrate the launch of the short series with Oska Travel.
CSSCloud celebrated a year since the newly-formed company completed a merger to create the region’s new I.T. Support powerhouse with an Open Day. The event was in part a celebration, but also a chance to show off their newly refurbished premises, which has been a significant investment in their Great Yarmouth base. The company also raised funds to install a life-saving defibrillator on-site.
The Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr. Mary Coleman opened the building and launched the festivities on the 6th of July.
The team were joined by customers and local businesses to enjoy food, drink and games in an open-air “street party” – featuring retro arcade games and raffle prizes. Being a technology company, the top prize was a new iPad, which was taken home by lucky Ronnie Blyth from ABC Diesels Ltd.
Besides the festive atmosphere, the event struck a serious note by fundraising for a public defibrillator to be installed at CSSCloud, for the use of everyone on Gapton Hall Industrial Estate.
This equipment is provided in partnership with Heart2Heart Norfolk, set up by Jayne Biggs following her 7 year old daughter’s sudden cardiac arrest. Thankfully, a defibrillator saved her life and Jane now campaigns to ensure this life-saving equipment is freely available around Norfolk.
Capitalising on people enjoying the food, drink and party atmosphere, the team at CSSCloud were able to raise enough money to cover the defibrillator plus a further donation to Heart2Heart’s funds.
Suffolk County Council and New Anglia Growth Hub have also awarded grants totalling almost £40,000 towards the cost of the building refurbishment. Converting the building into CSSCloud’s new premises, appropriately named Nimbus House, has given a prominent building on the estate a new lease of life and created a hub for the region’s tech talent.
Peter Green of CSSCloud was overjoyed with the turnout:
“Thanks to everyone who visited and made this day possible. A massive thank-you goes out to Jayne and Heart2Heart Norfolk for making a difference in our community and to Suffolk County Council and New Anglia Growth Hub for the grants.
Hopefully, we won’t have to use the defibrillator, but it definitely makes us feel more at ease. The CSSCloud Open Day is one we are never going to forget!”.
For more information contact Alexis Brackpool, FurtherMore Marketing [email protected] or call 01603 273131
Breakwater IT have welcomed two new arrivals on their Service Desk – Dave Parlour as a Level 1 Engineer and Thomas Secker as a Trainee Systems Engineer.
Breakwater support apprenticeship and work experience schemes within the business and were fortunate to have Thomas join the team during his studies to discover what it is like to work for an IT service provider.
Thomas now returns as a Trainee Systems Engineer, having just completed his A-Levels, and will be learning more about how Breakwater delivers IT services to organisations within East Anglia and beyond.
Another former apprentice within Breakwater, Toby Kalkman, has now progressed to the position of Level 1 Engineer and achieved his CompTIA A+ certification.
Dave Parlour joins the company with valuable experience of supporting users in technological environments. He will work along-side our growing Service Desk team to resolve enquiries, helping many varied organisations use technology to enhance the way they operate.
Are you a Norfolk manufacturer based outside of Norwich and Great Yarmouth City Centre?
You might be eligible for 50% skills funding!
Labour and skills shortages are widely recognised as a huge concern and financial drain for Norfolk businesses. In recognition of the need to support Norfolk manufacturer’s productivity and growth, Cassandra Andrews Ltd has developed an ‘Engaging Manufacturing for Growth’ programme to ensure you have a talent and succession plan to support the growth of your manufacturing business.
The programme is currently being considered for 50% funding from the European Social Fund and in consequence would offer a significant discount and value for money.
Rather than providing line management ‘skills training’ in isolation, the programme will look holistically at your business, identifying your business challenges and focusing on achieving success through your workforce. The programme will support you with a way forward that is flexible, adaptable and driven by you including:
An on-site review of current engagement levels in your business, based on the Engage for Success enablers.
Motivational Maps for the management team to identify what individual managers are motivated by and to what extent their key motivators are being met.
A simple review of current people management practices.
An action plan aligned to business priorities with key metrics to monitor success of the programme eg absence/turnover rates, productivity, H&S accidents etc
A bespoke line managers skills development programme, including three days formal training and three days on-site coaching. This will be created and delivered from a menu of short courses/sessions such as motivating and engaging your team, performance management, absence management etc
Professional development has proven effective in retaining top talent, maintaining quality levels, and achieving competitive advantage. In addition, it is widely reported that 75% of employees leave their line manager not the business. As this is one of the four drivers for engaged employees, it is critical for your bottom line that all line managers understand the key business benefits of an engaged workforce and how to lead, motivate and engage their teams.
Important Information
You should be a manufacturer based outside Norwich and Great Yarmouth City Centre. With particular interested in manufacturers based in West and North Norfolk
You should employ less than 250 people
It is expected that the programme would start Autumn/Winter 2018
Places are limited, for more information please email Cassandra on [email protected] or call 07544 386818