Calling RCP “a driving force for change in its sector”, the judges praised the company’s “interesting and dynamic approach towards solving problems and assuring optimal customer satisfaction”.
They added that the business has “a strong track record of quantifiable and measured success across commerciality, team focus and sustainability” and commended the “impressive” team for leading the charge on “sustainability, technology, equality and diversity”.
They also called director Sarah an “exceptional leader”.
“This award means so much,” said Sarah. “It’s so rewarding to be recognised as part of the community.
“We’re really proud of what we do and the ways we’re changing the industry.”
She went on to say how proud she is of the RCP Parking team, stating “this award is for them”.
I’m excited to share that I’ve recently joined the UK Government’s Help to Grow: Management Programme as an official business mentor.
If you’re in Norwich and Norfolk, I’m here to help you:
. Get clear on where you’re heading (and how to get there)
. Build a stronger business strategy
. Make more confident decisions
. Create a better work–life balance
. Keep your business strong for the long term
For me, it’s all about helping local businesses and self-employed people not just get by, but actually enjoy running their business.
If you ever fancy a coffee and chat about your business ideas, challenges, or next steps, I’m always happy to meet up. Talking things through makes a huge difference.
Click here to find out more about how I can help your business. –Rob
NU Image is swapping keyboards for paddles this September, as the team takes on a full 26.2-mile rowing marathon, ‘the Ma’Row’thon’ to raise vital funds for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (NCCSF).
With support from Norfolk Yacht Agency and Whitlingham Adventure, eight members of the NU Image team will row a katakanu along the Norfolk Broads from Brundall to Norwich and back again, cheered on by a dedicated support boat armed with snacks and music to keep spirits high.
Raising money for Norwich City Community Sports Foundation
The NCCSF is a charity dedicated to empowering people through sport, running community and inclusion programmes that make a real difference. This year, NU Image’s fundraising will support The Nest, the Foundation’s community hub with sports facilities, meeting spaces, and a café where transformative projects take place — from dementia support groups and Pan-Disability football sessions to coffee mornings for veterans.
The charity holds a particularly special place in the heart of NU Image’s Director and Head of Digital, Emily, thanks to her connection with Hope, a 19-year-old participant in the Foundation’s Realising Potential programme. Hope has grown from a shy child into a confident young leader, now volunteering and coaching at The Nest, and it’s a transformation made possible by the NCCSF’s care and dedication.
How to support the Ma’Row’thon
The challenge takes place on Friday 19th September, starting at Norfolk Yacht Agency in Brundall, travelling along the River Yare into Norwich city centre, and returning the same way.
You can support NU Image’s efforts in two ways:
– Donate directly via their JustGiving page — every pound goes to NCCSF’s life-changing projects.
– Cheer them on at top viewing spots like The Red Lion Bishopgate, The Compleat Angler, or The Ribs of Beef as the team rows through Norwich.
Oar you ready to get behind them?
Read the full story, including Hope’s inspiring journey, on the NU Image blog.
Founded by Norfolk-based filmmaker Jack Sauverin, best known for his work on Labour’s 2024 General Election, Party Political Broadcasts and on feature films such as Rogue One, Camarilla brings a fresh blend of cinematic storytelling and strategic communications to the region (and beyond).
The boutique video production company works with public figures, councils, philanthropists, and purpose-led organisations, delivering emotionally resonant video content designed to influence, persuade, and build trust. Services range from high-end branded documentary to rapid-response digital content, strategic consultation, as well as iPhone video training for comms teams.
“We’re excited to put down roots in Norfolk and help local leaders, businesses and institutions tell their stories with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s a housing initiative, a cultural campaign or a founder’s legacy film, we approach it with the same strategic care and cinematic quality.”
Jack has already delivered European Digital Impact award-winning work for the DWP, had fiction work shown at Picture House Cinemas across the UK, with a growing footprint across life sciences, philanthropy, and public engagement we’re ready to deploy a decade of experience.
To find out more about Camarilla or explore collaboration opportunities, visitwww.camarilla.co.uk
SEO can feel like a mystery, especially when you’re busy running your business. That’s why we’ve created a free, easy-to-read SEO guide you can download and start implementing.
Inside, you’ll learn:
– How search engines decide which websites rank at the top
– Simple steps to make your site more visible
– How to attract the right visitors, the ones who are ready to buy, book, or get in touch
No jargon, no fluff, just straightforward, practical advice you can put into action today.
It’s completely free, and it could be the first step to getting your business seen by more of the people who matter most.
We are proud to have supported Pride Month this year with a Rainbow Bake, raising over £220 for The LGBTQ+ Project – a local charity providing vital support across Norfolk and Waveney.
The event brought together team members from across Leading and other businesses located in Lawrence House, with colleagues baking, buying, and donating to raise funds and awareness. The bake sale was not only a celebration of Pride, but a show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and the important work of The LGBTQ+ Project.
The event also included a “Best Decorated Bake” competition, which showcased the creativity and enthusiasm of the team — with our team member Rebeckah taking home the title for her vibrant, rainbow-themed creation!
The LGBTQ+ Project offers one-to-one support, drop-in groups, and mental health services to over 750 people every year, with 75% reporting improved mental health through their programmes. The money raised will go directly toward sustaining these essential services within the local community.
We’re proud to support a charity doing such meaningful work locally. Our Pride Bake Sale was a small but joyful way for us to celebrate inclusivity while giving back to the community we’re part of!
We’re Here When You’re Ready
At Leading, an experienced insolvency and business restructuring firm, we believe in having early, honest conversations — because the sooner we talk, the more options we can explore together.
If your business is experiencing financial stress, or you’re supporting a client who is, we’re here to help. We offer confidential, no-obligation guidance tailored to each situation.
We’re happy to speak directly with business owners, or work in partnership with accountants, HR professionals, or other advisers.
You can contact our friendly and experienced team on 01603 552028 or email us at [email protected].
We’ve still got a few August refresher training dates available:
? 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th & 29th
? Get in touch to secure your spot!
It’s great to see lots of bookings for September already – planning ahead makes all the difference. We’ve also welcomed new customers this week and we’re always grateful for the continued support from our long-term clients. Building lasting relationships is what we’re all about.
? Recent feedback has been brilliant:
? First Aid Training – “Great trainer, well communicated, educational, friendly & professional… the most engaging first aid course I’ve had in 13 years.” Reach Truck Training – “Formal, easy to understand, friendly & supportive… really eased my apprehension.”
Feedback like this keeps us consistent and ensures every course is a positive experience.
? One of our instructors became a proud father again this week – to a litter of adorable puppies! ?
? And finally, we shared a beautiful photo of the Norfolk countryside – a freshly harvested field, a reminder of the hard work our farmers put in all year round despite the challenges of the British weather. And yes… the Shield van made it into the shot!
Get in touch & send us a photo of your local countryside!
Our August edition of the Swarm newsletter has just been published and we would like to invite you to take a look.It is a snapshot from inside the apprenticeship world at Swarm and is designed with busy employers in mind who just want an overview of what’s been going on and to stay up to date.Our email version gives you a summary of the stories and headlines so you can quickly scan and read just what you’re interested in. You can register here to receive the email version each quarter and you can unsubscribe at any time.We won’t contact you with anything else, just because you are signed up to receive our newsletter.
We share latest news, insights, practical tools, success stories and just general goings on that you might find useful to get a feel for how apprenticeships can benefit you in your organisation or how you can maximise their benefit if you are already using the scheme.
Here’s what you’ll find inside our August edition:
·Welcome message from our Swarm Training CEO
·The “All About Apprenticeships” event at The Forum
·Changes to the Off-the-Job rules on training hours
·Meet Izzy, one of our brilliant Marketing Apprentices, and hear her story
·The launch of the new Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Swarm Training
·Upcoming events
·Our business activities at the Royal Norfolk Show
·Spotlight on our Accounting tutor
·Insight from our sister company, Swarm Recruitment, on skills based hiring
·Our regular feature on Safeguarding and Wellbeing
The 2025 PhD studentship grant round for local cancer charity Big C is open until the end of August, reinforcing its commitment to funding world-class cancer research and investing in the next generation of cancer researchers.
Grants of up to £50,000 per studentship are available to support PhD-level research projects that deliver clear public benefit in the field of cancer.
Applications are open to PhD researchers based at the University of East Anglia, or institutions across the Norwich Research Park and regional NHS trusts. Eligible projects can span a broad range of cancer-related disciplines, such as:
·Social sciences
·Basic and translational research
·Clinical or psychosocial research
·Population and behavioural research
“The PhD studentship grants are central to our mission in supporting groundbreaking cancer research right here in Norfolk,” said Karen Vincent, Big C Chief Executive. “Research is about unlocking possibilities, and we’re proud to invest in early career scientists and clinicians at Norwich Research Park who are shaping the future of cancer research, both locally and globally.”
Amanpreet Bhatt, a current PhD student, spoke about the impact of being part of the Big C research community. “Knowing that my work is supported by an organisation with such a meaningful mission is incredibly motivating,” she says. “I am part of a community that truly cares about improving cancer outcomes.”
Jake Rigby, who completed his PhD in 2024, highlighted the practical value of the support he received. “Big C’s funding made a big difference. My monthly stipend meant much less financial anxiety, which allowed me to focus on delivering high-quality research.”
Big C’s funding will contribute towards a proportion of tuition fees and the full stipend for a maximum of four years, with the remaining costs to be covered by the host institution, University of East Anglia. Applicants may also propose three-year projects if this is preferred.
To be eligible for a grant the principal applicant must be based in Norfolk and hold a post at an institution of higher education or research institution, and their contract must cover the length of the studentship. Co-applicants or collaborators may be based at other institutions.
The closing date for all applications is 31 August 2025 at 5pm.
Many UK employers rely on standard drug testing panels to maintain workplace safety and compliance—but these tests don’t always tell the full story.
Routine drug screens typically detect substances like cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. However, a wide range of other drugs—including some prescription medications, synthetic substances like Spice, ketamine, and certain opioids—may go completely undetected unless specifically tested for.
This gap in testing could leave employers unknowingly exposed to safety risks, especially in safety-critical industries.
Independent financial advice firm Planit Financial® has announced the launch of a new initiative to bring free financial education to schools across Norfolk. Starting this September, the company will fully fund one financial education session per month in a different Norfolk school, delivered by national experts The Money Charity.
Each month, the public, including parents, guardians, and teachers, will be invited to vote for a Norfolk school to receive the session, ensuring the initiative reaches a wide range of communities across the county.
Planit Financial is led by Managing Director Rebecca Penny, a passionate advocate for making financial advice and education accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.
“We believe that access to financial education is one of the most important ingredients to a confident financial future,” said Penny. “After all, children start forming thoughts and beliefs around money from a very young age. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Money Charity, the UK’s leading Financial Capability charity, to deliver these impactful sessions.”
Since 2010, The Money Charity has reached over 325,000 young people across the UK with their engaging and practical financial education workshops. The charity offers tailored content for primary, secondary, and university students, including bespoke sessions for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Their workshops are completely impartial, free from promotion of financial products or brands, and are focused on building confidence and money management skills. Feedback from students shows impressive results:
95% said they felt more confident managing money after a session
73% said they would talk about money more often with friends and family
Michelle Highman, Chief Executive Officer of The Money Charity, said: “We are proud to partner with organisations like Planit Financial who share our commitment to improving financial wellbeing and access for all.”
This new initiative adds to Planit Financials’ ongoing mission to make financial knowledge more accessible. With a career spanning over two decades, Penny is known for her down-to-earth approach and deep commitment to helping everyday people feel confident about their money. Planit Financial is supporting clients with everything from pensions and investments to life cover and financial planning for families and small businesses.
“As we grow, so will our commitment to the children of Norfolk,” added Penny. “This is about more than advice; it’s about making sure the next generation has the knowledge and tools to shape their own confident financial futures.”
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, guardian or simply someone who cares about giving young people the tools to succeed, you can nominate a school in just a few clicks.