We had an amazing time in the Smash Marketing office on Friday, getting into the Do Blue spirit for World Mental Health Day! A big shout out to Mind Norfolk and Waveney and all the local companies participating.
By wearing blue, raising donations, and joining in the conversation, you’re helping shine a light on mental health and making sure no one faces it alone. Every bit of support counts, and seeing so many people get involved reminded us just how much we can do together.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Architect Mirja Mainwaring and Architectural Technologist Matthew Clarke to the LSI Architects Board of Directors.
Director David Andrews commented that “As a Board we are unanimous in that we are all absolutely delighted that Matt and Mirja join us as Directors. Both appointments are of great significance to our practice, as Mirja becomes LSI’s first female Director and Matt becomes the first person to join the Board who initially joined the practice as a trainee following the establishing of our ‘grow our own’ policy to recruitment and employee development in 2002.”
Since joining in 2012, Mirja has played a key role in the development of the practices higher education portfolio.
Mirja has delivered a number of projects for the University of East Anglia, including the RICS award winning £9.5M Crome Court student accommodation, the £27M Hickling and Barton House student accommodation development and refurbishments of Earlham Hall, the lecture theatres and library.
Mirja is currently Project Associate on a landmark new £44M academic building project at the University.
Mirja has led the practice’s efforts to establish its presence in the residential sector and has been involved in projects such as the £8M fit out of The Loft Apartments at Manhattan Loft Garden’s in Stratford and the £34M Ebury Centre Development in Westminster.
In the eastern region Mirja has been involved in the development of a masterplan for a new sustainable community in Rackheath providing 200 new homes, and proposals for a small scale high quality sustainable residential development in Dickleburgh.
Matt joined LSI as a trainee Architectural Technologist in 2003, since then predominantly working on projects in the education sector which has formed a large percentage of the practice’s work.
Matt has undertaken the role of project runner on a number of successful projects in the education sector including UTC’s in Norfolk, Peterborough and Dagenham and the RIBA East Award winning Stephen Perse Foundation in Cambridge.
Outside of the education sector, Matt has delivered a new bioscience research and development facility for Leaf Systems on Norwich Research Park and Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes Visitor Centre.
Matt is currently delivering an £8M Integrated Health Centre in Kent and a £20M office development in Suffolk.
The shortlist for the annual Best Practice Awards has been announced today 10 May 2019 by work life balance charity Working Families
MHA Larking Gowen has been named as a finalist in the “Best Flexible Working Initiative” award category of the Working Families’ Best Practice Awards. Employers large and small from many sectors compete annually to reach the shortlist for the unique business awards for flexible, agile organisations.
Now in their tenth year, Working Families’ Best Practice Awards showcase and celebrate employers who are offering flexibility for all their people and going above and beyond in their support for parents and carers.
“We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award,” says Amanda Ninham, Head of Human Resources at MHA Larking Gowen. “The ability for our people to work flexibly around their commitments outside of work and achieve a sense of balance in their lives is extremely important to us. Our flexible working approach dovetails perfectly with our wellbeing commitment too.”
Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive of Working Families and Chair of the judging panel, says,
“Working Families would like to congratulate MHA Larking Gowen, whose flexible working culture and employee-friendly workplace has earned them a much-coveted place as a finalist of this year’s Best Practice Awards. MHA Larking Gowen’s outstanding entry in the Best Flexible Working Initiative category caught the attention of the judging panel and stood out amongst a record number of entrants.
“Flexible working isn’t just good for parents and carers; it’s good for business. Employers reap valuable rewards when they give their staff members more control over their time-from improved employee engagement to better organisational performance.
“Our research shows an unmet demand for flexible working. 86% of parents want to work flexibly but less than half (49%) actually do. Initiatives like those on the shortlist are key to helping parents take control of their time and find the work-life balance that works best for them.”
The full shortlist for the 12 categories:
Best Flexible Working Initiative – sponsored by NHS Employers
Larking Gowen
Suffolk County Council
Global Witness
Best for Mothers
Barclays
FYXER
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Mum & You
Best for Fathers
Response IT
Deloitte
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Best for Carers & Eldercare
Barclays
Centrica
Best for Embedded Flexibility – sponsored by Arnold Clark
Freestyle
Deloitte
Morgan Sindall
Best for Flexible Recruitment
Suffolk County Council
Arnold Clark
Best for Line Manager Support
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Best Innovation– sponsored byILF Scotland
Waltham Forest Council
Arnold Clark
Best Returner Programme – sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada
Barclays
Allen & Overy
Morgan Sindall
Natwest Markets
Best Family Network
Barclays
Royal Bank of Scotland
Sky
Best for Mental Health & Wellbeing – sponsored by Schroders
Deloitte
QBE Insurance Group
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Financial Ombudsman Service
Best Small Employer
Response IT
9-2-3 Jobs
Slalom
The winners of each category will be announced on 20th June at London’s Vintners’ Hall.
Hicham Al Maghouch has opened a new TaxAssist Accountants shop in the heart of Lewisham.
The shop at 338 Lewisham High Street offers tailored tax and accountancy services for small businesses and individual tax payers across the Lewisham area. “I am so pleased with the look and feel of the shop. It will provide the ideal environment for me to meet with clients to discuss their tax and accountancy needs,” said Hicham. “My career has been spent working with a range of business clients of different sizes, but it has always been my passion to work with and support the small business community.” “I’m really looking forward to meeting individual taxpayers and small businesses in the area who are in need of an accountant and would encourage anyone interested in our services to pop in to arrange a free initial consultation.
I build my business on trust and integrity and my relationships with my clients are front and centre of everything I do”.
TaxAssist Accountants Lewisham specialises in providing accountancy services, company tax returns, self-assessment returns, payroll, bookkeeping, tax savings and tax advice to small businesses.
In addition, TaxAssist also offers QuickBooks Online and Receipt Bank which help business owners manage their finances, scan receipts and stay in control of their business.
Want to continue or develop your marketing career in a successful and growing agency?
Keen to work with a diverse range of businesses and deliver genuine results?
We’re seeking an intelligent all-round Marketing Executive to help with our continued growth.
Full Mix Marketing
Launched in 2016, we’ve quickly established a growing number of loyal clients and developed a strong reputation for our expert skills and delivery of results.
We provide highly-effective strategic, digital and creative marketing – ranging from totally out-sourced delivery to single elements like social media, direct mail and web design.
We’ve recently gained a number of new clients for whom we’re providing part or all of their ongoing marketing delivery.
The Role
We require an enthusiastic and intelligent marketer to join our team.
Working alongside the directors and other marketing executives, you will help schedule, create, manage and deliver ongoing strategic, digital and creative marketing – from inception to completion.
The role may initially be varied but can become more focused depending on your skills or ambition. Though a good understanding of marketing is vital, you will receive support to develop your skills.
Initially a Marketing Executive role, the right candidate will have a genuine opportunity to develop into a more senior role and share in our success.
The role is based in Cringleford, Norwich.
This is anticipated to be a full-time role. However, applications are also welcome from experienced marketers seeking a part time role of 20+ hours (please specify preferred hours in application).
Key Duties
Contributing to the creation of marketing strategies and plans
Overseeing and coordinating ongoing marketing delivery
Briefing and supporting web designers, graphic designers and digital marketing specialists within team
Creating and contributing to marketing including:
Press releases, blogs and other content
Social media
Website content, SEO and PPC
Email campaigns
Direct mail campaigns
Print design and advertising
Identify and exploiting marketing opportunities for our clients
Liaising with clients and reporting on progress and results
Helping shape our own processes and direction
The Person
Essential
Experience of marketing in a commercial or agency environment
Good understanding of the principles of marketing
Strong written and language skills
Well organised and able to effectively plan own workload
Attention to detail and keen to maintain standards
Adaptive, dependable and keen to develop
Desirable
Copy writing, PR or content creation skills and experience
Experience of marketing management or coordination
Graphic design, web design or digital marketing skills
Business or marketing related qualification (e.g. degree, CIM)
NORWICH, Thursday 24th April 2014 – Jobs boost at Norwich International Airport In preparation for the start of another busy summer season, over 50 new jobs have been created at Norwich International Airport.
The new staff will work in a number of passenger focused areas including baggage handling, working on the apron during aircraft turnaround, in the terminal on check in, customer care duties and within the security and catering concessions.
Pleasingly, for the first time this summer some of the vacancies have been filled by students from City College, Norwich. This came about as a direct result of the student takeover at the airport earlier this year.
Gary Blake, Customer Services Manager said: “We are delighted that the link established between the airport and City College, Norwich following the student takeover has resulted in us being able to offer the chance of employment to some of the students who applied for the positions following the takeover. Boosting staff numbers for the summer season helps ensure that customer services standards are met and our passenger’s journey through the airport is a pleasurable experience.”
Joe Mulhall from City College commented – “City college Norwich’s relationship with Norwich airport clearly demonstrates the benefits of real work experience for our students. Our students really enjoyed their work experience at Norwich airport and appreciated the support and opportunity to experience all aspects of the airport operational roles and we are delighted that this resulted in some of them securing jobs for the summer.”
Andrew Bell, CEO of Norwich International said: “We are pleased to welcome so many new recruits to our airport team this summer and delighted that our relationship with City College, Norwich has helped students take their first steps into their chosen line of work. Everyone at the airport works extremely hard to maintain high levels of service with the aim of being the airport of choice for friendliness and great customer service.” -End-
Hatch Brenner Solicitors in Norwich has added two new productions to its ongoing drama venue sponsorship at Norwich Theatre Royal.
The first is Educating Rita, which will be on from Monday 10 – Saturday 15 June.
The cast features well known English actor Stephen Tompkinson in the role of Frank, and Jessica Johnson playing the role of Rita. When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her.
Her tutor Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and dedicated drinker, who’s less than enthusiastic about taking Rita on, but the two soon realise how much they have to teach each other.
This hilarious and heart-warming comedy won the Olivier Award when it was produced in London’s West End by the RSC, before being adapted into the multi award-winning film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.
The second production is A Taste of Honey from the National Theatre. It will play in Norwich from Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 November.
Directed by Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles), this British classic is an exhilarating depiction of working-class life in post-war Salford.
Bringing Shelagh Delaney’s career defining, taboo-breaking 1950s play to life, the story follows feisty teenager Jo after her mother, Helen, runs off with a car salesman. Jo takes up with Jimmy, a sailor who promises to marry her but tragically ends up abandoning her.
Art student Geoff moves in and assumes the role of surrogate parent until, misguidedly, he sends for Helen and their unconventional setup unravels.
West-End star Jodie Prenger leads the cast in the role of Helen.
Amy Beck, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Hatch Brenner commented: “Our support of Norwich Theatre Royal is something that all our staff are very proud of. A registered charity, the organisation continues to develop their mission in bringing first class work to the city, as well as supporting community and outreach projects. We really look forward to attending the drama productions with our guests from the Norwich business community; invariably a great evening, where our guests can share their views on the production and leave feeling inspired.”
More details can be found at www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
The 2019 winners of the MHA Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon Business Challenge have been presented with their first place cup on location with the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
East Anglian Air Ambulance is the charity partner for this year’s race. The presentation took place at the charity’s Norwich base at Norwich International Airport, giving the winners and runners-up the opportunity to take a look inside one of its air ambulances.
This year’s winners, MHA Larking Gowen, crossed the finish line in a combined team time of 4 hours 31 minutes, just over 8 minutes ahead of last year’s winners, Barratt & Cooke. Worley Parsons’ team crossed the line in third place.
Jo Fox, Director at MHA Larking Gowen, comments:
“What a fantastic location to be able to present the awards to this year’s Business Challenge runners. We enjoyed a great insight into the day-to-day running of the service and would like to thank East Anglian Air Ambulance for hosting the presentation, they were such a great cause to run for! I would also like to congratulate all the runners who took part this year, and thank the runners, organisers and volunteers for once again making this event so successful.”
On Sunday 7 April, just under 2,000 runners took part in the MHA Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon. Thirteen teams entered the Business Challenge, an inter-company ‘best time’ competition held within the main race. If you would like to know more about East Anglian Air Ambulance or make a donation please visit www.eaaa.org.uk
Top 3 places of 13 teams
Company
Collective Time
1
MHA Larking Gowen
04:31:01
2
Barratt & Cooke A team
04:39:26
3
WorleyParsons
04:50:52
Photo; (Left to right) Captain Steve Norris, Director of Operations Matthew Jones, Critical Care Paramedic Rod Wells, Doctor Natalie Lonsdaleof the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Jo Fox, Director at MHA Larking Gowen (centre) with the winning team members Adam Pearce, Tim Angell and Chris Yeates.
Last night we attended the Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club Awards, held at OPEN in the City. We were nominated in the Preservation and Rejuvenation category alongside notable proper construction companies as Chaplin Farrant, Fielden + Mawson and MJS Projects.
To our great surprise, we WON FIRST PRIZE in Preservation and Rejuvenation. A tremendous achievement from the WMM team, City College Norwich tutors and most importantly the students.
While in the process of basking in the glory of this award, we were shocked to also be awarded First Prize Overall!
It was fantastic to be able to invite City College Staff and Students to the Awards and for the students in particular to be praised for their efforts.
First, we are delighted to announce a grant of £25,000 from the Foyle Foundation to support our plans to uprade our critical theatre facilities and infrastructure and help us with our ambition to reinvent a New Model of a Real Theatre!
This grant is focused on materials, equipment and implementation costs and will help us address lighting and sound system reliability and flexibility, maintain our stage structure and various front of house and performer facilities. It’s all part of our 40th Year celebration and development programme.
Inevitably, this is one of the costs of cultural life in Norfolk! if your firm or you would like to support this project with matched funding through sponsorship or value-in-kind, please get in touch with us!
Secondly, we have been awarded £14,950 by Arts Council England for a collaboration with Norfolk Libraries to Pilot Puppetry in Libraries to help them in their goals to create fun opportunities for families to explore reading and culture where they live.
There is a great opportunity for your company to invest in this project as we still need some matched funding. Any 4 figure sum would help enormously!
This is one of a number of exciting current opportunities to support projects delivering our work directly. Other very live projects are:
An updated touring version of our Beauty and the Beast show, set in 1930s Hollywood time and theme, and all about young people and self image. This is the subject of an application we are developing right now.
An exciting addition to our Creative Learning offers to develop workshop and skills activities for children with complex needs in partnership with their special schools and Anguish’s Educational Foundation in Norwich. This is largely funded and is in the detailed planning stage for work to start this September.
If you would like to discuss sponsoring any of these projects and what it could mean for your company, contact us on [email protected] or call us now on 01603 615564.
Come and see us at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Garden Party 18th and 19th May in Chapelfield Garden
Monthind is delighted to have partnered with Liberty Hygiene, expanding our washroom services and enabling us to provide a broader range of products to new and existing customers.
Whilst Monthind has been supplying washroom equipment and products for many years we saw an opportunity to improve our delivery by working alongside the established hygiene services provider, Liberty Hygiene. At the beginning of 2019, Liberty Hygiene installed 404 sanitary bins, 119 air fresheners and 28 eco shields amongst other washroom services across our sites in East Anglia.
The cleaning and facilities management industry continues to evolve and the team at Monthind works tirelessly to ensure our services are delivered professionally and efficiently. We embrace industry partnerships which will benefit our customers and allow us to improve provision and efficacy, such as this partnership with Liberty Hygiene.
Simon Biggs, Monthind Partner, says: “As East Anglia’s leading independent cleaning company, it is crucial that any commercial partnerships do not have a detrimental effect on our reputation. After a thorough tender process we are confident that Liberty Hygiene can be relied upon to deliver to our exacting standards.”
“Working in partnership with Monthind allows us both to broaden our reach and deliver a wider range of services to customers. Our company ethics are synchronised, we both value our customers and our people, and believe that by looking after both we optimise our operations,” commented Glenn Marshall, Operations Director at Liberty Hygiene.
For more information on Monthind’s services and for a no-obligation quotation call 01206 215300.
To mark the Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Week 2019 (13th to 19th May), Pure has been looking at mental health in the workplace and some of the initiatives it has introduced to create a workplace culture which supports the mental health of its team. As the leading professional recruitment company in the East of England, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our business.
Our industry is fast paced and has many highs and lows, so we believe it is crucial to offer our employees the mental health support they need throughout their career. Positive mental health is also critical for people to be productive and engaged, which impacts on business success and client experience.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation shows that addressing wellbeing at work can increase productivity by as much as 12%. It can also have a significant impact on reducing sickness absence, as 70 million work days are lost each year due to mental health problems in the UK.
There are simple and inexpensive measures that all employers can put in place to support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.
The Mental Health Foundation has a range of free resources to help employers and we’ve also shared some of what we have been doing here at Pure as examples.
Supportive culture We live by our values in everything that we do, one of which is ‘Pure Supports’. This includes supporting our employees to progress, supporting each other and creating a supportive workplace which is as mentally healthy as possible.
We work hard but in a fun culture where we foster and celebrate team work. We support our employees to create a positive work-life balance through part-time and flexible working options and we all work genuinely sensible office hours.
We encourage and support our consultants to focus their energy on building relationships not on meeting pressurised volumes or targets. We know that our people are integral to our success and we provide long-term, professional careers in which people’s enthusiasm and talent is supported by our resources and training.
Wellbeing policy and mental health strategy We believe healthy employees are happy employees and we encourage workplace health with initiatives including free fruit in the office, cycle to work schemes and subsidised gym membership.
Exercise and eating well has a positive impact on our mental health, but our wellbeing policy also includes a mental health strategy as well as covering physical health.
Through staff surveys our employees are encouraged to feed into our wellbeing policy and we are continuing to develop our initiatives as a result, including offering wellbeing sessions on mindfulness and stress management, lifestyle and fitness guidance and access to counselling.
Mental health first aiders We have a trained Mental Health First Aider who works with our managers to support them in supporting their teams. We recognise that our line managers play a crucial role in supporting staff who may be experiencing mental health problems.
We want to ensure they have the support they need to develop compassionate and effective relationships and feel equipped to line manage anyone who does have a mental health problem or who is showing signs of distress.
Mental health champions We have trained a team of employees to become Pure’s Mental Health Champions. Their role is to offer support and advice to employees who are struggling with mental ill-health and to help increase mental health awareness across the business and to reduce stigma and discrimination. By raising awareness of mental health and having dedicated mental health champions we will be helping our employees to support each other.
It can sometimes be easier for other people to spot early warning signs of mental health problems, such as uncharacteristic mistakes, appearing distracted or becoming more isolated, than it can be to see these traits in ourselves.
Signposts to support We have also introduced a ‘mental-wellbeing board’ in all four of our offices around the region. These highlight signs to help our employees identify if someone may be struggling, tips on how to support each other and signposts to find relevant advice, helplines and positive coping strategies.