Member News

At the end of 2025, the government published their long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy outlining their plans to tackle an issue that has frequently been described as a “national emergency.”

Whilst the strategy predominantly contained information about the legislation that would be introduced, it also reminded businesses and organisations of their responsibilities in tackling violence against women.

In the introduction to the strategy, the government called on businesses to play an active role in “protecting employees, supporting survivors and championing gender equality” in their workplaces.

With offences classed as violence against women accounting for over 20% of all police recorded crime, it is likely an issue that will be affecting workforces across the region and the country.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) can include:

·       Domestic abuse

·       Stalking

·       Harassment

·       Rape

·       Sexual offences

·       Tech-based violence/abuse

·       Honour-based abuse

The government hopes that improving understanding of these forms of abuse, as well as giving businesses the knowledge of how to respond effectively to support employees, will play a role in tackling violence against women.

Why do businesses have an important role to play?

Domestic abuse and other forms of violence not only impact those experiencing it, but also have a massive effect on our society, our key services, and the economy.

Figures released alongside the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) estimated that domestic abuse costs society £66bn every year, with a staggering £14bn coming from lost output – the costs to businesses and organisations through staff absence, lack of productivity, or recruitment.

People experiencing domestic abuse are also likely to be disciplined or even lose their jobs as a result of higher levels of absence from work, poor time keeping or reduced productivity.

Knowing how to respond to domestic abuse is a challenge for many businesses, particularly when it can be hard to spot the signs someone is experiencing it and many are unsure how to provide effective support to those affected.

There will also be many that do not have policies or procedures around domestic abuse, making it difficult to know how to respond effectively and consistently.

Whilst many employers will have clear guidance around issues such as mental health, the picture around domestic abuse is unclear and could be costing businesses.

Leeway’s Training

The training provided by Leeway aims to equip businesses and organisations with the knowledge and ability to spot the signs of domestic abuse, whilst also being able to signpost employees or clients to access support. 

Our Domestic Abuse Awareness sessions break down the different forms of domestic abuse, how to spot the signs – providing real life examples of what this might look like – and how to approach conversations around domestic abuse and signpost someone to support.

We also provide bespoke training sessions tailored to meet the needs of businesses and organisations, specifically covering the issues that are most relevant to their area of business. 

Leeway can also provide support for businesses and organisations that are looking to draft or their policies and procedures around domestic abuse.

Not only will this support businesses and organisations to meet their duty of care to their employees, but we also believe that this can save them money too.

To enquire about our training services and how Leeway can support your business, please email [email protected]. More information can also be found on the Leeway website.

Many of us have mixed feelings about winter weather, it may be cold out there but it’s nice to cosy up or go for a crisp walk. However, for those living with asthma, the colder months can bring a unique set of challenges. Winter isn’t just about bundling up, it can genuinely affect breathing, trigger symptoms, and increase the risk of asthma flare-ups.

Head this way to read my blog on managing asthma in winter, and what to do if someone has an asthma attack: Asthma and Winter: How the Cold Affects Your Breathing (And What You Can Do About It) | First Class First Aid

RenEnergy UK Ltd has today announced a series of strategic organisational changes designed to accelerate growth, strengthen alignment with Aggreko’s IPP Solutions team, and position the business for a successful 2026 and beyond.
 
From 1 January 2026 RenEnergy and the Aggreko IPP Solutions team in Europe will begin a closer alignment of capabilities. This development will open up selected IPP pipeline opportunities to RenEnergy, enabling both companies to benefit from shared expertise and resources. It will also help to establish more direct communication channels with the Aggreko sales team, creating new routes for lead generation and supporting stronger pipeline growth.
 
In a significant leadership transition, Damian Baker, who founded RenEnergy in 2006, has served as Managing Director for 20 years, will move into the newly created role of Chairman, where he will continue to influence the company’s strategic direction, leveraging his deep industry insight and extensive network to help drive business development and accelerate growth. It will also give him a chance to continue to build relationships with key suppliers and business contacts and to take on more mentoring and coaching, roles which he is passionate about and excels in.
 
Damian Baker, RenEnergy UK Founder & Chairman said, “I am very excited to take on the new strategic role as Chairman.  RenEnergy has developed over the years and is the UK’s leading Solar Carport and Canopy company and is working on some exciting new products which will be coming to market over the next few months.  I am looking forward to assisting Kieth with his transition into the business.”
 
Keith Hobbs assumed the role of Managing Director for RenEnergy from 1 January 2026. Keith joined Aggreko in February 2024 as Development Director, IPP Europe, and brings extensive experience across the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. His previous senior roles at Infinis Energy and Sembcorp Energy UK underscore his strong track record in development and business growth. Damian and Keith will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition throughout Q1 2026.
 
Keith Hobbs, RenEnergy Managing Director said, “This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside Damian and the RenEnergy team. The business has strong capabilities across a broad range of renewable energy solutions, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in shaping its future and leading RenEnergy toward continued growth and a sustainable future.”
 
Key senior leadership team members Sales Director, Tom Lloyd, Consultancy Director, Fiona Keysell and Development Director, Stuart Smith will report directly to Keith. With two key RenEnergy leaders continuing in vital roles as part of Aggreko’s wider European structure. HR Business Partner Sue Pepperday will report to Aggreko’s People Director for Europe, Lucy Taylor, and Finance Business Partner Laurence Moore will report to Wayne Bradburn, Head of Finance for the UK & Ireland.
 
“These changes mark an exciting new chapter for RenEnergy,” said Alan Dunne, Aggreko Managing Director, UK & Ireland. “By strengthening our alignment with Aggreko’s IPP Solutions capabilities and welcoming Keith into a critical leadership role, we are setting the stage for continued momentum in the renewable energy sector. We are incredibly grateful for Damian’s longstanding leadership and look forward to his continued influence as Chairman.”
 
RenEnergy extends its appreciation to all employees for their continued dedication and looks forward to a dynamic and successful 2026 when it will also be celebrating its 20th Anniversary of incorporation.

Free Group Coaching Session: Identify and Own Your Strengths
Wednesday 21st January 2026, 2 – 3pm
Online session, join from anywhere.

Have you lost touch with your strengths?
Are you looking for ways to understand yourself better and gain confidence in your abilities?
Join Rippleacts CIC for a free online session and learn effective and practical ways to tune in and reconnect to your inner strengths.
Based on the foundations of their popular Cognitive Behavioural Coaching Programme, this one hour session will provide you with effective and practical ways to build confidence, identify your abilities and apply them to your everyday life.
Book your free place here.

With the new year, comes new dangers to your business and employees. In our latest blog post we’re exploring new developments of business impersonations and deepfakes, and how to spot and prevent them.

Our key takeaways are:

• Most corporate scams are not “hacks” in the movie sense. They are confidence tricks that use email, phone calls, messaging apps and now AI to impersonate people you trust 🖥️
• Deepfakes and AI voice cloning make impersonation more convincing, but the goal is the same: pressure someone into paying money, changing bank details, or sharing sensitive information 🚨
• The best defence is not trying to “spot the fake”. It is using simple checks that scammers cannot rush, such as calling a known number and following a clear payment approval process ☎️
• If money is at risk, act fast: contact your bank immediately and report the incident through the UK reporting routes

At LVL1 we can help support you with practical steps such as reviewing processes, improving verification routines, and strengthening protections that reduce impersonation risk.

Read the full article here: Deepfakes and business impersonation: how modern scams trick companies and what to do about it – LVL1

Bonjour!The first week back after the Christmas break is always eventful.  People need to blow the cobwebs from possibly an extended break and get back into the rhythm of things.  The New Year is often when people make their resolutions that this year I AM going to learn French.The focus this week has been on French language lessons and the introduction of today’s modern technology means that I can work with people all over the world.  My clients are not just restricted to Norwich, Norfolk or even the UK.  I have a client base as far away as China or, as in the case this week, Switzerland and Singapore.  The variety my work brings me means that my clients are also not just your typical GCSE or A-level students looking to bump up a grade but they include adults from all walks of life.  I work with CEOs, working professionals, I have had senior clergy members, security specialists working in the middle east, people setting up their own business abroad and more.  I have even coached a well know TV Presenter to help with their work abroad.This week I have supported clients with:

1. Focus on the future and conditional tenses
2. Translation and writing skills
3. Vocabulary and grammar
4. Conversational approach to grammar by switching between English and French when needed
5. Pronunciation

A further 2 clients who are already almost fluent, benefit from the conversational style and this week we chose all manner of topics to cover from the festive period through to the geopolitical issues across the world.If you are interested in support with the French language, whether that is language lessons, translations, support moving home in country, guidance for a business trip or anything else then contact me now for a no obligation, informal chat on 07930-444-078 or [email protected] la prochaine!Florence.

Tired of CSR Spending That Vanishes? Quick question for Norfolk businesses: When did your charity sponsorship last generate actual, visible engagement? Here’s what we’re doing differently: We match businesses with local charities needing photo booths for events. You sponsor the booth (£400-800), your brand goes on hundreds of prints guests take home + digital sharing. The charity gets quality entertainment free. It’s CSR that people actually see and remember – not just another logo on a banner. If you’re looking for community partnerships with measurable impact, or know charities planning events, let’s talk. Real visibility. Real impact. Real ROI on your community support.

See more here: https://barkersphotofun.co.uk/charity-sponsorship #NorfolkBusiness #CSR #CharitySupport

Profit is usually the headline number that business owners focus on. And yes, profit matters. But if there’s one thing we see time and time again with small and growing businesses, it’s this:

A profitable business can still fail if it runs out of cash.

Cash flow is often the real make-or-break factor. In this blog, we’ll explain why cash flow matters so much, the common mistakes SMEs make, and how tools like Syft can help you stay in control.

Profit vs Cash Flow: What’s the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics.

• Profit is what’s left after your expenses are deducted from your income – usually shown on your profit and loss report.

• Cash flow is the actual movement of money in and out of your bank account.

They are not the same thing.

You can show a healthy profit on paper, but still struggle to pay your bills if:

• Customers pay you late

• You’ve invested heavily in stock or equipment

• You’re repaying loans or tax liabilities

Cash flow is about timing, not just totals.

Why Cash Flow Is Often More Important Day to Day

Cash flow keeps the lights on. It pays:

• Wages

• Suppliers

• Rent

• Tax

• You

Without cash in the bank, profit figures don’t help much in the real world.

For most SMEs, especially in the early years, cash flow is what determines whether the business survives long enough to become consistently profitable.

That’s why accountants often say: “Profit is theory. Cash is reality.”

Common Cash Flow Mistakes We See in SMEs

Here are some of the most common issues that trip businesses up, even successful ones:

1. Late Invoicing (or Not Chasing Payment)

If invoices go out late, cash comes in late. And if no one is chasing overdue invoices, cash flow suffers quickly.

2. Relying on “Expected” Money

Counting money that should arrive, but hasn’t yet, can lead to overspending and nasty surprises.

3. Growing Too Fast

Growth often needs cash upfront: more stock, more staff, more tools. Growth without planning can actually create cash flow pressure.

4. Forgetting About Tax

VAT and Corporation Tax don’t feel urgent… until they suddenly are. Not setting money aside can cause serious stress later.

5. Only Looking at the Bank Balance

Your bank balance tells you where you are today, not where you’re heading.

Why Cash Flow Visibility Is Key

One of the biggest problems for business owners is not having a clear picture of what’s coming next.

This is where forecasting and reporting tools can make a huge difference.

How Tools Like Syft Can Help

Syft is a reporting and forecasting tool that works alongside your accounting software to give you:

• Clear cash flow forecasts

• Easy-to-understand visuals (not scary spreadsheets)

• Early warnings if cash flow is tightening

• Better insight for decision-making

Instead of reacting to problems, you can see them coming and act early.

For many business owners, that clarity alone reduces a huge amount of stress.

So… Is Cash Flow More Important Than Profit?

In the short term? Yes. In the long term? You need both.

Profit builds value and sustainability. Cash flow keeps your business alive while you get there.

The strongest businesses understand the relationship between the two and manage both proactively.

How Jennison Accounting Can Help

We don’t just look at historic numbers, we help you understand:

• What your numbers actually mean

• What’s coming next

• Where risks (and opportunities) are hiding

Whether that’s improving invoicing processes, planning for tax, or using tools like Syft to gain clarity, we’re here to help you feel in control, not overwhelmed.

If cash flow feels confusing, stressful, or like a constant guessing game, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own either.

MADE BY WOODSMOKE, a Norfolk-based creative studio, has launched a dedicated guide to architectural visualisation for developers, architects, and estate agents.

The guide demystifies the CGI process—from briefing through to delivery—helping local businesses commission realistic imagery that supports off-plan sales, stakeholder alignment, and real-time design decisions.

Topics covered include:

– When to commission visualisation and what outputs are available

– The step-by-step workflow and review process

– How visuals enable off-plan sales and reduce financial risk

– Software, costs, and choosing the right partner

James Bussey, founder of MADE BY WOODSMOKE, brings architectural training and expertise in film, photography, and CGI to help property professionals tell compelling stories before construction begins.

Read the full guide: madebywoodsmoke.com/guide-to-architectural-visualisation

Get in touch: For enquiries about current or upcoming schemes, visit the contact form at madebywoodsmoke.com/contact

In today’s fast-paced working environment, many SMEs are facing the challenges of increasing workloads and the need for fresh thinking. Teams are often stretched thin while still striving for innovation, improved processes, and long-term growth. One effective and increasingly popular solution is bringing student interns into the workplace. UEA’s SME internship subsidies make recruiting new talent more cost-effective than ever, ensuring you can accelerate projects that may otherwise be left on the back burner. 

Internships enable SMEs to tap into a pipeline of motivated talent equipped with current academic knowledge and practical skills. With the added benefit of subsidised funding, hosting an intern can be far more affordable than many SMEs realise. 

How employers are benefitting from SME Internship Subsidies

Recent examples from UEA’s internship programme illustrate just how valuable student and graduate contributions can be across a broad range of industries.

Creative organisations often benefit immensely from the enthusiasm and imagination that interns bring. One student from UEA’s School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing recently joined a local arts organisation for a 12-week internship. During this time, they played a key role in supporting programme and event delivery. Their creative insight not only contributed to content development but also freed up core staff to focus on strategic planning and long-term projects.

In sectors where seasonal work and time-pressured projects are common, interns can provide essential support. A UEA Environmental Sciences student joined a local planning authority to assist with its annual summer survey. Over the course of the internship, the student developed valuable skills in plant species identification, gained hands-on project-management experience, and helped the authority progress vital environmental work during one of its busiest periods. For organisations with fluctuating workloads, interns can be the difference between maintaining momentum and falling behind.

Internships are also highly effective in business and consultancy environments. One Norwich Business School graduate spent six months with a consultancy firm, taking responsibility for finance coordination and supporting day-to-day accounting tasks. Their contribution helped refine internal systems, improved financial accuracy, and supported the organisation through a period of rapid growth. Interns working in operational roles can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and introduce new ways of thinking that benefit the organisation long after the placement ends.

How subsidised internships work

The UEA Internship Programme is designed with employers – especially SMEs – in mind. The university offers flexible, subsidised models that cater to varying workloads, budgets, and timeframes. Whether organisations need a part-time intern for a few hours per week, a full-time intern for several months, or support for a one-off project, UEA provides cost-effective options that make internships accessible and sustainable.

SME subsidies are available for UEA-Employed internships. This is an easy and convenient way to take on an intern as the intern is paid through UEA payroll and UEA provides the internship contract. We also offer a Host-Employed route for organisations that would prefer to employ an intern directly, although these internships are not eligible for SME subsidies. The subsidised models offered to SMEs mean organisations can bring in additional resource at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire, without sacrificing quality or impact. 

How to find out more

From creative arts and environmental science to finance and consultancy, interns across the region are making meaningful contributions that elevate organisations and support long-term growth. For SMEs, internships offer a practical, affordable, and highly effective way to expand capacity while investing in the next generation of talent.

Subsidies are limited and can’t be guaranteed. Internships should start by 31 May 2026 to be eligible for a subsidy. To learn more about UEA internships and how your organisation can benefit, visit UEA Career Central’s employer webpages.

As winter temperatures drop, emollient creams play a vital role in supporting people with dry, itchy or sensitive skin – particularly older people and those receiving care and support. However, new winter safety guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) highlights an important but often overlooked risk: fire safety.

Here, we explain what the risk is, who is most affected, and the simple steps care providers, staff, and families can take to keep people safe.

Why emollient creams can increase fire risk

Millions of people across the UK use emollient creams daily. While emollients themselves are not flammable, repeated use can cause residue to build up on:

• Clothing
• Bedding
• Bandages and dressings
• Soft furnishings

When these fabrics come into contact with naked flames, cigarettes, or heat sources, they can ignite more easily and burn much faster than expected.

For people who spend more time indoors during winter – often close to heaters or fires – this risk can be significantly higher.

Who is most at risk in adult social care?

This safety advice is particularly relevant for:

• Older people
• People with long-term skin conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis)
• Individuals receiving domiciliary care or living in care homes
• People who smoke or live with smokers
• Those using open fires, portable heaters or electric blankets

Care staff, managers and family carers all play a key role in reducing this risk through awareness and everyday practice.

Three key fire safety precautions for care settings

The MHRA and NFCC recommend three simple but effective actions that should be embedded into care routines and risk assessments:

1. Keep emollient-contaminated fabrics away from flames

• Avoid smoking, candles and naked flames near people using emollient creams
• Be particularly cautious if clothing or bedding has absorbed cream over time
• Remember: contaminated fabrics can catch fire quickly and help flames spread faster

2. Keep warm – but safely

• Ensure people sit at least one metre away from heaters or open fires
• Take extra care with electric bar heaters, gas heaters and halogen heaters
• Position furniture safely and avoid placing blankets or clothing close to heat sources

3. Wash clothing and bedding regularly

• Wash fabrics at the highest temperature recommended on the care label
• Regular washing helps reduce build-up, but does not remove it completely
• Continued fire safety awareness is essential even with frequent laundering

What this means for care providers and staff

For adult social care services, this guidance should be reflected in:

• Care plans and risk assessments
• Fire safety training and refreshers
• Staff supervision and induction
• Conversations with people using services and their families

It’s also important to ensure staff understand that this risk applies to all emollient creams, including prescribed and over-the-counter products.

Supporting people to stay safe at home

The NFCC and MHRA encourage anyone using emollient creams – or supporting someone who does – to complete a free online home fire safety check.

This provides tailored advice based on individual circumstances and can be accessed via the official Home Fire Safety Check service.

Care providers may wish to:

• Signpost people and families to this resource
• Support individuals to complete it
• Incorporate the advice into wider home safety planning

A shared responsibility this winter

As the MHRA notes, winter brings warmth and comfort – but also increased fire risk. Simple, practical actions can prevent devastating incidents and save lives.

By raising awareness across the adult social care sector, providers and professionals can help ensure people stay warm, comfortable and safe throughout the colder months.

Source: Keep the warmth, lose the risk: MHRA and National Fire Chiefs Council issue winter emollient safety warning

Norfolk County Council (NCC) has issued formal communication to adult social care providers outlining its proposed fee uplift for 2026/27. Alongside this, NCC has opened a short feedback window ahead of Cabinet decision-making later this month.

This is an important opportunity for providers to ensure their views and evidence are fully considered. Responses received will be summarised in the Cabinet paper, enabling elected Members to take account of the collective position of the sector before a final decision is made.

As the sector’s representative body, we have already fed into NCC’s fee review on behalf of providers. Our full response is available to view here.

What providers need to do

• All providers are strongly encouraged to complete NCC’s survey to share feedback on the proposed uplift.
• Deadline: 9:00am on Monday the 12th of January 2026

Complete the survey here

Even if you have previously engaged through surveys or sector meetings, this is the final opportunity at this stage to ensure your organisation’s views are formally captured.

Key points from the proposal

• NCC is proposing a 3.2% uplift across all adult social care markets for 2026/27.
• This is below the fully weighted cost pressure uplift, which NCC estimates as 3.53% for most providers and 3.63% for home care providers. This difference is based on an updated weighting of: staff and none staff costs of 70% staff, 30% non staff for most providers, and 75% staff, 25% non-staff for home care providers.

The proposed uplift reflects a range of national pressures, including:

• A 4.1% increase in the National Living Wage
• Forecasted inflation of 2.2%, as set out by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility

NCC has acknowledged that the consultation timetable is tight. This is due to the timing of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the need to finalise papers for Cabinet consideration.

Why your feedback matters

While provider engagement has already taken place throughout 2025 via surveys and sector meetings, NCC has confirmed that this survey represents the final formal feedback opportunity before Cabinet decision-making.

The volume and quality of responses will be critical in demonstrating the strength and breadth of sector concerns, particularly in the context of ongoing workforce, cost and sustainability pressures.

Key dates for your diary

• Survey closes: 9:00am, 12th January 2026
• Cabinet paper published: 16th January 2026
• Cabinet decision: 26th January 2026
• Outcome communicated to providers: February 2026

Need support?

If you experience any issues accessing the survey, NCC has advised providers to contact:

[email protected]

We urge all providers to take a few minutes to respond to the survey and ensure that the realities facing adult social care services in Norfolk are clearly evidenced at this critical stage.