Ann from Holt has terminal cancer but has hailed her local mobile cancer care unit as ‘transformational’ as she undergoes regular cancer treatment during the COVID pandemic. Ann needs to receive cancer treatment as part of her routine for the rest of her life and started using ‘Amara’ after being advised by an NHS nurse that it might improve her cancer experience.
Ann told us “I have been shielding for over a year now and had to undertake a 50 mile journey each time I needed treatment. At the time of the COVID variant, and as an at-risk, clinically vulnerable person, it was frightening going into the hospital and seeing warning signs everywhere.”
“This was a real ordeal for me as it took such a long time with travel, parking and waiting for my appointment. I would have to muster energy just to attend the appointment and it was terribly draining, along with the treatment itself.”
Ann adds, “I am so glad that I found out about Hope for Tomorrow; it really has transformed my life. I am now actually elated to go for treatment as I can be back home within the hour because of the 7-mile journey. It’s made a huge difference to my day. Hope for Tomorrow really has changed my life and attitude to treatment because I now have no additional fatigue and no stress.”
“I am living my best life, watching YouTube and history channels, and I also do voluntary work rehoming dogs. Despite the cancer and side effects, this is definitely my best decade.”
This week’s episode is based around a quote from the business icon that is, Dolly Parton “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose”. Becky makes the argument that attaching your personal values to your work, makes for clearer messaging within your business, from your reputation through to recruitment. Her and Mark debate the idea of not leaving business to chance, and how living and working consciously is important, and not having your core values as part of your business plan can be detrimental to its success.
GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at [email protected]
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Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk
You KNOW social media is important for your business. But who has the time to post every day, engage with followers, and keep up with trends? (Spoiler: most small biz owners don’t!)
The longer you leave it, the harder it gets. Your competitors are showing up, building trust, and driving sales—while your socials gather dust.
We take the stress off your plate! Smash Marketing creates engaging, results-driven content that attracts the right audience. No fluff, just real growth.
Monthly meetings, no long contracts, and a team that actually listens to what you need.
“I am not the most confident person. Like a lot of people, I suffer from imposter syndrome & would rather be at the back of a room blending into the wall. I was promoted to Director of Barkers Photo Fun Ltd earlier this year and have gone from dealing with the admin side and running our photo booths to starting to go out and network & promote the business further. Which is daunting & exciting at the same time!
First of all, my thanks to Caroline Ellis who heads up the Co.next programme for the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. She had helped me, given me great advice and is a big supporter of personal development which is why she started the Co.next programme. The course I attended on Marketing hosted by Co.next and Yawn Marketing was amazing & I look forward to other courses she is putting on!
I went along to Coastal Co.nnect at Great Yarmouth Town Hall and got into conversation with the Marketing Manager from Aston Shaw Accountants who also recently joined the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Within a few minutes Zain had asked me what we do and right time and right place, they have now booked our booth for their company’s summer party – we can’t wait 🎉
I was always a bit dubious about networking, but I guess as one of my colleagues says: you may not get any business when you go to a networking event, but you will never get the business if you don’t go!
Oh – and a quick thank you to Beks Houston from Smash Marketing who did a talk about SEO and getting websites seen online. We will definitely be using some of the great tips!”
25 February 2019– Berwick – Simpsons Malt has revealed that Diageo Global Supply employee Richard Moxom is this year’s recipient of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) Simpsons Malt Award.
The award recognises Richard’s success in achieving the highest percentage mark in the Diploma in Distilling Module One Examination for 2018.
Currently based in Dublin, Richard holds the role of Beer Operational Excellence Quality Manager for West and South Africa at the international firm. Enthusiastic about expanding his knowledge and training within the distilling sector, Richard took on the diploma with the backing of his employer having noted an increasing focus on spirit and RTD innovation within his role. He sees the IBD Diploma in Distilling as a great way to expand his knowledge in this area and apply it to some of the issues he faces day to day.
Speaking about the recent award, Richard Simpson, Vice Chairman of Simpsons Malt said: “We are very proud of our association with the IBD as we believe that recognising talent within the industry is the best way of developing much-needed skills for the betterment of the brewing and distilling industries. We wish Richard a huge congratulations for his outstanding achievement.
“There is so much innovation within the sector right now, which has created some really exciting opportunities for individual brewers and distillers, as well as companies. We wish Richard continued success in his career.”
Richard Moxom added: “I would like to thank both the IBD and Simpsons Malt for my award – I am delighted to have claimed the prize. My wife has previously won the Hough Award for highest marks in the Master Brewer exam, so this allows me to catch up to her a bit!”
IBD CEO Dr Jerry Avis concluded: “The IBD is extremely proud of its association with Simpsons Malt as this award provides tangible recognition of outstanding success in the gateway exam to the Diploma. Great technical knowledge will always underpin the great quality products that comprise the backbone of our industry. I commend Richard for his superb performance and wish him success for his remaining Diploma in Distilling exam.”
Recognising his achievement, Richard Moxom will receive a £500 cheque presented at the IBD Scottish Section Dinner next month.
Previous winners of the Simpsons Malt Award include Elgin-based Peter Milne who is also employed by Diageo, Elgin Isaeblla Wemyss from Wemyss Development in Scotland, Flavien Desoblin, owner of the Brandy Library Lounge in New York and Tambudzai Makunde of African Distillers Limited.
Waveney District and Great Yarmouth Borough Councils have commissioned Norwich-based Building Partnerships Ltd. to review their six Enterprise Zones sites across Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
Enterprise Zones are designated areas across England that provide tax breaks, simplified planning and enhanced Government support to drive business investment and growth. Enterprise Zones form a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
The Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zones, launched in 2012 and expanded in 2018, cover over 130 hectares of land and aim to attract at least 200 businesses, generating more than 9,000 direct jobs over its 25-year life span.
To date, they have delivered a staggering 1,720 news jobs across 59 businesses. 55,000 sq.m. of new commercial floorspace has been built, attracting £48 million of private sector investment.
Paul Knowles, Chairman at Building Partnerships Ltd. said “We’re delighted to have been commissioned to deliver this review of the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zones, recognised as one of the best performing Zones in the country for stimulating investment and job creation.
“Our job is to review what has been instrumental in bringing forward these sites to date, to test and refine demand for the type of amenities business need, and then find new and alternative ways to accelerate investment in infrastructure, buildings and facilities.”
The Zones are focussing primarily on the energy sector and its supply chains, recognising the importance of the oil & gas, offshore renewables, and nuclear power sectors to the local area.
This latest review will inform future investment and development on the six sites. Building Partnerships is working closely with energy-sector specialists Nautilus Associates Ltd. and local property experts from Brown & Co.
Based on recent capital investment forecasts in energy projects from Nautilus, the region could see more than £59 billion invested in new offshore energy and infrastructure projects between now and 2040, with more than half of all forecast spend being in offshore wind.
Johnathan Reynolds, Director at Nautilus Associates, said “We are seeing huge new investments in new offshore wind projects off the East Anglian coast, with an annual operational spend close to £1.3 billion per year by 2025. Offshore oil and gas activity is picking up following the most recent downturn, and decommissioning projects are now being contracted. It is an exciting time to be in the energy supply chain with so many opportunities for growth.”
Businesses and organisations are being consulted to gather intelligence on their plans for growth over the coming years, and to explore the types of facilities that may be required to meet those needs.
Free-to-attend workshops will be held at the Marketing Suite on the Beacon Park Enterprise Zone on Monday 18th March and at OrbisEnergy, Lowestoft on Tuesday 19th March.
If you own or operate a business that is interested in development opportunities on the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone sites, please contact [email protected]
Whilst away on business in the Netherlands, Leon Davies was inspired to create his zero-emission Taxi Company. Working as an offshore oil and gas technician, the importance of using a sustainable, renewable energy source is integral to his business philosophy.
Using his own renewable energy from Zero’s own solar panels and storage batteries he brought the concept of 100% electric and zero emissions to Norwich.
Leon’s company is going strength to strength, with a nomination from the Norwich & Norfolk eco awards in the small/medium business category – the awards ceremony is this Thursday and we wish him and his amazing team every success for the nomination and his growing business!
Passengers on Greater Anglia are set to benefit from improved compensation thanks to a new deal signed between the operator and the Department for Transport (DfT). From 1 April 2019, they will be able to claim compensation for journeys delayed between 15 and 29 minutes under the Delay Repay 15 (DR15) scheme.
This means that passengers, who take over 80 million journeys a year on the Greater Anglia network, will be able to claim back 25% of the single fare, irrespective of the cause of the delay. Existing compensation arrangements already exist for delays of 30 minutes or over.
Greater Anglia was determined to introduce DR15 as soon as possible after Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, announced in October 2016 that DR15 should be rolled out to all rail franchises.
In recent years, the company has also taken positive steps to increase awareness of the customer compensation options available, make the claims process simpler and give customers more choice in the ways that they can receive their compensation. Customers can now claim compensation online, by email or by hard copy form. Compensation can be transferred directly into your bank account, as a credit on your credit card, by voucher, Paypal or alternatively as a charitable donation. This latter option was introduced by Greater Anglia last summer, following feedback from customers and stakeholders, and has already raised over £8,000 for the Samaritans charity.
Rail Minister Andrew Jones said:
“Our top priority is ensuring passengers see the reliable and punctual services they expect, but when things do go wrong, it’s only right that they are compensated fairly and quickly. This is why the launch of DR15 on Greater Anglia is important news for passengers, providing them with better compensation if their services are delayed.”
Commenting on the introduction of Delay Repay 15 for Greater Anglia customers, Jamie Burles, Managing Director for Greater Anglia said :
“We’re delighted to be able to provide better compensation, with the launch of Delay Repay 15 from next month and we are sure it will be welcomed by our customers. We’ve worked in close partnership with the Department for Transport to offer this significant benefit during the existing franchise as soon as possible, meeting our customers’ aspirations to see this upgrade earlier than expected.
It’s all part of a wider transformation of train service standards in East Anglia that sees us bringing in a complete fleet of brand-new trains across our entire network over the next two years, with the first new trains due in service later this year. We’re fully focused on improving punctuality and reliability, in collaboration with Network Rail, but customers will now be able to claim compensation for any delays of 15 minutes and over, when things do go wrong.”
Latest punctuality figures for Greater Anglia stand at just over 90%.
Coleman Opticians Hearing and Vision centre on St Augustine’s Street, Norwich wins the award for Family Optician of the Year 2019, against tough opposition from 5 other national finalists.
Winning an Optician Award is one of the highest accolades for optical professionals, practices and companies. The director team from Coleman’s attended the ceremony on Saturday 30th March at the Hilton, NEC, Birmingham. Pat Sharp was the MC for the evening, and the cheers from the table when Coleman’s were announced emphasised how much this award means to this hard-working team.
This family focussed business that has been around since 1930 practising as a chemist, specialising as an optician since 1945, continues to foster the core values of its history through the next generation of its owners. These values are supported by the whole team with their friendly approach to all their customers.
Coleman’s prides itself on being a family friendly practice and many of the families who come along to Coleman’s are multi-generational having been recommended by their families. ‘Coleman’s has always been my parents’ opticians, they came highly recommended.’
The practice has a seating area specifically for children with toys, games and a selection of engaging spectacle frames including popular trends. It is bright and friendly to help children feel comfortable whilst at the practice. There is also a separate waiting area with tea and coffee facilities, video screen, books and magazines that is accessible and roomy for the adults.
Coleman Opticians social media feed is active within the local community, supporting projects and networking with the business sector too. The practice encourages interaction, informing patients of the services they offer and the importance of family eye health. They run family reading activities and events in line with their charity involvement and are always looking for exciting ways to communicate with outreach activities within local schools and groups.
The team at Coleman Opticians become part of your family too. Extended families and generations both recommend and return to the practice. This was summed up by a customer new to the area by saying; ‘We were given lots of tips about the city of Norwich from the staff and indeed help with starting somewhere new. A huge friendly welcome was most appreciated and still is.’
The culture from the team at Coleman Opticians extends into the local community too with a wide range of activities, charity support and sponsorship.
Each year the team support a local charity and last year Norfolk children’s charity Break was chosen. Their support involved sponsoring a sculpture on a charity GoGoHares trail that ran throughout the county, encouraging families to find all the hare sculptures using a map or app on a large-scale treasure hunt. This sculpture now resides in the shop in Norwich after it was bought back at the charity auction where over £400,000 was raised.
The practice like to encourage people to feel happy and to talk whilst in the practice and are very aware of loneliness in the community, this is endorsed by some of the practice fundraising initiatives including book swaps as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
The opticians are part of the Recycle for Sight Programme for the local Lions club, supporting sight for families in developing countries as well as being a location for Refill Norwich, where people can come in off the streets to refill their water bottles or have a drink of water. They also found out in January 2019 that they had been chosen as a centre for recycling contact lenses being part of a global campaign to reduce plastic waste.
The Coleman principle of supporting the local community and local charities is encouraged in their staff. The company pay for every member of staff to have one day a year to volunteer for a charity of their choice. This initiative gives staff the opportunity to learn new skills, have fun and help others as well as having great mental health benefits.
Coleman’s are delighted to have been chosen as the winner of this prestigious award and the judges were particularly impressed with the education links in the local area and go out to schools to teach children about eye health as well as going along to High Schools to provide opportunities for learning about a career as an optometrist or audiologist as the practice extends its healthcare to hearing also.
Kate Fenn, Director ‘We are absolutely over the moon to be announced as the winners of The Family Optician of the Year 2019. This award epitomises all our core values and we continue to strive to make eye health education and community one of our key priorities’.
David and his team will be hosting an event on Thursday, 25 April, 2019 with some after-work nibbles, and a glass of wine with a chance to explore the practice and access to the audiology and eye clinic services.
🌟 NEW OFFICE NEW LOGO! 🌟 We’re excited to share that we’ve officially moved into our new home at Connectivity House on Southtown Road! Staying local to the Great Yarmouth area was important to us, and this new space is the perfect fit. If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to pop in and say hello – come take a look around! A huge thank you to: 🎨This is Effectivefor the fantastic signage 🛠️Dean Macgregorat RD Carpets & Flooring Ltd for the flooring 💪Pink Groupteam for their incredible work 🖥️InTouch Systemsfor the networking and cabling 🏢Jaymes BrownatNorfolk & Suffolk Roller Shutterfor the security shutters 📷Craig Chadwickfor the logo design We couldn’t have done it without you all!
We are proud
to announce that we have won the prestigious ‘Medium-sized Apprenticeships
Employer of the Year (50-249 employees)’ award at the Apprenticeships Norfolk
Awards 2025.
The ceremony
took place on Wednesday, 12th February at Norwich City Football Club, where our
HR Director, Estee accepted the award on behalf of the company.
The
Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of
apprentices, managers, mentors, and businesses across the county. This year’s
event welcomed around 200 guests to honour the incredible contributions made to
apprenticeship programmes.
Estee
expressed her gratitude, stating: “We are thrilled to receive this award.
Apprenticeships are at the heart of our company’s growth and success. This
recognition is a testament to the hard work of our apprentices and the
dedication of our team in supporting and nurturing new talent in the
manufacturing and engineering industry.”
Apprenticeships
Norfolk highlighted the importance of the awards, saying: “Our annual
‘Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025’ shone a light on the exceptional
achievements of apprentices, managers/mentors and businesses right across the
county – celebrating their successes with around 200 guests at Norwich City
Football Club.”
This
accolade reflects Warren’s commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship
opportunities and supporting the next generation of skilled professionals in
the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
We are
immensely proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing our work to
create valuable opportunities for apprentices.
Bold Creatures has launched a studio this year to support brands and founders getting their message out there, consistently. Based in the city centre of Norwich.
If last year taught you anything, would it be how hard it is to keep consistent with your marketing and online outreach?
Maybe creating content wasn’t the strongest point of the year, maybe making time to get these done where all over the place, or simply, the strategy wasn’t clear.
I’m inviting you to try out a different approach this year, a more consistent way to nail it this year.
What it means for (some examples):
>> D2C brands: Come in or send your products to the studio and you’ll get a library of lifestyle or studio content you can use throughout the year. We can also theme those content for particular seasons or occasions (St valentines, holidays, halloween, etc…)
>> Consultants: Come in for half a day, we’ll generate a 90-day content library for your services or personal brand. Either as photoshoot and/or video content.
>> Founder’s Story: If your brand struggled with context as to why it exists in the first place, let’s get your story told right. A founder’s story is the best way to “humanise” your brand and build the emotional connection you want your customers to relate to, hence buying into your brand more than the cold hearted “buy now” call-to-action.
>> Alternatively, for anyone nervous about being on camera, I offer a 1-hour camera confident session and we’ll unlock some fears or misconceptions you may have. Because, if your brand could benefit from having you as the face of the brand, it’ll unlock more value than you think!
Exclusively for the Chamber Members, I’m offering a special discount, so if you’re interested, please email me: [email protected] and we’ll get cracking! 😀