Member News

Do you have acorporate partnership with a charity? That’s fantastic! We’re sure you’ve got lots of exciting plans to make the partnership a roaring success.

Whether it’s pink wigs and bucket collections, crocodile costumes and marathons, or wet-weather gear and hiking, you can’t raise money without some very important people – your staff.

The fundraising is only part of the challenge. Staff are usually keen to get involved, but getting large numbers engaged can be difficult, and getting a diversity of people involved is also tricky. Especially when many are busy with work, they may find it difficult to leave their desks for lunch, let alone to raise money.

Understandably the job comes first, and even if people want to help, it’s not always do-able. Instead of expecting people to automatically support your charity, you need to create a culture that enables them to get involved. So we recommend trying out these tried and tested methods…

1. Communicate with everyone One of the reasons that charity partnerships may not always hit the fundraising target, is because staff may not know that the partnership is actually happening. And if they do, they often don’t know why it’s there and how they can help! This is pretty easy to remedy. When you agree on the charity, plan a fundraising strategy with internal communications to match. Plan an all-staff launch, and follow up with frequent emails, desk-drops and posters to keep the partnership in the forefront of people’s minds.

2. Recruit charity champions Charity champions are volunteer staff responsible for jollying along colleagues to come to events, buy raffle tickets, dress up (or down), etc. Using skills in diplomacy and persuasion, they drive the charity partnership among the workforce, encouraging their engagement.

3. Arrange a charity visit (or talk) Inspire your staff by bringing the cause to life for them. Depending on the kind of organisation you’re supporting, you could arrange a staff visit to see the charity’s work first hand. Since some places work with sensitive cases, such as people with severe health issues and vulnerable children, visits aren’t always possible. But you can still invite a guest speaker from the charity to give a talk and thank everyone for their support. Establishing an emotional connection between staff and charity can make all the difference to support levels.

4. Give people time off We’re sure lots of people would love to take time off to raise money, but with work to do, it’s not always possible. Why not look at your budget to see if you can give staff a day off each year to dedicate to charity support?

5. Put the appeal in fundraising Look at your staff profile, and ask yourself: How many people are likely to do the Ben Nevis climb or white water rafting? Who’s more suited to cake bakes and fun runs? This helps you set achievable goals for all of your staff. Not everyone wants to abseil down the tallest building in town. And baking isn’t everyone’s idea of fun either! Getting the balance right encourages more involvement.

6. Mention it in your job ads Start building a culture of giving by highlighting your charity activity in your job ads. Not many companies do this so you’ll stand out from other employers. And you’ll attract the kind of employee that wants to get involved in such work.

7. Get in the paper The local press are always keen to hear what the business community is doing to give something back. It publicises the charity, your own organisation and we’re pretty sure that staff will love seeing themselves on the pages of the local rag! If you’re doing something very visual and unusual, why not get the local TV reporter along to an event too? 8. Set targets There’s nothing like firing up a bit of friendly competition among fundraisers! By setting targets people have a goal to aim for. You can team people up, giving them their own targets to hit. You can tally up the totals each month, quarter, six months or at the end of the year and hand out prizes for those who have raised the most.

Although successful charity partnerships do require a bit of organising, once you develop a culture that makes it possible, your staff should jump at the chance to be part of the action.

We would also like to give our own charity partners a mention; do check out their amazing work:EACH,The J’s Hospice,Maggie’s Wallace,Suffolk Mind,Arthur Rank Hospice CharityandTalk to Stars.

polkadotfrog, is urging for action as many out-of-date CV’s are sitting online, leading to countless numbers of missed opportunities for candidates in the current buoyant market.

polkadotfrog recruitment specialists, with offices in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich, see hundreds of CV’s posted online which haven’t been updated in months, with some even more than 3 years out of date.

Many people upload their CV to job sites, such as Reed or Monster and forget they are there, so when recruitment firms search to find a candidate for a specific role, more people ‘appear’ to be available, than there are in reality. This is what’s known in the industry as the ‘ghost cv’.

Emma Cotton, Director at polkadotfrog believes that thousands of candidates could be missing out on a dream job which will pay them better and provide a step up the career ladder.

She said: “What some people might not realise is that our recruitment team don’t just respond to people who submit their CV’s to us for a particular role. Every day, we are proactively researching and sifting through CV’s on internet recruitment portals to find the right match for a particular role.

Keeping your CV up to date with details of any new experience, qualifications and job changesis extremely important. The same applies to your CV and job details on other portals such as LinkedIn which are increasingly used by businesses and agencies as recruitment channels. In order for us to place the skilled candidates in to the increasing number of vacancies arising, we are urging the ‘passive workforce’ to ensure their CV is kept up to date and not just left online as a ‘ghost CV’.”

Many economists and commentators are now saying the UK is officially out of recession. In the three months to the end of November unemployment fell by 58,000 to 1.91 million and the jobless rate was 5.8 per cent*. With forecasters predicting further falls in the coming months, it’s a great time to look for a new job. Emma says that the buoyancy of the jobs market reflects the statistics.

She continues: “It certainly feels as if the green shoots of recovery are rapidly maturing! There are plenty of jobs out there with businesses having the confidence and requirement to bolster their teams and take on new staff. It’s never been a better time to have an updated CV online. The tables have turned since the recession and it’s a candidate’s market, particularly if you’re skilled in IT/Computing, Accountancy/Finance or Secretarial/Clerical work where we’re seeing a shortage of people. So if you’ve got experience and/or qualifications in these areas and you want to move up, it’s vital to make sure you’re being seen online and that all your information is correct.”

Fendercare Marine sign contract with BAE Systems to support the River Class Batch 2 programme

• Contract signed with BAE Systems Naval Ships for supply of rudder, deck and mooring equipment
• New OPVs seen as an important step in the Royal Navy’s forward strategy

World leading marine products and services supplier, Fendercare Marine, is proud to announce the signing of a new significant contract with BAE Systems Naval Ships. The contract is for the provision of rudder blades, rudder stocks, sleeves/liners for rudder stock, anchors, chain and deck equipment for three new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the UK Royal Navy.

“The selection of Fendercare Marine by BAE Systems to support them in this important programme for the Royal Navy, further underlines the industry’s recognition in our abilities to provide a quality and value for money service and approach to defence contracts.” said Brett Ward, Defence Project Sales Manager, Fendercare Marine.

Production of the new Offshore Patrol Vessels commenced in October 2014 at BAE Systems’ facility in Govan, Glasgow. The 90 metre OPV is based on a proven BAE Systems design which is already in service with the Brazilian Navy and Royal Thai Navy. Engineers at BAE Systems have modified the design, ensuring it meets the requirements of the Royal Navy in support of UK interests both at home and abroad.

Fendercare Marine was chosen for this contract based on their past experience working with BAE Systems and track record of working on the Amazonas class vessels.

Fendercare Marine has been a supplier of fenders and marine hardware to the MoD since 1999 and also supports navies throughout the world, winning a $29 million contract with the US Navy in 2012. Fendercare Marine also recently received praise for their fendering support to a flotilla of NATO warships in the Port of Cardiff during the NATO summit.

From a base in the Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, their Naval Solutions division provides fabrication, welding and coating services for the MoD, having worked on nuclear submarines, warships and naval support vessels.

The new OPVs will include a modified flight deck capable of operating the latest Merlin helicopters, larger stores and more accommodation for embarked troops. The first of class is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2017, with Fendercare Marine due to complete their elements by the end of 2015.

• WHERE:Eaton Park, Norwich
• WHEN:Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays
• TIME:6.15 – 8pm

This summer a new midweek cricket league is coming to Norwich. Last Man Stands is a short format of cricket designed for people looking for extra opportunities to play the game and introduce new or past players back to the game. There are currently 44,000 players around the World playing the format with over 10,000 in the UK alone. If you haven’t played cricket since school, gave up due to other commitments or simply want to play more this is the format for you! Cost is just £6 per person per team.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

LMS is an exciting and challenging way to play cricket with some slight rules changes to keep the games fun, inclusive and quick.

– 8-a-side Twenty20 matches

– Each game is completed in 2 hours making it the perfect game to play on an evening

– Umpire/scorer, match ball and venue are all organised for you, just turn up and play!

– 20 overs are played, but with 5 ball overs, not 6

– Sides can only be bowled out once all eight players are dismissed – so “Last Man Stands”

– You score 12 if you hit the final ball of the innings for 6!

– Teams can progress to Local, Regional, National and World Championship finals

– Social and competitive teams all welcome

– Local, National and World rankings for all players with statistics and scorecards

HOW TO REGISTER?

You can register as a team or individual by visiting www.lastmanstands.com/norwich. Once registered you will order your very own LMS coloured team kit and secure your place in the league or you can be placed in an existing team. Fixtures will be released in April so don’t delay – sign your team up today!

Are you recruiting at the moment and aren’t sure what the going rate is? Want to know what’s most important to candidates at the moment? Let us help you attract and retain the very best talent on the market.

Every year Cooper Lomaz carries out a survey to find out average salaries and day rates for the industries we recruit in. This year we heard from 1,500 people through an online survey and combined that data with information from 15,000 candidate interviews. The survey produced some interesting insights into the local recruitment market.

A good example is web development. A mid-level Mobile Developer working in Norfolk receives an average salary of £30k-40k per annum. However, if you hop across the border to Suffolk it increases to £38k-45k, and goes up to £45k-55k in Cambridgeshire. That’s a big difference.

In the current market, skilled candidates are at a premium. Use our Salary Survey to make sure you havethe edge when it comes to securing the best talent.

To request your copy of our Salary Survey, email: [email protected]

David Sanderson and Lisa Webb of Sky Media joined JMS Group at The Forum in Norwich to explain the benefits of Sky’s AdSmart TV advertisingplatform to local advertisers, and its accessibility for brands of all sizes.

This half-hour presentation is a must-watch for any brands considering advertising on television, especially those considering TV for the first time. For more information on Sky AdSmart – skymedia.co.uk/sky-adsmart or contact Lisa Webb on 0207 032 2835.

To find out more about commercial production for advertisers of all sizes contact Francesca de Lacey at JMS Group on 01603 811855.

The West Norfolk based housing and community organisation, which debuted at number 55 on the list in 2014, has once again made the list for 2015.

Freebridge has also been rated a One Star accreditation meaning the organisation is ‘very good’ at employee engagement’

Through the Best Companies process, Freebridge employees were able to share their thoughts on the organisation through a confidential survey. In addition, Freebridge also completed an extensive questionnaire which provided an overview of its working practices and culture.

The process assesses companies on themes such as Leadership, My Team, Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Giving Something Back and My Manager.

Freebridge will find out exactly where it is placed on the ‘Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For’ list in early 2015. Tony Hall, Chief Executive said: “I am so pleased to learn that we have, once again, made the Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For list for the second year in a row.

“Our placing on the list is very much down to our employees, who make Freebridge such a great place to work. I would like to thank our employees for their ongoing support and all that they are doing to meet the needs of our customers, which is our most important business priority.”

“We have found that there are real business benefits from being part of the Best Companies process. Being one of the Best Companies to work for has helped us to recruit new employees, improve employee engagement and ultimately deliver customer satisfaction.

“It is great to have one of the best companies to work for here in West Norfolk as it supports our vision of A Better West Norfolk. I look forward to working with our fantastic team of employees in 2015.”

Freebridge will now use the feedback from the Best Companies process to improve employee satisfaction and continue to make Freebridge a place where people want to work

The race is on to secure your place in the third annual West Norfolk Fit4Work Games!

Registration is now open for all businesses ready to take on the challenge of the Fit4Work Games, which will be held from 6-10pm on Wednesday 18th March at Alive Lynnsport.

Businesses will be competing in a fun and supportive environment for the title of “Best in the West” in four competitions: Football, Badminton, Netball and Fitness Triathlon, which includes cycling, rowing, and treadmill.

Last year’s men’s badminton winners Cooper Roller Bearings were just one of the many businesses to take on the challenge, and have signed up to the 2015 Games with an eye on retaining their title. Gary Hellard from Cooper Roller Bearings said “We’ve taken part the last two years and it’s always an enjoyable evening. It’s a nice mix of competition and fun.”

The Games have become a popular fixture in West Norfolk business calendars, with over 400 people taking part over the last two years. Workplaces can enter any number of teams for each of the events and the cost of entry is just £10 per team, per sport.

Alive Leisure Board Member Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds said: “The Fit4Work Games is an event organised jointly by Alive Leisure and Active Norfolk. The Games encourages employers to get their staff to take part in activities that will improve their physical health and therefore their productivity, motivation and attendance at work. It’s also a brilliant way to meet people and make new friends.”

Fit4Work is a free workplace health scheme that provides employers access to a wide range of opportunities to engage, inspire and help improve employees’ overall health and physical activity levels.

Katie Tierney, Fit4Work Project Officer, said: “I’m really excited about this year’s event. The Games is a great opportunity for local businesses to enjoy some team bonding and networking whilst getting active”.

Teams are men only and women only, and trophies are up for grabs in each of the sports. The winning teams will be entered into a draw to win free entry to the county-wide Fit4Work Corporate Games, which will take place on Friday 12th June at UEA Sportspark in Norwich.

Full details and registration are available onwww.workplacechallenge.org.uk.

Returning member Norwich Puppet Centre gave very positive reactions to our recent MPs event. “It was great to be making connections with business again and to pick up on initiatives like Swarm apprenticeships, and get reactions to other delegates thoughts on corporate social responsibility, and how we might explore things of mutual interest.

“We are always interested in working with business to share profile and access to audiences, and lots of you and your employees may be interested in our stunning half term programme.

“Do have a look at our flier andhttps://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on for latest ticket information. There are shows for the family, baby family shows, and some fantastic workshop experiences linked to the productions our outstanding visiting puppetry friends have brought to us!

“We are also keen to work with the business sector to provide a channel for employee volunteering, and of course lots of other ways where practical and financial support is really welcome!”

“Contact Chair of Trustees[email protected]or the administration team on 01603 615564 to discuss this.”

Half term programme in the attached PDF

The Oscar’s are happening this Sunday, splashing red carpet glamour and designer dresses across our newspapers! It’s the moment when the cream of the movie world reap their rewards for first-class performances.

And this week we’re taking tips from Hollywood to help you deliver a successful job interview presentation. We can help you plan and deliver your own Oscar-worthy performance!

If you’re going for a marketing or PR job in the East of England a presentation is likely to be part of your interview. But if you reallywant a new job you need to get your strategy right. Let’s get started with a bit of thespian-inspired advice…

1. Analyse the task Let’s say you’ve been given a fictitious customer pitch to present at an interview. Like a good actor scrutinising their lines, you should read the instructions carefully. Then read them again. And again. Make sure you understand what the interviewers want you to do. Do you feel you know the product or service you’re ‘selling’? Do you have a clear idea of the audience you’re presenting to? This level of thought will form the basis of a good quality presentation.

2. Your audience comes first Think about your audience (the interviewers): What do they want to hear and see? What skills do they want to see you use? Read the job description again, and make sure that when planning the presentation you give yourself opportunities to demonstrate these key skills.

3. A personal touch Actors bring their own ‘je ne sais quoi’ to each role. So just like the movie icons, inject some of your personality into the presentation. Are you able to charm your audience easily? Does your passion come through in your presentations? Are you a natural story teller? A quick note: Keep it professional and be cautious with humour – it can be inappropriate for some interviews, and easily misunderstood.

4. Learn your lines You wouldn’t see a star of the silver screen reading their notes on camera, so aim to learn your script before your performance too. Write down what you want to say, learn it, then condense it into note-form on a few flashcards. When you run through the presentation to get your timings right, have the cards handy in case you need a prompt. By the time you get to the big day, you should know it by all heart.

5. Creating the content Actors know how to catch an audience’s attention. If you’re using PowerPoint, you can create some great content your interviewers will love. Avoid using lots of lists – think of other ways to present information. Use images, bold text and graphics, but if you must use a list, make it short and punchy. You can flesh out each point with your script. Whatever you do, don’t risk losing your audience’s attention. Try it out on an honest friend – they’ll tell you whether or not it works!

6. Fake it till you make it Not many of us have the charisma of Tom Cruise or Angelina Jolie. But you can get your own ‘X’ factor from being self-assured, stylish and by using positive body language. If interview nerves are getting to you a little, you should fake it till you make it! Play the role of a confident presenter and your performance could clinch you that job.

7. Accept the critique No matter how accomplished they are, many actors dread reviews of their performances. But they accept good reviews graciously and take bad ones on the chin. The same applies to other professions. Hopefully, you’ll get sparkling feedback and you’ll get the job. But should the feedback be mixed, simply accept it and use it to improve your performance next time. Thank the employer, and you never know – the job might still be yours but with areas for improvement.

Next time you find yourself planning a presentation for a job interview, you’ll know what to do to deliver one of award-winning calibre -we’ll even roll out the red carpet for you. Good luck!

Teaching Assistants and those working in schools across Norfolk will receive extra support with their learning thanks to a £70,000 funding boost.

Norwich based training provider, Qualified Education, have partnered with City of Westminster College to offer those working to support children and young people in schools the opportunity to access funding of £70,000 through the 24+ Advanced Learning Loans.

Those wishing to improve their knowledge and skills to increase the level of support they offer pupils and schools will be able to do so without the need to pay the course fees upfront. This makes accessing learning and the attainment of a qualification much easier for those working in schools.

All UK learners starting Level 3 qualifications who are aged over 24 will be able to access a 24+ Advanced Learning Loans and will not have to repay anything until they have completed the course and are earning over £21,000.

Georgina Sexton, Centre Director at Qualified Education, said: “We’re committed to raising standards and improving outcomes for Norfolk’s schools. The 24+ Advanced Learning Loans will enable us to offer vocational qualifications to more teaching assistants in the area. The more skilled the workforce in our schools, the greater quality of support to a child’s learning and development.”

Project Manager, Quantity Surveyors and Building Surveyors, Allman Woodcock Ltd based in Tombland, Norwich welcomes Wesley May to their team. Having graduated in 2012 with a BA Honours in Construction Management, Wesley is currently studying for his Masters in Construction Management and has, for the past 6 years gained extensive experience delivering a variety of roles such as Site Management and Estimating for local contractors.

The practice looks forward to working with Wesley and is confident that his skills and expertise will enhance their growing reputation of delivering a varied portfolio of projects to a consistently high standard within both the public and private sectors.

To meet the rest of the team at Allman Woodock Ltd. please visit www.allmanwoodcock.com.