Member News

To mark International Women’s Day, the Women in IASP (International Associations of Science Parks) held a global meeting to discuss some of the important issues facing women in science. Women in IASP is a group that was set up to share knowledge and increase the visibility of women in innovation communities worldwide.

Moderated by Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership at Norwich Research Park in the UK, the audience heard from Dr. Bindu Nishal from Agri Innovations and One Health at IKP Knowledge Park, India and Prof Keo Shirley Motaung, CEO of Global Health Biotech in South Africa.

One of the key points for discussion was the global issue of how to close the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Dr Nishal shared her experiences running the SheLeads in Science programme, which aims to foster gender diversity, support professional growth and promote innovation at IKP.

She spoke about the ‘inexplicable gap’ that currently exists with women being significantly underrepresented in STEM. In 2023, around 29% of the worldwide workforce in STEM fields were women compared to around 49% of the total employment in non-STEM fields.

Despite graduating at higher rates than men, women are less likely to study in STEM fields, are less likely to take a career in STEM and those that do tend to leave their careers earlier than men. She also explained that women in STEM are published less and are typically underpaid.

Prof Motaung highlighted the need to encourage grassroots efforts and mentorship to promote innovation and improve women’s participation in STEM. From her work, she believes that gender diversity fuels innovation and research advancements and that inclusivity is key.

To address this, she suggested joining mentorship, coaching or advocacy programmes, supporting policies promoting women in STEM and spreading the word to encourage more interest in STEM as a career choice amongst young women.

Commenting on the event, Roz said, “What a great session we had today ahead of International Women’s Day. It was fantastic to host two international speakers and hear their inspirational stories which will encourage us all! I truly hope that 2025 will be a year where we see more women in technology and innovation spaces and where we make significant progress in closing the gender gap.”

Bioscopic, a company that has emerged from research conducted at the Quadram Institute at Norwich Research Park, has been named as one of the #21towatch awards in Cambridge. The awards recognise the people, companies and ‘things’ they create, across Cambridge and the East of England, that are setting the standards in innovation and entrepreneurship across the world.

The annual #21toWatch awards are one of the most recognised entrepreneurship awards in Cambridge and the East of England, featuring in many publications including Forbes and many investor and startup magazines.

Bioscopic is harnessing the research carried out on the gut microbiome by a team of scientists at the Quadram Institute. They discovered that infant gut bacteria could hold the key to protecting humans from serious diseases and conditions in adulthood and that there could be a way to reintroduce those bacteria into humans by replicating their compounds.

This breakthrough discovery could have significant implications for improving the health of people, specifically against diseases like cancer. The good bacteria found in an infant’s gut feeds off the breast milk it receives from its mother in the early months of its life. This friendly bacteria protects infants in their early stages of life and are associated with increased immunity to a number of conditions including things like asthma, cancer and other inflammatory diseases.

Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation at Norwich Research Park, said, “It’s fantastic news that Bioscopic has been selected as one of the #21towatch for 2025. We have worked closely with Chris and his team to help them develop their business, so it is very rewarding for them to get this recognition that should help accelerate their path to market.

“The East of England is becoming renowned globally for innovative thinking and ground-breaking research. Initiatives like #21towatch really do help to raise the profile of the discovery work that is being conducted across our region. Bioscopic will act as a role model for the many other emerging companies we have at Norwich Research Park who are looking to have a positive impact on the world we live in whilst also creating new jobs and contributing to the regional economy.”

#21toWatch is run by cofinitive, who collate lists of the people, the companies and the ‘things’ throughout the year and assesses each submission based on innovation, challenge, influence, viability and memorability. 

Norwich Castle Museum  for the Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards – OOOE Sponsor of best B & B and Guest House – 

B&B and Guest House of the Year Winner: Belle Vue Guest House & Cottage

Sponsor: Out of Office Events

JUDGES SAID: The care and attention to detail throughout the property are evident in every corner, making it impossible to find anything to criticise.

Hosted by Visit East of England . Amazing insparational people at this event that work in the hardest industry in both counties. Hospitality. Id like to thank them all.
Out of Office Events – Event Management & Live Entertainment Provider – we were thrilled to partner with the castle and visit east of england in creating the lighting , sound and stage that transformed the rotunda into a fantastic award space.

This Easter, families are invited to join the Chantry Code Breakers at Chantry Place Norwich –with The Great Eggscape from Easter Island – a free, fun-filled, interactive experience that promises thrills, creativity, and plenty of surprises. 

Taking place on April 8th-9th and 15th-16th, The Great Eggscape challenges children to join the Chantry Code Breakers on a mission to save Easter. The naughty Easter chicks have stolen the Easter Bunny’s precious eggs and hidden them on the mysterious Easter Island. It’s up to the little adventurers to crack the code, get crafty, and help the Easter Bunny reclaim what’s rightfully his! 

This free event will feature interactive crafting experiences where children can take part in solving secret codes and create their own air-dry clay characters inspired by the adventure. With sessions running every hour from 10am to 4pm, each child will be guided through a creative journey to help rescue the stolen eggs. Expect plenty of fun surprises along the way! 

Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “We will be working with the Chantry Code Breakers to inspire little ones to get creative and help the Easter Bunny find his eggs, encouraging them to solve challenges and unleash their imagination. Whether crafting their own unique characters or engaging in hands-on activities, we can’t wait to see what they come up with. This interactive experience is the perfect way for children to have fun, learn, and enjoy a creative adventure at Chantry Place.” 

Limited to 24 children per session, The Great Eggscape offers all participants a hands-on and personal experience. Don’t miss the chance to let your little ones explore, create, and enjoy this exciting Easter rescue mission. Plus, every child will take home a special memento to remember their adventure and continue the fun at home. 

For more information on The Great Eggscape and other events at Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk/events 

Chantry Place is home to stores including Apple, Flannels, Frasers, H&M, Mango Urban Outfitters and Zara. 

For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk/news  

Banham Zoo is celebrating a historic milestone as four maned wolf pups were born in January 2025 – the first maned wolf birth at the zoo in 20 years.

This exciting event makes Banham Zoo one of only a handful of UK zoos to have successfully bred this Near Threatened species as part of a vital conservation programme.

The pups were born to first-time parents Enya and Thiago, and all four are thriving under their mother’s care. Now one month old, they are beginning to explore their surroundings while being closely monitored by our expert zookeepers to ensure their healthy development.

A Crucial Conservation Achievement

Maned wolves are classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, road collisions and human/wildlife conflict across South America. This successful birth represents a significant step forward in the conservation of the species, strengthening the European Breeding Programme (EEP) in which Banham Zoo proudly participates.Only three UK zoos have successfully bred maned wolves in the past year.

This birth highlights Banham Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation, animal welfare, and species survival.

Maned wolf pups typically remain with their mother for up to a year, learning crucial survival skills before gaining independence – making this an important period for their development.

We are also proud to acknowledge the support of Towergate Insurance, whose generous sponsorship of the maned wolves will allow us to make critical improvements to the habitat, enhancing the care and well-being of these magnificent animals. It also supports our continued involvement in vital breeding programmes, ensuring the long-term survival of this rare species.

“We’re delighted to sponsor the habitat of the maned wolf pups and congratulate Banham Zoo on their breeding success of this near threatened species. It’s fantastic to see such an achievement happen in East Anglia, a region that we’re deeply proud to operate in. As a regional insurance broker, we take great pride in the achievements of the local communities and look forward to watching the pups grow in their wonderful habitat that we’re thrilled to support.”

Kirsty Wainwright-Noble, Towergate Insurance.

“The birth of four maned wolf pups is an incredible milestone for both Banham Zoo and the conservation of this unique species. It is the first maned wolf birth here in 20 years, making it a significant achievement – not just for our team but for the wider efforts to safeguard the species. Formally listed as near threatened in 2015, in recent years, the populations have decreased rapidly, and it’s believed they are at threat of extinction.

With only three UK zoos having successfully bred maned wolves in the last year, moments like this truly highlight the vital role zoos play in protecting and preserving endangered wildlife for future generations. The pups are already out and visible, and wecan’t wait for our guests to share in the joy of seeing them. We hope that births like this will inspire the next generation of zookeepers and conservationists.”

Deborah Harris, Animal Manger at Banham Zoo

Watch the Pups & Support Conservation

Banham Zoo is releasing exclusive footage to mark this incredible occasion, offering the public a first glimpse at these rare and special pups.

Watch the pups start to life here: BZ – Maned Wolf Pups Video.mp4

Kids Go Free Promotion This Easter

Come and see the maned wolf pups this Easter with our incredible Kids go free offer!

Simply book online ahead of March 30th using the code KIDSGOFREE at checkout, just in time for Easter.

Find out more about the Kids Go Free promotion here: zsea.org/banham/easter-holidays-kids-go-free

We invite visitors to come and witness this landmark conservation success and learn more about how Banham Zoo is working to protect endangered species like the maned wolf.

https://www.zsea.org/banham

This is the second year of the Norfolk Rural Business Awards after a very successful launch year. 

This year’s awards are now open for applications until 21^st April.

The categories are:

• Best Rural Community Initiative
• Best Farming Innovation Adopter
• Best Food and Drink Producer
• Norfolk’s ‘unsung hero’
• Best Farming Champion
• Best Emerging Talent
• Best Rural Tourism Attraction
• Best Sustainable Land Use
• Best Rural Business

Full details with the application form, links to short videos featuring last year’s winners and category criteria are available at www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/norfolk-rural-business-awards

All winners will be announced at the Royal Norfolk Show on the 26^th June.

General entry is now SOLD OUT! 

If you’ve secured your place in Run Norwich 2025, why not make your miles count by running for Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District. 

Date: Sunday 7th September 2025

Location: Norwich City Centre

Celebrating 10 years of Run Norwich!

By running for CADAT, you’ll be:

Helping us provide free, vital support to people facing financial hardship. 

Supporting workers struggling with employment & legal challenges.

Making a difference for families dealing with housing & debt issues. 

Its simple to get involved! Simply CADAT team on your General entry for Run Norwich 10k profile. Share your journey & inspire others. Make every step count for those in need. 

Contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit https://www.runnorwich.co.uk/ to learn more. 

The countdown is ON! 

In just three weeks, we’ll be at the Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition – and we can’t wait to connect with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. 

This event is all about networking, collaboration, and business growth, so whether you’re looking for fresh marketing insights or just want to say hello, be sure to stop by our stand! 

Where? Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition

When? 26th March 2025

Grab your tickets now!

Leaping Hare Renewables are passionate about developing the next generation of installers. Not only are they supporting apprenticeships through CWA but they are also offering apprentices additional paid leave to pursue Duke of Edinburgh to Gold award. Founders Matthew & Katharine Kemp believe that developing all-round confidence through experiences such as DofE is key to success, not just in business but in life too.

Apprentice Electrician Hope is “really grateful for the support and encouragement to achieve the Gold DofE award” which she will complete this summer. Successful completion of Gold DofE also normally means an invitation to Buckingham Palace!

Leaping Hare Renewables design and install renewable home energy and heating systems. They are delighted to be part of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and are looking forward to making great use of the Hub and the Networking opportunities the Chamber provides.

In celebration that Spring is around the corner, throughout March, the WinePress Restaurant is offering 3 courses for the price of 2* on their Rosette dining experience. See a sample menu here.

Head Chef, Ali’s, new Rosette Menu lands on Thursday, 20th March. Here’s a tantalising sneak peak of the Scottish langoustine. Keep an eye on our socials to discover more.

Tables can be booked either by calling the WinePress Restaurant on 01603 272010, or by going online.
QUOTE:SPRING25

For a more informal dining option, choose from our Classics menu, which is served daily from 12.00 – 9.30pm. 

*Offer available from 1st to 30th March 2025 only.

Lovell Makes Strong Start in Year-Long 11,000-Mile Charity Challenge

Leading housing developer, Lovell, has officially kicked off its ambitious ‘Lovell-y Coast Challenge’– a year-long event aiming to cover 11,072 miles, the equivalent of Britain’s coastline. Since starting on 1st January 2025, the team has already made an impressive start, clocking up just over 2,000 miles in the first two months.

Participants are running, cycling, and walking, with distances tracked via Strava and recorded monthly until the target is reached. Money raised from the challenge will be distributed equally between The Big C, Priscilla Bacon Lodge and Norfolk & Waveney Mind.

Michael Saunders, operations manager at Lovell said: “ We regularly take part in charity events but wanted to create something fun and inclusive for our team. It’s fantastic to see such a strong start, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going and track our progress throughout the year.”

To donate, please visit: http://bit.ly/4bljnNi

Lovell is a partnership housing expert and a leading provider of innovative and high quality residential construction and regeneration developments across the UK, building homes, sourcing land and investing in communities. It is a trusted and reliable partner, with great people trusted to deliver great homes, developing long term partnerships with housing associations, local authorities and other partners for over 50 years.

For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow Lovell on social media.

Attleborough based multi-service contractor Anglian, has increased the processing capacity within its waste recycling division following investment in a new state-of-the-art shredder.

Supplied by Doyle Machinery, the Arjes Titan 950 can shred a variety of materials including metal, wood, plastics and commercial waste, to process each type for recycling. This colossal 37 tonne shredder is designed to handle even the most demanding applications, making it well suited to Anglian’s busy, large-scale waste recycling operation which processes hundreds of tonnes of scrap metal and other recyclable materials each year.

Investment in the Titan 950 is set to pay dividends for Anglian as it also separates ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This will increase the efficiency of the company’s metal segregation, delivering more high-quality heavy melting steel (HMS 1&2) and valuable metals such as copper, which are all sent off to be recycled.

The shredder is mobile too, thanks to a crawler track system, allowing Anglian to manoeuvre the machinery around its 10-acre waste processing facility to shred the waste which is stored in individual bays.

Lee Storer, managing director of Anglian, said: “We are delighted to take delivery of the new shredder which will bolster the capabilities of our busy waste recycling division. Investment in plant such as this ensures that Anglian maintains its position as the region’s leading waste processing and metal recycling facility. Anglian is the only company to shred scrap metal in Norfolk so we’re looking forward to really putting the shredder through its paces, as we continue to increase the amount of materials sent off for recycling and looping back into the circular economy.”

To discuss your waste processing or recycling needs, get in touch with Anglian -www.angliandemo.co.uk