Welcome to our quarterly newsletter. We at Drive Alive are hoping you are keeping safe and well during these testing times. We are pleased to share with you that the team has been busy behind the scenes developing our online services to ensure continued legal compliance for all our customers. We are also pleased to announce and welcome a new member to the team; Andrew Bunn, who joined us in early April as our new Sales Executive. We hope you find this newsletter informative. Stay safe and take care from us all at Drive Alive.
E-ASSESSMENT A convenient way to risk assess your drivers and maintain legal compliance. https://www.drivealive.co.uk/fleet-risk-management-driver-e-asse
ONINE DEFENSIVE DRIVING Defensive driving techniques reduce the likelihood of a collision or incident and can even save costs related to vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption. https://www.drivealive.co.uk/online-defensive-driving
DEEP VEHICLE CLEAN We have put together a simple checklist on how to ensure your vehicle is thoroughly clean during the Pandemic. https://c1a104d8-9e6f-4e52-a368-f2e4a7d49a75.usrfiles.com/ugd/c1a104_fe1534e1444348e9be7795c877574d0e.pdf
FRENCH BREATHALYSER – GOOD NEWS for drivers travelling to France in the future, it appears that the French government have dispensed with the law requiring you to carry Breathalyser kits in your vehicle!
Organisations face difficulty juggling evolving technology, recruitment and exceptional customer experiences while handling other core operations. This article will outline what an outsourced contact centre is and the benefits of using one.
What is an outsourced contact centre?
An outsourced contact centre is an external team who manage customer communications for your organisation. They provide services such as Inbound Call Handling and Virtual Receptionists, as well as outbound services such as telemarketing, lead generation and market research. Organisations can also manage outbound services, such as telemarketing, lead generation and market research.
There are a variety of outsourced contact centres:
Onshore – an organisation based in your home country so employees can relate to your customers. This is the best approach for privacy and security.
Nearshore – an organisation based in neighbouring countries to your home country. This option can be a more affordable option.
Offshore – an organisation based in low-cost countries around the world.
Why should you use an outsourced contact centre?
When your organisation doesn’t have a full view of the full customer journey
When your organisation’s technology is damaging your customer experience
When you’re struggling to recruit, train and retain staff
When your customer experience statistics are lower than you’d like
When your organisation wants to lower overheads
Benefits of using an outsourced contact centre
Saves money. Using an outsourced contact centre cuts costs by eliminating the need to hire and train staff, purchase additional equipment, or allocate extra workspace.
No need to worry about recruiting and retaining staff. It can be hard for organisations to recruit and retain contact centre staff. Outsourced contact centres know which skills are needed for Call Handlers and can easily find qualified staff.
An outsourced contact centre will monitor and adjust staffing levels to ensure they meet the needs of a business.
Increased efficiency. Efficient processes are used to ensure quicker responses, fewer errors and higher customer satisfaction.
Focus on operations. Rest assured knowing your customer communications are in hand and focus on your core operations.
It can be difficult to know which outsourced contact centre is most suitable for your organisation. Some outsourced contact centres focus on one industry, whereas others hire staff from a variety of backgrounds and allocate based on client’s requirements.
CallEEAST offer a variety of contact centre services dependent on your requirements. We differ from other providers because we reinvest all our profits into the East of England Ambulance Service, supporting NHS innovations and improving patient experiences. Choosing CallEEAST ensures both high-quality services and social value for your organisation.
Want to know more why an outsourced contact centre would be suitable for your business? Visit our website to find out more > https://www.calleeast.co.uk/ or call us on 0300 790 6274.
Do you want to start 2024 with a fresh new look and set of professional photographs that sing your personality and brand? I’m offering Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members 10% off a three-hour brand photo shoot in December and January. Whether you are a one-person team or a medium/large-sized business we can use our time together to create a stock of photographs that you will be drawing upon for months to come. Whether you want to update your headshot, or team photographs, have images of you at work or interacting with your clients you will leave with a body of bright, colourful and authentic images that you will be proud to have represent your business.
Professional photographs are key for promoting a business. I love to hear your story and understand how you’re going to get the best value from a shoot. We can discuss locations – either in, or outside of your natural working environment – wherever you’ll best be able to convey the uniqueness of your brand and business.
To book your photo shoot and start 2024 off with a fresh new stock of professional photographs contact me now to talk through what a photo shoot with me might look like and how I can help elevate your business online.
A three-hour brand shoot with me would normally be priced at £495 but for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members for shoots booked in December and January are priced at £445.50 (benefiting from a 10% discount)
Pampered pooches will get the chance to celebrate the season with Santa Woof Woof at The Forum’s special Lapland Grotto, Sunday 10 December, 11am-3pm.
Proud pet parents can pose for a family ‘pawtrait’ with their pup, and support charities at the same time with Santa’s Grotto for Dogs. This very silly and very fun festive tradition returns to The Forum for the twelfth year, and helps raise money for RSPCA Mid Norfolk & North Suffolk.
Canine costumes are encouraged, and all well-behaved dogs are welcome to meet Santa Woof Woof. Visitors are encouraged to show support for local animal charities RSPCA Mid Norfolk & North Suffolk and Pets as Therapy by donating to Santa’s little helpers.
Jayne Evans, Events Producer at The Forum says “We can’t wait to celebrate with our furry friends at the original Santa’s Grotto for Dogs and raise money for good causes too. We all know pets are family, which is why we created this fantastic Christmas tradition twelve years ago! This unique charity fundraiser is guaranteed to feature lots of smiling faces and wagging tails.”
As well as special stalls from the RSPCA and Pets as Therapy, there will be a musical performance from mental health music charity Black Dog Music Project, and Invicta Voices. There’s no need to book, and attendance is free with donations to RSPCA Mid Norfolk & Suffolk. Also taking place inside The Forum is Jabbawocky Crafts Village Christmas Fayre.
Leanne Neave, Education and Events Manager for RSPCA Mid-Norfolk & North Suffolk, says: “I am delighted that this Christmas sees the return of Santa’s Grotto for Dogs at The Forum in Norwich. We have always loved being involved with this event as it highlights beautifully that Christmas really is a magical time. An event that not only gives the opportunity for our four legged friends to visit and have their photo taken with their very own Santa, it raises money for animals that are not so fortunate and what better way to celebrate and promote the true meaning of Christmas.”
“As a Local Independent Branch of the RSPCA events such as this not only raise awareness of the fact we are local and of the services we provide, but also raises important funds which enables the team at RSPCA Mid Norfolk & North Suffolk Branch to continue their vital animal welfare work for the animals in their care.”
Whether you’re a proud dog owner, or want to admire handsome pups in their best festive costumes, The Forum is the place to be this Sunday. You’d be barking mad to miss it!
MAD-HR is celebrating after taking the prize for Customer Excellence, in the Norfolk Business Awards.
Following a string of business accolades over the last 12 months, the East of England HR consultancy was crowned winner of the category at a ceremony held at the Norfolk Showground.
Co-directors Carole Burman and Charlotte Bate attended the event, and were applauded for having set ‘a new benchmark for excellence’.
Following a period of significant growth and progress in the Norfolk area, judges felt that MAD-HR stood out for its exceptional approach to developing customer relationships, and delivering a seamless and supportive journey for all clients.
Mike Scott, MD of Potters, and one of the category judges, referred to MAD-HR as a ‘true embodiment of what it means to excel in customer service’.
He said: “As a judge for the Customer Excellence Award, it was a privilege to witness MAD HR’s remarkable dedication and innovation in the field.
“Their team’s fervour for service improvement and commitment to their industry set a new benchmark for excellence.
“Their approach, characterised by a rare and commendable energy, not only reflects their deep understanding of client needs but also demonstrates a dynamic, responsive framework for continuous advancement.
“MAD HR is a true embodiment of what it means to excel in customer service, making them a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
Summary comments from the judging panel also expressed that the ‘application from MAD-HR was nothing short of stunning’.
Speaking about the great accolade, Carole said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been acknowledged with this award.
“It feels particularly special to take such an important accolade in the county of Norfolk, given our conscious decision to develop our business beyond its origins in Suffolk, and to embrace working with more and more companies across the Norfolk territory.
“This journey has been a wonderfully fulfilling and fascinating one for us all, and we can’t wait to see what new successes and celebrations might be possible for us in 2024.”
On Tuesday 28th November 2023, the National Performance Advisory Group (NPAG) hosted the National District Nurses Conference at the Northampton Town Centre Hotel. This is an annual conference organised and delivered by NPAG which invites District Nurses from across the UK to come together to network, learn best practices and meet relevant suppliers. NPAG are one of the other Commercial Services at the East of England Ambulance Service alongside CallEEAST.
The NPAG team meticulously planned each aspect of the event to ensure the day ran smoothly and offered a variety of presentations and exhibitors. There were 84 delegates, 12 exhibitors, and 8 speakers presenting on an array of topics.
Topics included:
The History of the QNI
Creating Capacity to Care
Innovation in NHS Community Nursing
Historical Review of Public Health within Liverpool
Getting around the District: An Illustrated History
District Nurses – celebrating the present, exploring future focused
QNI Update
Digital Prescribing for Community Teams
CallEEAST were thrilled to attend the conference through sponsoring and exhibiting. This was a great opportunity for two of our Commercial Services to come together and show a wider audience the services we offer at the East of England Ambulance Service. CallEEAST were delighted to meet many District Nurses who weren’t aware of their services, and it was a great opportunity to present how CallEEAST’s services could support District Nurses across the UK. CallEEAST already work with Birmingham Community Healthcare, covering calls for 54 District Nurses.
Damon Pritchard, CallEEAST Contact Centre Manager, said, “Thank you. It was one of the most constructive events we’ve been to since we started! It was expertly organised as well – well done – I was really impressed.”
Overall, this was an excellent event! The NPAG team delivered every aspect of the conference perfectly, ensuring everybody was comfortable throughout the day. CallEEAST also found the conference to be extremely beneficial and have come away with new contacts who are interested in their services.
Anglian Waste Recycling has entered into a partnership with MotorSport Vision Ltd.’s (MSV Group) Snetterton Circuit to provide waste collections for the racing circuit and its year-round event calendar including the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and British Truck Racing Championship.
Stuart Mills, Circuit Manager for MotorSport Vision Ltd (MSV Group), Snetterton said:
“A joint effort between the passionate team at Anglian Waste Recycling and Snetterton Circuit means we will be working towards recycling as much as 85% of the circuits’ waste and aim for 0% to landfill! Snetterton are in the best possible position to host top level national motorsport whilst working to lower our impact on the environment.”
The partnership will also see Anglian working with UK container manufacturer, Contenur UK to provide 120 bespoke wheelie bins to service the circuit. The waste collected will then be taken the five miles to Anglian’s site in Attleborough for segregation and to enable it to be recycled ensuring that none of the waste collected will enter landfill.
Neil Kavanagh, Commercial Director Contenur UK said:
“Contenur UK are proud to have been a dedicated partner to Anglian Recycling during an exponential growth phase for both companies. Anglian Recycling and their customer base rely on high levels of service delivery and a trusted supplier, Contenur UK have been able to build this trust by provide outstanding service levels, high quality UK Manufactured containers, full circle end of life plastic bin recycling, a dedicated customer service team and short lead times. Both companies have high expectations regarding future growth, and partnerships such as this are testament to how securing vital supply chains are a real enabler for business development. We look forward to continued success into 2024!”
As part of Snetterton’s corporate social responsibility, it already works closely with other local companies that provide services to the circuit, so the addition of Anglian to its supply team means that it can further support the local economy and reduce the truck miles and emissions that can be associated with waste collections. Anglian in turn will provide monthly waste reports to enable Snetterton to see how much is being recycled, what is going to landfill and where improvements can be made. Future plans for the partnership include the addition of specific bins for food waste and mixed recycling bins to further segregate waste at the source and assisting both parties to increase recycling rates with plans to set recycling rate targets in the long term.
Ryan Marshall, Director of Waste & Recycling for Anglian commented:
“Here at Anglian, we are so excited to partner with such a great venue as The Snetterton Circuit, one of MSV’s racetracks. The partnership will allow for a collaboration that will result in reducing the environmental footprint of the circuit by reducing the vehicle miles associated with the waste collection services, along with improvements in recycling rates. It is another great partnership between two local businesses that is great for the environment but also the local economy.”
Photo: Left to Right – Ryan Marshall, Director of Waste & Recycling at Anglian Waste Recycling, Stuart Mills, Circuit Manager at MotorSport Vision Ltd.’s (MSV Group) Snetterton Circuit & Toni Storer, Director Anglian Demolition & Asbestos Ltd.
We have a great unmissable B2B Meeting Room offer to help kick start 2024.
The Maids Head boasts 7 versatile meeting and event rooms, each with its own individual charm and character. Whether looking for a small meeting room for just two people. To a conference for 120 delegates with break out rooms for team activities. We can offer you our expertise and a bespoke quote to ensure a successful event. (Along with some great food!)
Our delightful Snug at the Maids Head, ideal for a small meeting
Our Minstrel Suite, with the glittering chandeliers, offers space for a conference for up to 120 delegates. The Edith Cavell room, with its boardroom table seating 14 guests. To the Oak Room with its original oak panelling and adjoining Yard Bar. Providing the option of comfy sofas and armchairs, or a formal set up.
Maids Head Minstrel Suite with lots of natural daylight
Hire a meeting room for a minimum of £150 in January and February and you will receive a pair of tickets for a Top of the Terrace hospitality experience at Norwich City Football Club this season. We have 10 pairs to give away.
The Oak Room at the Maids Head Hotel
Don’t miss taking advantage of our B2B Meeting Room offer. Call our experienced Events Team today on 01603 272008, or email [email protected] and QUOTE:B2B2024
Local Experience Providers
Looking to enhance your day? We have teamed up with some lovely local independent experience providers who can really help to enhance your day. Even better, they are all on our doorstep.
Remember, when booking a meeting or event at the Maids Head, all attendees are welcome to park their car in our car park for free. Car details just need to be registered with Reception on arrival.
Edith Cavell Meeting Room
Offer is subject to availability and requires a minimum Room Hire spend of £150.
Mobilityways won three awards in November to commemorate the work it is doing across the board. We were recognised at the Edie Net-Zero Awards, the EDP Business Awards and the Social Enterprise of the Year Awards.
Firstly, our Managing Director Julie Furnell won the Net-Zero Hero Award at the Edie Net-Zero Awards on November 15!
Secondly, Mobilityways won the Employer of the Year at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards on November 23.
Last but not least, Mobilityways also won the Tech For Good: Technology Social Enterprise of the Year Award at the Social Enterprise UK Awards on November 30!
Quotes from the EDP Business Awards supplement:
“The judges said the leadership team at Mobilityways is ‘leading from the front in being a human-centric business’, adding that ‘they have raised the bar so high here in Norfolk with how they have embedded a fantastic positive culture that you can feel when you are in their business’.
They felt that, with regular staff meetings that continue to embed the business’ collaborative goals and mission, ‘it is no wonder Mobilityways’ bottom line is increasing year on year’.”
Mobilityways Head of Operations Kate Wood said: “We feel extremely proud to win the EDP Business Awards Employer of the Year. It is testimony to our fantastic team and all their talent and hard work. The team at Mobilityways is central to the success of the business and we are determined to retain and build upon this purpose-driven culture which invests in our team like the company depends on it – because it really does.
“Moving forward, Mobilityways will be making significant investments into people and the product, passionate to remain the employer of choice for our team and future employees. We cannot wait to see our Mobilityways ‘CLUB’ grow from strength to strength!”
About Mobilityways
Mobilityways is a climate tech firm and social enterprise on a mission to make zero carbon commuting a reality. It supports large employers in meeting their Net Zero goals with its suite of climate tech tools. These tools enable companies to measure, reduce and report their commuter emissions, providing full visibility of commuting challenges and identifying sustainable travel alternatives for employees.
Mobilityways has worked with over 700 companies. It also operates a highly successful car sharing platform called Liftshare.com which is the UK’s leading car share provider.
Mobilityways won the UK Social Enterprise Award in the ‘Tech for Good: Technology Social Enterprise of the Year 2023’ category, and was a finalist in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Digital ‘Moving towards Net Zero’ Award 2023. Mobilityways’ subsidiary Liftshare.com was also a finalist in the National Tech Awards ‘Tech for Good’ and won the Fleet News-hosted UK Fleet Champions Award in the Sustainable Journeys Award category in late 2021.
We have officially launched a new arm to our IT services. Meet the new-look Source Code Studio – Experts in Websites, ECommerce, Apps & Software.
IntroducingSource Code Studio
Located in our Bury St Edmunds Green Duck headquarters, the welcoming of Source Code Studio into the Green Duck family sees creative website designers and expert app developers working alongside experienced IT engineers, software pioneers and security experts.
This means we can offer our customers a single point of contact for all IT support through Green Duck IT, web, app and software development through Source Code Studio and cyber security services through Labsec.
What we offer
With over 60+ years of experience in website and app design and development, Source Code Studio are by no means new kids on the block.
At Source Code Studio the primary focus is to tailor the user experience through our design and development process to meet the goals of your industry and clients.
We believe we can deliver you a better digital product through our tried and tested approach gained from years of experience. Our aim is to create a tailored goal-driven user experience which is easy and enjoyable to use and converts for your business needs.
Our team know the questions to ask to understand exactly what your business wants to achieve and exactly what your customers want to experience.
To celebrate, we are offering all businesses a free downloadable UI UX Checklist including valuable insights and recommendations. This is certainly a guide not to be missed!
Charity shop staff and volunteers time-warped back to the 1940s for a weekend of nostalgia in north Norfolk.
Businesses in the town were encouraged to get involved and teams from the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shops in Sheringham and Holt joined the festivities, raising nearly £4,000.
They rolled back the years by wearing outfits from the era and sold vintage clothing and memorabilia to help raise extra funds.
There were donation buckets in EACH’s Sheringham shop, in Station Road, and generous 1940s enthusiasts donated £117.
Meanwhile, the Holt team secured a free pitch at the town’s railway station, setting up a pop-up shop and making a staggering £1,400.
“What an incredible weekend,” said EACH Retail Manager and North-East Cluster Manager Naomi Munro.
“Everyone loved getting in the spirit and our Sheringham shop was packed with 1940s enthusiasts.
“Both staff and volunteers came dressed up and worked hard to get everything ready, handing out refreshments throughout.
“Many of our customers also wore special outfits so it was great fun.
“At the same time, our team from Holt were busy selling vintage wares to revellers and, over the course of two days, they made a staggering £1,400.
“Sarah Hipkin (Holt Shop Manager) and Mark Buller (Relief and Support Manager) manned the pitch all weekend. A lot of hard work went into it and they pulled out all the stops to raise extra funds for EACH.
“Overall, we had a blast and are already planning next year’s event.”
The ‘Steam Back to The Forties’ weekend, celebrating the camaraderie and spirit of the era, was organised by North Norfolk Railway and the Sheringham Carnival Committee and took place on 16th and 17th September.
Between the Sheringham shop and the Holt stall, £3,766 was raised for EACH.
Anyone interested in lending a hand and volunteering in either shop can call Naomi on 01263 800887 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Head to the Maids Head Hotel on Norfolk Day, Saturday, July 27 for two free events that focus on Norwich at the time of Kett’s Rebellion, 1549. Donations welcomed to the Maids Head’s charity of the year, Break.
Meet Sir Thomas Paston to hear tales of his involvement during this tumultuous period in the history of Norwich. This costumed talk by Rob Knee from the Paston Heritage Society, will include readings from the famous Paston Letters. Arrive at 10.30am for coffee and cake, view the Paston 600 exhibition and listen to Sir Thomas at 11am.
Then in the afternoon, there is an opportunity to join Norwich tour guide Paul Dickson for Shardlake’s Norwich, a two-hour walking tour celebrating CJ Sansom’s best-selling novel Tombland.
The tour starts and finishes at the Maids Head Hotel, beginning at 2pm and includes Tombland, Augustine Steward’s House, Norwich Cathedral Close, Bishopgate (Holme Street in the novel) and the Great Hospital, Bishop’s Bridge, the site of Bishop’s Gate and Lollards Pit, followed by a climb up to Kett’s Heights with its fabulous views across the city.
The return journey follows the north side of the river with views of the medieval Cow Tower before crossing the river and visiting the site of the Battle of Palace Plain.
Advance booking required for both events online at Eventbrite:
