Member News

Richie has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to International Trade and to Charity. 

After attending the ceremony on 12th February, Richie said: “It was a particular delight to meet His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who happens to be cultivating his own truly top notch beard. As a fellow Norfolk boy, I found him a most charming, and indeed, discerning fellow. Suffice to say, beard care tips may well have been shared!”

In his acceptance of this prestigious accolade, Richie is quick to emphasise that such esteemed recognition is in fact a tribute to extraordinary team work. 

“In the guise of Captain Fawcett, I am but truly honoured to have been awarded ‘Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ — Huzzah! However, I am but the conductor of an orchestra of talent, proud to work with a simply remarkable collective of people who strive for excellence every day. This is their achievement as much as it is mine.

“Furthermore, I believe international trade has always been more than simply business. For centuries, traders have carried ideas as well as goods, forging friendships where there might have been conflict and creating incredible opportunity. Amicable trade is simply one of our oldest and, perchance, greatest forces for understanding. Every product shipped is a testament to the notion that prosperity grows when nations work together.

Founded in 2010 at a kitchen table in Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, Captain Fawcett has grown to become a beacon of British quality and craftsmanship in Gentleman’s Grooming and Hair Care, exporting to 45 countries and earning a reputation for its award-winning products and distinctive character. Beyond business, Richie has driven Captain Fawcett’s commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives like ‘BarbersRide’, co-founded with Xavier Berrell and Colin Petrie, becoming a flagship of the brand’s charity mission.

After this truly auspicious start to 2025, the next adventure awaits. Richard Finney MBE and the crew at HQ are currently preparing for Captain Fawcett’s ‘Great Expedition USA’, a 6 week solo motorcycle road trip through the heart of America.

Watch this space for more news very soon…

For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visitwww.captainfawcett.com

Norwich Research Park has won a prestigious industry award at the inaugural Commute Zero Hero Awards, hosted by climate tech provider Mobilityways. The awards honour organisations and individuals driving innovative commuting solutions that reduce carbon emissions and foster a culture of sustainability. 

Norwich Research Park has won the Most Innovative Commuting Solution Award which recognises organisations that develop creative, forward-thinking solutions to transform the commuting experience.

Norwich Research Park won the award for its creative and data-driven approach to fostering a cycling culture. Building on a strong green travel strategy, Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation at Norwich Research Park, launched a successful travel survey and created engaging in-person events such as Bike Day. With initiatives like the Beryl bike sharing scheme and free on-site bike repairs, it has made cycling more accessible, even for students who do not own a bike.

Its commitment is further reflected in the strong engagement it has established, with over 20% of staff cycling to work regularly. By using data to drive decisions, Anglia Innovation Partnership has laid the groundwork for future investments and has built a collaborative, supportive community across the park campus. In summary, Mobilityways said, “This innovative, community-focused approach sets Norwich Research Park apart as a leader in sustainable commuting.”

The Commute Zero Hero Awards, which cover the whole of the UK, recognise initiatives that have supported more than 53,000 individuals to make greener journeys over the last twelve months.  Among the other winners are Heathrow Airport, West Sussex County Council and University Hospitals Dorset. 

Nick Goodwin, COO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation at Norwich Research Park, said, “We are delighted that our efforts to move towards more sustainable travel across the park campus have been recognised with this award. When you consider the growth of our campus and the number of people that are here every day, it is important to offer solutions that help our community to use more sustainable modes of transport to and from work.

“The institutions and companies at Norwich Research Park have a real sense of community and desire to make the park campus accessible to our local communities. We are on a journey to deliver on our strategy and continue our collaborative effort to improve the way we travel. This award is recognition for everyone who has completed surveys, communicated to staff and chosen to share a car, get the bus, walk, run or cycle to work – well done!”

Mobilityways Managing Director, Julie Furnell, commented, “The Commute Zero Hero Awards recognise those leading the charge in making commuting greener, healthier and more efficient. Our winners have developed best practices that deliver measurable impacts in the mission to make zero-carbon commuting a reality. From reducing emissions to improving the health, wealth and happiness of their teams, these organisations demonstrate the transformative power of sustainable commuting solutions. We’re delighted to celebrate their success and inspire others to follow suit.” 

End-of-life care patients, their families, and staff at Priscilla Bacon Lodge can now access expert financial planning, thanks to a new initiative with Brancaster House Financial Planning.

The financial advisory team are offering free consultations that will provide tailored financial guidance to help alleviate financial stress during life’s most challenging moments.

By empowering individuals with personalised advice on pensions, savings, and other financial matters, this service aims to support the hospice community with greater peace of mind and financial security.

Shane Julian, Director of Brancaster House Financial Planning, said: “We understand the financial strain families face during life’s most difficult moments. I have a personal connection with the Hospice as a close relation spent her final days there this year. Through these sessions, we aim to ease that burden and empower individuals with the tools to navigate their financial futures.”

Priscilla Bacon Lodge, renowned for its compassionate care in Norfolk, welcomes this support as an opportunity to provide holistic assistance to its community. The hospice’s staff and volunteers can also benefit from advice on personal finance and retirement planning, ensuring their invaluable service is matched by financial stability.

Amy Wright, Event and Fundraising Coordinator for Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Brancaster House for offering this invaluable service to our patients and their families. Financial concerns can add significant stress during what is already a very difficult time. These free consultations will help provide clarity and reassurance, allowing people to focus on what truly matters.”

The initiative reflects our ethos of ‘financial advice for all’ and its commitment to helping people make informed financial decisions, no matter their circumstances. We are also an active part of the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity’s Business 500 Club – a community of local businesses and organisations working together to support each other, whilst pledging to raise at least £1k for Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity.

Nicholas Halls, Director of Brancaster House Financial Planning, added: “We believe everyone deserves access to expert financial information, especially during life’s most challenging moments. By partnering with Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity, we hope to ease the financial burdens faced by patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions.”

To book a session or learn more, contact us by emailing [email protected].

On 30 January, a high-level delegation from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) visited Norwich Research Park, to see the cutting edge research and innovation in Engineering Biology that is being conducted on campus.

The team, led by Dr. Isabel Webb, Deputy Director for Technology Strategy and Security, visited Norwich Research Park’s BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) research institutes – the Quadram Institute, Earlham Institute and John Innes Centre.

Hosted by Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management company for Norwich Research Park, the delegation initially met with the directors of the research institutes for a strategic discussion. Roz highlighted the opportunity for the campus to participate in, and where appropriate lead, transformative programmes of work that she termed ‘bio-transitions’.

This term describes the work being undertaken by the large cluster of microbiologists, based on campus, where they are making new discoveries to tackle climate change, food security and the health of the nation. This ‘bio-transitions’ work, to create new innovations, will ultimately support the Government’s growth agenda by creating new high-value jobs and improve productivity.

The department’s team were given a detailed presentation and tour of the Earlham Institute’s technologies, where they met Director of the Earlham Institute, Neil Hall, and the Head of Plant Genomics Anthony Hall. The DSIT team was particularly interested in the use of the BioFoundry and its advanced capabilities.

A networking lunch was held where they were introduced to many of the entrepreneurs who have set up successful companies at Norwich Research Park including Colorifix, Tropic, Alora and Inspiralis.

Lunch was followed by a series of presentations from the John Innes Centre, including a progress on the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) project, the work of the Insectary and the work of Professor Anne Osbourn’s lab on plant natural product biosynthesis.

Next was a visit to the Quadram Institute where they were hosted by Dr Patricia Hart who explained the ground-breaking research being undertaken which included several aspects of engineering biology, from environmental applications to human health and plant biotechnology.

The DSIT visitors were introduced to PhD student Brenda Mionki who talked about her research into how gene-edited tomatoes could provide a new way of supplementing vitamin D for individuals lacking this important vitamin and Dr Rokas Juodeikis, a Quadram Institute Bioscience Fellow, who is developing novel strategies to improve health and address nutrient deficiencies using bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEV) engineering. The visit to the Quadram Institute was concluded by a discussion with Prof Mark Webber and his team around their use of functional genomics in Engineering Biology.

At the conclusion of the visit, Roz said, “This was a great opportunity to showcase the ways in which Norwich Research Park is leading the Engineering Biology scene in the UK, in terms of the critical mass of activity, the diverse range of work, the deep-tech nature of the curiosity-driven science and applied science, and the way in which the campus is supporting new spin-outs and industry partners to maximise the impact of publicly-funded research which is creating jobs and generating growth for the economy.

“With further support from our partners, in government, we will be able to create growth in the economy through ‘bio-transitions’ workstreams which involve all areas of industry and society and which will help mitigate the impact of climate change, ensure food is nutritious and that people stay healthier for longer.”

A strong start to 2025 for the Huxley Events team, announcing they are finalists for two awards. The company has been nominated for the South Norfolk & Broadland Business Awards in the category of “South Norfolk Small Business of the Year”, as well as for the Conference News Agency Awards in the “Oil, Gas & Energy Event of the Year 2025” for their standout event, the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) SNS2024 conference, exhibition, and gala dinner.

The South Norfolk & Broadland Business Awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of local businesses within the community. This year’s awards ceremony will take place in March, bringing together the brightest and most innovative organisations in South Norfolk and Broadland. Huxley Events is proud to be recognised among the best small businesses in South Norfolk, showcasing their commitment to amazing events, creativity, strong customer service and community engagement.

The nomination reflects Huxley Events’ relentless drive and dedication to delivering high-caliber events.

In addition to the local accolade, Huxley Events is also a finalist for the Conference News Agency Awards, known for highlighting excellence in the conference and events industry nationally. Their event for EEEGR, SNS2024—has been recognized as the “Oil, Gas & Energy Event of the Year 2025”. This award ceremony will take place in March, and Huxley Events is excited to finalists alongside other major events such as 2024 Shell Eco-Marathon, by Emota.

The SNS2024 event, held earlier this year at the Norfolk Showground, was a landmark celebration of energy, innovation, and collaboration. The conference brought together nearly 1,500 attendees, including industry experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders. With engaging sessions led by 68 speakers and an exhibition featuring 72 exhibitors, the event was a resounding success with Huxley Events working behind the scenes on the full logistical and operational planning for the event. The gala dinner, with more than 350 guests, accompanied the conference and was not only memorable but also showcased the exquisite culinary talents of local chef Alex Firman (Garden Kitchen Catering), earning rave reviews from attendees.

“We are delighted to be recognised for our hard work and dedication in both local and national arenas,” said Lizzy Dring, Managing Director of Huxley Events. “Our team is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. Being shortlisted for these awards is a testament to our commitment to these events, and we can’t thank our amazing clients and partners enough for trusting us.”

As Huxley Events gears up for the awards ceremonies next month, they remain focused on their mission to elevate the event experience in the region while contributing positively to the local and national business landscape.

Law firm Birketts’ Shaping Excellence Team has appointed another dedicated lawyer trainer to meet client demand. 

Maaike Wall joins the team as a dedicated lawyer trainer specialising in employment law. Maaike, who trained and qualified at Slaughter and May, brings not only her knowledge of employment law to the training room but has also spent time teaching in a secondary school so has the valuable ability to put across complicated concepts in an accessible way. 

The Birketts’ Shaping Excellence Team trains boards, senior leadership teams, line managers and employees on all legal issues that impact an organisation ranging from health and safety, data protection, how to navigate through commercial contracts and a full suite of HR and employment law training. 

A particular area that organisations from all sectors are facing is the new duty to prevent sexual harassment and the investigation skills required to deal with complex grievance and disciplinary proceedings within the workplace. With established courses and materials on these topics, Maaike will join the team in supporting employers practically navigate through these issues. 

Sam Greenhalgh, who leads the Shaping Excellence Team and is a Partner in Birketts’ Employment Team, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Maaike has joined us to build on the capacity needed to deliver unique learning experiences to clients. We consistently receive outstanding feedback for our ability to deliver a tailored course to delegates that adds practical value to their day-to-day management of people and the organisation as a whole. With the significant changes to employment law being implemented and proposed by the Government, organisations are investing in their people to stay compliant and up to date.” 

Maaike said: “This is an exciting time to join Birketts and particularly the Shaping Excellence Team where I can combine my love of employment law and teaching into one role. Employment law can be quite complex to navigate but the way the Shaping Excellence Team structures its bespoke training adds real value to clients’ day-to-day operations. I am excited to be part of it and I look forward to supporting organisations choosing to invest in their people.” 

Jeanette Wheeler, Partner and soon to be Head of Corporate Services at Birketts, said: “It is great to see that the Shaping Excellence Team continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the modern-day workplace. I am thrilled that Maaike has joined us, and I have no doubt that she will be an asset to the team helping many delegates and clients with their training needs over the coming months and years.” 

We are really pleased to have been involved in the making of this programme on Channel 5.  Heat Pumps: Are they really worth it?

The film makers visited our showroom and followed one of our installation teams who completed a retrofit install of an Ariston air source heat pump.

We felt like it was a balanced programme, which covered many of the questions those who want to install an air source heat pump ask.

If you are interested in installing a heat pump, then the episode is available to stream on My5, we recommend taking a look and if you want to talk about your project specifically to give us a call on 01603 898904.

Our Natural Alternative Pathways offers support for children and young people in a natural environment, away from a traditional classroom.

We have camps across Norfolk and Suffolk to help meet the needs of children in our region.

The programme can support and enhance mainstream education by focussing on the emotional, social, and behavioural development of pupils.

All Children will work towards achieving aims and objectives through woodland based activities, with the emphasis on building resilience, social and communication skills, and improving physical and mental wellbeing.

Our participants are triaged at referral point, and pupils are placed in group sizes that ensure they are receiving the correct support.

1:1 provision can also be supplied (subject to availability) for those pupils who need extra support.

For more information or to discuss your young person’s needs, please contact us or fill out our enquiry form.

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We are delighted to announce that Millicent Jermy has joined our team as a Trainee Solicitor, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained from working at a respected local firm. Millicent specialises in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Court of Protection matters — a new service we are excited to offer to our clients.

At Lucas & Wyllys, we have always been committed to providing a wide range of legal services to support our clients through various stages of life. Millicent’s expertise in Court of Protection matters allows us to offer a critical service to those who may be facing challenges in making decisions for loved ones who are unable to do so themselves.

The Court of Protection is a vital part of legal practice, ensuring that the best interests of individuals who lack capacity to make decisions are upheld. Whether it is managing finances, making healthcare decisions, or appointing someone to act on their behalf, the Court of Protection plays a key role in safeguarding their rights.

With Millicent on board, we are now able to provide comprehensive advice and assistance in this area, helping clients navigate what can be a complex and emotional process. Whether you need guidance on applying for deputyship, managing the affairs of someone who lacks mental capacity, or understanding the options available, Millicent is here to help.

We are thrilled to welcome Millicent to the team and look forward to offering this important service to even more individuals and families in our community. If you would like to learn more about Court of Protection services, or if you have any questions about how we can assist you, do not hesitate to get in touch.

M+A Partners, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants, Chartered Tax Advisers and Registered Auditors, has welcomed a new Accounts and Tax Manager to their Norwich team.

Sarah Pickett joins the firm with over 14 years’ experience working in practice and helping clients with their tax planning and accounts requirements. She is both a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant and brings with her extensive knowledge and expertise across a wide spectrum of sectors.

Sarah has a wealth of knowledge including a particular focus on the leisure and tourism sector, as well as working with owner managed businesses and is well-placed to meet the evolving needs of the firm’s expanding client base.  

Partner, Clare Goodswen said: “I am delighted to see Sarah take up a pivotal position within the M+A Partners’ team. Our investment in accomplished experts like Sarah demonstrates our commitment to deliver an excellent level of service to our clients.

It is essential that we have the right people in place to best support our clients and Sarah will work with the talented individuals in our accounts and tax teams to ensure businesses can develop and thrive through clear and professional advice.

We look forward to the additional value Sarah brings to our team and our client proposition.”

Sarah said of her appointment: “I am highly motivated by the opportunities that the role at M+A Partners offers me. Working across both accounts and corporate tax affords me the opportunity of delivering comprehensive advice, addressing clients’ immediate and long-term needs.

I look forward to collaborating with both existing and new clients, working alongside a skilled team that focuses on supporting clients with technical expertise and tailored guidance.”

Who can request flexible working?

Employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of their employment and are able to make 2 requests in a 12-month period.

This is the right to request flexible working, and not the right to be provided with flexible working.

What does flexible working mean?

Flexible working covers working patterns which provide flexibility on when, where, and for how long work will be carried out. This includes part-time working, flexitime, working from home, zero hour contracts and, less commonly, job sharing or term-time working.

Do employers need to consult with an employee about their request?

If an employer is not able to grant the request, or are looking to suggest an amended request, they must meet with the employee to consult on the matter.

What are the reasons a business can decline a flexible working request?

Should an employer be unable to grant a request they must use one or more of the following 8 prescribed business reasons for rejecting the request;

• The burden of additional costs
• An inability to reorganise work among existing staff
• An inability to recruit additional staff
• A detrimental impact on quality
• A detrimental impact on performance
• A detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand
• Insufficient work for the periods the employee proposes to work
• A planned change to the business

What are the risks of not effectively dealing with flexible working requests?

Employers need to be aware that there is a statutory process which needs to be followed when a formal request for flexible working has been received. This includes meeting with the employee if the initial request cannot be accommodated and discussing what other options may be available with a view to finding an arrangement that works for both parties.

Whilst the compensation for failure to comply with the statutory process to handle flexible working requests, or deal with a request in a reasonable manner, is capped at 8 weeks’ pay, employers could find these complaints are coupled with claims of discrimination too. Claims for discrimination, both direct or indirect, associated with flexible working requests can be based on sex, age or disability and if successful, attract uncapped compensation awards. Employees can also argue that the failure to consider the request is a fundamental breach of contract and therefore could resign and claim constructive unfair dismissal.

How can Lovewell Blake help?

Our HR consultants can guide you through the full process of handling flexible working requests, including providing support at meetings and template documentation required as part of the process.

They can also draft your Company a flexible working policy which clarifies the process to your staff, and people managers.