MAD-HR shortlisted as an award finalist for delivering Customer Excellence
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When to Provide Catering for Your Corporate Event (and How to Get the Timing Right)
When to Provide Catering for Your Corporate Event (and How to Get the Timing Right)
When it comes to corporate events, catering isn’t just about serving food—it’s about serving purpose. The timing and type of catering you choose can shape energy levels, encourage networking, and keep your agenda running smoothly.
Get it right, and your attendees will stay engaged, alert, and satisfied. Get it wrong, and you risk mid-session yawns, food comas, and distracted guests checking their watches.
Here’s how to time your catering so it enhances—not interrupts—your event.
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1. Match Catering Times to Event Goals
● Registration / Welcome Period
Greet early arrivals with light refreshments—think coffee, tea, pastries, and fresh fruit. It sets a warm, welcoming tone and keeps guests occupied until things kick off.
● Comfort Break
If your event runs several hours, schedule a light break around 10–10:30 AM, or even offer breakfast catering to energize your attendees.
● Lunch
Lunch typically falls between 12–1 PM. Keep it on time—hungry attendees quickly lose focus.
○ Networking-focused? Go for buffet or boxed lunches.
○ Formal setting? Choose plated service.
● Afternoon Break
A small boost around 3 PM helps maintain focus through the final stretch. Fruit, biscuits, coffee, and tea are perfect here.
2. Avoid the “Food Coma” Trap
Schedule heavier meals before low-intensity sessions (like networking or casual breakouts), and lighter options before high-focus activities such as keynotes or training. Heavy lunches right before a critical presentation can be a recipe for drowsy delegates.
3. Build Around Agenda “Energy Points”
Plan catering around the natural rhythm of the day:
● Before a meal → High-energy, high-focus sessions.
● After a meal or snack → Lower-pressure activities, networking, or creative workshops.
4. Think Practical
● Serving Logistics: Minimize long queues with multiple serving stations or staggered service.
● Dietary Inclusivity: Clearly label vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options, as well as providing the venue with dietary restrictions well in advance so they can accommodate everyone.
5. Quick Catering Guidelines
● Think “No Fork” Friendly → Make it easy for guests to eat while standing or networking.
● Include Variety → Cater to different diets and tastes.
● Keep Portions Small → Encourages mingling and avoids waste.
● Stay Balanced → Mix proteins, healthy carbs, and fresh produce to maintain steady energy.
When Catering Becomes Essential
If your corporate event lasts more than four hours, catering stops being a nice-to-have and becomes a necessity. Here’s why:
1. Attendee Comfort & Focus
After 2–3 hours, energy and concentration drop. Food and drink help reset the room.
2. Professional Expectation
Corporate attendees expect catering for half-day or full-day events—it’s part of the experience.
3. The Catering Rule of Thumb
● Under 2 hours → No catering needed (maybe water/coffee).
● 2–4 hours → Light refreshments.
● 4–6 hours → One substantial meal plus a snack or coffee break.
● Full-day (6+ hours) →lunch and at least one snack break.
4. Extra Considerations
● Event Type: Networking events benefit from more finger food variety.
● Time of Day: Spanning mealtimes? Provide a proper meal.
● Budget vs. Perception: Cutting catering might save money, but it can make the event feel less polished.
✅ Bottom line: Thoughtful catering timing isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about fueling their attention, energy, and overall event experience. Plan it right, and your guests will leave full of both ideas and good impressions.
iQ Workspace and Tick Solutions have merged to enhance office furniture offerings for local businesses.
iQ Workspace and Tick Solutions have merged to enhance
office furniture offerings for local businesses.
iQ Workspace, a leading provider of smart office furniture
solutions in Norwich, has merged with Tick Solutions, a well-established name
in office and educational furniture.
This strategic union aims to significantly
expand product offerings, deepen expertise, and streamline logistics for
businesses, agencies, schools, and public sector clients across the region.
The merger combines the strengths of two companies that are
known for their dedication to excellence and a shared vision for creating
optimal working environments. This development comes as local businesses
navigate evolving workspace needs, from traditional office setups to agile and
hybrid models.
Tick Solutions: A Legacy of Expertise and Service
Tick Solutions has been a prominent player in the office and
educational furniture market for over a decade, with a track record of over 15 years in delivering high-quality products and award-winning service.
They are
particularly well-regarded for their specialisation in ergonomic posture
seating, offering an unparalleled selection of over 30 task chairs for user
trial and evaluation, a service widely recognised by orthopaedic and
occupational health specialists.
Their comprehensive offerings span workstations, storage,
seating, tables, booths, reception areas, and screens. Tick Solutions prides
itself on its reliable in-house delivery and installation teams, providing
UK-wide coverage and bespoke design and fulfilment services.
A Unified Force: The New Team at iQ Workspace
The integration of Tick Solutions’ talented team into the iQ
Workspace family is a foundation of this merger. Key personnel joining iQ
Workspace include:
- Ollie,
who will be responsible for sales, has a proven track record in securing
and nurturing client relationships. - Marc,
who will be part of the manufacturer-certified installation team, will
ensure seamless and professional furniture installation on all our projects. - Richard,
who will be overseeing the warehouse operations, is crucial for enhanced
logistics and faster turnaround times.
This expanded team is poised to deliver a more comprehensive
and efficient service, leveraging combined knowledge and diverse skill sets to
support client success from initial consultation to post-installation support.
Benefits for Local Businesses
The merger promises several key advantages for existing and
new clients:
- Customers
will benefit from the collective knowledge and insights of two highly
experienced teams, offering a broader spectrum of solutions and a deeper
understanding of unique needs. - The
expanded team means more dedicated professionals available for customer
service, technical support, and project management. - Enhanced
resources and optimised operational frameworks will lead to faster order
processing, quicker delivery, and a smoother, more reliable experience. - The
merger allows for the combination of the best products from both
companies, offering a wider array of cutting-edge solutions to meet
evolving workplace demands and help businesses stay ahead.
We are super excited for the future, and we are committed to
ensuring a seamless transition for all existing and new customers. The team is
actively working to integrate services and maintain the high level of support
clients have come to expect.
For any questions or to learn more about the benefits of
this merger, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
or call us on 01603 670 701, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions about
this merger or furniture solutions you may have.
Norfolk Business Awards
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Veezu Teams up with Stamp Out Spiking, Norwich City Council, South Norfolk and Broadland District Council to Become First UK PHV to Launch Spiking Awareness Driver Training
Veezu, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing private hire technology business, today announces a new partnership with national charity Stamp Out Spiking to raise awareness of spiking. They have also agreed to collaborate on an accredited anti-spiking training pilot for private hire drivers, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a UK private hire vehicle (PHV) operator. The new voluntary training empowers Veezu driver-partners to recognise and respond to spiking risks.
The pilot will launch this summer in Norwich, supported by Norwich City Council, South Norfolk and Broadland District Council, as part of their ongoing work to promote a safer night-time economy. The pilot is also supported by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Veezu is the first private hire operator to partner with Stamp Out Spiking, the national charity dedicated to ending substance-facilitated harm through prevention, education, victim support, and policy change. Founded by long-time campaigner and educator Dawn Dines, the charity delivers training for frontline professionals, raises public awareness through national campaigns, and works with authorities to improve responses and push for stronger laws.
To further support the campaign, Veezu will donate a proportion of the fare to Stamp Out Spiking for every app-based booking made in Norwich throughout July. The donation campaign aims to raise awareness following International Stamp Out Spiking Day on 15 July and will directly support the charity’s national prevention work.
This targeted training marks a significant step by the PHV sector in taking action to address spiking, a growing public safety concern involving the non-consensual administration of substances, often leading to theft, assault, or sexual violence. Police data shows more than 6,700 spiking incidents were reported between May 2022 and April 2023, with real numbers likely far higher due to underreporting.
While hospitality venues have made progress in tackling spiking, transport has often been left out of the conversation. Yet, for many people, the journey home is when the effects of spiking can begin to escalate. Private hire drivers are uniquely placed to recognise when someone may be vulnerable or in need of help. They already make a significant contribution to getting the public home safely. This new training initiative aims to spread best practice and equip the sector with clear guidance on how to identify risk and respond appropriately.
The announcement comes as the Crime and Policing Bill 2024–25 enters its final parliamentary stages, with new legislation expected to introduce a standalone offence of ‘administering a harmful substance’. The proposed law reflects mounting public pressure for stronger prevention and enforcement across hospitality, transport, and community services.
Chris Ford, Regional Director at Veezu, said: “Driver-partners already play an important role in helping people get home safely. This partnership is about going further, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to respond with care and offer an added layer of protection when it’s needed most. We’re proud to lead by example. It shows what’s possible when transport providers, councils, and charities come together to deliver practical, joined-up solutions for public safety.”
Dawn Dines, founder and CEO of Stamp Out Spiking, added: “Spiking is a hidden crime that can have devastating consequences. After years of studying victims’ testimonials, we understand just how vital it is to collaborate with different sectors to safeguard against spiking. This collaboration with Veezu is a powerful and ground-breaking step forward. By empowering drivers with the knowledge to identify and respond to the signs of spiking, we are creating a vital new layer of safeguarding during the journey home. This is part of the jigsaw of us all working together, collaborating to stamp out these invisible crimes and to help both men and women at a time when they most need it. Together, we can create a culture where everyone plays a role in keeping others safe as per our nationwide Keep an Eye Out campaign.”
David Woods, a licensed PHV driver-partner, shared: “I’ve always seen passenger and public safety as a fundamental part of being a licensed private hire driver. When I learned about the Stamp Out Spiking campaign, I knew it was something I wanted to bring to Veezu, because they take safety just as seriously. It was welcome news when they chose to back the campaign, and I’m proud to be part of the launch. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and no one should ever feel at risk when enjoying an evening out. That’s why this campaign is so important to me.”
Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, stated: “Norwich’s night-time economy is an important part of the city’s cultural and economic life. The city’s Purple Flag status recognises Norwich as a safe, inclusive, and well-managed place to enjoy a night out. This initiative from Veezu and Stamp Out Spiking recognises that joined-up safety benefits both businesses and the wider community, and it’s encouraging to see local transport providers stepping up to support the high standards that make Norwich such a vibrant and trusted destination.”
Watsons Finalists for Managing Agent of the Year 2025 Awards
Celebrating Shortlisting for Managing Agent of the Year 2025 (5,001-15,000 units)
A proud moment for Watsons Property Group
We’re thrilled to announce that Watsons Property Group has been shortlisted for Managing Agent of the Year 2025 (5,001 – 15,000 units) at the 2025 Ace Awards!
It’s an honour to be recognised by The Property Institute among such outstanding peers in the industry. Being shortlisted is a testament to the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of our incredible team, who go above and beyond every day to deliver the highest standards of service to our clients and residents.
Having recently been named Lettings Agency of the Year 2024, and shortlisted for Valuer of the Year 2025, this latest recognition cements Watsons’ reputation as one of the most trusted and forward-thinking full-service property professionals across the nation.
Shaping the future of property management
The Ace Awards 2025 showcases TPI’s leading talent and industry contributors, all working to enhance the lives of millions of leaseholders across the UK. This shortlisting is a celebration of our successful growth, from a small local firm serving the Eastern Region to a well-established mid-size firm offering specialist property management services across the nation. We take pride in our integrity and transparency, maintaining an open and honest approach with our leaseholders and homeowners, and are thrilled to see these efforts recognised amongst the leading businesses of our industry.
A testament to our innovation, integrity, and teamwork
At Watsons, we understand that no property or portfolio is the same, and our tailored services allow us to meet the unique needs of each leaseholder and homeowner. Our services are designed to enhance and protect property investments.
Our commitment to clear communication, tailored support, and innovative solutions sets us apart as a leading property management firm. From our property managers, clients can always expect:
- Fixed-price service packages, ensuring transparency, and integrity, removing the worry of hidden costs or unexpected fees.
- Access to the latest technology solutions, including Qube MRI, designed to lower operational costs for leaseholders and residents.
- The opportunity to share or understand feedback regarding the management of buildings and residents’ experience through informal residents’ groups and regular onsite meetings.
- A dedicated property manager and client finance accountant, ensuring each resident receives prompt responses to enquiries.
- Multiple communication channels to stay engaged and informed with essential information, including service charge breakdowns, maintenance updates, and important documents.
This recognition serves as a testament to our team’s hard work, expertise, and continuous efforts in raising the standards of property management services across the nation.
A commitment to residents and leaseholders
Receiving this nomination reinforces our dedication to making every client feel heard, valued, and informed.
Every client receives the same high level of service thanks to our structured internal processes and dedicated in-house teams, who ensure no query goes unanswered and no detail is overlooked.
Thank you
We’re incredibly proud to be recognised at this national level and remain committed to delivering service that’s not only reliable but remarkable. Thank you to all our clients, leaseholders, residents, and colleagues who continue to put their trust in Watsons Property Group.
Contact Our Team
Our property management specialists are here to enhance and protect your property investments. Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Property Management Specialists
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
Phone: 01603 226500
Email: [email protected]
Smash Marketing’s New Window Graphics
We’re beyond thrilled
with our brand-new window graphics – designed by the super-talented team at
@indevelopment.studio and installed to perfection by @SPPDigital 🙌
They’ve taken our
ideas and turned them into something that perfectly represents Smash: bold,
creative, and a little bit quirky (just like us!).
Every time we walk by
the office now, it feels so us – and we absolutely love it.
Big shoutout to both teams for
bringing our personality to life on glass.
Pop by and see the new
graphics in person – they’re hard to miss!
Vacancy: Norfolk Citizens Advice – Caseworker
Caseworker
Hours: Monday to Friday Full time
Locations: Based in Norwich or Kings Lynn but travel across Norfolk is required. Car and driving licence essential reimbursed at 0.45p per mile
Salary: £24,977 per annum
Annual Leave: 20 days plus bank holidays
Pension: 4.5% contribution
Norfolk Citizens Advice is working with the Probation Service and is seeking a dedicated Caseworker to join our team.
Are you a compassionate individual who wants to help make a positive difference in people’s lives?
We invite talented individuals who share our visions and values to apply for this rewarding opportunity.
Role Overview:
As a Caseworker, your primary purpose is to empower clients by providing comprehensive guidance in managing their financial well-being. You will enhance the financial stability and independence of the clients you serve by offering practical advice, resources, and emotional support.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct benefits checks and offer advice on benefit application processes.
- Provide financial guidance on money advice including welfare, debt, and tax-related matters.
- Engage in discussions about effective debt management strategies and refer clients to relevant specialist resources when necessary.
- Coach clients on banking processes and online tools, assisting in setting up Universal Credit on clients’ phones, and addressing any challenges.
- Identify additional client needs, such as disability or dependent support, and guide them to access services like PIP and Carer’s Allowance.
- Assist clients in tracking income and expenses, and help them plan for expenditures and debt repayments.
- Collaborate with specialist partner organizations/projects to develop and deliver debt management and repayment plans.
- Facilitate referrals to support programs for addressing cost-of-living crises.
- Assist clients in obtaining necessary identification and setting up bank accounts as needed.
- Represent clients in Welfare Benefit appeals tribunals.
- Facilitate in pursuing Debt Relief Orders using partner organizations and projects
- Facilitate in pursuing Breathing Space for clients in financial distress using partner organizations and projects.
Satisfactory clearance of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) and the Probation Service vetting process is required.
Essential Skills:
Good time management skills.
Strong IT skills.
Access to a car and a valid driving license is essential.
Good telephone manner.
We are a strong supporter of equality, diversity and inclusive practices.
The closing date for applications will be the end of business on Friday 6th October 2023. (We reserve the right to close this early should we need to)
Please APPLY HERE
James Achieves Highly Commended for Valuer of the Year 2025
James, Senior Leasehold Surveyor, awarded Highly Commended as a finalist for Valuer of the Year 2025
Exciting news at Watsons Property Group
We’re delighted to share James Laughlin LLB (Hons), PGDip, AssocRICS, our Senior Leasehold Surveyor & Registered Valuer, achieved Highly Commended following his shortlisting as Finalist for Valuer of the Year 2025, at News on the Block’s The Apartment Adviser Awards.
At the heart of Watsons is a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering excellence in property services. From expert Chartered Surveyors and Registered Valuers to Property Managers and finance professionals, every member plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless experience. We pride ourselves on the expertise and dedication of our team, and this recognition is a well-deserved spotlight on James’ outstanding contribution to both our business and the wider property sector over the last decade.
Formerly known as the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards (ERMAs), The Apartment Adviser Awards is a celebration of the latest developments and leading talent in the leasehold property sector – celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions within enfranchisement, right to manage, and more. We’re incredibly proud to see James’ exceptional efforts recognised amongst such fantastic industry peers.
Having recently been named Lettings Agency of the Year 2024, and shortlisted for Managing Agent of the Year 2025, we’re thrilled to see this success continue for Team Watsons in 2025.
A leader in leasehold valuation
Over the past 12 months, James has made a significant impact in his role, combining technical excellence with a passion for education and thought leadership. From leading internal training sessions for our nationwide surveyor network to advising solicitors across the UK, James has played a pivotal role in demystifying complex leasehold issues – particularly around the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
His expertise in enfranchisement valuation has directly benefited our clients, many of whom have secured considerable savings thanks to James’ deep understanding of the property sector and ongoing developments impacting valuation. Whether delivering the latest insights at Watsons’ Annual Surveyors Conference or supporting a leaseholder through a challenging negotiation, James approaches every case with expertise, support, and confidence.
This achievement is a testament to his commitment to excellence in client communications, service, and quality of service. In every case, James focuses on simplifying complex leasehold matters and delivering clear, tailored advice.
Our commitment to excellence for leaseholders and solicitors
James’ award recognition is just one example of our commitment to delivering property services of the highest standards to the nation. From valuation to property management, we invest in industry accredited training and qualifications, the latest technology, and regularly review feedback from our clients to ensure every client receives a service that is prompt, reliable, and informed by leading industry expertise.
As national property specialists with over 130 years of property experience, our mission remains the same – to support our clients with honest advice, local knowledge, and professional insight you can trust.
Thank you
We’re very proud to see James regognised at national level, reflecting his remarkable efforts to our clients and the wider leasehold sector. We’d like to thank our clients, colleagues, and professional partners for the continued trust you place in Watsons. With your support, our professionals like James, can make a difference to the lives of leaseholders, solicitors, and more, across the nation.
Contact Our Team
Our property specialists are here to support you through enfranchisement valuations, ensuring ground rent is accurately valued, and you are best prepared for negotiations to pay an equitable price for your leasehold valuation.
Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Leasehold and Valuation Specialists:
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
Phone: 01603 751577
Email: [email protected]
Rail passengers can give Greater Anglia managers their views
| Above: Norwich station Credit: Greater Anglia
Rail passengers can talk directly to Greater Anglia rail managers during a ‘Meet the manager’ feedback session at Norwich station. For passengers using the train operator’s services in and out of Norwich, the ‘Meet the Manager’ event will take place from 1600-1800 on Wednesday 7 December. The session is aimed at listening to customers’ feedback and comments to help continually improve the service. Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial, Customer Service and Train Presentation Director, said, “It’s really important to us to hear from passengers about what matters to them and answer any questions they may have. “We are keen to listen and understand people’s experiences so that we can work to continually improve our service and meet customers’ expectations and needs.” The company will also hold a further Meet the Manager event at London Liverpool Street in January and virtual Meet the Manager events. Those who cannot make the events but would like to contribute their feedback can do so via Greater Anglia’s online survey at greateranglia.co.uk/survey |
Planning your next steps for Business Growth
The summer holiday season is upon us and we know that many
of you will have enough downtime away that you’ll start thinking and planning for the
months ahead as we run up to Christmas.
Yes, we said it, Christmas! When
we all return from our respective summer breaks, we’ll be in that latter part
of the year renewed from recharging our batteries and thinking about what we
can get stuck into and achieve before the festive season begins.
So, as you go on holiday, take away with you exciting
thoughts of business growth and embrace the ideas that such time with your thoughts will allow
you. Whatever plans you come up with,
one of the biggest blockers to it actually coming to fruition is time and the
appropriate skilled resources. As much
as we can’t stretch time, we can help you with the skills and resources you
will need for your ideas to become a reality and for business success to happen.
Planning the next steps to action will involve, firstly, looking at your existing team. Are
they all stretched and struggling to find the time to do anything new, just
firefighting to get the priority work done each day? If so, growth can’t happen like this, and you’ll be facing the reality that
it’s time for a new member of staff.
New members of staff with the skills you require are
expensive so consider an apprentice and train them in your ways with best
practice teaching from external professionals in the industry who will do it
for you at no cost (or very minimal cost). Apprentices are cheaper to hire as they don’t
yet have the skills you need (but will get them pretty quickly in the first few
months on an apprenticeship). That’s where we come in because we are paid by Government to take on that training role for you and train your new team member whilst they work for you.
Alternatively, do any members of your existing team have
capacity to take on more or to upskill into a new role which will help you
achieve the goal you are envisaging? If
so, you can use the same training arrangement for your existing team member
without any additional hiring costs… and remember that training from seasoned
professionals who have done the job and know the realities, is fully paid for
(or 95% funded depending on your situation) by the Government so it may
literally cost you nothing!
If you would like to have a quick, no obligation chat about
how the apprenticeship system and associated funding can be used in your business to help you achieve the next stage of growth, please
do get in contact and we can help you gather good food for thought before you go away…
Contact [email protected]
Query on Sunday working?
More and more employers are requiring more and more flexibility from their workforce including the ability to request that there is work done on Sundays.
Retail outlets and a variety of recreation and leisure businesses are common examples where a regular requirement may exist. All employers should be aware of the legal implications of attempting to force employees to work where there is a reluctance or refusal to do so on the part of the employee.
As always in such circumstances, the first consideration is to examine whether the employee’s contract of employment or written statement of terms and conditions addresses the issue. If the contract is silent on the issue, or if it is ambiguous in its wording or mutual obligation, an agreed change to the provisions of the contract may be unavoidable.
- The contractual terms in relation to Sunday working should confirm in writing
- The actual frequency or potential likelihood for Sunday working
- The actual or likely hours of work on Sundays
- Any period of notice of such a requirement that will be given to employees
- Any premium payments that will be made for work done on a Sunday (there is no statutory right that requires employers to provide any extra payment for Sunday working)
- Any extra provision for overtime working beyond the normal hours of work on Sundays and any additional premium payments that will be made.
- Rules on how any refusal to work will be handled should also be incorporated. Employers will normally apply their existing disciplinary procedures to any such refusal which, if the contract is properly drafted, will normally constitute a breach of contract by the employee.
- Employers should also be careful not to inadvertently guarantee Sunday working where this is not their intention.
Shop and betting workers
Employees who work in a shop or in the betting industry (either at a betting shop open to the public or a bookmaker at a sports venue) have special rights. They can opt out of having to work on Sunday even if their contractsays that they have to work. Employer must inform their employees about this right within two months of the commencement of employment. However, the rights do not apply to those staff employed to work on Sundays only.
Employees with this statutory right can opt out of Sunday work by writing to their employer and giving them three months’ written notice of their wish to cease working on Sundays. Employers are not however required to offer extra work on other days instead and employees will therefore lose the wages for Sunday working if they opt out and no other work on other days is available.
As in many other areas of the law, employees can ask an Employment Tribunal to examine unfair treatment in this area. Special and careful consideration should however be given to those employees who express a religious belief in relation to Sunday working and all employees have the right not to be discriminated against for wishing to exercise such a belief.
If you are contemplating the introduction of Sunday working or are wishing to amend or scrap your existing arrangements, please contact Chamber HR helpline 02920 349 614