Member News

Norwich Research Park Innovation Hothouse winners announced

iBoxit, KNEE3D and PfBIO have been named winners at a competition showcasing innovative business ideas at Norwich Research Park. 

In collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA) and The Royal Society, the Innovation Hothouse competition saw eight finalists pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of expert judges. 

All were either spin-out or start-up companies founded by researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs or students based on the park campus.

The winners were announced at an event at the end of November and received cash prizes, as well as either a year’s virtual tenancy or a marketing support package – plus specialist mentoring from market experts. 

It was the latest in a series of Enterprise events run by Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation at Norwich Research Park. 

iBoxit 

The overall winner was iBoxit, a collaboration with UEA, which has developed a sustainable packaging solution for the UK seafood industry that increases the shelf life of fish during transportation.  

The product combines antimicrobial functions to preserve freshness and maximise nutritional value. It is constructed of recyclable materials and removes Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) from the supply chain. 

John Farley, CEO at iBoxit, said: “Firstly, I want to say what a fantastic event it was. Being one of eight companies pitching some great ideas to the panel of judges was a great experience in itself. But to come out as the overall winner is such an honour.  

“We have been based at Norwich Research Park for a while now and really appreciate the world-class facilities, the talent that is here and the profile you gain. Winning this competition adds more credibility to our business as we look to get our products to market.” 

KNEE3D 

Runner-up KNEE3D, a start-up borne from research at UEA and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), aims to offer a novel, one-stop AI-assisted 3-D imaging analysis suite for knee osteoarthritis.  

It will help implement effective preventative strategies as early as possible to expedite new therapeutics in drug development in clinical trials.  

KNEE3D director Tom Turmezei said: “I am really pleased to have been chosen by the judges as one of the winners of the 2024 Hothouse competition. The KNEE3D team believe that the prize of a virtual tenancy at Norwich Research Park will give us a great platform to establish ourselves as a company and open up access to facilities as we become part of the growing business community.  

“Participating in the competition really helped us focus on honing our pitching skills for the next steps in our journey, which will be invaluable when we start looking for investment and will certainly raise our profile in the right circles.” 

PfBIO 

A spin-out from the John Innes Centre, runner-up PfBIO has developed a bacteria-based solution to promote plant health and protect crops from major agricultural diseases.  

Its platform, BioSIFT, enables quick identification of the best beneficial bacteria to be applied to specific crops.  

Dr Rosaria Campilongo, CEO at PfBIO, said: “I am delighted that PfBIO has been chosen by the judges as one of the winners. This recognition adds significant credibility to our vision and strengthens our standing with potential investors and collaborators.  

“It’s an exciting milestone as we move forward with the next stage of our company’s growth and development.” 

Finalists 

The other five finalists were also commended for their innovative business models. 

Vida Vodka, a start-up from UEA, is using waste bread that would have otherwise ended up in landfill to create an environmentally-friendly sustainable vodka. 

PathoProst™ Detect, a start-up from UEA, has developed a urine test to help detect aggressive prostate cancer in men. 

Bioscopic, a spin-out from the Quadram Institute, is looking to develop compounds based on beneficial bacteria found in infants that will help adults combat diseases and conditions including cancer. 

BirthView, a spin-out from UEA, has developed a virtual reality-based simulator that can model the ‘cardinal movements’ of human childbirth. This will enable clinicians to evaluate labour before the actual event and make adequate decisions to minimise complications for mother and baby. 

Healthium™, a start-up from NNUH, has developed a digital platform with the aim of improving the treatment effectiveness of urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

Sheng Qi, professor of Pharmaceutical Material Science and Technology at the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology and associate dean of Innovation at UEA, said: “The standard of pitches and the sheer quality of the innovation on display from the eight finalists was highly impressive. Choosing the winners proved to be an exceptionally challenging task for the judges, as every finalist was deserving of recognition.  

Prof Qi, who was also chair of the judging panel, added: “Ultimately, we awarded the top three places to iBoxit, KNEE3D and PfBIO because they stood out for the clear strategies they had to bring their products to market and the significant potential of their solutions to address the critical issues they aim to resolve.” 

TraitSeq 

Last year’s winners, TraitSeq, have continued to progress well while being based at Norwich Research Park on the virtual tenancy they won. 

TraitSeq CEO Joshua Colmer said: “Winning the Hothouse competition really helped our development as a company. The training we received throughout the competition process significantly improved our pitching skills, which was instrumental in securing Innovate UK funding for our pre-seed round.  

“Exposure at – and after – the event connected us with value-adding angel investors, including one who participated in our pre-seed funding round in April 2024.” 

TraitSeq is now generating revenue by delivering commercial projects to agri-tech companies while simultaneously developing its own proprietary technology platform. It has expanded both its technical and commercial teams to accelerate growth, supported by commercial revenue, Innovate UK funding and investment. 

Joshua continued: “We have continued to grow our network of industry collaborators and customers, which has significantly enhanced our understanding of industry challenges and how our technology can provide solutions. This has also helped us identify high-priority sectors and challenges.  

“Looking ahead to 2025, we are considering a funding round in Q2 to accelerate the development of our technology platform and expand our team to increase our capacity for delivering and learning from commercial projects.” 

Roz Bird, CEO at Anglia Innovation Partnership, said: “It’s great to see that last year’s Hothouse competition winners, TraitSeq, have made significant progress, supported by their year’s free virtual tenancy and the opportunities to raise their profile, establish new contacts and gain access to funding.  

“There is huge potential for brilliant business ideas to emerge from the community we have here at Norwich Research Park and it’s events like this that showcase the very real opportunities to investors.  

“Since the first Enterprise Tuesday event in November 2022, we have moved up several levels in terms of performance and ability to deliver,” Roz added. “We continue to attract and retain high-growth businesses and we have nurtured and grown our entrepreneur community.  

“With our real estate investment partnership with Vengrove and funding from Greensphere Capital available for some of our start-up and spin-out companies, the future is looking very positive for the Norwich Research Park campus. 

“This investment, combined with the growing sense of community, access to specialist facilities and ease of collaboration, will fast-track ideas and maximise the impact of publicly-funded research.” 

Bleat Creative is thrilled to announce two exciting additions to the team: Simon Griffith as Account Director and Lydia Moll as Junior Account Executive.

Simon Griffith: Account Director

Simon Griffith brings over a decade of experience in marketing, merchandise management, and agency leadership to his new role at Bleat Creative. With a career spanning both client-side roles and agency positions, Simon has cultivated a deep understanding of marketing strategy, SEO, apparel design, and client relationship management. His wealth of knowledge will strengthen Bleat Creative’s client services department, which he will now lead.

“We’ve been headhunting Simon for the past two months, and we’re delighted he chose to join us. Simon’s experience and innovative thinking are a perfect fit for our agency. We’re excited to grow together and expand the services we offer to our clients with his leadership.”

Scott McKay, Founder of Bleat Creative

Simon’s impressive career journey, including delivering creative and strategic solutions for high-profile clients and brands. His arrival signals a new chapter of growth and client-focused excellence for Bleat Creative.

Lydia Moll: Junior Account Executive

Lydia Moll joins the team as Junior Account Executive following a successful two-month internship. A recent graduate of the University of Chichester with a degree in Drama, Lydia has quickly proven herself as an invaluable member of the Bleat Creative team. During her internship, she made a significant impact, including leading the successful casting process for an upcoming TV commercial.

“In a short time, Lydia has become an integral part of our team. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and drive have already made a positive impact, and we’re committed to supporting her as she develops her career with us.”

Scott McKay, Founder of Bleat Creative

Lydia will work closely with both Simon and Scott to support the agency’s growing client base and ensure seamless service delivery.

These new appointments reflect Bleat Creative’s commitment to investing in top talent and delivering exceptional results for our clients. The team looks forward to an exciting future with Simon and Lydia onboard.

Andy Walder, Board Chair has been at the helm since October 2017 has completed his maximum board term and therefore retiring. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Freebridge over the past 8 years.

Andy told us “What I’ve learned from being Chair is that there are some great people out there doing fantastic things and there are also people out there who genuinely need help and support. It’s how you knit that all together.

Freebridge is a great organisation with fantastic potential. It has a strong vision, mission, values, and strategy in place and is ambitious for itself and its customers.

There are clear plans and a clear strategy so the building blocks are all there. It’s now about getting on and making it happen – and making it happen with our customers, local partnerships and across the sector “

He added “Working with Freebridge has given me a real purpose within the community and a sense of pride. There’s a great passion with the people involved, Freebridge colleagues are the real beating heart of the organisation when it comes to caring for their customers and the community, and I’d particularly like thank our tenants for all their engagement, help and support.”

Anita Jones, CEO added “Andy’s dedication to our tenants, colleagues and the communities we serve has been unwavering. His extensive knowledge and diverse skill set have played a pivotal role in improving Freebridge’s future, including increased investment in our existing customers homes and the development of more for those who need them, as well as his vision for our Freebridge Academy for our colleagues and the community.

His wisdom and ability to navigate challenges has set a strong foundation for our future and on behalf of all our colleagues I’d like to thank him for his commitment to Freebridge over the past 8 years”

Andy will be succeeded by Bob Walder (no relation) in October, who comes with a wealth of housing experience and has worked in the sector for over 45 years with roles including Group Chief Executive of The Longhurst Group, Chair of Rural Housing with the National Housing Federation and Saffron Housing and brings along fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to ensuring affordable and quality housing for all.

Bob added “I am delighted to have been offered the role of Chair of the Board and honoured to follow Andy in that job.

During the interview process I met with members of the team, some tenants and Board members which was incredibly useful to get a rounded overview of Freebridge, and it really felt like an organisation where I could be at home.

I’m looking forward to getting to work on the next stage of the Freebridge journey as we continue to serve our communities.”

Freebridge Community Housing, in partnership with the five-star homebuilder Persimmon Homes, are pleased to announce the launch of the first five homes for shared ownership and affordable rent at The Willows development in Downham Market.

Situated off Lynn Road on the outskirts of Downham Market, Persimmon’s development will deliver 226 much needed new homes including 45 that will be transferred to Freebridge Community Housing.

In total, Freebridge will be offering 31 properties for affordable rent and 14 homes that are available for shared ownership alongside the private homes offered by Persimmon.

All homes are designed to reflect the character of the local area in Downham Market and are highly sustainable, incorporating EV charging and solar panels. The development site offers excellent transport links from the A10 and Downham Market train station. It is also near good local schools and amenities. 

The first five homes unveiled include two affordable rental units and three shared ownership properties, with 40 additional homes set to follow in the coming months.  

Laura Handford, Freebridge’s Head of Service for New Homes, said: “The Willows is a fantastic transformation with the development marking another advancement in our efforts to tackle the demand for more affordable housing in West Norfolk and I’m pleased that we have already welcomed our first residents to their new homes” 

 Ben Smith, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes East Midlands commented:

“We are very proud of our attractive development at Downham Market and are delighted to be working with Freebridge Community Housing to offer high-quality homes for affordable rent and shared ownership for local residents.  

“The Willows enjoys excellent local town amenities whilst being conveniently located to Norfolk’s rural and coastal areas to the benefit of all our customers. It is a highly desirable place to live.”

Amy Horobin, Head of Partnership Homes at Persimmon Homes added:

“It is fantastic to see the completed homes being handed over to Freebridge at The Willows. We are always looking to form new relationships with Registered Providers and are delighted to hear the positive feedback Freebridge has provided on the high-quality homes we have delivered. We very much look forward to working with Freebridge on future projects to further expand the provision of affordable homes in the area.”

Team building, fun and laughs all rolled into one fundraising event not to be missed! 

Working with our health and wellbeing training partners, Hands On At Work now offers an even broader portfolio of wellbeing services.

From workplace massage, yoga, and reflexology to mental health training, wellbeing webinars, and tailored consultancy, we’re combining our expertise to support your organisation in creating healthier and more productive workplaces.

Our Services

• ·        Massage, Yoga & Reflexology – for better physical and emotional health
• ·        Mental Health First Aid – for essential mental health support skills
• ·        Menopause in the Workplace – for a supportive environment
• ·        Neurodiversity in the Workplace – promoting inclusion, understanding diverse needs
• ·        Health and Wellbeing webinars – expert-led virtual sessions
• ·        Suicide First Aid – life-savings skills and resources
• ·        Financial Wellbeing support – with practical financial advice
• ·         Employee Assistance Programmes – ongoing mental health support

Why work with us?

• ·        Expertise across multiple sectors
• ·        Tailored wellbeing activities
• ·        Evidence-based approach
• ·        Holistic support for teams
• ·        Proven results
• ·        Flexible delivery options
• ·        Strategy alignment with CSR and ESG goals
• ·        Empowering growth through learning and development

Get in touch to put in place your health and wellbeing plans for 2025.

Call Kathy Scott on 07989 367669

Email:

Website:

2025 marks a major milestone for Monthind Clean as the East of England’s leading independent cleaning company is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Monthind Clean was founded in 1975 by , who in 1998 was awarded an MBE for her services to the industry, before being bought by Tony Clarke in 2000.

Since then, Monthind has continued to grow and as it moves into its 50th year, the company now operates from four locations across the region delivering professional cleaning solutions throughout Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire and surrounding home counties.

Throughout the years, we have adjusted to the changing requirements of the cleaning industry by adopting innovative solutions and sustainable methods that not only enhance our services but safeguard the environment. Our ongoing expansion has positioned us as a leader in the commercial cleaning sector in the East of England, serving a wide array of clients, including office buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and more.

Central to our business is our devoted team of cleaning operatives who reflect our core values. Their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has played a crucial role in fostering our relationships with our clients and has been fundamental to our success. As we celebrate our anniversary, we take pride in honouring all the individuals who have played a part in our journey throughout the years.

Explaining the ethos that has helped Monthind become the East of England’s leading cleaning contract company, Managing Director Simon Biggs stated:

“Monthind has spent half a century earning a reputation for reliability and excellence in service delivery. Monthind offers a distinct proposition to customers.

We deliver the capabilities, range of expert solutions and scale of delivery that customers would expect from a leading commercial cleaning company. But we combine this with the attentive, conscientious and personal service many customers would associate with a local, independent firm, which is exactly how Monthind started 50 years ago. We strive to retain that culture because we believe it is fundamental to what makes Monthind unique.”

In celebration of our anniversary, Monthind is planning to hold a series of fundraising events throughout 2025 in support of their chosen charity, . Little Havens Hospice is Essex’s only children’s hospice and provides hospice care for children and young people who have been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition.

We serve a variety of clients across the East of England, including Essex and every member of our team is committed to delivering unrivalled service excellence. For more information call 01206 215300 or visit

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Norfolk-based Business Mentor, Kathy Ennis, who delivers advice to help entrepreneurs grow their business, was named one of the UKs Top Business Advisers at an awards ceremony at The Shard.

Kathy won first place in the Business Strategy category after being picked from hundreds of advisers from around the UK. She was selected for the outstanding work she does, specialising in supporting single-person business owners to unlock their growth potential.

Kathy, who runs from her office in Old Hunstanton said: “This is huge. To be recognised for the work I do – and love to do – is amazing! Working with Solopreneur businesses is a privilege as I get so close to the business owner I am supporting. Helping them to reach their full potential and grow becomes a very personal mission.”

““Solopreneur businesses are often dismissed as ‘lifestyle businesses’. This Award reinforces my commitment to supporting single-person business owners to create thriving businesses that support them, their families and contribute to the growth of the UK economy. This recognition inspires me to continue to provide support for this often marginalised group of motivated and hard-working entrepreneurs.”

She received the most votes in the Business Strategy category from the thousands of votes cast across 50 shortlisted Advisers.  

The are run by small business support platform and membership community. The awards celebrate the country’s hard-working Advisers and are run in association with, a global digital marketing platform that helps small businesses to grow.

Constant Contact UK General Manager and small business founder Erika Robinson said: “When it comes to running your own small business, you are CEO, CMO, CFO and so much more. Finding the right Advisers is critical. Great Advisors, such as Kathy Ennis, the talented winner of the Business Strategy category of this year’s Business Advisor Awards, provide inspiration, direction, and often the confidence they need to push forward. Many congratulations to Kathy from LittlePiggy on helping single-person and small businesses in Norfolk – and across the East of England – thrive.”

Emma Jones, CBE, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation said: “It’s true to say that behind every good business, there’s an excellent Adviser. They are the unsung heroes behind Britain’s growing army of small businesses, and yet we never get to hear about the work they do behind the scenes to cheerlead and support the nation’s small firms.

“These Awards are about highlighting this important work in action, in order to help more small businesses find an Adviser and a clear path towards growth.”

Happy New Year!

Before looking ahead, I want to thank everyone for their continued, unwavering support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) throughout 2024.

We’re blessed to have the most incredible public backing, and it’s not something we take lightly. Your support helped us enjoy a year packed with highlights, including the opening of our 52^nd shop, and first café, and Griff Rhys Jones’ fifth annual Happy Christmas Ipswich event, with the added bonus of smaller, simultaneous shows in Cambridge and Norwich. It was a good year, and our staunch supporters helped in so many ways, spending money in our shops and online, signing up for fundraisers and events, and popping loose change in collection pots. Every single pound makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.

Then, of course, there are the selfless, inspirational volunteers who generously commit their time to help us. We organised three successful thank you days last year, and each represented an opportunity to say that without them, we wouldn’t be in a position to deliver the very best care and support for children, young people and families across East Anglia. Quite simply, volunteers make our work possible, and it’s thanks to such generous support we begin the new year with optimism.

Having had the honour and privilege of being appointed EACH Chief Executive in October, I look forward to working with our brilliant team to do the very best for our much-loved charity and the families we support.

It’s a challenging time from a fundraising perspective, with people’s purses being stretched and so many wonderful causes to support. Like many hospices across the UK, we face complex challenges related to our funding and rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income. However, despite this, we remain in a strong position, with robust plans and an ambitious vision for the future, with your continued support.

None of this would be possible without you and the contribution you make. To find out more about our work and how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.each.org.uk. You’ll also find links outlining the many different ways to support us, including our full and exciting programme of summer fundraising events. Roll on 2025.

Thank you again – and a Happy New Year from everyone at EACH.

Kevin Clements, EACH Chief Executive

Banham Zoo is thrilled to announce they have been shortlisted for the Great British Wildlife Restoration competition; a prestigious scheme that recognises the incredible work being done to restore native species in the country organised by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

Banham Zoo is proud to be recognised for its ‘Pool Frogs Pods’ project – supporting the recovery of the very rare northern pool frog.

This project aims to safeguard the enigmatic northern pool frog from extinction by rearing and breeding pool frogs on-site at Banham Zoo and then releasing them back into the wild. Working with our project partners, Natural England, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and ZSL, we aim to create innovative and groundbreaking frog habitats at the zoo to bolster the wild populations of this very noisy and sun-loving amphibian.

The Great British Wildlife Restoration has been organised by BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing work taking place to tackle the drastic decline of our native species and will urge politicians to act now for our nature.

Richard Finney, founder of Captain Fawcett Ltd, based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has been honoured with the prestigious Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours List in recognition of his outstanding contribution to International Trade and to Charity.   This honour highlights Richard’s leadership in expanding British enterprise globally along with his dedication to charitable causes. These include men’s mental health, homelessness, and children’s welfare. A key initiative is the annual BarbersRide charity motorcycle ride, co-founded with Xavier Berrell and Colin Petrie, and now entering its ninth consecutive year, which has to date raised over £180,000, for children’s charities such as Alder Hey and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospitals and ‘Make-A-Wish’.   In his acceptance of the MBE, Richie is quick to emphasise that this esteemed recognition is not his alone, but rather a reflection of collective dedication and 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, this highly esteemed accolade should and will be shared, for I am but the conductor of a hugely professional and incredibly creative orchestra of talent that has in turn contributed so much to Captain Fawcett’s ongoing success. Together, we are building something both disruptive and extraordinary to boot.”   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 48 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’ becoming a flagship of the brand’s mission.   This award serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a community, celebrating the combined efforts of the entire team, suppliers, distributors, partners, and stakeholders around the globe, who have all played essential roles in Captain Fawcett’s remarkable story.   “Life isn’t a straight track. It’s full of pot holes, detours, steep climbs and alarming descents,” reflects Richie. “As such, it’s important that you surround yourself with a motivated team who both subscribe and add to the brand ethos and believe in it as fiercely as you. Getting this formula right, will result in the remarkable. For in truth, one’s journey is defined by fellow travellers who are willing to take the road with you. Teams grow, people come and go, however, every individual adds to the creative whole. This honour isn’t mine alone; it belongs to my stalwart companions who share the weight and lift one another when we stumble. Step by step, we press on together.”   As Richie accepts this prestigious honour, he hopes that his story will serve as an inspiration to others, as indeed others have inspired him, proof that with a commitment to hard work, a dash of good fortune, a certain amount of resilience, and having the right people in your corner, your dreams can become reality.   Richard Finney MBE looks forward to continuing the company’s growth. “Captain Fawcett has always been about forging lasting relationships. It is people who cement the sturdiest of foundations, the cornerstone of Captain Fawcett’s success is in supporting communities, and expanding the horizons of UK trade,” he says. “I look forward to the challenge. Here’s to 2025!”    For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visit www.captainfawcett.com