Member News

Norwich Research Park is delighted to announce a major new investment partnership with real estate investment manager, Vengrove, to construct new laboratory and office accommodation at the internationally renowned research park, a top-tier global research and innovation campus. Norwich Research Park hosts a community of more than 30,000 members. Underpinning this thriving ecosystem are six internationally renowned institutions, all within close proximity, creating an unparalleled environment for collaboration and innovation. Within walking distance are the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience and The Sainsbury Laboratory, four of the UK’s most prestigious bioscience research institutes in the UK. Also on campus is the University of East Anglia (UEA), a UK top 20 university hailed for delivering high quality, high impact research, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, a teaching hospital undertaking high value research that seeks to improve patient care and outcomes worldwide. This cluster of world-class facilities and expertise on a single, integrated, site means Norwich Research Park’s offer is both compelling and unique, making it an appealing proposition for prospective tenants and collaborators from around the globe. Driving growth and innovation Over the past two years, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the John Innes Foundation (JIF) and UEA (the Norwich Research Park landowners) along with members and the Board of Anglia Innovation Partnership LLP (Norwich Research Park’s campus management company) have actively sought the ideal partner to spearhead an ambitious growth agenda. This new investment partnership will cater to the evolving needs of both current and prospective tenants, fostering the conversion of research breakthroughs into successful ventures across key market sectors, including:

• Agribiotech
• Food biotech
• Industrial biotech
• MedTech

With a clear ambition to connect industry, startups and high-growth companies with Norwich Research Park’s world-class research expertise and facilities, Vengrove’s partnership is set to secure the research park’s position as the premier location for research and innovation, both in the UK and on the international stage. Bolstering the UK’s long-term bioscience prowess As one of five research and innovation campuses supported by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Norwich Research Park also benefits from BBSRC’s strategic investments in the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre and Quadram Institute Bioscience. Totalling £163.9 million through to 2028, this funding aims to bolster the UK’s national research capabilities in key areas such as crop resilience, food safety and security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition and health. Looking ahead, UKRI has also committed to a significant £317 million investment in Norwich Research Park to establish a pioneering plant and microbial research hub by 2030. This venture, backed by UKRI’s infrastructure fund, promises to revolutionise JIC and TSL’s existing capacity and capability, ensuring the long-term success of UK bioscience. Voices of support Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, BBSRC Executive Chair, said: “As well as marking a crucial phase in Norwich Research Park’s ambitious growth plans, this exciting new partnership represents a significant milestone for BBSRC in bolstering the UK’s bioscience research and innovation capabilities. This deal underscores the vital contributions of our strategically supported institutes and research and innovation campuses to the UK’s economic growth through bioscience innovation.” Professor Nick Talbot FRS, Executive Director of The Sainsbury Laboratory, said: “We are very excited by the new partnership being embarked on between Norwich Research Park and Vengrove Real Estate Management. It is great to see the park developing as a vibrant centre for innovation, capitalising on the amazing discovery science going on in each of the partner institutions. At The Sainsbury Laboratory we are absolutely committed to translating our science into innovative biotechnology applications, for agriculture, healthcare and sustainable industries.  Norwich Research Park can be world-leading in these areas and this investment clearly demonstrates that potential.” Professor David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia, said: “This is a really exciting partnership that will aid the expansion of Norwich Research Park at a crucial time when growth and innovation have never been more important.  This is a very positive development to take forward the research park into a new era and I warmly welcome it. “We very much take a long-term view across our portfolios which means our clients get our full commitment and a stable environment in which to work. Norwich Research Park is undoubtedly world-class in its fields of science and now, with the support of Roz and the team and Board at Anglia Innovation Partnership, we are going to build world-class facilities that will attract further exciting high growth companies to the campus.” From bench to boardroom Andrew McLean, Partner and Head of Development at Vengrove, added: “We are very excited to be embarking on this new partnership with the research community at Norwich Research Park. With the potential to deliver 75,000 sqm of market-leading accommodation, we are looking forward to supporting the brilliant science that takes place by providing facilities that will help the transition from bench to boardroom and playing our part to unlock positive economic and social impact for the regional economy and tackling the big global challenges.” From vision to reality Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, said: “This is a really significant milestone for the research campus. It will enable us to activate existing planning consent and supply new, flexible laboratory and office accommodation to meet market demand. “With the park full of exciting high-growth companies, the time is right to create new accommodation that will be needed to meet the demands of growing companies and help attract and retain companies that want to benefit from being located at Norwich Research Park. With national asset status in engineering biology, and now with access to the necessary real estate investment, Norwich Research Park’s growth trajectory is ensured.

Aurora Borealis ‘Norfolk’ Lights Limited Edition Prints now released. Every print sold will result in a £5 donation to Keeping Abreast. I have decided to support them because all images except the Happisburgh Lighthouse were captured after heading from the KA Fashion Show, in my eyes the decision on which locations chosen and times I arrived at each location was because of where I was when the alerts started going off.

Each mounted fine art print will be strictly limited to 50.

View all prints here

• Go East Anglia’s Chatty Bus Partners with The Chatty Café Scheme
• Konectbus and Hedingham C Chambers proudly support Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s “Do Blue” initiative.
• Social media campaign encourages employees, students, and residents to become Chatty Bus Champions.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Go East Anglia turned its social media channels blue, and encouraged its employees to wear their brightest blue outfits to show solidarity with those living with mental health conditions, in support of Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s “Do Blue” campaign. It is estimated that over 15% of the UK workforce has a mental health condition, and while mental health-related absences were the fifth most common reason for time off work in 2022, many still feel it is a taboo subject. Leveraging its regional bus network, Go East Anglia continues to support its local communities in the fight against loneliness and social isolation. By fostering conversations among bus passengers through community initiatives, they aim to improve mental health and well-being with the communities their buses serve. Looking beyond World Mental Health Day, the company is expanding its Chatty Bus initiative through corporate partnerships, a call for community involvement, and colleague engagement events. Go East Anglia has partnered with The Chatty Café Scheme, which encourages passengers to take the bus to a Chatty Café located on one of their routes. There, they can sit at a “Chatter and Natter” table and engage in meaningful conversations with volunteers from their local communities. “The Chatty Café Scheme is delighted to partner with Go East Anglia’s Chatty Bus initiative to raise awareness of our Chatter & Natter tables,” said Abi Murray, Operations Manager of The Chatty Café Scheme CIC. “Our tables create a space in coffee shops or community hubs for people to talk, whether it’s for five minutes over a cup of tea or an hour of good conversation. We’re not aiming to build friendships—just simple interactions that can combat loneliness and potentially have a significant impact on someone’s day.” Through its travelling Chatty Buses and regional events, Go East Anglia is encouraging conversations, while also urging local employers, colleges, and universities to support employees and students in using their corporate volunteering hours to become Chatty Bus Champions. Chatty Bus events are held throughout the year on designated routes. Employees and students can get involved by registering on the Konectbus and Hedingham C Chambers websites. Volunteers will receive free online mental health awareness training from regional partner Suffolk Mind, along with a Chatty Bus Champion kit for each event. Davina Langley, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Go East Anglia, said, “This latest partnership is a fantastic expansion of our Chatty Bus initiative. Since the pandemic, more people feel isolated than ever before, and for some, the bus journey may be the only time they speak to another person. We want to make that experience as meaningful and supportive as possible, and collaborating with other organisations helps us extend that reach.” Internally, Go East Anglia remains committed to supporting its employees through its employee assistance program, offering access to counselling and mental health support services when employees need support.

An award-winning Norfolk business has created a raft of bespoke equipment to support young fire cadets looking to build a career in the industry.

Delta Fire, based at Broadland Business Park in Norwich, has developed and gifted the three fire cadet units in Norfolk with 12 lengths of hose and 10 firefighting branches to help the 13-to-17-year-olds develop their skills as young firefighters.

The family business, who celebrates its 35th anniversary next year, is responsible for supplying more than 75pc of fire and rescue services across the UK and multiple users worldwide, with fire nozzles that the team design and manufacture on site.

Jordon King, Business Development Manager at Delta Fire, said it was important for Delta Fire to invest in young people and the next generation of firefighters.

“After speaking to Guy Taverner at the Royal Norfolk Show, who oversees the Hunstanton Fire Cadets, we wanted to see how we could help support our local cadets and an equipment donation seemed the best way for Delta Fire to do so.

“Our engineers created a modified version of our Attack 500 pro nozzles, bespoke for the cadets. It’s been modified so that it’s easier to manage regarding water flow and jet reaction, meaning it flows slightly less water per minute making it easier to handle.

“As a business it is crucial that we think about how we can support the supply chain and provide support to young people in our industry who need an opportunity and a chance to discover what makes them career ready.”

As a Norfolk cadet at one of three units in Diss, Hunstanton and Wymondham, young people work with operational firefighters to learn basic skills, while participating in a wide range of activities in and around their local fire station.

Emyr Gough, Head of Prevention and Protection at Norfolk Fire and Rescue said: “We are grateful to Delta Fire for producing and donating this bespoke equipment. It allows our cadets to train using appropriate equipment for their age and supports us as we work with young people who will hopefully become future firefighters across Norfolk.”

PANEL Delta Fire has recently successfully installed a 300kWh battery at its facility, taking a major step forward in its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The battery was installed by Norwich-based energy solution company RenEnergy UK and Norfolk County Council contributed 20pc towards the cost of it through the Businesses Transition to Net Zero grant.

Jordon said: “Our aim is to become completely carbon neutral by the end of 2025, which will make us one of the most sustainable suppliers within the global fire sector.

“Our new multi-million-pound premises at Broadland Business Park already has 648 solar panels and our heating and air conditioning is provided using air sourced heat pumps, which allows us to generate more than 300kv of heat energy.”

Ali Dent (right) with cousin Des A kind-hearted butcher is swapping his chopping block for books as part of an ongoing quest to raise funds for charity. Ali Dent, who has run AJ Dent Butchers, at Hilgay, near Downham Market, for 40 years, is organising his latest book sale for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). It is taking place at Hilgay Village Hall between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, 27^th October. Charity champion Ali has been running his popular book sales for more than 40 years. For the first two decades, he organised one a year, but, more recently, it has become bi-annual. “It all started when I was doing my rounds and delivering meat to an old lady, who mentioned she had lots of books she was looking to get rid of,” said Ali. “She asked if I knew anyone who might want them. “I said I’d take them off her hands, and that’s where the idea for a book sale first came from, especially as I had many of my own up in the attic. “I asked for donations, and, as word spread, I was suddenly inundated with boxes. “Since then, over the years, it’s grown and grown, and we store them in a garage owned by my cousin, Des, and his wife, Lesley. We’ve got thousands. “Des and Lesley deserve special mention as they’ve helped so much over the last 20 years, especially when I had an arrhythmia, when I was 40. They helped get things going again, and Lesley still does the lions’ share of sorting.” The books range from children’s stories to fact and fiction, covering all genres in between, and, over the years, Ali has raised more than £200,000 for worthy causes, including £3,000 for EACH in 2003. “There’s always a buzz on the day, and they can make anything from £2,000 to £10,000,” added Ali, 66. “It’s always hard to predict, but I’d encourage anyone interested in books and reading to come along. “We sort everything into categories, and everything’s well presented. I can guarantee bargains galore.” In addition to his book sales, Ali also turns his hand to restoring and decorating unwanted garden ornaments and gnomes. He gives them some TLC – making repairs, if necessary, and then applying acrylic paint and varnish – before selling them for EACH. Donations can be dropped at his shop or Ali can be emailed via [email protected]. His mobile number is 07979 370781.

Ginger Pickle is proud to announce that Emma Cooling, a digital marketing apprentice, has been awarded the prestigious Newcomer Award by the Norfolk Women’s Marketing Network (NWMN). This accolade recognises Emma’s outstanding contributions and growth in marketing over the past 11 months. The NWMN is a supportive community for Norfolk-based women and non-binary marketers. Attendees of NWMN events share a common interest in marketing, a connection to Norfolk, and the ability to relate to or learn from the unique challenges faced due to their gender identity. Emma expressed her surprise and delight at receiving the award, stating, “I was shocked and surprised to win, but I am very pleased with how far I’ve come in the last 11 months. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for all the women in the NWMN. I want to thank my team at Ginger Pickle for all their help and support.” Sophie Urry, Marketing Manager at Ginger Pickle, shared her pride in Emma’s achievements, saying, “I am really proud of Emma and the progress she’s made since joining the company. Emma is an example to any young person looking to break into the marketing industry.”

Amaya Reynolds (top), Tanya Jones (right) and Vicky Matthews (left) The BBSA is the leading member organisation for the shading industry. It keeps its members up to date with product performances, laws, new systems etc, and puts on the exhibition bi-annually, attracting trades from all over the world. There are some amazing speakers –  Phil Spencer (location, location, location) and Tony Hillary (Hillary’s blinds) among others, and this year will be the first ‘women in shading’ panel session. I’m honoured to be invited as one of 3 female shading business owners. Seminar details here Learn more about the exhibition here

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My latest tree count with Just One Tree has just come in and I’m thrilled to see I’ve now planted 611 trees!! ? I plant a tree for every learner that qualifies with First Class First Aid Ltd, and it’s wonderful to see the number rise. Head to JUST ONE Tree – £1 plants 1 Tree. Combat Climate Change through reforestation. £1 plants 1 Tree. Combat Climate Change through reforestation. If you’d like to know more about the wonderful work carried out by Just One Tree.

Captions: How Lavender Chase will look. Credit Lovell.

Lovell is bringing a new collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes to Hunstanton when it opens Lavender ChaseLavender Chase Hunstanton this year. The new development is now selling from Sowerbys, with people able to reserve the first homes available from its office in Hunstanton. The Lovell show homes and marketing suite will open in November, when people will be able to visit the site.

The total number of new homes will be 108, consisting of 69 open market, 11 shared ownership and 28 affordable housing.

Jane Yolland, regional sales director at Lovell, said: “Lavender Chase is located off King’s Lynn Road and is just minutes from the sea, so it really is about the location here – with quality homes in a seaside location. Of course, Hunstanton is a charming seaside town, known for its unique striped cliffs and magnificent sunsets, as well as thriving community. We’re looking forward to opening the development later this autumn.”

The development is also located next to the new Lovell Later Living development, Driftwoods, with two- and three-bedroom bungalows for the over 55’s, which will also launch later this year. This will be the first Lovell Later Living site in the region.

Hunstanton amenities include independent shops, supermarkets, pubs and eateries, as well as a popular weekly market held on the seafront and traditional seaside attractions. The Victorian town with its Esplanade Gardens is breath-taking and the large sandy beach is renowned by locals and tourists alike. Hunstanton earned the nickname ‘Sunny Hunny’ as being the only west facing resort on the east coast of England and makes for some spectacular sunsets into the evening. The famous striped cliffs are a serene yet spectacular backdrop to this truly impressive seaside town.

Fibre broadband and underfloor heating to the ground floors are included as standard at Lavender Chase and air source heat pumps are used as a greener alternative to traditional gas boiler systems, with these homes designed with both energy efficiency and modern living in mind.

To be the first to find out more information on the new homes coming soon to Hunstanton, you can register your interest here Lavender Chase Hunstanton (lovell.co.uk)Lavender Chase Hunstanton

Sowerbys Hunstanton is located at 54 Westgate, Hunstanton, PE36 5EL.

Lovell is a partnership housing expertPartnerships and Property Developments | Lovell Partnerships and a leading provider of innovative and high quality residential constructionNew Build Contracting | Lovell Partnerships and regenerationUrban Regeneration | Lovell Partnerships developments across the UK, building homes, sourcing land and investing in communities. It is a trusted and reliable partner, with great people trusted to deliver great homes, developing long term partnerships with housing associations, local authorities and other partners for over 50 years.

For more information on Lovell visit www.lovell.co.ukNew Build Homes | New Housing Developments | Lovell Homes or follow Lovell on social media.

These past couple of weeks have seen lots of change and progression for us at Taylor Investigations. All good things of course with small changes to ensure we continue with providing a high quality service to all of our clients. Firstly, Michelle, our genealogist and researcher has been promoted to Office manager! Michelle will be the one who deals with all incoming enquiries and new case bookings going forward. Michelle will also be ensuring the logistics of our servers and field investigators runs smoothly, as well of course continuing with her work on our probate and family tree cases. Last week we closed the office for the day and held a staff training day to implement new streamlined processes along with updates to our case management system. To round off last week, we also celebrated 2 staff anniversaries. Michelle celebrated 2 years with Taylor Investigations and Diane celebrated 1 year. Staff progression and training is key for all members of the team to ensure we are able to deal with increasing demand as well as industry and legal process changes as they happen. Finally, we are also recruiting for a new Investigator and Process Server. More details can be found here or you can contact  [email protected] for more details of the role. If you need assistance for any of our services, get in touch!

• Person Tracing
• Asset Tracing
• Surveillance
• Employment Investigations
• Family Trees and Genealogy Research
• Process Serving
• Digital Forensics
• Background Checks
• Mystery Shopping and Test Purchasing

www.taylorinvestigations.co.uk | [email protected] | 01603 904031

New, up and coming, creative design agency Bleat Creative, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Focal Point Digital, a long-standing fixture in the Norfolk photographic and video production industry.

Focal Point Digital, established in 1976, has a rich heritage, having worked with iconic clients such as Lotus Cars and Colin Chapman in the early years. The family-run business has evolved from traditional film photography to become a fully digital studio, offering a wide range of services, including commercial photography, video production, and digital content creation.

Bleat Creative’s Managing Director and Founder, Scott McKay, who has had a professional relationship with Focal Point for 20+ years, has acquired the business through a Management Buy Out. McKay joined the team this year to initially assist Craig Middleton and soon saw the acquisition as a natural progression, and one that marks a new chapter, ensuring continuity for employees and clients.

Scott McKay, Managing Director of Bleat Creative, said:

“Bringing Focal Point into the Bleat Creative family means we can offer even more value to our clients. Whether it’s through photography, video, or digital content, this acquisition enables us to deliver complete brand and marketing solutions. With over 25 years of experience in agencies and the past six years in Head of Marketing roles, I understand our clients’ pain points. By integrating Focal Point’s expertise, we can offer cost-effective and creative solutions that truly resonate with their needs.”

Craig Middleton, former Managing Director of Focal Point Digital, commented:

“I’ve been searching for the right person to take Focal Point into the future, and with Scott’s experience and understanding of our processes, I’m confident that we’ve found the perfect fit. I’m also thrilled to be staying on part-time, allowing me to enjoy semi-retirement while still being involved in the business.”

Both companies will continue to operate independently from their current location in north Norwich with Focal Point Digital maintaining its own brand identity. However, a fresh rebrand is underway and will be rolled out soon, reflecting the new direction and partnership between the two companies.Focal Point Digital’s services — ranging from room set photography, product pack shots, and TV advertisement production to digital content creation — will now be further enhanced by the marketing, digital, and design expertise of the growing team at Bleat Creative. This collaboration will strengthen the creative services offered and provide a seamless operation under the one roof.

The staff at Focal Point Digital will remain unchanged, with Craig Middleton continuing in a part-time role as he transitions into semi-retirement. Scott McKay assumes full control, driving the business forward and building on its successful legacy.

The team will be at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce B2B Exhibition on Thursday 17 October at the Norfolk Show Ground on Stands 83 and 84. They will be offering a Free LinkedIn profile picture to visitors at their Stand, and the new rebrand will be available to see in the flesh.