Member News

Lovell appoints new Land and Planning Director to build on growth plans across the region

Lovell has strengthened its team with the appointment of Land & Planning Director, Ian Reilly.

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in planning and development and will be responsible for securing new land and development opportunities for Lovell across East Anglia. Ian’s previous work includes Group Head of Planning at Allison Homes, Director of Planning at Lanpro, and various Local Authority roles throughout the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Ian said: “This is a really fantastic opportunity to work with Lovell, with their excellent reputation, and to help them expand and grow across East Anglia. I will be responsible for sourcing land opportunities for new developments so that we can build more homes and help address the housing needs across the region. I will also have responsibility for ensuring that we achieve positive planning outcomes. I’m really excited to help Lovell continue to succeed in the market, and work closely with our partners and stakeholders.”

Simon Medler, regional managing director for Lovell, said: “With over 20 years’ experience in the sector, and already having established relationships across the region, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge, connections and experience to Lovell. I’m confident that Ian will play a key role in securing our future pipeline and I look forward to working closely with him to achieve our growth plans across the region.”

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.

Alpha 7 Motorsport proudly supplied Caterham race cars for the first-ever “Sim-to-Track” event at Brands Hatch, in partnership with SIM Motorsport. This saw five novice drivers transition from simulator training to experiencing real circuit driving on the track. Despite challenging weather conditions, ranging from heavy rain to a drying circuit, the participants showcased remarkable skill and enthusiasm.

Throughout the day, drivers received expert coaching, familiarizing themselves with the cars and mastering racing lines. The event generated a buzz of excitement, with feedback like, “This is the best thing I’ve EVER done!” and “I’ve caught the racing bug and will be booking my ARDS!”

For those inspired by our drivers’ achievements, Alpha 7 offers personalised driver development programmes to help you take the next step in your motorsport journey. Contact us to learn how we can help you hit the track and achieve your racing goals.

SIM Motorsport is the UK’s leading race car simulation centre, offering high-spec racing experiences. Equipped with the FIA-licensed D Box Haptic suspension system, their simulators are designed to replicate the feel of real race cars. For more information, visit their website: www.simmotorsport.co.uk

Norwich station (Credit: Greater Anglia) Greater Anglia is encouraging people to get out and explore Norfolk by train this month with a range of discounts. To make it easier and even more convenient to travel by train, Greater Anglia has several great value fares available such as discounted Advance tickets, Ranger tickets, GroupSave, Duo and the Family & Friends Railcard. You can save a small fortune on parking when you travel by train and avoid queues of traffic in the county’s tourist hot spots. Here are some of the events happening in Norfolk in October which are accessible by train: Norwich Oktoberfest On 11 and 12 October 2024 passengers can attend the largest Oktoberfest that Norwich has ever seen. At the Epic Studios in Norwich there will be the opportunity to taste a selection of authentic Bavarian beers served in steins, and the Bratwurst sausage both in the meat and vegan option. Moreover, music by NightTrain will be played. Tickets start from just £10 plus booking fees. More information at https://epic-tv.com/events/ Underground Art Exhibition From 3 to 6 October 2024, the Undercroft gallery is giving an opportunity to over 30 artists to exhibit their works. The event aims to provide a professional yet affordable platform for artists to sell their work. Over 30 artists will be participating, showcasing a wide variety of mediums including gouache, acrylic, lino print, mixed media, and even glass. More information at https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/event/underground-art-exhibition-at-the-undercroft/ Murder Mystery Dinner Gather friends and family together for an entertaining evening with a delicious 3 course dinner and a murder to resolve. On 25 and 26 October, the Maids Head Hotel will host a special Haloween Murder Mystery Dinner. Tickets are £50 per person and guests are encouraged to book earl for what will be an entertaining evening filled with ghost stories and a Poirot Hallowe’en mystery. More information at https://www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk/event/halloween-special-murder-mystery-dinner/ Greater Anglia’s Commercial and Customer Services Director, Martin Moran, said: “Travelling by train is cheaper than you think, and with our price promise and no booking fees, you are guaranteed to get the lowest price when you book through our website. “Our region has so much to offer and whether it’s a trip to the city or coast, shopping or sightseeing, we are giving people more money to spend on having a great time by helping them save money on their train fare.” Greater Anglia also offers a range of Advance fares that offer customers savings of between 60 and 70% on the standard walk-up prices, plus 2FOR1 on entry to many top attractions in London and East Anglia. The train operator also has a range of great value fares which are available all year round, including Duo, for two people travelling together, GroupSave for people travelling in a group of three or more, a special London evening out fare for those staying overnight in the capital and a Club 50 discount for those aged 50 and over. For the best value fares, passengers should book in advance and the earlier customers book, the more they can save. For more information on these and other offers visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/offers/ For more information on ticket fares and timetables visit www.greateranglia.co.uk

In this episode – THE IMPACT OF HEALTH ANXIETY – Ellie takes us through a journey of severe Health Anxiety during a very wanted pregnancy and intrusive thoughts around it being her time for something to go wrong.

She shares how therapeutic interventions enabled her to enjoy her young twins and entire blended family at a time that could have been otherwise impacted by her Mental Health.

Chantry Place Norwich, home to brands including Flannels, Frasers, Urban Outfitters and Zara, is welcoming some new pop-ups to the Centre.

Thistle Gem has returned until 31st January 2025 selling a variety of baseball caps, flat caps, pompom beanies, scarves and gloves. Each item boasts a unique design and style, making them ideal gifts.

The Calendar Club is back selling a large range of calendars, diaries, planners and books. From football themed calendars to music stars and TV themes, there is something to suit every taste and interest. Find them on the lower ground floor from 23rd September 2024 until 5th January 2025.

Lovey Dovey is at Chantry Place from 30th September until 19th January 2025 on the lower ground floor, selling its popular range of charms, bracelets, anklets and necklaces.

Sense Aroma will be on the lower ground floor from 7th October until 12th January 2024 selling a luxury range of diffusers and fragrance oils, including ultrasonic aroma diffusers and beautiful Himalayan salt lamps.

Pollyfields will be outside on Chantry Square from 11th November until 24th December in a seasonal wooden hut, selling naturally-inspired luxury, handcrafted garlands, wreaths and decorations – perfect for Christmas decorations and presents.

Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “This year has been a fantastic year at Chantry Place – we’ve had some amazing retailers and restaurants join us this year, including Flannels and Rosa’s Thai, and now we have even more to offer visitors when they visit with our seasonal pop-ups. From jewellery to Christmas gifts and decorations, our seasonal pop-ups offer even more choice and variety when shopping. We know how popular Lovey Dovey has been when it has been a pop-up inside our Urban Outfitters store, so it is fantastic that they are joining us this year.”

All pop-ups will be open during the main Chantry Place opening hours.

For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk/news

• Injury collisions eliminated at high-risk location near Durham
• Low-cost intervention uses thermal detection technology and solar power

A low-cost collision avoidance system installed by Norfolk-based road safety technology firm Westcotec has won this year’s Highways ‘Road Safety Scheme of the Year’. Implementation of the system at a high-risk junction in Durham has eliminated fatal and serious collisions, with not a single incident recorded in the past seven years. Westcotec’s success was announced at the Highways Awards on Tuesday 24 September at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. The firm’s technology was installed in 2017 on Trouts Lane, a well-used road located just north of Durham, following extensive research and consultation with Durham County Council. It was a high-risk location, with high levels of traffic heading to and from Lanchester Road Hospital. In the six years leading up to 2017, 10 fatal and serious injury collisions were recorded at the junction. Since the technology was installed, this has dropped to zero. The dynamic system only activates when there is a specific need. In this case, the presence of potentially conflicting traffic at the junction ahead (not visible to the driver approaching on Trouts Lane) triggers a roadside sign to illuminate and warn of the traffic on the junction. At times when no conflicting traffic is present, the sign does not activate. Westcotec sales director Olly Samways said: “We are thrilled to have seen off a line-up of high-quality submissions to collect this prestigious award. “The Trouts Lane installation ranks as one of our most effective casualty reduction schemes. Since our technology was installed in 2017, the site has had no personal injury collisions, compared with 10 incidents in the six previous years. “The system only activates if there are turning vehicles ahead, so regular users of the road pay more attention. The risk of getting used to the warning is also greatly reduced.  This is a far more effective method of warning drivers, as there is nothing for them to see and react to when the junction is clear ahead. “The low-cost technology works conveniently via thermal detection cameras and is solar powered, meaning there is no requirement to dig up the road at time of installation. “Westcotec thrives on innovation, relishing the challenge of implementing cost-effective solutions that save lives. This award is sure to inspire and motivate us as we work with partners across the United Kingdom and beyond to reduce risk on the roads.”

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Exciting News! Smash Marketing’s brilliant Beks Houston will teach you proven strategies for driving meaningful traffic to your website. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your website, this is a must-attend session for any small business owner! Join Smash Marketing for the North Norfolk Connect Networking Event on 2nd October 2024 at Wroxham Barns Tunstead Rd, Hoveton, Norwich! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for growth. Book your tickets here

View the PDF file below to find out what Skills Bootcamps can do for you and your career, and see if you’re eligible. Employers can get involved too and skill up their workforce.

To get involved or ask questions, contact [email protected]

We are excited to officially launch NCSL’s LinkedIn page! After 3 years of dedicated service improvement, we are now in a strong position to focus on our digital presence. Our LinkedIn profile will help us stay connected with our local community and provide a platform to share exciting news, updates and employment opportunities. Follow us to stay informed about how we’re continuing to grow and serve you better!

Image credit: Alan Boswell Group Independent insurance brokerage and financial planners Alan Boswell Group has welcomed seven new apprentices to its Norwich head office this week. The new recruits will work towards the Level 3 Insurance Practitioner – Junior Broker Apprenticeship as part of the company’s long-running apprenticeship programme. Throughout their training, they will work across different departments, gaining valuable experience and insight into the insurance industry as well as benefit from the experience of the 400-strong Group’s employees. The Group’s apprenticeship scheme was launched in 2010 to equip trainees with the skills and expertise to build successful careers in insurance, and of those who have completed the scheme, 24 still work for the Group. The company remains committed to investing in local talent and fostering the next generation of insurance professionals. Gillian Anderson Brown, HR Director at the Group, said, “We are pleased to welcome this year’s group of apprentices to our Norwich office. Our apprenticeship scheme has always been an important part of our commitment to developing young talent and giving them the opportunity to learn and grow within the insurance sector. We look forward to supporting these apprentices as they begin their careers with us.”

Norwich based packing machinery firm Redpack, has bolstered its commitment to cutting down on waste and saved 50% on its bills thanks to a new waste management contract with Anglian.

The company produces packing and end-of-line machinery for the fresh produce, snacks, meat and dairy industries, with its equipment used in over 50 countries worldwide. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Redpack as it continually seeks new ways to reduce packaging and use more sustainable materials, alongside a commitment to reduce the waste produced within the business itself.

Having previously used two national waste management providers for its bin contracts over the past eight years, Redpack decided it was time to make a change, looking for a company which could better support its dedication to the environment.

Gary Howard, general manager at Redpack, explains: “As a company, we’re committed to reducing waste of every kind – whether it’s wasted produce, time, money or materials. Our previous waste management providers weren’t supporting our aims and we felt like a number, rather than a customer to them. We wanted a waste management company who would work in partnership with us to help us recycle as much as possible.”

Working with Redpack, Anglian undertook a waste audit to look at what was being thrown away and then implemented a range of new bins to enable staff to dispose of each waste stream correctly. These include general waste, organic materials, wood and dry mixed recyclables. Alongside the company’s usual waste streams, Anglian also committed to help responsibly dispose of any surplus samples Redpack has when designing new packaging machinery.

Since working with Anglian, not only has Redpack reduced its costs by 50%, but it has also boosted its recycling rates. Now 75% of all its waste goes straight into recycling bins – a huge increase on the 20% it collected previously. All waste is brought back to Anglian’s facility in Attleborough for processing, with zero being sent to landfill. A monthly report also helps Redpack to review its progress and identify opportunities to recycle more.

Gary Howard, general manager at Redpack, sums up: “Anglian sold us the dream and then kept their word. We have been nothing but impressed with the care, attention to detail and customer service we’ve received from them. As a local company, we are delighted to support another local business and see our waste being processed here in the county. However, it also means that we benefit from Anglian being nearby to provide help and support if we need it too.”

Jamie Parker, key account manager at Anglian, said: “We pride ourselves on offering all Anglian clients a personal approach, listening to their needs and doing our utmost to help them achieve their waste and recycling goals. It has been a pleasure to work with Redpack to enable them to dispose of their waste correctly and sustainably, with 0% going to landfill.”

Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see www.anglianrecycling.co.uk