Member News

Easology is on a mission to make smartphones, tablets, and digital services easier to use for older adults and people with dexterity, eyesight, or cognitive challenges. As a B2B SaaS company working with major industry partners such as Currys, Samsung, and EE, Easology is rapidly becoming a leading voice in accessible mobile technology.

Early Backing from Anglia Capital Group

Easology first pitched to Anglia Capital Group (ACG) in 2023, securing early investment. This initial funding provided crucial support during the company’s formative stages. CEO and Co-Founder Dr Peter Ashall continues to lead the company through a period of rapid growth.

“We were immediately impressed by Easology’s product, business plan and traction to date. They have already attracted a strong set of industry partners and are addressing a clear gap in the market. Anglia Capital Group are hugely proud to have Easology in our portfolio and we look forward to seeing this company’s progress.”

– Hannah Smith, Managing Director at ACG

Strong Commercial Progress

Easology’s latest progress reveals a company moving confidently through its scaling phase. The business is now generating healthy revenues with momentum accelerating in the current financial year (FY 25/26). September 2025 has been their most profitable month to date, and forecasts look strong.

 A major driver of this growth was the successful launch of Easology’s refreshed smartphone technology in September 2024. Samsung product bundles using Easology’s intuitive software offers users a highly supportive and accessible mobile or tablet experience. The product refresh has proven extremely effective, doubling Easology’s product margins, and the company now boasts over 10,000+ users with up to 1,000 new users joining each month.

Operational capacity took a further step forward with the opening of a new distribution and customer service centre in Peterlee in May 2025, supported by Durham County Council.

Innovation, Expansion and International Growth

Easology secured an Innovate UK grant to develop Easology AI, an advanced personalised support system that aims to further increase accessibility and independence for users. The project began in November 2025.

International expansion has also begun, with the company launching its service in Ireland – its first EU market – in October. Negotiations are underway to introduce Easology to additional UK and European distribution channels.

Next Steps and Funding Position

To ensure the company can fully capitalise on its opportunities – expanding distribution, developing Easology AI, and deepening engagement with the fintech sector – the team is extending its current investment round at a £5M valuation, open to existing shareholders in the first instance.

Easology is also about to launch a Crowdcube campaign in the run up to Christmas, leveraging the platform’s 400,000-strong investor community to raise both awareness and additional equity.

ACG is so proud of what Easology has accomplished in their journey so far, and we’re looking forward to seeing the company continue to thrive and move forward with their success.

Norwich Airport has reported another successful summer season, with passenger numbers up 5% year-on-year between 1st April and 31st October 2025 to 332,251.

The increase of 15,822 builds on last summer’s exceptional 23% growth and reflects the continued success of new services launched by Ryanair – which began flying from Norwich for the first time in April 2024 with routes to Alicante, Faro and Malta – and other major operators like TUI and KLM.

Ryanair’s arrival proved a major catalyst for growth last year, and demand has remained strong. Entering the winter 2025/26 season, Ryanair’s Malta service has been extended to twice-weekly throughout the winter, joining Alicante, which became a year-round destination last year.

Airport bosses say having two year-round Ryanair routes introduced so soon after the airline’s launch from Norwich is a clear vote of confidence in the airport and the region, as well as a real boost for local passengers seeking greater choice and convenience.

Looking ahead, TUI will continue its summer schedule to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, the Canaries and Balearic Islands, and KLM continues daily flights to Amsterdam up to four times daily. There is also a regular scheduled service to Aberdeen with Loganair.

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “We’re delighted to see more growth in passenger numbers this summer, following last year’s exceptional increase with the arrival of Ryanair, and the continued support of all our airline partners. The extension of Malta and Alicante to year-round services is a real boost and we’re already looking ahead to next summer when we anticipate further growth as more people choose to fly local.”

Norwich Airport was recently ranked among the UK’s top airports for passenger experience in a major national survey, performing strongly in areas such as customer service, security and check-in. Passengers praised the airport’s efficient operations, shorter queues and relaxed atmosphere.

Norwich Airport currently serves 19 destinations and directly employs around 250 people. It is part of leading UK regional airport operator Regional & City Airports.

Ryanair, the UK No. 1 passenger airline, today (Tues, 16 Sept) announced its Norwich Winter 2025 schedule, including an exciting new Winter route to Malta, providing Ryanair customers in the East Anglia region with even more choice and regular connections at the lowest fares in Europe.

Ryanair’s full Winter 2025 schedule is available to book now at Ryanair.com, with flights to/from Norwich available from as little as £29.99.

Ryanair’s Director of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said:

“Ryanair is pleased to launch our Norwich Winter 2025 schedule, including an exciting new Winter route to Malta. Since Ryanair first began operating at Norwich last Summer, Ryanair has boosted connectivity, providing our customers in the East Anglia region with more choice at the lowest fares in Europe.

Ryanair’s full Winter 2025 schedule is available to book now at Ryanair.com, with flights to/from Norwich available from just £29.99.”

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: 

“We’re really pleased to see Ryanair extend the Malta service into this Winter, adding to Alicante which became year-round last year. Having two year-round destinations introduced so quickly after launching from Norwich is a real boost for the airport and for our passengers, giving them more choice and convenience, alongside Faro which continues through the summer months.”

Norwich Airport has been named among the UK’s top six airports in a national survey by consumer champion Which?, earning the coveted ‘Recommended Provider’ status.

With a customer score of 72%, the airport performed strongly in areas such as customer service, security and check-in. Its sister airports Exeter and Bournemouth, which are all part of the Regional & City Airports group, are also in the top six, with Exeter ranked number one.

The survey, which gathered feedback from almost 6,000 passengers, rated airports across categories including customer service, security queues, bag drop and seating.

Norwich’s balance of convenience, accessibility and strong customer service earned it one of the highest ratings nationwide.

Passengers praised its efficient operations, shorter queues and relaxed atmosphere compared with larger hubs, highlighting Norwich as a convenient and welcoming gateway for the region.

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “We are very proud to be recognised once again by Which? as one of the best airports in the UK. This result recognises the dedication of our team who work tirelessly to deliver a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable experience for our passengers.

“To be recommended directly by those who use our services is especially meaningful and reinforces our focus on quality, regional connectivity, and customer care.

“What makes this even more rewarding is that Exeter and Bournemouth – our sister airports within the Regional & City Airports group – have also been recognised among the UK’s top six. That consistency demonstrates the strength of RCA and a shared commitment to excellent customer service right across the group.”

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: “Next time you’re booking a flight, it’s well worth considering not just your choice of airline but also your airport – it could make all the difference to the start of your getaway and maybe even get that holiday feeling started a little sooner.”

Norwich Airport now serves 19 destinations and in the year to March 2025 welcomed almost 430,000 passengers, a 23% increase on the previous year buoyed by new routes with Ryanair. The accolade comes at a time of strong growth for the airport, underlining its role as a vital regional hub for both leisure and business travel across the eastern region and the North Sea energy sector.

Norwich Airport has launched an innovative AI-powered wayfinding system aimed at enhancing the travel experience for passengers with additional needs.

In what is believed to be a UK-first, the airport has teamed up with a local company called Access to Words to provide passengers with on-demand multi-lingual support in British Sign Language, spoken words, large print and easy-read formats to help them navigate their way around the airport.

At the heart of the system is an AI-generated avatar called Cassie, developed in-house by Norwich-based Access to Words using motion capture technology and certified professional British Sign Language signers.

This ‘synthetic signer’ uses sign language to convey a range of information alongside the options to hear the instructions out loud, and to read them in large typeface.

Using a series of QR codes placed in the terminal building and airport car parks, passengers can scan these codes using their smartphones to access a library of key routes through the airport. These include, for example, how to go from the car parks to the main terminal entrance, or from the Assisted Travel Desk to the check-in desks, security area or departures.

The step-by-step navigation guides offer detailed instructions to provide real-time, personalised assistance, ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their mobility or sensory needs, can navigate the airport confidently and independently.

Dan Bean, Ground Handling and Safety Manager at Norwich Airport, said: “We’re excited to have launched this cutting-edge technology in partnership with Access to Words. Every year we support thousands of passengers with assisted travel and this technology will help anyone find their way around, whether they have additional needs or not. Our aim is to provide a seamless and inclusive travel experience for everyone using the airport. Anyone wanting to try out the new technology can visit the Assisted Travel page on our website.”

Adrian Pickering, founder of Access to Words, who has a background in machine learning and artificial intelligence, said: “We’re delighted that Norwich Airport has adopted our technology, which is the first time it’s been used in an airport. Our whole ethos is about making communication accessible, not just to people who may be sight or hearing impaired, but also dyslexic people, those with low literacy and international audiences.

“Norwich Airport is fantastic because when it comes to accessibility it’s not a check-box exercise for them, they go far and beyond and it’s embedded in the way they think and work. They really care about making the airport experience as painless and enjoyable as possible for all passengers, and it’s great to be part of that.”

Access to Words is hoping its technology will be adopted by other airports and is in discussions with health service providers about offering wayfinding in hospitals and clinics using QR codes and links on patient communications.

Are you looking for better ways to support your teams and colleagues with their mental health?

Local social enterprise Rippleacts CIC, will soon be launching new ‘Mental Health at Work’ training designed to offer practical support for organisations in supporting the mental health of their colleagues and teams. The training, which is developed in partnership with St Barnabas Counselling Centre, has been co-created and is co-delivered by unemployed people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Understanding mental health conditions in the workplace has benefits for everyone, as it creates a safe and supportive environment for staff leading to a reduction in absences and better productivity at work. 

Over the course of a three hour workshop you will learn practical ways to support people with their mental health, build an understanding of different mental health conditions and learn healthy ways to navigate stress and promote wellbeing. 
To be the first to hear about our course as it launches, email [email protected] or go to their website here

Contract Personnel is proud to announce that we will continue our valued partnership with Norwich City Football Club for the 2025–26 season, marking our 10th consecutive year as an official Regional Partner.

Over the past decade, we’ve been delighted to stand alongside the Club, supporting both on and off the pitch. This milestone is a reflection of our shared commitment to the community, and we are excited to celebrate another season of collaboration.

As part of our partnership this season, we are proud to back defender Ruairi McConville as our sponsored player for 2025–26. We wish Ruairi and the whole Norwich City team the very best of luck for the campaign ahead.

At Contract Personnel, our goal is the same as it has been for the past 36 years – helping people find rewarding work and helping businesses find the right staff to succeed. Whether you’re a fan looking for your next role or a company looking to grow your team, we’re here to help.

We are also delighted that in recent years, Darren Huckerby, Grant Holt, Adam Drury and Darren Eadie have all created content and acted as ambassadors for Contract Personnel and the recruitment services they provide.

Sarah Hooper, Managing Director at Contract Personnel, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 10 years as a Partner of Norwich City Football Club. Our relationship with the Club has always been about more than sponsorship – it’s about community, opportunity, and shared success. We look forward to continuing our support this season and wish the team every success on the pitch.”

To mark the milestone, some of the CPL team recently visited Carrow Road for a quick tour and to capture some updated photographs with our bright LED branding in the background.

For more information, contact the team today on 01603 764044 (Norwich) or 01842 750222 (Thetford).

Are you feeling stuck and unsatisfied? Do you need something in your life to change but you aren’t sure where to start?

Wednesday 14th January 2026, 2 – 3pm Online session, join from anywhere.

To celebrate the launch of Rippleacts new online coaching programme, they are offering a free session for anyone looking to make a change for the better in 2026.

Join them for this free online session where you’ll discover practical tools to identify your goals and start designing a life you love.

Based on the foundations of our popular Cognitive Behavioural Coaching Programme, this session will provide you the guidance and support you need to take the next step towards the life you want.

Book your Free Place here

Winter brings crisp mornings, cosy evenings, and festive celebrations, but it also brings a rise in seasonal injuries and emergencies. From slippery paths to cold-related illness, this time of year can catch people off guard. With a little essential first aid knowledge, you can be prepared to help yourself and others if the need arises over the colder months.

Head this way to read the latest First Class First Aid blog: Winter First Aid Essentials: What You Need to Know This Season | First Class First Aid

As the year draws to a close and the pace starts to slow, December naturally becomes a moment of reflection for many businesses. For those responsible for workplace safety, it’s an invaluable opportunity to pause, review, and reset. What went well this year? Where were the near-misses? Which processes kept people safe, and which ones need sharpening?

At Serene Safety, we believe that a calm, proactive approach is the cornerstone of a safer workplace. So as you look towards 2026, here are the key lessons, trends, and practical steps to help you build a stronger, safer year ahead.

Key Safety Trends We Saw This Year1. A rise in near-miss reporting (and why that’s a positive sign)

More businesses have encouraged open reporting cultures, which means teams are flagging hazards before they become incidents. This trend shows a growing shift towards transparency and psychological safety – two essentials for effective health and safety management.

2. Increased focus on mental health and wellbeing

From stress management to burnout awareness, organisations have finally begun treating mental health with the same importance as physical safety. This is a promising change, but one that requires ongoing commitment.

3. A continued push for practical, hands-on training

Employers are investing more in engaging, face-to-face training rather than one-size-fits-all online modules. When staff are confident and genuinely understand what safe working looks like, risk reduces dramatically.

Common Incidents & Lessons Learned

Every year brings its own challenges, but some themes remain consistent. They’re often preventable.

Slips, trips, and falls

Still one of the most common causes of workplace injury. Lessons learned:

• Keep housekeeping standards high

• Revisit risk assessments for changing environments

• Review flooring, lighting, and signage

Manual handling injuries

Often caused by rushing, lack of awareness, or outdated training. Lessons learned:

• Regular refresher training is essential

• Staff need the confidence to stop and assess before lifting

• Mechanical aids should be maintained and used properly

Lack of communication

Many incidents stem from assumptions – “I thought someone else had checked that.” Lessons learned:

• Clear procedures prevent confusion

• Toolbox talks and briefings should be routine

• Encourage a culture where speaking up is the norm

Setting Your Health & Safety Goals for 2026

As you plan ahead, consider goals that are realistic, measurable, and people-focused. Here are some ideas:

1. Schedule an annual safety audit

An objective review helps you spot gaps, documentation, and ensure you’re compliant with HSE requirements. It’s one of the most powerful tools for proactive safety management.

2. Refresh staff training

Training shouldn’t be a “tick-box” exercise completed once and forgotten. Regular refreshers help keep knowledge sharp, improve confidence, and reduce risk across the business.

3. your policies and risk assessments

Work environments evolve, equipment changes, roles shift, teams grow. Your documentation should evolve with it. Regular updates protect both your people and your organisation.

4. Strengthen your safety culture

Set a goal to build a more open, supportive environment where health and safety is seen as everyone’s responsibility. Small changes, like more frequent check-ins or improved reporting processes, can make a huge difference.

Start 2026 with Confidence

By reflecting on the year’s successes and challenges, you’re already taking a positive step towards a safer workplace. With refreshed training, updated policies, and a clear plan for the year ahead, your business can enter 2026 with confidence, clarity, and a renewed commitment to keeping people safe.

If you’d like support with audits, training, or policy updates, Serene Safety is here to help, calmly guiding you to a safer year.

Running a business in the wellness space sounds calm in theory, but anyone who’s actually done it knows it’s more yoga mat chaos than peaceful meditation. Classes, timetables, teachers, customers, bookings, and then there’s the finances.

For The Yogarise Group Ltd, led by founder Sean Hitzelberger, the accounting side of the business wasn’t just another task on the list. It was the task. The one that seemed unnecessarily complicated, totally time-consuming, and always lurking in the background.

Sean puts it simply: they didn’t need bells and whistles – they needed clarity, consistency, and a team who would keep things simple.

Finding Support That Actually Makes Life Easier

Claire and the team stepped in to bring structure, calm, and straightforward communication to the business. No jargon. No confusing explanations. No long-winded emails that leave you Googling terms you’ve never heard of.

Just clear answers, delivered quickly, with everything completed correctly and on time.

Whether it’s a question, a concern, or one of those last-minute “Is this normal?” moments, the support is always friendly, efficient, and genuinely helpful.

A Partnership That Feels Refreshing

The Yogarise Group feel the difference every day.

Finances that once felt stressful now make sense. Conversations are simple. Communication is consistent. And that old feeling of being left in the dark is long gone.

Sean said, “Working with Claire and her team never feels overwhelming. Everything is simple, clear and precise.”

When your accounting support makes things easier instead of harder, it changes everything.

More Clarity, More Control, More Peace of Mind

Since partnering with Jennison Accounting, the business now sees real, noticeable improvements:

• Finances are more organised

• There’s a stronger sense of control

• Clarity around the numbers has improved

• Less stress, more time

• Confidence that everything is accurate and handled with care

Sean sums it up: “I feel much more in control of every aspect of my business.”

That’s the kind of difference you feel every day, not just at year-end.

A Recommendation Worth Listening To

When asked if they’d recommend Jennison Accounting, Sean doesn’t hesitate:

“You should definitely give them a go! You won’t be disappointed.”

The Yogarise Group continue to recommend the team not because they have to, but because the support is reliable, efficient, and genuinely easy to work with.

For a business built on helping people feel better, having finances that finally feel calm, organised, and under control is the perfect match.

Serene Safety, a leading health, safety, and risk management consultancy based in Norwich, has been distinguished with the highest-tier accreditation by NEBOSH (the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health), achieving Gold Learning Partner.

This esteemed recognition signifies Serene Safety’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class learning to the students it supports. NEBOSH awards Gold Learning Partner status only to providers who meet rigorous standards of quality teaching, learner support, and outcomes. As a Gold Learning Partner, Serene Safety brings unparalleled expertise and proven training methodologies to health and safety education for businesses in Norfolk and across the UK. 

NEBOSH is a UK-based awarding body recognised around the world for setting the benchmark in health, safety and environmental qualifications. Established in 1979, NEBOSH qualifications are taken in over 130 countries and are widely regarded as essential for anyone with health and safety responsibilities at work.

As a NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner, Serene Safety will be delivering a range of recognised qualifications, starting this Autumn, including:

• NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

• NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Certificate

• Introduction to Incident Investigation

• Working with Wellbeing

Jonathan Reynolds, Partner at Serene Safety, said: “We’re rightly proud to achieve NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner status. It reflects the dedication of our team to providing practical, engaging and supportive training. This has been a long-term goal of ours to grow the business and offer these types of qualifications to our customers. Health and safety training should never be a tick-box exercise; our aim is to give people the skills and confidence to make a real difference in their workplaces, safe in the knowledge that we are always nearby when they need that little extra help and support.”

Based in Norwich, Serene Safety provides health, safety and risk management services to businesses across Norfolk and beyond. Alongside its NEBOSH-accredited training, the company also offers retained competent person services, audits, incident investigation and bespoke workplace training.