RedCat is 14 years old – a GREAT milestone for a business and, as such, we will be celebrating. But it is also a time of reflection, so here iare 14 things that RedCat does
1. We help people feel more comfortable about Risk Management within their businesses. We like to think we take the worry out of their compliance issues creating a tailored package of help for each client. One size does not fit all!
2. We work with our clients to create Safety Management Systems that work- whether that’s a new Safety Policy, a revision of an existing system or a Food Safety Management System (HACCP)
3. We engage on all levels of a business; coaching staff to compliance, nurturing new businesses, and helping to grow businesses on firm foundations for success
4. Occasionally we need to liaise with our enforcement colleagues and we speak their language so we can ensure a sensible compromise is reached
5. We offer accredited training through CIEH & HABC – from Level 1 (Induction). Level 2 (suitable for all employees) Level 3 (Supervisory) to Level 4 (Managers). We have an open programme and also deliver training in house. In addition, we offer the CIEH’s suite of eLearning options and we deliver the Health & Safety updates to CIEH trainers across the UK. Last year we were chosen to be one of a handful of CIEH premium centres
6. We write bespoke training solutions for clients; for example, on Health & Safety for premises managers, on Legionella, on Asbestos Management, Infection Control and blended learning options on Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Environmental Management
7. The training we deliver is top notch. Our professionalism and love of what we do means that we ensure an effective learning environment, using a wide range of resources and techniques to enable every delegate to learn. We use quality venues and have small delegate numbers – our feedback inspires us!
8. We support our professional organisations – for example; by chairing local branch meetings and by organising training events and meetings – all the work we do is as volunteers
9. We are competent to do the work we do. We are Chartered Practitioners and Registered Consultants (www.OSHCR.org), and we maintain our CPD levels over and above the minimum standard.
10. We support local charities, through both consultancy and training. Local charities we are proud to regularly work with are Water for Kids, Big C, Keeping Abreast, Norwich Cruse, Age (UK) and Phoenix Inspire
11. We support the local community by using local suppliers for all our needs and we have a strong sustainability ethos. Buy Local is a way of life for us. We work in partnership with the insurance company Hugh J Boswell, as part of “Chamber Protect”, and are founding members of the Mill Breakfast Club (a Monthly Networking group for local businesses in Norfolk.) We have also joined forces with Sologic to bring the first Root Cause Analysis training to East Anglia
12. We share our knowledge through Social Media. We can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In & Pinterest and we contribute to this website, as well as other organisations’ blogs and newsletters – Prowess, Birketts, Hansells, Norwich Business School , Lantra and the EDP (Focus on Health and Safety) We also regularly distribute update newsletters to our contacts
13. We champion sensible and pragmatic Risk Management whenever we get the chance! We have the courage of our convictions
14. And lastly – we are jolly good eggs; a common comment is, that we are friendly people to deal with; we treat people with the high standard we expect of ourselves
So we feel proud to celebrate 14 years in business- Here’s to the next 14 🙂
Ever wonder what the difference is between those who are successful and those who aren’t?
Feel like you need some fresh inspiration?
Need some help with boosting your confidence?
If your answer is YES to any of these then come along to the The StartUp Lounge at City College Norwichto hear from the highly successful entrepreneur Mark Rhodes on how you can develop a winning mindset, improve your confidence, and get positive results more often!
WEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL 2013 – 8.30AM TO 11.30AM
Places for this popular event are very limited! Email us on [email protected] or call 0800 3283616 to book your place now!
We are pround to announce that our apprentice Mitchell Vale has won the City College Internediate Apprentice of the year 3rd prize
Mitchell has been with us since July 2012 and he has helped enormously with the business admin side of RedCat. He has an amazing attitude to work and he gets on very well with all our clients
He is helping with our administration (keeping us organised)- which frees our valuable time to help our clients, he also helps with the marketing and the social media side of the business
However he has also shown a huge desire to succeed and as such we are training him up to help with our training courses! It started with us wanting to make sure Mitchell understood our business; he has accompanied us on Audits and consultancy visits and we put him through some training courses
On our recent Level 4 Managing Food Safety Course he received the following feedback – from the Business Support Manager at EMCOR Facilities Services (British Sugar)
‘I have had the pleasure of meeting Mitchell whilst being involved in Level 4 Food Safety Training through The Red Cat Partnership. For someone who is now starting out his career in his chosen category, Mitchell is full of confidence, which will only grow hand in hand with the knowledge he is learning along the way. Working in the Partnership he is currently in (Red Cat), I have no doubt that Mitchell will fulfill his potential. Im sure that I will be contacting Mitchell in the future to deliver courses to my teams’
Mitchell has undergone this training alongside the CIEH’s accredited Level 3 Training Skills course which will enable him (with more experience) to deliver the CIEH’s Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering. He will be more qualified than some of our competitiors!
The awards were presented during the recent Chamber Opportunities 2013 event at NCFC
Gary Howard, Director of Employer Partnerships, Norfolk Educational Services, who presented the awards, commented: “With this week being National Apprenticeship Week, and all of the celebrations around apprenticeships, we decided that for the first time we would recognise apprentices outside the College’s other award ceremonies for 14-16 students, FE and Higher Education and our VQ Day Awards. “We’ve had an overwhelming response from employers to these inaugural City College Norwich Apprenticeship Awards, which goes to show just how much employers value the contributions made by apprentices.”
We are very proud of Mitchell’s achievements and will have no doubt vthat he will remain a committed and loyal employee.
As February brings hearts and roses to the forefront, it’s a timely reminder that the strongest relationships in business are built on compatibility, trust and long-term commitment.
Across Norfolk’s engineering, manufacturing and commercial sectors, competition for talent is heating up, but recruitment shouldn’t feel like speed dating.
At PureKat Consultancy Ltd, we believe in chemistry.
Not just CVs
Not just qualifications
Not just availability
Real alignment
We partner with Norfolk businesses to deliver talent that fits technically, culturally and strategically — the kind of hire that doesn’t just join your team… but strengthens it.
❤️ Skilled Engineering & Technical Professionals
❤️ Manufacturing & Production Talent
❤️ CNC & Specialist Trades
❤️ Warehouse & Logistics Teams
❤️ Commercial & Office Support
Because when the right candidate meets the right company, productivity improves, retention grows and businesses thrive.
This Valentine’s, don’t settle for “it’ll do.”
Invest in a recruitment partnership that understands your values, your pressures, and your long-term vision.
Let PureKat Consultancy Ltd play matchmaker and help you find the talent your business will truly fall for.
For more information, please contact our Operations Director Daniel Dagley on 01603 567354 or email [email protected] today.
Steeles Law Head of Planning & Environment David Merson looks at the Coalition’s proposals to revise the Judicial Review process.
Chris Grayling, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, has today issued a consultation paper entitled ‘Judicial Review: proposals for reform’.
The paper sets out the reforms the Coalition propose to make in three key areas of the Judicial Review process namely: (i) the time limits within which Judicial Review proceedings must be brought; (ii) the procedure for applying for permission to bring Judicial Review proceedings; and (iii) the fees charged in Judicial Review proceedings.
In respect of the first, the paper identifies two categories of case to which the proposed shorter time limit might be appropriate one of which is planning decisions although on the Coalition’s own figures this is certainly not an area responsible for the bulk of Judicial Review applications.
In coming up with its proposal the Coalition seeks to draw parallels with the statutory appeals process in planning. This is however unhelpful because Judicial Review deals with procedural failings which may not always be apparent at the time of the decision and certainly will not have been considered in any detail in the preceding considerations as opposed to the appeals process which deals with merits which will have previously been considered at the pre-application stage, at the determination stage and at the appeal stage before the matter ever reaches the court. This means that on the one hand one is looking at issues that are only just emerging from investigation and inter party exchanges including discovery and Freedom of Information requests as opposed to ones that have been argued and honed down very clearly in a number of different arenas.
In addition, the reduced time limit will not provide for sufficient time to deal with either the pre-action protocol requirements introduced to try and bring about a consensual resolution without the need to resort to the court or the funding issues that so very often arise when third party challenges are in contemplation.
Despite what the Coalition believes it is thought likely that this proposal will lead to more proceedings being issued if only to protect positions while the protocol ‘Letter before action’ and funding issues are addressed.
In addition there may be scope for other avenues of challenge.
For one, the judicial discretion to extend the time limit in limited exceptional cases may fall foul of European requirements of certainty particularly in Environmental Law cases.
It is also noted that the proposed time limit is shorter than that allowed for challenging decisions of the European Institutions and may therefore be susceptible to challenge particularly in relation to those challenges which are based in Environmental Law on for example access to justice under the Aarhus Convention or failures to apply or properly apply European Directives dealing with Habits and Protected Species.
In respect of the second limb of reform the Coalition proposes changes to the procedure for permission to restrict the number of opportunities available. In cases where the claimant has been refused permission on the papers, and the matter is one which has been the subject of a prior judicial hearing, the claimant’s right to ask for an oral renewal of the application for permission would be removed and any appeal to the Court of Appeal would also be on the papers only.
Finally, in respect of the third limb of reform, the Coalition proposes that the applicant should pay a fee for an oral renewal of an application for permission to be set at the same level as for a full hearing of the Judicial Review (currently £215 but under current general proposals rising to £235). Where the application for permission is successful it is proposed that the further fee for a full Judicial Review hearing would be waived but it should be noted that the Coalition will consider the scope for adjusting fees further over time so that they reflect the full costs of providing the service.
The deadline for consultation responses is 24 January 2013 which can be submitted on-line, by e-mail or by post and full details of the proposals and consultation can be found here.
If you require further information or advice on any issues raised in this article or any other planning & environmental matter please contact David Merson on 020 7421 1720 or [email protected]
Wingfield Consultants have received the coveted ‘E2 Media Award of Excellence’.
E2 Media: ‘Our award winners stand out from their competitors due to various reasons, such as unique products, investment in upgrading services, or involvement in the local community. However, they all share an exceptional level of service, which is crucial to any business’.
Simon Wingfield, Founder of Wingfield Consultants commented:
‘This award is in recognition of the work our consultancy does in our local community. We love helping local organisations, businesses, charities, and social enterprises to flourish’.
This is the TWENTIETH award win, finalist, shortlist or nominee recognition for Wingfield Consultants in 2024 and early 2025. It follows:
1.CorporateLiveWire Global Awards 2023-24 for Business Consultancy of the Year – UK win.
2.National Mentoring Awards – Excellence in Mentoring Award win (for Simon Wingfield).
3.SME News Business Elite Awards win for Best Business Growth Solutions Consultancy (East of England).
4.StartUp Awards finalist for Business Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year (East of England).
5.British Business Awards finalist for Small Business of the Year.
6.Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist for Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year (East of England)
7.Previous shortlist position for the Business Awards UK Awards.
8.Business Awards UK Newcomer Business Consultancy of the Year win (Norfolk).
9.Business Awards UK CEO/Director of the Year win (Norfolk – Simon Wingfield).
10.South Norfolk Community Awards nominee for Business in the Community.
11.‘Stevies’ Silver at The International Business Awards. An Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility Award.
12.Scale-Up Awards finalist for the ESG & Social Impact category.
13.BQF Patron’s Award 2025: Excellent Organisations Doing Excellent Things category shortlist.
14.UK Business Awards 2024 – Finalist for Leader of the Year.
15.Top 100 Influential People- Winner (for Simon Wingfield).
16.Business Brilliance Awards 2025 –Finalist in the Brand Brilliance category.
17.Enterprise Nation Adviser Awards 2024 – Finalist in the Social Impact and Sustainability category.
18.Global Leaders and Business Awards 2025 – Winner in the Management Consulting category.
19.Business Awards UK 2025 – Winner in the Best International Consultancy category.
After 2 years of searching in the final part of 2012 The RedCat Partnership has finally found a suitable provider of eLearning the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
The CIEH is one of the most respected awarding bodies that provide training and we are excited to be able to increase our portfolio;
NB we are still delivering face to face training but see eLearning as a valuable addition to the courses we offer- and eLearning has enabled us to blend the traditional face to face courses- reducing time & cost to clients
What is eLearning?
eLearning is another way of studying – you are no longer tied down to fixed dates and times. eLearning increases flexibility and you can complete your study at a date and time to suit you; it is therefore more convienient. Clients can chose for the staff still to undertake the training at work or at home
Some of the advantages of CIEH eLearning:
– Learning is self-paced – you chose your pace and you can go back over the modules covered
– Learning is self directed
– The eLearning incorporates different delivery methods – it is varied and engaging
-The content is fresh and modern
– It does not require physical attendance
-You have the support of one of the RedCat team to help you should you need any assistance
-We can also provide a course book if we believe this is beneficial (e.g. for Level 2 Food Safety)
-There are instant reports and training records
-There are revision questions and activities
-There is an end test with a record of completion that you can print off
What eLearning courses are available?
Level 1 – induction level:
-Level 1 Food Safety
-Level 1 Health and Safety
-Introduction to First Aid
-Introduction to Environmental Awareness
Level 2 – suitable for all employees:
– Level 2 Food Safety
– Level 2 Health and Safety
– Level 2 COSHH (Hazardous Substances)
– Level 2 Principles of Manual Handling
-Level 2 Fire Safety
Interested in a course?
– What to do : Call us to discuss your training options
– Booking: We will require a booking form to be completed and then we will invoice you (payment by BACS is required)
– Cost: This depends on the package selected: see individual course flyers & the quantity booked
– After booking: You will receive and email with your ‘log in’ details. After logging in for the first time you will need to change your password and remember to exit correctly from each module – you are free to progress at your own pace! To check requirements and the view a demo vist www.cieh-elearning.com
– Support: The RedCat team are on hand to help at any (reasonable) time.
Catherine joined Leathes Prior in March 2011, and during her period of training she undertook seats in Employment, Wills Trusts & Probate and Dispute Resolution.
Catherine is originally from Barnsley, where she gained 5 A levels at A grade, before graduating from the University of East Anglia with an 2:1 law degree in 2006. She completed her Legal Practice Course in Leeds in 2008 before joining Rotherham based law-firm Waring Associates as a Legal Assistant where she worked for three years gaining extensive experience particularly in the field of employment law. It was perhaps no surprise, therefore, to discover that Catherine found her feet within Leathes Prior’s Employment Team, where she will now remain.
Catherine comments on her appointment: “I am delighted to have secured a position upon qualification both at Leathes Prior and within the Employment Team in particular. I have a very keen interest in this area of law and have greatly enjoyed working with the Team as a Trainee. I look forward to committing myself to our busy Team and the firm and assisting in future growth and development”
Dan Chapman, Head of the Employment Team commented: “I am thrilled about Catherine’s arrival. She is a good lawyer with excellent technical skills and will be a great addition to the team; her experience in employment law already far exceeds her level of qualification as a Solicitor and she will be a real asset for us and our clients.”
Great Yarmouth based market-leading energy production technology services company Proserv has bolstered its rapidly-evolving global footprint and specialist integrated services after acquiring major US company, Total Instrumentation & Controls (TIC).
The acquisition of Houston-based TIC, which specialises in advanced process and control systems equipment and has a second manufacturing facility in Lafayette (LA), also significantly increases Proserv’s talent pool by more than 300 people to over 1600 with the entire American-based workforce joining forces with the company under the Proserv mantle.
TIC provides a broad range of installation and maintenance services to equipment manufacturing, drilling, production and pipeline companies. Specialising in blow-out prevention (BOP) stacking and installation services for offshore applications, the company manufactures drilling and production control systems and supplies ancillary subsea components such as remote terminal units (RTUs) and topside umbilical termination units (TUTUs).
The deal reinforces Proserv’s position as a leading player in the drilling and production controls market and provides the company with enhanced capabilities to expand its offering into the BOP subsea controls and services sector.
David Lamont, Proserv’s chief executive officer, said: “The acquisition of TIC is completely in line with our ambitious growth strategy – investing in companies and complementary world-class technologies that strengthen our suite of innovative products and services.
“This is a significant development for Proserv as TIC is a leading independent contractor to subsea BOP manufacturers, meaning the deal will create a greater strong-hold for Proserv in the Gulf of Mexico market, enhancing our integrated capabilities. In turn, this will allow us to cross-sell Proserv products and services through TIC’s customer base, creating considerably more capacity to develop our international business.
“Existing product lines, such as our Gilmore Valve range, are complemented by TIC’s service offering and will enable us to provide the offshore and land based drilling sector with a more comprehensive drilling controls solution.
“We are thrilled to welcome the TIC team to Proserv. They bring a broad range of technical skills and experience, but most importantly they share our core values and ambition to be the provider of choice to our customers and together, as one company, we are even stronger.”
Steve Lykins, chief operating officer at TIC, said: “We are delighted to become part of the Proserv family and believe it will create a unique opportunity to grow our business to benefit our customers and our people.
“TIC has been a leading expert in process control and safety shutdown systems and services for over 20 years and through Proserv’s global footprint and world-class portfolio of services, we can look to strengthen our service capabilities and accelerate our international expansion.”
Proserv is a market-leading company specialising in exploration & production, drilling, and infrastructure technical solutions and services to the global energy industry. The company operates worldwide from 30 sites in 6 geographical regions namely North UK & Africa, South UK & Europe, Scandinavia, the Americas, Middle East & North Africa and the Far East & Australia.
Proserv has experienced exceptional growth over the past 12 months particularly in the subsea services sector. Earlier this year, more than 300 members of Weatherford staff joined Proserv when the company’s subsea controls subsidiaries were acquired in May.
The new Children and Families Bill passed its second reading on 25 February 2013 in the House of Commons. The Bill extends the statutory rights that both parents have in their children’s upbringing.
The new Children and Families Bill passed its second reading on 25 February 2013 in the House of Commons. The Bill extends the statutory rights that both parents have in their children’s upbringing.
The Bill provides statutory recognition that it is in the child’s interest for both parents to remain involved in the child’s life, unless the child is at risk of harm, stating, “to presume, unless the contrary is shown” that the involvement of each of the child’s parents in his or her life “will further the child’s welfare”.
The Bill also replaces the current “residence” and “contact” orders with a single “child arrangements” order. This will set out where the children live and how much time they spend with the other parent. This is a welcome change as too often separated parents focus on whether one parent should have the label of a contact or a shared residence order, even though they have agreed the division of time. It will also help parents to move away from terminology with implies that there is a winner or a loser in disputes concerning children.
The Bill also contains further rights for employees in respect of parental leave and more rights for couples expecting a child. Flexible working requests will be considered from all employees, not just those who are parents or carers.
Further updates will be available on the Steeles Law website as the Children and Families Bill progresses through Parliament.