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University of Suffolk partners with Halo for launch of new apprenticeships announced in National Apprenticeship Week

A leading Suffolk business is partnering with the University of Suffolk on a new Project Management degree apprenticeship.

Technology firm Halo is working with the University to identify recruitment opportunities for the Project Management apprenticeship programme, one of five new apprenticeships that are being launched by the University of Suffolk in 2026 to help address skills needs in the region.

Halo is among a number of businesses coming together with the University to deliver programmes focused on the future workforce skills they need.

All five of the University’s apprenticeships will be Level 6 (degree-level) programmes – Project Manager, Design and Construction Manager, Early Years Teacher, Data Scientist, and Environmental Health Practitioner.

The new programmes, announced during National Apprenticeship Week, have been developed to aid businesses in training new workers and upskilling their staff.

The new additions, subject to validation, will add to the University’s existing portfolio of higher and degree apprenticeship provision, which includes standards in Social Work, Mental Health Nursing, Digital and Technology Solutions Professional and Nursing Associate among others.

Profession Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: ““The University has the potential to drive opportunities and economic growth by providing access to high quality education and training, and by engaging with key businesses and employers in the region.

“We are excited that our developing partnerships, including Halo, are creating a number of pathways for people to access higher education as well as boosting Ipswich as an attractive place to live and work.”

Paul Hamilton, CEO, Halo said: “We are committed to establishing Ipswich as our global HQ and with that build a talented and skilled graduate workforce. By partnering with the University of Suffolk, we can maximise opportunities within the region and support our future employees to increase their skills and access higher education.”

Speaking about the importance of apprenticeships, Marek Hornak, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Careers, Commercial and Academic Partnerships, University of Suffolk said: “The Government has renewed its commitment to ensuring apprenticeship opportunities are available to all, and higher and degree apprenticeships are an important element of the University’s suite of programmes.

“Expanding our offering with five new standards will ensure we can continue to support businesses in Ipswich, Suffolk and the wider region to develop their skilled workforce needs, while learners can benefit from high quality training.”

Apprenticeships offer learners the opportunity to earn while they learn, and can be used to support individuals with their chosen career as well as upskilling or retraining opportunities for existing workers.

The four-year Design and Construction Management degree apprenticeship will deliver training aligned to the career role in managing and co-ordinating building and infrastructure projects, such as design information, compliance with health and safety regulations and a focus on sustainability, risk management and project completion.

The Early Years Teacher degree apprenticeship is aimed at early years practitioners and teaching assistants in nursery or reception classes, with the three-year programme allowing learners to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Early Years alongside Early Years Teacher Status.

The Project Manager standard will cover contemporary project management concepts applicable to various sectors, such as banking, healthcare or government, equipping learners with the skills to manage teams and implement change for efficiencies.

The Data Scientist apprenticeship will train learners to solve complex problems and improve processes by analysing and visualising data, including around statistical analysis, building models and making strategic recommendations.

The Environmental Health Practitioner programme will provide training in areas such as food safety, environmental protection, housing, health and safety and public health.

The University’s data for 2024-25 has a 90.8% overall achievement rate for its apprenticeships, while the University is ranked among the top 20 highest performing universities for small-to-medium university apprenticeship providers in 2023-24, according to government data.

Last year, the University scooped the University of the Year award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards, as well as prizes for Lecturers and Teaching Quality and Student Support.

Skiers, snowboarders and winter sun-seekers set to jet away for half-term

London Stansted is preparing for its busiest week of the year so far, with more than 800,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal over the next 10 days.

Families from London and the East of England will be taking advantage of the half‑term break to enjoy some winter sun, head to the ski slopes, or visit friends and family abroad.

This Saturday (14 Feb), which is also Valentine’s Day, is likely to be one of the busiest days.

Popular winter sun destinations include the Canary Islands, southern Spain, Turkey and Dubai.

Skiers will be flying to well‑known resorts via airports such as Geneva, Chambéry, Grenoble, Turin, Innsbruck and Zurich.

Short European city breaks are also proving popular, with Edinburgh, Vienna, Amsterdam, Dublin and Barcelona among the top picks.

With the busy half‑term period approaching, the airport is reminding passengers to prepare for a smoother journey through security.

All Stansted security lanes now have new scanners, so passengers no longer need to take liquids or electronics out of their bags. However, Government rules still apply, meaning liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. Usual exceptions, such as baby formula and breast milk, are still allowed.

Full details on what passengers can take through security are available on London Stansted’s website, as well as on the UK Government’s website.

Nick Millar, London Stansted’s Operations Director, said: “Our teams are ready to welcome passengers travelling through the airport over the half‑term break, and we want everyone to start their trip as smoothly as possible. There are a few simple things travellers can do that really help. We always suggest checking your airline’s advice on when to arrive, usually two to three hours before your flight, and taking a moment to review the hand‑luggage rules. With our new security scanners, you can leave liquids and electronics in your bag, but all liquids must still be in containers under 100ml. We also encourage passengers to plan their journey to the airport and check for any travel disruption before setting off.”

Greater Norwich issues a call for sites for reviewed Local Plan

The Greater Norwich authorities, Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council and South Norfolk Council, working with Norfolk County Council, are preparing to review the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) which was adopted in March 2024.

This upcoming review is prompted by national planning reform and the government’s new method for calculating housing need, resulting in higher housing targets. In addition, the government has introduced a new plan-making system, which changes the way local plans are prepared.

Starting the review now will help the councils to retain control over where growth happens in the longer term, ensuring new developments are accompanied by the necessary infrastructure, environmental protections, and community benefits.

The review will also focus on the delivery of new strategic settlements. The early identification of possible, sustainable sites for new settlements could reduce the pressure for additional housing allocations in villages and towns.

As part of the early preparation stage, before the review of the GNLP begins, the Greater Norwich authorities have opened a ‘Call for Sites’ running from 9 February 2026 until 23 March 2026. As this is evidence gathering rather than a consultation, there is the possibility that the call for sites may reopen later in the year.

Landowners, developers, and other interested parties are invited to submit sites that may be suitable for housing, employment or other uses. The Greater Norwich authorities will then assess submissions to identify which sites may be suitable to be included in the reviewed local plan. This will form the basis of a future public consultation. For the current GNLP, many more sites than were submitted for consideration than were allocated.

Chair of the GNDP and Leader of South Norfolk Council, Daniel Elmer said: “Maintaining our reputation for successful joint planning is vital. An up-to-date plan doesn’t just meet government mandates; it places the tools for growth directly in the hands of our local communities, ensuring we build homes where they make sense, supported by the roads, employment areas, and green spaces people need.”

Greater Norwich has a long-standing history of leveraging its unique joint planning status to secure major investment for essential infrastructure, such as the funding for the Long Stratton bypass.

The refreshed GNLP will place a heavy emphasis on climate resilience. The review ensures that all future growth aligns with the latest environmental evidence, protecting the region’s natural assets while promoting sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure.

By starting the review before the June 2026 deadline, the Councils are eligible for specific Government funding to offset the costs of plan-making. This includes already secured support for the digitalisation of the planning process, ensuring a more transparent and accessible system for residents.

The Greater Norwich authorities are taking a digital-first approach for all stages of the review of the GNLP, including for site submissions made during the ‘Call for Sites’. The aim of this approach is to speed up the plan-making process, in line with government requirements, and to allow the Greater Norwich authorities to assess submissions more effectively.

House Project celebrates one year anniversary

An innovative scheme in Peterborough which is helping young care leavers to achieve independent futures has celebrated its first anniversary.

Peterborough City Council launched its very own House Project in January 2025 and the scheme has already helped several young people aged between 16 and 18 to learn vital life skills and gain confidence, putting them in control of their futures as they look to start careers and move into their own homes.

Since opening its doors, two cohorts of young people have benefitted from the project, with six young people from the first cohort already having moved into permanent homes.

Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am absolutely delighted and incredibly proud that the House Project is having such a positive effect, just one year after opening its doors and would like to thank everyone involved.

“This is a unique project which is changing young people’s lives and their prospects for the better. They are gaining practical and emotional skills needed to live independently and to make their house their home when they move into their own accommodation. This is also essential to reducing homelessness among care leavers as experience shows that those care leavers who are equipped with necessary life skills and ongoing support have better, long term outcomes.

“We remain fully committed to improving the experiences, outcomes, and lives of all young people leaving care. These young people will benefit from not only gaining vital life skills but also the sense of community and support of their peer group, giving them the opportunity to succeed and achieve.”

The project was launched as part of the National House Project. The first cohort of 12 people started in January 2025 and graduated in August, taking part in 33 skill-learning sessions. The second cohort of ten young people started in September 2025 and are expected to graduate in April 2026.

Whilst at the House Project, care leavers learn about a range of subjects including finances, energy efficiency, drugs and alcohol, mental health, looking after a home (cleaning and washing), problem solving, general health and first aid, cooking and budgeting, planning, cooking and sharing meals, healthy relationships and cuckooing.

Each young person receives community-based support, tailored to their needs, helping to prepare them for independent living and assist with general life-skills such as managing finances and decision making. Through regular meet ups and one-to-one sessions care leavers get vital advice and skills in areas such as employment, job searching, CV writing, interview techniques, completing applications and setting up business models.

They also learn more about using public transport, dealing with emergencies, health and safety right through to event organisation skills and managing their mental and physical health. As each module is completed, the care leavers receive recognised certificates of qualification from AQA – an organisation that manages achievements and qualifications.

Helping young people build positive relationships with each other and their communities is another key element of the support on offer at the project. They learn about developing relationships with their neighbours in preparation for moving into a permanent home.

Motor trader sentenced after selling dangerous car

A motor trader has been fined following a Trading Standards investigation into the sale of unroadworthy second hand cars in Norfolk.

Paul Mulford of Norwich, trading as Auto Park Norwich, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court for sentencing on Thursday (5 February). He was ordered to pay a £500 fine, £200 victim surcharge and £5,000 in prosecution costs.

It follows a trial at Norwich Magistrates Court on 15 December 2025 where Mr Mulford was found guilty by District Judge Bone of the General Product Safety Regulations offence, for supplying a dangerous product (namely a motor vehicle).

Mr Mulford had admitted that he did not carry out sufficient checks before his vehicles were listed on his website or priced on the forecourt.

In sentencing Mr Mulford, District Judge Bone praised Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards team for their hard work on the investigation.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: “We were pleased to see the court dealing with Mr Mulford. We receive a high number of complaints about second hand car sales, and it is a problem both in Norfolk and nationally. We regularly work with communities to ensure that where unroadworthy vehicles have been sold, we take firm action to help ensure the future safety of our road users. We would encourage people to raise any concerns about second hand car sales via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline.”

Trading Standards Officers had visited Auto Park Norwich in 2024 with an expert vehicle examiner as part of a local initiative to inspect vehicles to identify any that were unsafe or dangerous. Checks were also made on the descriptions of the vehicles against information displayed on business selling platforms. Auto Park Norwich was selected for this operation by Norfolk Trading Standards due to the level of complaints previously received regarding vehicles offered for sale from the premises.

Further inspections in 2025 on other businesses

As a result of the 2024 inspections, Trading Standards officers joined forces with Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary’s Roads Armed Policing Team (RAPT) in 2025 to carry out joint inspections.

These 2025 inspections at locations across Norfolk found that one in three part-worn tyres checked were found to be dangerous and 50% of second-hand cars inspected when offered for sale were found to be unroadworthy.

The first of these joint Trading Standards and Police operations inspected two second-hand car businesses on the safety and roadworthiness of their vehicles, with checks on areas such as accuracy of mileage and MOT validity. Trading Standards officers and RAPT vehicle examiners checked ten vehicles, with just five of them judged to be roadworthy. Some of the areas identified included corrosion to the body work, loose body work, unsecured batteries, no valid MOT certificate, and windows tinted beyond the legal limit.

Officers also visited seven businesses alongside police vehicle examiners to assess 191 part-worn tyres being offered for sale, checking that they met required safety standards and that businesses had taken necessary steps to ensure compliance.

Part-worn tyres are used tyres that have been removed from a vehicle and are being resold for further use on another vehicle. It is illegal to sell part-worn tyres that do not meet specific legal requirements relating to their markings and physical condition.

Only one tyre out of the 191 checked met the legal requirements as to safety and markings, with 69 deemed to be in a dangerous condition. Dangerous faults identified included nails protruding through to the inside of the tyre, cuts exposing the cord, compromised structural rigidity and inadequate repairs.

Trading Standards officers worked with the businesses, to ensure they were compliant with the law after ensuring all identified dangerous cars and tyres had been removed from sale.

Consumers have the right to carry out their own checks on a vehicle before purchasing, and for a small fee can always ask a third party, like the AA or RAC, to carry out an inspection to ensure that what vehicles being considered are safe.

The MOT search function on the Government website allows the public to check the mileage advertised by traders against when MOT assessments have taken place. If you’re purchasing tyres then you should also visit TyreSafe, a charity raising awareness of the importance of correct tyre maintenance, for the safety issues with buying them part-worn and the danger signs to look out for.

Peterborough is the fifth fastest growing city in the UK according to a new report

The 2026 Cities Outlook report, which examines the economic performance of the UK’s 63 largest towns and cities, also showed the Peterborough jobs market has grown by 23.9 per cent – almost a quarter – from 2014 to 2024 giving it the third highest jobs growth.

Councillor Mohammed Farooq, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “By many measures Peterborough is performing well as a city. It had the third highest jobs growth from 2014 to 2024 when compared to 62 other cities and the fifth highest population growth over the same period at 14.2 per cent which was twice the national average.

“It also has the 13^th highest number of businesses per 10,000 people, the 14^th highest ratio of private to public sector jobs, and the 16^th highest housing stock growth. Peterborough was even in the top third of cities for productivity at £40/hr, just slightly below the national average of £41.3/hr.

“This shows we are making real progress in building a bigger, better Peterborough for our residents. However, we are also mindful there is still work to be done to raise living standards for Peterborough people.

“Our growth plans now are now focussing on bringing more highly skilled and highly paid jobs to give our residents higher levels of disposable income to make Peterborough a city of opportunity for all. Working with our partners in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Homes England, ARU-Peterborough and others we want to create an environment that attracts substantial investment into regeneration, that supports our businesses to grow, to innovate, and to diversify, and gives Peterborough residents both present and future a city they can be proud of where they want to live and spend time.”

The annual Cities Outlook Report is written by national think tank Centre for Cities and can be viewed here www.centreforcities.org/cities-outlook/

Last Friday (30 January) the Leader of Peterborough City Council, Cllr Shabina Qayyum, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow and city MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling were among the panellists at the Peterborough Growth Summit hosted by the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce at Anglia Ruskin University Peterborough.

The summit was part of the chamber’s calendar of events to mark its centenary in Peterborough. It gathered together business leaders, entrepreneurs, public-sector partners and community stakeholders to explore how Peterborough has transformed – and how we build on that momentum.

£3 billion investment to support future expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus

The Assets and Procurement Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed its partnership with Prologis to support the future expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The committee heard that 67 acres of land, owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, is being put forward to allow the Campus’ next phase of growth, aligned with delivery of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Councillors approved the land deal with Prologis, as development partner, for the next two phases of expansion at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC), marking an important milestone in the long-term evolution of Europe’s foremost life sciences campus. The proposed expansion would significantly increase its scale and capability, strengthening its international role as one of the most important centres for biomedical innovation.

The decision enables Prologis to progress preparatory work on Phases three and four of CBC, representing up to £3 billion ($4 billion) of private investment over the next two decades. The ambition is to double the size of CBC, whilst delivering significant economic, social and infrastructure benefits for Cambridgeshire.

Phases three and four will deliver up to 2.4 million sq ft of life science research, development and innovation space, designed to support organisations at every stage of growth. The emerging vision includes an innovation hub with co-working laboratories, learning spaces, a skills and training centre, keyworker serviced apartments and offices for life science support companies. Proposals include investment in transport infrastructure, green spaces and a community fund.

Cllr Karen Young, Chair of the Assets and Procurement Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The Cambridge Biomedical Campus is Europe’s largest centre for medical research and health science, and this decision represents an important step in supporting its long-term growth.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Cambridgeshire and the UK more widely. It will deliver fantastic facilities, thousands of jobs, accelerate scientific innovation, and will be a huge boost to Cambridgeshire’s economy.
“We had 20 acres of land allocated in the 2018 South Cambridgeshire District Council Local Plan, and we’re now asking Prologis to continue to promote a further 47 acres of land. This will give the council a future commercial return, subject to planning permission, that will be used to help deliver our key services, support our ambitions, with a focus on reducing health inequalities, promoting growth, achieving NetZero and investing in our communities.”

New amenities under consideration include a café, community rooms, event spaces and educational facilities. Land may also be made available for the two new hotels, providing leisure and conferencing facilities and offering affordable accommodation for staff, visitors and NHS patients, subject to planning approval.

Infrastructure and connectivity form a central part of the proposals. Subject to approvals, the investment could support the early delivery of a Southern Access Road and enhanced public transport and active travel initiatives to improve access to the campus. An on-campus nursery and new central Plaza are being explored support the creation of a vibrant, inclusive campus environment.

Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK, said: “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to the long-term success of Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Phases 3 and 4 are about taking a thoughtful, place-led approach to future growth, working with Cambridgeshire County Council and the Campus’s world-leading institutions.
“We are proud of our long-standing role at the Campus and look forward to progressing these proposals, to support Cambridge’s global position in life science innovation.”

A £4m community-focused investment fund is proposed to support local initiatives and deliver long-term social value. Life Sciences and Placemaking Advisory Boards will be established to support inclusive governance and ensure that decision making regarding Phases three and four reflects local priorities.

CBC is already home to leading institutions including AstraZeneca’s global headquarters, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK.

The County Council agreed to grant an option to specialist developer, Prologis UK Ltd, to acquire its land interests, on a long leasehold basis, conditional on Prologis securing planning consent required for the expansion of the campus.

Refuge responds to Part Two of the Leveson Review

Responding to Part Two of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, Bo Bottomley, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Refuge, said:

“The impact of backlogs in the criminal courts on survivors of domestic abuse cannot be overstated. As well as hindering survivors’ access to justice, court delays can be deeply traumatic. Some survivors we support at Refuge are now seeing trial dates set for 2028, while others tell us that they have given up hope.

“As Part Two of the Leveson Review rightly highlights, there is an urgent need to tackle inefficiencies across the criminal justice system (CJS) as a whole to help reduce court backlogs. Improved collaboration between the police and Crown Prosecution Service, as recommended in the review, will be vital in improving outcomes for survivors, but measures to improve efficiency must be coupled with sustained funding for specialist support services.

“Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), in particular, play a vital role in helping survivors navigate the court process. Yet chronic underfunding has created a postcode lottery in access to IDVA support, meaning many survivors are left to navigate trauma and legal complexities alone. This can lead many to drop out of proceedings, leaving them without the justice they deserve. As the Government considers recommendations from the Review, it must remember that without properly resourced support services, the CJS cannot deliver better outcomes for survivors.

“Alongside investment in specialist support, there is a vital need for mandatory, trauma-informed domestic abuse training for professionals throughout the criminal justice system. Too often, survivors are met with inconsistent, or worse, inadequate responses from those who are supposed to protect them. This reflects the widespread lack of understanding of the dynamics and lasting impact of domestic abuse amongst court professionals, including judges and magistrates. This must be addressed through comprehensive, survivor-centred training.

“Court delays can prolong trauma and uncertainty for survivors, but efforts to reduce backlogs must go hand in hand with sustainable funding for support services and mandatory specialist training for court professionals. Reform is urgently needed, but it must be firmly grounded in the safety and wellbeing of survivors, to ensure a future where women and their children feel protected by the justice system.”

Norwich University of the Arts Earns Prestigious 4-Star QS Stars Rating

Norwich University of the Arts has been awarded an overall four-star rating in the prestigious QS Stars University Ratings, marking a significant milestone in the University’s first-ever submission to the internationally recognised assessment framework.

The QS Stars system evaluates universities worldwide across a broad range of indicators, including teaching quality, learning environment, sustainability, employability and research.

Norwich University of the Arts delivered a strong performance across the framework, receiving the maximum five-star ratings in Teaching, Facilities, Good Governance, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, alongside four-star ratings in Research and Innovation and Employability and Outcomes.

This maximum five-star rating for teaching quality sits alongside the University’s Gold TEF rating, representing the strongest possible endorsement of Norwich University of the Arts’ learning environment.

The results highlight the University’s strengths as a specialist creative institution and its growing leadership in creative education. This global accolade comes as Norwich continues to strengthen its international presence, with a clear ambition to deliver increased opportunities for students across the world.

Professor Ben Stopher, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, said:

“We are delighted to have achieved an overall four-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings at our first attempt. This outcome is a strong endorsement of the quality of the learning experience at Norwich University of the Arts, our leadership in sustainability, and the commitment of our staff and students. This rating affirms Norwich University of the Arts’ commitment to academic excellence and our mission to deliver impactful creative education and research on a global stage.”

Over the past decade, the University has invested significantly in outstanding facilities and learning environments, including new courses in business, marketing, psychology and esports, and a state-of-the-art Virtual Production Studio developed in partnership with Sony, placing Norwich at the forefront of digital storytelling and next-generation filmmaking in the UK.

As Norwich University of the Arts continues to develop its international partnerships, research activity, and industry engagement, the QS Stars outcome provides a strong benchmark for future progress and reinforces the University’s ambition to expand its academic profile while ensuring its students and wider community are well equipped to succeed in shaping the global creative economy.