AS THE CRISIS UNFOLDED 12 MONTHS EARLIER, THE RESPONSE FROM NORSE GROUP AND OUR EMPLOYEES DEMONSTRATED OUR COLLECTIVE RESOLVE.

MELISSA MOODEY LOOKS BACK AT OUR JOURNEY AND THE ROLE WE PLAYED.

In the face of adversity, our employees, partners, and suppliers came together, echoing our ethos of extending a hand in times of need. Fundraisers sprang into action, essential supplies were gathered, and individuals’ and families’ homes across the UK opened to those displaced by the conflict. Our concerted effort with Norfolk Polonia CIC, a local non-governmental organisation based in Norwich, and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service quickly became a robust humanitarian aid initiative. Over 85 Norse Group employees gave their time sorting, packing, and preparing donated items for onward shipment. Transportation was challenging, but undeterred, lorries and vans from local hauliers laden with urgent supplies embarked on the daunting 1500-mile journey to war-torn Ukraine and neighbouring Poland and Slovakia. Dorota Darnell, Director of Norfolk Polonia, said, “The contribution that Norse Group has given us over these past few months has been invaluable. The unwavering commitment and aid have made a huge difference to those most affected.” Our efforts were more comprehensive than just logistics and volunteers. Our Catering and Cleaning divisions, along with a number of our partners, stepped up, providing much-needed food, medical, and sanitation supplies to support the cause. During one of our meetings with Norfolk Polonia, meeting with a refugee fleeing the war torn country was particularly moving. We were introduced to Tatiana, a 34-year old Ukrainian woman who fled her homeland in Crimea during the conflict to settle in Norwich. Tatiana’s journey, filled with bravery, loss, and resilience, put a face to the countless stories of those affected by the war. With the support of Norfolk Polonia and our local community, Tatiana has found her footing here, securing employment, and is beginning to rebuild her life. Her story was a poignant reminder of the human faces behind the crisis. Reflecting on Norse Group’s involvement, CEO Justin Galliford said, “I’m immensely proud of our team, whose compassion and dedication demonstrated our commitment to improving lives, not just within the communities we serve, but in the face of global crises too.” A year on, the war is still ongoing. But the lessons learned from our collective response remind us that unity and compassion can create waves of change. We may not be donating and volunteering to the same extent today, but the memory of our response to the crisis is a testament to the spirit of Norse Group. It’s a reminder that we can pull together to make a difference when it matters most. As we mark this pivotal anniversary, we stand proud of our employees, whose tireless work has helped improve lives and instilled a sense of hope during challenging times. Their efforts reflect our enduring commitment to making a difference in any way we can. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. To our Norse volunteers who gave their time during work, those who supported local donation drives, and to our colleagues across the business who participated in their own ways for Ukraine. Your collective efforts have touched lives and proved that together, we can weather any storm. Though the conflict continues,we remain hopeful that compassion, unity, and resilience will continue to shine through the darkness.

After 17 years, we’ll say a sad farewell to Rick Necchi, Group IT Director, who will retire at the end of June. We caught up with Rick to talk about his career with Norse.

ONE MAGAZINE: Rick, you’ve been with the organisation for a few years. When did you join Norse Group? RICK NECCHI: I joined NPS Property Consultants in June 2006, having worked in the manufacturing industry for 30 years. OM: Can you tell us about your journey with Norse Group? How did you start, and what led you to your current role as Group IT Director? RN: Only NPS and NCS existed back then, with NPS forming the largest part of the business. joined as NPS Eastern area IT Manager. Initially, IT departments were associated with the larger NPS Joint Ventures across England, with NCS predominantly Norfolk based. In 2011, the local autonomous IT centres were collapsed into a Group-wide service managed from Norwich. This was a preparatory step for the future; consequently, I assumed the role of Group IT Director.

OM: What do you believe are your most significant accomplishments during your time at Norse Group?

RN: The Group has changed so much in my 17 years; aligning the service to the rapid growth, including the Care division and the construction of the Norse data centre in 2012, was a significant achievement. But this was only achieved with the excellent staff in the IT Team. OM: Regarding innovation and emerging technologies, which ones are you most excited about, and how do they impact Norse Group? RN: The advancement of Artificial Intelligence embedded with the software will exponentially impact business. There is considerable debate amongst public and business commentators about the future, but companies will see changes similar to the technological impacts experienced 30 years ago. It is incredibly encouraging that Norse has invested in One Project, which provides a step onto this technological ladder. OM: What have been the most rewarding aspects of your role as Group IT Director. RN: Working with a great team of good people and contributing to what will remain a considerable player in the market. OM: What is the biggest misconception about IT teams? RN: That they are all like “The IT Crowd” on TV! The best IT support is one that is part of the business, open and communicative. Not all IT teams have those attributes, but ours does. OM: Finally, what do you plan to do after retirement? RN: I will enjoy more time with my family, particularly my young Grandson. I have a range of interests, but developing my art with more exhibiting, commissioning, and restoring and riding the classic motorcycles I have accumulated are top of my list!

OM: Thanks for your time, Rick, and on behalf of all your colleagues at Norse Group, we wish you all the very best in your retirement.