Local Business News

Vanilla Completes Acquisition Of Bela Electronic Designs

Vanilla Electronics Ltd, based in Thetford, has announced the completion of its first acquisition - leading electronics manufacturing services business, Bela Electronic Designs Ltd, with the support of Literacy Capital. The strategic acquisition sees Vanilla strengthen its technical capability in providing complex electronics design and manufacturing activities, whilst providing a stronger foothold on early product development to its global manufacturing customer base. Founded in 1986, by Mike Lafratta, Bela is now regarded as the one of the market leaders in the small to medium volume high complexity manufacturing niche. Bela have worked hard to establish an excellent reputation in the design and manufacture of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and the management team has ensured that the business remains close to its core values based primarily on service and integrity. Vanilla Electronics, formed in 2002, provide supply chain services to global technology manufacturers, consolidating their typically complex supply chains, leading to operational and financial benefits and longevity in relationships. Shipping over a million parts per day from their 25,000 square foot automated warehouse, Vanilla offers a fully outsourced service. From design, material procurement, kitting, manufacturing, through to end-customer order fulfilment, product returns, warranty, repair and re-supply. Dan Croft, CEO at Vanilla Group, said: “Bela’s technical and highly proficient PCB design and manufacturing services perfectly complement Vanilla’s supply chain. The new partnership will provide manufacturing customers worldwide with a fully scalable manufacturing service, from early product design, design for manufacture support, through to volume production.” Mike Lafratta, MD at Bela, said: “Thanks to all those who have helped me develop Bela over the past 35 years. This new collaboration is a great opportunity to provide a new level of growth. Michael, Dan and Matt will continue to develop those values that we have held close, providing excellent customer service, beyond expectations, in the field of electronic design and manufacture.

(L to R) Matt Negus CFO of Vanilla Electronics, Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, Liz Truss MP, Secretary of State for International Trade and Dan Croft CEO of Vanilla Electronics

Vanilla continues to look at other acquisitions that add technical, regional and commercial value to the Vanilla Group and its customers.

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Hello everyone, and I hope you are all well. This month I would like to draw your attention to Scams and specifically raise the profile of what is known as ‘Courier Fraud’. Currently, Police are urging members of the public to be vigilant following a number of telephone scams across the county. Recently Officers have received several reports in which victims have been contacted by fraudsters claiming to be Police Officers. Examples of these reports include an incident which happened in February when the victim, a woman aged in her 70s and from the Wymondham area, was contacted by a fraudster purporting to be a Police Officer. During the call the victim was encouraged to transfer large amounts of money from her bank account, after being coerced into believing that she was part of an undercover police operation. She was conned out of £30,000. Another incident, also reported in February involved a man aged in his 20s, and from the Norwich area, again he was contacted by a fraudster purporting to be a Police Officer. The caller had cloned the Norfolk Police number, making the victim believe that he was speaking to a genuine Police Officer. Courier Fraud happens when a fraudster contacts a victim by telephone claiming to be a Police Officer, bank or from a government department, among other agencies. A number of techniques will then be adopted in order to convince the victim to hand over their bank details or cash, which may then be passed on to a courier. Residents are reminded that neither the police nor your bank will ever ask you to withdraw or transfer money or purchase items. Further advice includes:

• Police officers, banks and other government agencies will NEVER ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to another account as part of an undercover operation. • They will NEVER ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN. • The police will NEVER send someone to your address to collect money, cards or PIN Numbers or ask you to deliver these to another location. Try these steps if you are approached: • STOP – take a moment to think before parting with your money or information. • CHALLENGE – Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests, only criminals will try to rush or panic you. • PROTECT – Contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen victim to a scam and make sure that you Report it. You can confirm requests are genuine by using a known number or email address to contact the organisations directly. Ask for ID from individuals who have approached you. If you're asked to telephone a bank, then always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on. If anyone has received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents. Contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Radium. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you believe a crime is in progress, always call 999. For further advice, visit the Action Fraud website: www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

PC Gilluley, Community Engagement Officer Norfolk Constabulary