Setting up a new business can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to think about – from choosing the right structure to VAT, tax payroll and how to pay yourself. So, it really helps to have a trusted advisor you can turn to.
Book a one-to-one session and talk to an experienced advisor from Larking Gowen who will offer their impartial opinion and expert advice, to help your business start-up, grow and thrive
These one-hour, confidential advice sessions are free, and held in Cromer Library. Booking is essential via our Eventbrite page.
Join us in your local office to hear how your business can get ready for Making Tax Digital. This breakfast seminar will take place between 7.45 am and 9.30 am at our Norwich office. What is Making Tax Digital? Being introduced in April 2019, Making Tax Digital will revolutionise the way in which businesses will need to maintain records for HMRC. Initially, HMRC will require businesses with a turnover greater than the VAT threshold to maintain digital records, but eventually, it is expected to be rolled out across all areas of tax. We look forward to seeing you there.
Are you ready for Hydrogen? With the global drive for clean energy for homes, transport and industry the balance of power is more important than ever before.
With sources and access to energy being separated in to smaller and more diverse fractions; Solar, Wind, Nuclear, Bio-Mass, Geo thermal at-al, as well as traditional; Oil, GAS, and Coal, what are the common denominators for an energy dense, distributed system? Can we keep our insatiable appetite for energy consumption and its production, joined up?
Join Proeon System’s Dr Dorian Hindmarsh and Randall Williams, as we explore Hydrogen as an Energy facilitator, from the basics through to generation, transport and consumption. Covering safety, the rainbow of colours, and why some think it is the wonder transition fuel of the future.
This event will be punchy, factual, and focused, and delegates will leave informed and enlightened in the potential future world of H2.
Proeon Systems are a specialist control systems provider providing comprehensive robust systems for the energy sector and beyond. With key expertise in Gas safety, Hazardous area, and Process control Proeon’s sector knowledge is seen as market leading and they advise and provide services to a number of National Infrastructure Energy Facilities.
Dr Dorian Hindmarsh, has been involved in the Cleantech and Clean Energy sectors for 20 years, and has operated businesses developing Hydrogen production technology both here in the UK and Scandinavia before supporting Proeon.
Randall Williams (BSc, GIFireE) has been working in the fire safety industry since 1988 as a Fire Alarm Engineer and Fire Risk Assessor. Randall was a member of the BSI Committee which drafted BS 60080 and he leads the Fire & Gas Team at Proeon Systems Limited in Norwich, (UK).
Randall Williams has been working in the fire safety industry since 1988 as a Senior Fire Alarm Engineer and Fire Risk Assessor. He is an experienced Fire Risk Assessor specialising in Industrial Fire and Gas Risk Management. Randall leads the Fire & Gas Team at Proeon Systems in Norwich, UK. He is a Graduate Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (GIFireE) in 2013 and graduated with BSc Fire Protection Management & Technology from California State University, Los Angeles, California in 1986.
James, Senior Leasehold Surveyor, awarded Highly Commended as a finalist for Valuer of the Year 2025
Exciting news at Watsons Property Group
We’re delighted to share James Laughlin LLB (Hons), PGDip, AssocRICS, our Senior Leasehold Surveyor & Registered Valuer, achieved Highly Commended following his shortlisting as Finalist for Valuer of the Year 2025, at News on the Block’s The Apartment Adviser Awards.
At the heart of Watsons is a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering excellence in property services. From expert Chartered Surveyors and Registered Valuers to Property Managers and finance professionals, every member plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless experience. We pride ourselves on the expertise and dedication of our team, and this recognition is a well-deserved spotlight on James’ outstanding contribution to both our business and the wider property sector over the last decade.
Formerly known as the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards (ERMAs), The Apartment Adviser Awards is a celebration of the latest developments and leading talent in the leasehold property sector – celebrating excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions within enfranchisement, right to manage, and more. We’re incredibly proud to see James’ exceptional efforts recognised amongst such fantastic industry peers.
Over the past 12 months, James has made a significant impact in his role, combining technical excellence with a passion for education and thought leadership. From leading internal training sessions for our nationwide surveyor network to advising solicitors across the UK, James has played a pivotal role in demystifying complex leasehold issues – particularly around the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
His expertise in enfranchisement valuation has directly benefited our clients, many of whom have secured considerable savings thanks to James’ deep understanding of the property sector and ongoing developments impacting valuation. Whether delivering the latest insights at Watsons’ Annual Surveyors Conference or supporting a leaseholder through a challenging negotiation, James approaches every case with expertise, support, and confidence.
This achievement is a testament to his commitment to excellence in client communications, service, and quality of service. In every case, James focuses on simplifying complex leasehold matters and delivering clear, tailored advice.
Our commitment to excellence for leaseholders and solicitors
James’ award recognition is just one example of our commitment to delivering property services of the highest standards to the nation. From valuation to property management, we invest in industry accredited training and qualifications, the latest technology, and regularly review feedback from our clients to ensure every client receives a service that is prompt, reliable, and informed by leading industry expertise.
As national property specialists with over 130 years of property experience, our mission remains the same – to support our clients with honest advice, local knowledge, and professional insight you can trust.
Thank you
We’re very proud to see James regognised at national level, reflecting his remarkable efforts to our clients and the wider leasehold sector. We’d like to thank our clients, colleagues, and professional partners for the continued trust you place in Watsons. With your support, our professionals like James, can make a difference to the lives of leaseholders, solicitors, and more, across the nation.
Contact Our Team
Our property specialists are here to support you through enfranchisement valuations, ensuring ground rent is accurately valued, and you are best prepared for negotiations to pay an equitable price for your leasehold valuation.
Get in touch today to discover more about our award-winning services.
Leasehold and Valuation Specialists:
18 Meridian Way, Meridian Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0TA
Looking to improve your organisation’s security and connect with other local businesses?
From digital threats like hacking and phishing to physical threats like theft and vandalism, business owners need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to ensure the safety and security of their operations both online and offline.
Join us at Norwich City Football Club for an engaging and informative event where industry experts will share insights on the latest threats to business security and how you can protect your organisation.
With presentations from Benn Morris, Managing Director at 3B Data Security and Clinton Button, Managing Director at Check Your Security, you’ll discover practical tips and strategies for managing your security risks online and offline.
Throughout the day, there will be the opportunity to have some lunch, network with other local businesses, and guest appearances from Darren Huckerby and other Norwich City Football Club legends!
Profits from the event will be donated to local charities – Norwich City Community Sports Foundation and Priscilla Bacon Hospice. We’ll also be holding a charity auction on the day, with items including a fully signed Norwich City Shirt from this season!
Limited spaces are available, so book your place today!
Event Details
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Date: 19th May 2023
Location: Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, NR1 1JE
This event is one of the UEA’sInaugural Lectures, exploring cutting-edge ideas with UEA’s newest professors. All talks take place at 6.30pm and are followed by a drinks reception.
Disruptive Innovation and Optimal Policy Responses – Prof Kai Uwe Kuhn – School of Economics, UEA
New business models and disruptive innovation have dramatically changed how markets function and challengedexisting regulatory frameworks from competition policyto labour regulations. This lecture analyses the underlyingprocess by which rapid innovation comes about, and how toredesign regulatory policy to respond to these challenges.
Free, no need to book. For more information: call 01603 592130, visit the UEA Events website or email with further enquiries.
This one day course is a must have qualification for all employees in the Food and Hospitality sector and will enable delegates to:
*Take personal responsibility for food safety procedures *Keep themselves clean and hygienic *Receive and store food safely * Prepare, cook and hold food safely *Assessing and evaluating the learning
The subjects covered are:
1. Food safety hazards; what can harm the consumer? 2. Safe food storage; food handling & cross contamination 3. Temperature control; refrigeration and chilling 4. Cooking, hot holding and reheating 5. Cleaning and disinfection 6. Pest control 7. Food premises and equipment 8. Legislation
Prerequisites: None-just enthusiasm (but basic spoken English/ literacy does help)
Duration: One day training programme (09:00-16:30)
Cost: £90 +VAT includes examination fees and lunch
Course Tutor: Our courses and tutors are overseen bySarah Daniels & Richard Mills are both Chartered Environmental Health Practitioners, having spent over 25 years each in the profession.
The RedCat Partnership has been providing food safety training & consultancy in Norfolk, East Anglia & nationally for over 19 years.
Mystery are a cutting-edge progressive rock band from Montreal Quebec. After 9 albums released, the Canadian group has become one of the most popular and respected progressive rock bands in the world. With concerts all over the world and their lead singer also fronting legendary progressive rock band Yes, Mystery have created a unique and enchanting world with their sophisticated symphonic rock sound.
Recording albums over the years with guest musicians such as Daryl Stuermer (Genesis, Phil Collins), Nick D’Virgillio (Tears for Fears, Spock’s Beard) and Richard Lanthier (April Wine) and more, the Mystery Live Band always delivers a stunning live show with music that reaches the hearts of fans worldwide
Find out more about UEA’s PGCE programmes at our Secondary Open Event on Wednesday 7 October, 18:30-20:30.
The Open Event will start with a General Information Talk about training to teach in the Secondary (11-18 years age range), then there will be the opportunity for attendees to speak directly to subject tutors, current students and newly qualified teachers.
Members of the admissions team will also be available to offer advice on all admissions related questions, including: – degree subject requirements – GCSE and A level grade requirements – how to gain school experience – the professional skills tests – fees, funding and bursary information
The team behind East Anglia’s biggest and growing 90s night are delighted to bring you news of their next fantastic event.
And this time round, lovers of 90s Britpop and indie are in for a real treat as Nigel Clark, lead singer of Dodgy, will be appearing armed with both an acoustic guitar and behind the decks.
As part of Common People 6, we are delighted to announce an intimate acoustic set of Dodgy classics will take place before the main event for 200 lucky ticket holders and at just £2 more.
The normal Common People night will follow with Nigel performing behind the decks, along with our regular DJs across two rooms bringing you the best 90s indie, Britpop, Dance and chill.
Dodgy were one of the most popular bands of the 90s, with a top 10 album behind them and a string of top 20 hits including Staying Out For The Summer, In A Room and Good Enough.
Over the past two years this twice yearly event has built up a reputation as a not to be missed evening full of surprises. Previous DJs have included Steve Lamacq, Bez, Rick Witter of Shed 7, Dave Rowntree of Blur and Mark Morris from The Bluetones.
Please Note
This is an 18+ event – click here for venue T’s & C’s
Refunds will only be given if the event is cancelled or postponed.
A percentage of our booking fee goes towards the running of the OPEN Youth Trust charity.
This course is aimed at HR professionals – each module will take a topic that is designed to provide delegates with working knowledge of employment law, in a way that you can use practically within your organisation.
We are delighted to invite you to the first exquisite fine dining event in Great Yarmouth at The Priory 1101. Friday 4th October at 7pm. The cost for this exceptional evening is £49.50 per person.
This exclusive event will be the first of many to come, offering a unique culinary experience in a setting that combines timeless elegance with modern sophistication.
The Priory 1101 has come together with Funnells Kitchen who are dedicated to crafting exquisite dishes that highlight the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Each course is thoughtfully prepared to delight your senses and provide a memorable culinary journey. From delicate starters to sumptuous mains and decadent desserts, our menu is designed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Given the exclusive nature of our fine dining events, we operate on a reservation only basis. Secure your table by reaching out to us at 01493 808101 or via email at enquiries@thepriory1101.co.uk.
As a token of our appreciation for your support, we are pleased to offer all Chambers members a 10% discount. Please quote CHAMBERS10 on booking.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a memorable evening of fine dining and exceptional company.