The regeneration project at Freebridge’s Hillington Square estate in King’s Lynn has won another award in the Eastern Region Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards last night in Bury St Edmunds.
The award which was given in the Regeneration category was presented torepresentatives of Freebridge Community Housing, Field + Mawson LLP – the architects currently working on the project, Lovell Partnership – the construction firm who completed work on the first four stages and G C Baxter & Associates – quantity surveyors on the project.
As a winner of the Eastern Region award the regeneration project is now put forward to the National RICS awards that will take place on the 4th October in London.
The RICS judges commended the team behind the project “as two thirds through its overall redevelopment, the benefits to the local residents and surrounding community can be seen already” and stated that the work completed so far “has not only improved the standard of living for its residents, but improved their sense of belonging, safety and community”.
Tony Hall, Freebridge’s Chief Executive, said “We are delighted that the Hillington Square project has won another award, and are particularly pleased that it won in the Regeneration category. It was always our intention from the outset to ensure that the work we needed to do with the estate extended to more than just the refurbishment of the existing buildings and an award like this means that others agree that this approach was the right one and one that is working.”
Work on the Hillington Square project continues with tenders being currently sought for the next stage of construction work, after which plans will be made for the completion of the final phases.
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Case Study: Chatsbrook Help Local Fisherman To Live His Dream
Sometimes you can go years with the intention of investing in your dreams, but something like needing a new car, roof or having to pay for a wedding may grab the attention of your purse strings instead. This is what happened to Simon Bywater.
Since 1984, Simon and his brothers have run a successful, independent fishing business. From listening to Simon speak about his experience with his brothers, you are able to get a clear understanding of how tight-knit they are. The most beautiful aspect that he relayed was how much they share. Not only do they share an enormous amount of time together, but they each share facilities, knowledge AND their own catches if one doesn’t have enough to fulfil an order.
This is why it is important to Chatsbrook to continue to support and protect local, family run businesses.
Although Simon has always enjoyed working with his brothers, he yearned for his own boat and to work his own pots. Being a supportive family, Simon’s brother Peter agreed to sell his boat to Simon. After waiting almost a year and having to decline offers in the interim, last week the funds were transferred to Simon so that he could finally purchase his brothers boat!
However, Simon’s journey to finance wasn’t easy.
Back in October last year Simon set out to obtain finance for a boat, a shellfish licence and an outboard. He approached many brokers, but lenders were reluctant to provide finance for the assets he desired. After months of getting nowhere and starting to feel disillusioned, Adrian Brooks of Chatsbrook Vehicle & Asset Finance was finally recommended to him.
” I got referred to Adrian and from the offset I trusted him and felt like I was being taken seriously. He really got to understand the nature of the business which is what helped to secure the finance. I knew that securing finance may prove to be tricky, so I gave him the freedom to secure finance in whatever way he saw fit and that was a commercial loan!”
Instead of paying three lots of interest rates on three separate assets, Adrian knew that a commercial loan would be the best fit for Simon WHILST saving him money!
” I’ve had finance in the past for a couple of vehicles and the process has always been easy. But with Adrian, the service is so much more personal. He kept in touch during every stage, he was very clear about the process which gave me confidence. He stuck to his every word and that is very rare nowadays.”
” I felt like he was dealing with a friend. I hope to remain good friends after this. I’ve even invited him for a trip on my boat!”
Chatsbrook have a reputation for running our business with integrity and morality. With patience and determination we promise to do all that we can for all of our clients. Whether that be providing a simple service, advising businesses on their finances or sourcing a vehicle, supporting our clients and improving their quality of life is what drives us.
If you, yourself, have also felt disillusioned like Simon, break the cycle and begin the rest of your life today. Our incredible team are on hand to help you on 01603 733500 or info@chatsbrook.co.uk
When you are in the office day in day out, you need to find ways to make the space you are working in feel personalised, as well as trying to think of innovative ways to keep morale high and improve motivation.
From custom mugs, themed days and team photos, we offer some clever ways to spruce up your office and keep staff upbeat and positive.
Customise the space: mugs, t-shirts, doormats,…
Why not consider purchasing customised work equipment? This could be even things like mugs, doormats, mouse mats, cardboard cut outs, t-shirts etc, all of which can help the space to feel a little less impersonal for workers, but also create this sense of pride and belonging in the organisation.
Leaderboards for sales
In the communal area of your office space, why not consider having a leaderboard if you work within sales? This can help encourage productivity within the office, as well as also have an impact on your sales too, as people are competitive by nature and will want to be at the top of the leaderboard.
Put team photos on the wall
It should come as no surprise that people like to feel valued within the workspace. With this in mind, why not consider putting up team photos on the wall of the office? It can help people feel like they belong in the workspace, and that they are important to the company too. Having employees’ pets and babies on the wall all goes down well and creates a good talking point too.
Employee of the month
Have you thought about introducing an employee of the month scheme within the workspace? Time and time again, this has proved itself to be a very effective way of boosting staff morale, and can even help to maintain staff retention in a firm.
The benefits of having such a scheme are multiple: not only does it make your staff feel appreciated, it also helps you as a firm: after all, if less people leave the company, that means less time and money that you will need to spend on finding new staff as well as training them.
Including themed days at the office
Sometimes, things can get really intense in the office: there may be a huge project that everyone is working on, or a particularly stressful task on a certain day. One way to make the atmosphere a little more relaxed is having regular themed days in the office, and this can help with team bonding too. Stuck on ideas for a themed day? Why not consider funky jumper days or bake offs, and raise some money for charity too? It is a winning combination.
We’ve experienced a lot of change in our 30 years of events and exhibitions, from the introduction of emails to the birth of the internet to the explosion of social media to mention a few. Closer to home what has surprised us is the growth and diversification of the portable and modular display market. What was once a specialised sector of our very own exhibition and display industry, aided with the advent of online availability & marketing, this industry sector has been laid bare for all to exploit. As the name implies, these portable, easy to use, self-assembly display systems came about in the early 1990’s to provide useful DIY solutions to those wishing to promote their services or products and exhibit on a budget. Over the years we’ve seen these products both evolve into some of the most fantastic and innovative products such as Link 2, T3 and Twist, and devolve into the budget bin of banners, pop-ups and displays. Indeed a race to the bottom in terms of both price and quality with sub-standard displays failing at events, now accepted as a commonplace occurrence and fair collateral damage by those who supply such products from the bargain bucket.
So we were left thinking…you wouldn’t feed your pedigree pooch on a diet of fast food or fuel up your Maserati with lemonade, at least we hope you wouldn’t. So why would you fuel your marketing campaign with lacklustre displays not suited to the task and prone to breakage leaving you high and dry at the crucial moment?
We’ve always focused on quality and our client’s exhibition and event success, so we have never stocked the ‘budget bin’ varieties. Our main brand budget products offer a core standard build quality, guarantees and of course our uncompromising quality in graphics which we maintain across our full range. However with the ever quickening race to the bottom, which we really don’t want to be part of, we’ve seen many main brand manufacturers forced to include increasingly cheaper budget products in order to compete. This reduction in price is naturally accompanied with a reduction in quality. Consider the humble roll up budget banner stand cassette, which first came to market in the early 90’s with a retail price tag of £189.00, and that’s without a graphic. Today 25 years on, a budget version complete with its carry bag typically retails at £18.00! Just how good do we expect these to be?
So what to do? Well we say enough is enough, we’ve drawn a line and started our Campaign for Better Portables!
Subsequently we’ve audited our entire product range, with a focus on quality, function and our clients’ needs. So when it comes to your events, your business and your brand, keep an eye out for our Image Display & Graphics ‘Event Approved’ stamp.
These are products we recommend and vouch for when it comes to exhibitions and events, offering robust build, long-term use and our own high-quality graphic finish. Don’t worry if you are still looking for an economical product, we still stock these for shorter term promotional use. Although we do hope that as you invest in your business, your brand and your events, you will also invest in displays that stand up to the task, joining us in our campaign for better portables!
Want to go further than portable displays, why not take a look at our range of custom hire packages to elevate your next event space and step out of the shell scheme?
Contact us for more information on our products, service or just to get some informal advice on your next event marketing project.
Genix provides free, impartial one-to-one advice and support for start-up, emerging and existing businesses as well as those considering self-employment.
Our business advisor, Gary Parker, is available for free, impartial and confidential one-to-one advice sessions. These take place at the offices of Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants in Norwich and last for an hour and a half. Appointment times are as follows – 9.30am to 11am, or 11am to 12.30pm.
Booking through Eventbrite is essential. If you are no longer able to attend the advice session, please cancel onlineso that the session can be offered to another individual.
It’s a hot topic and something you’ve seen in many movies: AI. But what does this mean for you in the HR department? Much more than you may think. AI is no longer an abstract idea that makes futuristic novels interesting. This technology is how businesses get ahead in the game and it’s starting to become vital for HR managers too. Let’s share a few innovative developments you may not have heard about. See how your day to day can be transformed for the better; for you, for employees and the business as a whole.
What is AI in Practice?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is technology that simulates human intelligence. These computers cantake action in certain situation in similar ways than humans would.
A popular part of AI is machine learning. This technology can learn from humans’ actions what needs to be done according to specific guidelines, even if they weren’t originally programmed to perform those tasks in that manner. They can then take over that task. A popular application in administration is to use this AI tech to copy and paste information from a data base to other forms. This work can feel boring and repetitive to humans so why not give it to computers to do in a fraction of the time? This saves workers a lot of time and keeps data accurate.
Other types of AI and applications include:
Speech recognition
Machine vision
Smart assistants
Deep learning where data is broken down into abstraction layers, used to recognize patterns in data
Why Does HR Need Advanced Tech?
Perhaps you think your department is functioning adequately and changes will only disrupt your effective processes. But how effective are you really? There’s a reason why market leading vendors such as Advance Systems are quickly gaining a following. Innovative applications ranging from time and attendance software to dynamic employee performance records lead to many benefits:
More accuracy in employee records and payroll
Saving HR workers time so they can focus on other tasks
Faster replies to management or workers after queries
More cost effective HR services
Higher employee satisfaction thanks to an effective HR team
You can see that switching to modern methods can affect a business in a variety of ways. Now, how do you need to implement AI in HR?
5 Ways AI Affects HR
Find Red Flags: Enhance Your Recruitment Process
The difficult thing is to admit that a robot can do your job better than you can. It’s especially difficult to admit in the HR department because you may think your knowledge of people will help you identify potential risks in new applicants.
Accept the truth: AI can pick up on red flags in resumes more effectively than you can. While you can probably handle the last interview the best and pick your favorite, AI can:
Identify problems found with background checks based on analyzing a mass of data you’ll never have time to work through.
Find possible risk factors based on someone’s resume.
Create a fair application process if you allow AI to compile your short list from the mass of applicants. AI won’t allow prejudice for color, gender, race or culture to discriminate.
Get to Know Your Team: Identify High Risk Employees
AI can also assist with your existing team. Your number one goal should be to ensure workers are happy and satisfied. When the opposite happens they may leave, giving you a high ETR (employee turnover rate). From analyzing data from employees’ personnel files, communication and feedback, AI can identify those who may not be as content in their roles as they seem to the naked eye. Knowing this empowers you to take action before an employee gets to the point where he or she writes a resignation letter.
Help Your Employees: Benefit Their Futures
One way of preventing employees from leaving is helping them move forward in life. But you don’t have time to assess each person’s career path. The good news is that AI can do it in a fraction of the time. An interesting part of AI called predictive analytics can use gathered in formation to create suggestions for a person’s future. These suggestions will be based on data such as the actions other employees have taken in the past. Perhaps joining a learning pathway or development program is the thing that improves someone’s attitude about their job. But you won’t know what they need without some insight which AI can provide.
Get More Work Done: Use Robots
AI is not only about benefiting the employees: you also need some help. These days vendors can roll out productsthat engage with people in an extremely humanlike manner. While nothing beats a chat with a real human, basic queries can be handled more than adequately by modern chatbots. Thanks to NLP (natural language processing) your chatbot can gauge someone’s tone and even the context their questions refer to. A bonus: your HR chatbot can converse with people in different languages, making it easier to manage a global, multi cultural worker team.
Make Better Decisions: Let AI Give You the Facts
During your day to day in the HR office you make vital decisions that affect the business as a whole. AI and other HR tech innovations can often help make more appropriate choices:
How many employees do you really need? AI can analyze data and determine the most effective scenario.
Which skill sets should you employ in the next year to benefit the company in years to come? By analyzing big data AI can provide insightful feedback
How can your department save costs? Only pay for services rendered with more effective, automated attendance systems. Make sure data transfer to payroll takes place automatically so there’s not chance of human error.
There’s no question: AI and modern technology can transform your HR department. The only question that’s left is: where will you start?
SEO is a whole collaboration of efforts to get your website to the top of Google, there’s not one set thing that will prove to be the correct way to optimise your site for your chosen search engine. If this were the case, experts wouldn’t still be debating and discussing exactly the right way to implement SEO practices, years down the line.
However, we can all agree that there are two sides to SEO, on-site optimisation and offsite marketing. Although, many SEO experts are split 50/50 as to which one to prioritise over the other.
What is included in on-site optimisation?
On-site optimisation is most commonly known as the conscious action of targeting your copy and website content to answer any searches that include keywords associated with your business, the products you sell and the services you provide.
Having said that, other types of on-site optimisation include the level of usability on desktop and mobile, clear points of contact, a good first impression and engaging content. In simpler terms, anything that helps to keep users on your site and encourages convertion should be considered as on-site optimisation.
For instance, we originally built the Swiftfit website in 2014 and in that time, the way users digest content and what Google expects to see, has changed dramatically. We took Swiftfit on as an SEO client the latter end of 2018 and our first priority was to optimise their site by improving the user experience and conversion journey. Naturally, this has done wonders in improving where they appear in the search rankings and the number of enquiries they receive through the website.
How important is offsite marketing?
Whilst on-site optimisation will help to keep users on your site, as well as ensure Google is able to identify what your business offers and decide whether it is relevant to answer the user’s search query. Offsite marketing will provide the biggest advancements in your search results positions and will drive more traffic to your site.
Our client Anglia Chiropractic Healthcare noticed a big jump in their search rankings in the last year. Of course, on-site optimisation was carried out, but the biggest improvements came about after working on their offsite marketing. This was achieved by working in partnership with other credible, local online businesses and establishing a strong presence on their social media platforms.
When it comes down to answering which of these approaches is most important for your SEO, this entirely depends on your business. In fact our experts believe it is a gentle balance between the two options that bring the biggest reward. In some instances, all you will need is a few adjustments to your website to start reaching the first page of Google for your targeted keywords. Whereas, in many cases, a carefully crafted SEO strategy over a longer term will ensure results, with the focus directed towards building trust and credibility for your website.
If you would like our SEO experts to audit your site for improvements and help you climb the Search Engine Result Pages (SERPS), don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01603 859007 today.
You’ve been keeping your fingers crossed and refreshing your inbox every five minutes, but now you’ve finally received the email you’ve been waiting for – the interview invitation. Congratulations!
From very early on in our careers we are all told the same things: first impressions are everything, arrive early, give firm handshakes, dress smart… it’s all great advice, but a firm handshake and an early arrival alone are not enough to land yourself that finance role you’ve had your eye on for so long.
So, what are hiring managers going to be looking for?
Demonstrate your skills
You can pretty much guarantee that you are going to be asked questions relating to your skills and core competency questions during your interview, in which you will need to be able to demonstrate your expertise.
To ensure you keep your answers clear and concise, we recommend following the STAR method when it comes to answering competency questions, typically the ones that begin with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Demonstrate how you would…”.
STAR stands for:
Situation: Set the scene and describe the scenario by asking yourself questions such as who, what, where, and when.
Task: What was your task or goal that you were working towards?
Action: What actions did you put in place or what steps did you take to ensure you could complete your task or achieve your goal? (It’s important to focus on your own actions and refrain from using “we”, as interviewers will want to learn about your own actions and not those of a team.)
Result: What was the outcome of your actions? How did it benefit the business/add value?
Where you can add value.
Talking about your previous roles and responsibilities is great, but during a finance interview, something your interviewers will be looking to learn about is how you were able to add value to the business and be able to demonstrate some examples.
Adding value to a business doesn’t necessarily have to be from a monetary perspective in the form of increasing profit. Other examples could include:
Improve the reporting process to drive the quality of financial information.
Cost saving (the STAR method is a good way to demonstrate this point).
Influencing decisions – maybe you found a financially better way to take a product to market.
Systems implementation – perhaps you’ve been involved in a system upgrade/implementation that has saved the business time? After all, as Benjamin Franklin once said, time is money.
Remember to always be positive about your achievements. Selling yourself and promoting your abilities and contributions to the business will not only make you a valuable candidate but will also demonstrate where you can add value to the business.
Talk about finance interacting with the business
One factor that employers are increasingly keen to see are ways to integrate the finance department into the rest of the business.
As recruiters, we often hear from candidates who work within finance teams that are referred to as “back office” or sit in silo.
The good news is that an increasing number of employers are now looking to modernise this way of thinking and are keen to get Finance out into the business, working across different divisions. Try to think of examples of where you have worked with other departments within a business and how you can support the business in making finance more external.
Stay up to date
The finance world frequently changes, which is why it’s essential that you’re able to demonstrate that you have kept up to date.
If you’re applying for a new role in finance, we recommend researching which regulations/guidelines would affect your role and ensure you can demonstrate your awareness. Whether it’s FRS102, US GAAP, SOX or IFRS, it’s always worth being prepared for a technical question!
Show a genuine interest
During the interview, your interviewer will give you the chance to ask some questions. Remember, an interview is a two-way process that is as much about the employer finding the right candidate as it is for you to find the right position.
Asking questions during an interview will not only help you to ascertain if it’s the right opportunity for you but will also help you to come across as having a genuine interest in the position and the company.
Reading the news section on the employer’s website will give you access to information rarely published anywhere else, which will demonstrate to the employer that you’ve done your homework and have a genuine interest in the business.
At NXTGEN, we take interview prep seriously and ensure all of our candidates are briefed and prepared ahead of their interviews. If you’re currently looking for your next finance role, or to see how we can help with your business, speak to our specialist team today on 01603 273489.
Discover what you need to know before starting a business.
If you’re about to start a new business, you’ll find this half day masterclass invaluable. It will give you the tools you need to take your idea from the drawing board to the real world.
You’ll get expert advice,helpand encouragement in areas such as:
Writing a good business plan Sourcing finance Managing cashflow Meeting your legal obligations Taxation and VAT Marketing
You’ll also get the chance to network with others planning to start a business.
Configured Cars Need Carefully Constructed Finance Arrangements!
A car showroom is a marvellous spectacle of excitement and in its busy hours, it has a buzz that can only be described as that on Wall Street.
Upon entering the dealership, you are alive with trepidation. You hold all the power. The creation of a car perfectly crafted to you- and only you- is within your grasp.
But what will you choose?
The unyielding elegance of a coupe? Or the artistic dominance of an SUV? A Tan interior could add a touch of class, but the depth of black upholstery could be the classic choice for you and your family to enjoy. Ambient lighting may help you create mellow memories of long-distance drives, and the paint could reflect your playful nature.
No matter the decision, take ownership that this is all yours.
After test driving your latest automotive ambition and contemplating the careful configuration of your car…
Take the reins once more and contact Chatsbrook.
We use our flourishing partnerships with dealerships to source the vehicle you desire and then we tailor create a finance plan as bespoke as your car.
Let the excitement linger, talk to our expert team about your particular requirements on 01603 733500.