We were delighted to be tasked with redesigning the Norwich Housing Society website, a not-for-profit organisation which provides affordable housing for older people.
Our brief was bring the website up to date, make it easier to use, more accessible and attractive. Bigfork developed many new features for the new website including a search filter to help visitors quickly find suitable housing and an easy to manage document library for providing resources.
The board of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has approved £8.2m from its Local Growth Fund towards the second phase of the Environment Agency’s work to protect Great Yarmouth against flooding. The £39m Great Yarmouth Flood Defences project aims to protect housing and businesses through the construction and refurbishment of 3.8 kilometres of flood defence walls, unlocking economic growth in the town estimated to create: • 7,100 new jobs • 1000 new properties • 500 new businesses • £405m per annum GVA growth for Great Yarmouth Central government money for flood risk management together with a number of other sources will fund the remaining £31m. The Environment Agency carry out the project, subject to its own appraisal of the scheme. Work is expected to start in autumn 2019. New Anglia LEP’s total Growth Deal from Government is £290m to 2021. Through investment in skills capital projects, innovation centres, transport and infrastructure projects and targeted business support it is estimated to create more than 54,000 new jobs, 6,800 new homes and to generate more than £600m in additional public and private investment. Doug Field, chair of New Anglia LEP, said “This is an exciting time for Great Yarmouth. Our energy coast is at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind and is of huge strategic importance to our economy. “Safeguarding the town’s coastal economy, allowing homes to be built and businesses to grow without fear of disruption is key to its future prosperity. This project will allow that to happen and the LEP is delighted to be able to contribute.” Dr Charles Beardall, Area Director at the Environment Agency, said: “We are delighted that the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership will be making such a significant financial contribution to this vital flood risk project in Great Yarmouth. This comes after many months of close co-operation between Great Yarmouth Borough, its Tidal Defences Business Partnership and New Anglia, and recognises the importance of flood risk infrastructure to providing economic growth.” In a joint statement, Cllr Graham Plant, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Cllr Carl Smith, chairman of the Environment Committee and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, Labour Group Leader, said: “This brilliant and positive decision for our borough reflects the strength of our funding bid and the borough’s economic prospects, as well as successful lobbying and partnership work by the borough council, Environment Agency and local businesses. “We would like to thank the LEP for their investment in this vital infrastructure, which is central to reducing flood risk to thousands of homes and businesses, while attracting and sustaining business investment and jobs in key industries that are essential to the prosperity of our local and regional economies.” The funding bid was supported by the Tidal Defences Business Partnership, a business-led group working together to move ahead the tidal defences works as quickly as possible. Keith Vincent, chairman of the Tidal Defences Business Partnership, said: “Great Yarmouth’s Tidal Defences are a huge benefit to us all, they protect our homes, our jobs, and the highways and infrastructure we need to ensure everything works safely and smoothly on a day by day basis. As businesses they protect our places of work, our staff and equipment; essentially they give us the confidence to continue to invest in, and grow our businesses in Great Yarmouth. “This crucial and really welcome investment by the LEP in Great Yarmouth is a key goal which the Tidal Defences Business Partnership has been working towards and will help the Borough to realise its full economic potential, unlocking huge opportunities for businesses based in the Borough.”
We’re constantly growing at Netmatters, our most recent example being our merging with Gapton Computers. This move represents the creation of one of the region’s largest full-service technology agencies.
We thought we’d mark our most recent expansion by purchasing a new building. This space has been renovated so it links seamlessly to our business premises. Take a quick look to see how it went. There are certainly some moments worth pausing on!
If you’re looking to expand to new premises or update your current workspace, we can handle it from start to finish. You can have your office installed and decorated and then get your IT equipment and software migrated over by us. We’ll work promptly and professionally, so your business is up and running as quickly as possible.
We believe in focusing on the new, an attitude that has proven successful when helping our clients succeed. Here are just some of the other ways we help our clients make new starts for their long-term goals:
Wireless and Paperless Offices – Embracing new digital channels makes sure everyone can get up to speed regardless of location.
Voice Activated Technology – With 2018 seeing an increase in voice-search and voice-activated products, communication will be cutting-edge and efficient like never before.
Broadband and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Systems – Streamlining communications with cloud-based solutions, and supplying a fast, consistent internet supply.
Remote and Onsite IT Support – Remaining proactive in identifying threats and vulnerabilities, so your business can focus on what’s important.
One thing that links all of these services is flexibility. We want reliance on physical premises and hardware to be a thing of the past. If you want to future-proof your business and embrace all things digital, make Netmatters your first port of call.
Whether you need help moving your office, require fast and friendly IT support or want to overhaul your business communication platforms, contact Netmatters today on 01603 704020 or fill out our contact form here.
Ashton KCJ Solicitors has announced that it will be supporting three local charities through a charity of the year partnership. From April 2013, the firm will be supporting Macmillan Cancer Support, Magpas and Norwich based Nelson’s Journey.
Each year, staff at the firm vote for the charities they wish to support. The firm aims to raise at least £10,000 during the year through activities such as dress down days, cake sales and by staff taking part in sporting events.
The firm has already exceeded its fundraising target for its current charities: EACH, Big C and Headway. The funds have been raised by staff taking part in a 125 mile bike ride, a sky dive, Santa Runs, Hats for Headway and much more.
Edward O’Rourke, CEO at Ashton KCJ, says: “We are delighted to be supporting three new charities this year, each of which provide vital services and support in the local communities where we live and work”.
Sue Bailey, Associate and Chair of Ashton KCJ’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, added: “We recognise that the current climate is making fundraising for charities more and more difficult. We will be mobilising our staff to get involved in as many fundraising activities as possible throughout the year.”
The Eastern Landlords Association (ELA) has formed a strategic partnership with Birchwood Energy Norwich to support its members with the procurement of the best Gas & Electricity supply tariffs and contracts.
With so many suppliers and tariff options to choose from, selecting an energy supplier and correct contract structure can be an overwhelming task. Birchwood Energy takes this task onboard and will offer all ELA members a no obligation energy contract audit.
The process is simple. Members of the Eastern Landlord Association engage with Birchwood Energy who will carry out detailed analysis of their current supplier and then procure the energy via a tendering process on their behalf. Birchwood Energy does not charge for the service as they are paid by the energy provider, making it a well worth exercise. It is reported that 86% of customers who used Birchwood Energy saved money on their gas or electricity contracts.
Warren Munday, Director or Birchwood Energy said: “we are delighted to form a partnership with the Eastern Landlords Association. Helping landlords who tend to have multiple properties is a real pleasure and we are looking forward to creating many new relationships. Our mission is to ensure each and every customer finds the very best way to fulfill their energy requirements, whilst driving down costs and improving energy efficiency.”
To obtain a no obligation energy contract audit, please call Birchwood Energy on 01603 754112 or email warren@birchwoodenergy.co.uk.
Recently marking its 7th Birthday, Norwich-based Gnaw Chocolate have just launched an exciting range of new healthier chocolate bars. The innovative new bars have required significant investment in the Gnaw factory and to ensure their business growth continues, there are also three additional members of the Gnaw team. Handcrafted in Norfolk with 35% healthy ingredients, natural flavours and no added nasties; the bars are made with seeds, fruits, nuts and Granola – grown in the finest Norfolk fields. “The new chocolate bars with granola have received a great reception so far, from both consumers and retailers. People are more conscious than ever about the importance of maintaining a healthier lifestyle and parents are also increasingly mindful of the occasional treats they give their children. With this in mind, our New Product Development team have developed these indulgent chocolate bars with a healthy twist”, states Matt Legon, Gnaw’s Founder. As with all Gnaw products, the new bars themselves are handcrafted, but the new 35g bars required their own packing line which required a significant investment into the manufacturers Livestock Market factory. The business has also invested heavily in their team in recent months. Gnaw prides itself on its customer and retailer support and with this in mind, Rebecca Buck joined the U.K sales and customer support team. Rose Hotten, relocated to Norwich to take up the position of Production Manager, overseeing all production and Angi Davies joined as Marketing Communications Manager. “It has been a really exciting time to join the Gnaw team. The new Chocolate and Granola bars are not only scrumptious, but these inventive products are wonderful to launch”, Angi explains. “The new range are all suitable for Vegetarian’s and those practicing the rapidly growing trend of Veganism can also savour the dark bar’s luxurious flavour. These healthier chocolate bars are also great news for those with food intolerances – all three are Gluten- free and the dark bar is also dairy-free”, Angi continues. There are currently three bars in the range; Milk Chocolate with Peanuts, British Granola & Seeds, Milk Chocolate with Cranberries, Raisins, British Granola and Seeds and Dark Chocolate with Orange, British Granola & Seeds. Gnaw plans to continue their expansion of this bite sized range with the addition of even more crunchy and delicious flavours.
In December 2016, Paul Greenan joined TaxAssist Accountants after buying a franchise resale in Newbury, Berkshire from retiring franchisee Richard Adams. A year and a half later, we catch up with Paul to see how he found the process, what he’s learnt and what his plans are for the future. A commercially experienced accountant with more than 20 years of business experience, Paul had always wanted to run his own practice. “I had been watching TaxAssist Accountants grow over the last 10 years, but the timing was never right to explore this any further. However, in 2016 I was working as a contractor and was starting to think about my next role. I then saw a TaxAssist resale opportunity was available in Berkshire which piqued my interest,” explained Paul. Having been involved with business sales in the corporate world in his previous life, Paul was pleased with just how smoothly the resale process ran. “Overall, the process was pretty seamless but that’s not to say there weren’t any hurdles to overcome though,” he said. “I raised the finance to purchase the practice through a mixture of personal savings and a bank loan and the TaxAssist five-year business plan was critical in securing the latter.” Richard had run the practice since 2004, opening a shop in 2009 and had two staff members. “Richard stayed in the business for an initial three months handover and then for a further two months on a contract basis. He also came back to help with the 31st January 2018 Self-Assessment Tax Return deadline. This was great, as it was very much business as usual for the clients.” Having the right staff has been key for Paul as the business has grown and although he now has an additional three members of staff, including an apprentice, he admits meeting demand can sometimes be a challenge. “The business has grown primarily from referrals from existing clients, inbound leads and walk-ins. I have been to a couple of 4N meetings and I am a member of BNI Bourne in Newbury. I have found the latter to be more productive because working as an accountant requires building trust and that can only be gained over time.” Being in the Thames Valley, IT consulting businesses are prevalent, but Paul has a good mix of clients. “This makes things more interesting, as well as reducing the risk to the business should one particular sector experience a downturn or be impacted by a change in tax legislation,” he said. “I’ve found having a genuine interest in each person’s circumstances and being helpful, no matter whether they become a client or not, pays off. The best example of this was an Inbound lead who didn’t become a client. She found our meeting so informative she told her friends, which has led to four new clients from that one initial meeting.” While the shop on Bartholomew Street is performing well, Paul knows that to take the practice to the next level, he needs to move the focus away from him. “The fee bank was £182,000 when I bought the business and it has grown to over £260,000 in less than 18 months, which I’m pleased with. But to grow further, the plan is to build capacity by introducing technology and training the team. Once in place, I will be considering smaller satellite shops in my territory.” From speaking to Paul, it is clear that he is enjoying his new life. “Before buying the business, I was concerned about having to be a salesman; but, I needn’t have worried because I enjoy consultative selling as well as meeting lots of interesting people. The support from TaxAssist has been excellent and just knowing the Support Centre is there, is a great comfort. I should have made the decision to join TaxAssist years ago!”
Business Networking and Marketing Ideas at Fakenham Racecourse
Saving money is important to small businesses and how to avoid costly marketing and advertising mistakes vitally important.
This month’s GENIX Coffee Means Business networking event is to be held on Tuesday 19th June. It will provide businesses with the opportunity to network in an informal and friendly setting and to gain an insight into how to put together a marketing plan.
Rob Davies of One on One Communications will share his top ten tips of what should be included when writing a marketing brief.
Coffee Means Business will be held at the Prince of Wales Stand at Fakenham Racecourse and business guests will have a fantastic view of the track whilst enjoying tea, coffee and networking.
Leanne Castle of MENTA commented, “We are pleased to welcome businesses from any sector, whether they’re home based or a larger concern employing staff. That’s one of the great things about these monthly events, you always meet a great cross section and variety of businesses. It’s a great way of mixing with and meeting new contacts.”
The event starts at 9.30am and finishes at 11.30am, there is free parking on site and the cost is just £5, payable on arrival.
There will be a free business card raffle for a bottle of wine chosen and supplied by TFW Fine Wines.
An exciting and entirely unique opportunity has arisen for a skilled and experienced professional to join the Active Norfolk team and be a part of a national pilot with Sport England that champion’s physical activity in a whole-system approach to improve the lives of older people in Norfolk.
As part of the senior team both within Active Norfolk and Sport England, you will be part of a wider cohort of 8 similar posts across England that is piloting a new way of working founded on the principles of co-production, co-ownership and accountability.
The main purpose of this role is:
• To build high level relationships between Sport England nationally and local delivery (via County Sports Partnerships like Active Norfolk), thereby strengthening the connections within the system at national and local level, informing decision making at all levels. (relationships)
• To develop a deep understanding of local and national insight relevant to the role and ensure it’s used to inform national policy and programmes and local delivery, identifying challenges, opportunities and learning both nationally and locally to maximise engagement in sport and physical activity. (understanding and insight)
• To create additional leadership and influence within Sport England and the CSP area, contributing to system change within the sector and the wider system. (leadership)
• To facilitate new behaviours and ways of working within Sport England and CSPs, as well as between Sport England and CSPs, by modelling these behaviours and supporting colleagues to adopt and implement in their own work. (behaviours)
This is a two-year fixed term contract until September 2020, with an excellent remunerative package.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 20 June, 2018.
Twenty of the region’s entrepreneurial business leaders joined Price Bailey’s business strategy team for the third meeting of PB Entrepreneurs at the Top of the City, Norwich City Football Club, last week.
The group has formed to meet each quarter, offering strategic insight and peer review to important clients and contacts of the firm who are looking to grow and improve their businesses.
“It’s a natural add-on to our chartered accountancy practice” says firm’s head of strategy and development, and lead business coach Nick Mayhew. “In getting to know our client’s businesses inside out from a financial perspective, we are also in a really good position to help them to build on their strengths and meet wider business challenges. PB Entrepreneurs offers a forum to support that”. PB Entrepreneurs Clubs are already established in London and Cambridge. “There are so many dynamic businesses, and business leaders in Norwich that we are really pleased to be able to extend the club to this area”.
The theme of the afternoon was growth – learning from the examples of high-growth companies including Zappos and SpaceX, as well as high-growth clients. Attendees worked through their own plans, before wrapping up with an hour focussed on the business growth plans of one particular member. Dr Vince Forté, the subject of the specific case study, said “It was such a privilege to be able to present our business case and receive so much valuable advice – all those top business brains working for me!”.
The group meets next in Norwich on 11th June, to discuss ‘Winning Strategies’.
NORWICH, Monday 11th February 2013 – Airport supports local scout group Norwich International Airport had pleasure in providing 2nd Hellesdon Scout group with 60 hi-visibility vests for the Beavers and Cubs. The vests will enable the young children to enjoy a range of activities and visits safely.
Jean Grimbly, Beaver Scout Leader for 2nd Hellesdon Scout Group said “We are delighted that Norwich International has been able to support us to ensure the road safety of our young Beavers and Cubs. The vests are paramount to ensuring the road safety of sixty children aged 6 to 10 years of age. It will also ensure that our Beavers and Cubs can safely gain their hikes away badge and will work with our sections for them to gain their safety badge”
Emma Grimbly, Assistant Scout Leader for 2nd Hellesdon Scout Group said “I am grateful to the Norwich International Airport for the support we have received. What started out by me as simply being a plea to local organizations and businesses has been welcomed with support and partnership from the marketing team at Norwich International. I am overwhelmed that they have been willing to provide these hi-visibility vests something that I saw our group was in desperate need for. Now thanks to Norwich International Airport we have the resources to keep our young people safe on all activities throughout the year regardless of how light it is outside in the evenings when we run our activities”
Andrew Bell, CEO of Norwich International Airport said “As an airport we are committed to work with and contribute to the local community and we were very pleased to be able to help the scout group with funding this project”
Mrs J and her partner wanted to buy their council property under the Right to Buy scheme.
The adviser they went to last year realised that the second applicant had a couple of CCJs (County Court Judgements) so approached a specialist lender.
Their application was declined due to perceived rent arrears.
Jayne explained our approach: “Due to the low amount they wanted to borrow in relation to the property value, and their income, and the fact the rent was up-to-date along with all CCJs being satisfied, I researched options with mainstream lenders.
“I submitted a decision in principle with a lender, which although declined, I appealed as it was only just outside their advertised lending criteria. The appeal was successful!
“Getting their mortgage with a mainstream lender has meant an interest rate of 4.30% fixed for 2 years. When they were originally looking it was 7.14% fixed for 2 years!
Let’s just say the client are very happy with the outcome.”
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