This month, We take a closer look at the current interior design and construction project at Taank Optometrists on Mill Road, Cambridge.

Click here to find out more

We were overjoyed when the client passed on the fantastic news that we had been awarded “Best Stand” at the BCI World Conference and Exhibition in London recently.

Awards don’t come along every day and the accolade isn’t offered by many B2B trade show organisers nowadays, so it’s really rewarding when they do. It’s a great feeling for the client, reassurance knowing that they made the right choice in choosing us as their event partner and reaffirmed confidence for us for using the term “award winning” in our marketing. Over the years we have been fortunate to have won many awards at many major events; London Motor Show, GLEE, Baby Shows and Grand Designs to mention just a few. However in each case the awards have been purely incidental, the focus for us has always been presenting the client’s product or service effectively and getting them to market at events successfully.

BCI World is the “must attend” event for the business continuity and resilience professional. This year’s keynote speaker being, until recently, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police who had national responsibilities which included leading counter terrorism policing throughout the UK and protecting the government. The stand we provided for SUNGARD focused on “Disaster Recovery” of IT systems in the event of a variety of threats or issues set against a corporate themed mountain landscape. We chose an interactive 4wd challenge which featured an authentic scaled model of a Land Rover Defender tackling a number of “themed” obstacles, each highlighting a particular threat to company IT and business continuity. Visitors attempted the course against the clock in an attempt to walk away with the awesome prize of the remote controlled Land Rover used on the stand. Needless to say quite apart from winning best stand award the interaction made the client the most popular at the event!   

In this week’s episode James and Mark highlight the importance of handling disappointment, which is particularly relevant in the current climate with many people and businesses facing some challenging lockdown measures.  As usual, they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way they make reference to Yale University studies, George Bush Snr and Mark’s mildly impressive but slightly embarrassing lawn bowls career!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts here, or listen here. 

As rates of coronavirus in Norfolk continue to rise, people are being urged to stick to the essentials and follow the national guidelines.

The current restrictions mean that people should only leave home if it is essential:

• To shop for essentials
• To do essential work, because you cannot work from home
• To only carry out essential journeys
• For essential education
• For essential exercise.

It is also essential that people isolate immediately if they have symptoms, test positive or have had close contact with someone who has coronavirus and it is essential to work with NHS Test and Trace and local contact tracing teams, to help keep communities safe.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board and Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “It is essential that Norfolk follows the national restrictions to halt the ongoing rise in Covid cases.  

“That means only leaving home for essential reasons and if you do need to leave home, following the hands, face, space advice.

“It’s essential that you work with contact tracing teams if you test positive because it is our most effective way to track the virus and keep people safe. We know isolating is inconvenient, but it is absolutely vital – you don’t have to have symptoms to spread this virus and anyone can catch it and pass it on.

“As councils we are here to help – if you need support to isolate or you are struggling to get access to food or medicines please contact us so that we can get you what you need. “

In Norfolk rates of coronavirus have increased from 100 per 100,000 in the week to November 6 to 149 in the week to November 13. The highest rates are currently in South Norfolk (222) and Great Yarmouth (214).

Cases in South Norfolk are thought to be linked to social gatherings in the lead up the national restrictions coming into effect two weeks ago. Those affected are mainly working age adults and it is believed that most cases can be traced back to events that happened in the days before lockdown.

Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health for Norfolk, said: “It’s essential that people stay home as much as possible. It is essential those with symptoms isolate and get a test and it essential that people work with test and trace teams and give details of their contacts.

“If you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus you can’t test your way out of isolating – you might be carrying and passing on the virus even if you don’t have symptoms or you’ve had a negative test. It’s essential that we all work together to reduce the spread of the virus, so that we can protect our loved ones and our communities.”

Dr Smith said those who should be isolating should also try to stay away from other members of their households, if possible, to prevent passing on the virus.

She added: “If you have symptoms, you should stay away from other people you live with as much as possible. I know this isn’t practical for everyone but if you can avoid sharing beds, using shared spaces and use a separate bathroom if you have one, then that can help you to protect your family.”

As national restrictions continue Covid marshalls or support officers continue to be recruited and deployed across the county.  The aim is for them to advise, educate, and engage with businesses and members of the public – being the eyes and the ears and report back concerns and repeat offenders. They are also doing leaflet dropping and working closely with the police around how to enforce the restrictions.

If people need help and support to isolate they can visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/coronavirus  or call 0344 800 8020.

Statistics

Last week’s figures are in brackets.

Seven day incidence per 100,000 on November 13:

• Breckland: 137 ( 76)
• Broadland: 149 (113)
• Great Yarmouth:  216 (165)
• King’s Lynn and West Norfolk: 118 (134)
• North Norfolk: 56 (40)
• Norwich: 142 (84)
• South Norfolk: 222 (86)

Outbreaks

Businesses: 20 (15)

Education: 20 (15)

Care providers: 54 (39)

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices are looking for companies to enrol in Payroll Giving. You can help us care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions by making a regular contribution through your payroll. Just £10 a month, the equivalent of one takeaway coffee a week, could help a child receive an hour of specialist therapies such as music therapy. Working from home? Donate the equivalent of a week of fuel and you could fund over 12 hours of bereavement care. Find out more and sign up visit each.org.uk/payroll-giving or email corporate@each.org.uk

Due to an increase in the overall satisfaction score for three consecutive surveys, TaxAssist Accountants also received a ‘Continuous Improvement Award’.

TaxAssist Accountants is proud to have once again been awarded 5-star Franchisee Satisfaction from WorkBuzz, a leading independent franchise consultancy, joining a select group of just four franchisors to have won this prestigious honour for eight years running.

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director at TaxAssist Accountants, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to have won this key award once again. To have also increased our overall satisfaction score in 2020, a year which has seen so many challenges for everybody, is outstanding.

“Our Support Centre staff have all worked tirelessly to maintain truly exceptional levels of support throughout the pandemic, and this award is testament to the care and hard work they have provided. It is heartening to hear back from our franchisees that they appreciate and recognise the support we have given them.”

The WorkBuzz survey works by inviting existing franchisees to participate in an anonymous online survey which asks them 31 questions about their franchise ownership experience. Using a consistent methodology, the franchise is assigned an overall FSB score.

Due to positive feedback, TaxAssist Accountants received above average benchmark results in key areas of the survey which inform the final Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark report. These include training and support, franchise system, culture and relationships, leadership, value and rewards and general satisfaction. Visit www.5starfranchise.co.uk for more information about how 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction is determined.

The highest performing franchisors are recognised in the annual Best Franchise Awards. Visit www.bestfranchiseawards.co.uk/ for more information about the awards.

In this week’s episode, Mark and James discuss the often overlooked importance of good listening skills in business and in life generally. Starting with a fascinating fact which illustrates just how little time we spend on developing our listening skills, they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way they take inspiration from Jim Kwik, the 5 levels of listening and Slade’s Noddy Holder!   here! 

Lex 100 is the ‘student guide to the UK’s premier law firms’ showing the highest scoring firms in thirteen categories, as rated by their own trainees. The researchers send online surveys to the UK’s largest law firms and this year, Lex 100 collated over 3,000 completed surveys, which provided them with a particularly robust sample to analyse. At Leathes Prior we are proud to announce our results from Lex 100, where we have been classed as award “winners” in seven out of the thirteen categories. Each year law firms are assessed in different categories, and in comparison to other national firms, we are top in the following: Social life                                            95.7                 1st in UK Living up to expectations                    92.8                2nd in UK Work/life balance                                92.8                2nd in UK Friendliness of firm                             95.7                 3rd in UK Job satisfaction                                   88.5                 4th in UK Client contact                                      91.4                 6th in UK Stress level                                         78.5                 7th in UK The Lex 100 survey and results are not only important for those considering options of future Training Contracts, but also offer an excellent opportunity for trainees to tell us what we are doing well and what we could do better.  Dan Chapman,  Partner and the Training Principal responsible for the recruitment and training of our trainee solicitors,  commented “It is very pleasing to receive these good rankings. We have long since considered our approach to both trainee recruitment and training to be innovative and the envy of many other firms, but to receive some validation of that is excellent.  Training future solicitors is a fundamental part of our business plan and many of our Partners came through this process – only in May this year did we promote yet another former trainee solicitor to the ranks of Partner, in Tessa Bonser.”  For more information on our results, visit the Lex 100 website. 

I am delighted to present Captain Fawcett’s simply fabulous Christmas Selection. Including gifts from as little as a fiver, there is truly a splendid little something for everyone! At the close of a somewhat challenging year for one and all, a touch of luxury is certainly in order to treat one’s kith and kin or, indeed, one’s own good self.

SIGNATURE SERIES SPLENDOUS! Captain Fawcett’s renowned Signature Series now includes two brand new collaborations… NEBULA WITH JOHN PETRUCCI American Rock Royalty meets an English Gentleman Explorer – this melodic collaboration with guitar maestro John Petrucci of Dream Theater has produced a work of true majesty! Indeed, first orders for Nebula came so thick and fast extra staff were needed to fulfil them. This launch is truly flying from the shelf! The new range offers a Beard Balm, Beard Oil and Moustache Wax, distinguished by a simply delectable fragrance. Top notes of exhilarating bergamot & aromatic myrtle riff with a bittersweet tang of grapefruit, rising to an intense heart of earthy, violet orris, dark coffee & tenacious woody cedar. A pulse of seductive musk trails a smoky backbeat laced with vetiver & luxurious leather. And there’s an extra special gift for rock star chums! Each 50ml Nebula Beard Oil includes a Limited Edition Nebula Guitar Flow Pick, designed and created by John Petrucci in collaboration with Jim Dunlop. While stocks last! John Petrucci’s virtuoso composition with Captain Fawcett is quite simply out of this world.

ALESSANDRO MANFREDINI EAU DE PARFUM Alessandro Manfredini is a sculptor, graphic artist and silver bearded model. He is also survivor, a gentleman who fought to rebuild his spirit when an earthquake destroyed his dreams.  His collaboration with Captain Fawcett has produced a most seductive Eau De Parfum evocative of Italy’s capricious seasons. And the story of his resilience is a magnificent inspiration for our times. Woody spiced top notes of rosemary and star anise combine with mid notes of fresh green cyclamen on a bed of mineral ambergris, calming cedarwood and sun toasted tonka.   This deeply sensuous fragrance is presented in a stunning iridescent bottle adorned with an antique beetle motif, the ancient talisman of strength and regeneration.  A scent rich with memory bringing faith in tomorrow.

STOCKING FILLERS

Captain Fawcett loves a well stuffed stocking, thus he presents a selection of handsome treats for discerning gentlemen…

This is the first of a new weekly media bulletin on the latest Covid-19 information and statistics for Norfolk. A weekly press conference will also take place every Thursday to provide an update on the latest situation in the county.

Latest statistics for Norfolk show cases are continuing to rise

Covid-19 rates across Norfolk have continued to rise this week, with people across the county being advised to be extra careful over the half-term break.

The seven-day incidence for Norfolk between October 10 and 16 was 58.94 per 100,000, compared with 51.11 for the same period the previous week. This compares with 75.37 for the East of England and 171.75 for England.

Norwich continues to have the highest rate of infection, with 107.42 cases per 100,000, followed by Great Yarmouth (93.62); Breckland (56.44); South Norfolk (49.69); Broadland (39.00); North Norfolk (36.25) and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk (35.01).

As of Wednesday, 21 October, there were 46 people in hospital in the county with coronavirus.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board and Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The people of Norfolk continue to pull together and have been doing a great job of protecting themselves and each other but our rates of the virus are continuing to climb.

“It’s vital that we continue to protect ourselves and others. The advice remains the same, keep washing our hands, keeping our distance, wearing a face covering and sticking to the rule of six. It’s a county-wide effort and every one of us needs to continue to play our part to protect Norfolk.”

Half-term travel and tourism advice

As more people travel and socialise over the school holidays, Norfolk County Council is urging people to continue to follow the public health advice – keep to the rule of six and keep washing hands, socially distancing and covering faces where needed.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board and Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk is very much open for business particularly over half-term and I hope that families will be able to get out and safely enjoy the many places and attractions our county has to offer.

“Rates of the virus here are increasing but they still remain lower than those nationally – so I’d urge people to be extra careful if they are travelling to and from Norfolk and to continue to follow the public health advice. It’s sensible to avoid crowded areas, where social distancing is more difficult, and to check if you need to pre-book days out with the family.

“With different areas of the United Kingdom facing different restrictions, you wouldn’t expect people to be leaving areas in Tier 3 (very high risk). It’s vital that everyone checks the status of local areas before travelling. Details on the tiers for each area are available at www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions.

“The virus thrives on human contact, so the more we can do to minimise that by following the guidelines, they are there for a good reason, the more we can prevent its spread.”

Reminder on when and how to isolate

With rates of coronavirus in the county continuing to increase, it remains crucial that people follow the guidance around when and how to isolate to prevent spreading the virus.

People should self-isolate immediately if:

• You have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• You’ve tested positive for coronavirus
• You live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
• Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive for the virus
• You’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, the app, or local test and trace teams
• You arrive in the UK from a country on the government’s quarantine list

People who are isolating must stay at home and not have any visitors to their home or garden for the duration of the isolation period (unless for essential care).

Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health for Norfolk said: “We completely understand that isolating is difficult, particularly after such a long period of restrictions. However, it can literally save lives by preventing the spread of the virus.

“Isolation means staying away from everyone outside of your immediate household – please don’t go to the shops, go to stay with family or have visitors. There is financial help available and support to get supplies. Agencies across Norfolk are here to help – we need to all work together to prevent the spread of the virus.”

Those who need support with accessing food and medicine can also contact the council for help on 0344 800 8020. Details on the Isolation Support Payment are available here.

Appeal for young Covid Champions to help share and shape public health messages

Norfolk County Council and Mancroft Advice Project are urging young people to come forward to be Covid Champions to help share and shape public health messages during the pandemic.

The council wants to create a network of champions that can help shape young people-facing campaigns and promote messages via their schools and social networks.

The council is already working closely with schools to provide advice and support and has a range of Covid-19 materials aimed at children and young people.

MAP will be working with the Covid Champions to provide advice and support.

Young people who are interested can email marketing@norfolk.gov.uk

New local testing site for Great Yarmouth

A new local testing site is currently being built in Great Yarmouth to help create more testing capacity in the borough.

The site at Nelson Road car park will be operational from tomorrow.

Norfolk’s Health Protection Board applied to the Department for Health and Social Care to create the additional capacity in the county.

People are encouraged to book a test for the new centre online at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. The tests are a walk-through service only and are in addition to permanent and mobile testing sites that are already in operation.

Home testing kits remain the most convenient way to access a test and mean that people do not need to travel for a test. This can be booked via the same route as test centres.

Cllr Proctor added: “We’re pleased to be working with the government to bring this extra testing site to the county. It means those living in Great Yarmouth have another way to access tests, helping us to track the virus and prevent the spread.”

Those working at sites are provided with personal protective equipment to protect themselves from the virus and to ensure the safety of the wider community. Those attending the site must wear a face covering with the exception of those under three. Everyone must maintain social distancing.

Full Mix Marketing have strengthened their expanding team with a new marketing and design specialist, as they continue to provide all the marketing businesses need to grow.

Charlotte Baxter has joined the Norfolk based marketing agency as they celebrate winning a number of significant new clients. With experience gained in a leading digital marketing agency and delivering social media for a UK brand, she becomes the latest addition to their talented team.

“We’re delighted to have someone with Charlotte’s skills and drive on board” says Sarah West, Full Mix Marketing’s Managing Director. “She already demonstrated the creativity and professionalism we need to deliver the results our customers expect”

The new Marketing & Design Executive joins Full Mix Marketing during a period of sustained growth which has already seen them move to larger offices. A graphic design graduate and self-confessed ‘design geek’, Charlotte will help the agency serve new clients in sectors including logistics, engineering, technology and professional services.

“I’m excited about being a part of Full Mix Marketing and their client’s success” say Charlotte. “I’ve seen how important it is for businesses to get their marketing strategy right. It’s great to be in an environment where the customer comes first and everything is carefully delivered to get results”

Full Mix Marketing provide all the strategic, digital and offline marketing businesses need to grow, ranging from single elements like advertising and social media, through to becoming a company’s fully outsourced marketing department.

“Our clients are looking for us to deliver genuine knowledge and expertise” concludes Managing Director, Sarah. “Charlotte has a strong degree from a good university and an excellent understanding of what works and what doesn’t. She’s creative and driven to deliver results for us, our clients and herself”.

More details of Full Mix Marketing can be found at www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk.

For a number of years Goff Petroleum has ran its own good causes campaigns helping support some of the smaller charitable and not for profit causes across the region. Most recently donations have been made to a number of village halls across the region including Shelfanger and Bunwell village halls in Norfolk.

This year on November the 11th Goff Petroleum team pledged to make a donation of £1 for every heating oil order placed to the Wymondham branch of the Royal British Legion.

Will Goff commented “One of our team highlighted the challenges that the Royal British Legion were having in fundraising this year, due to the restrictions and vulnerability of individuals, there was no way the usual street collections could be done safely. We thought we could help spread awareness of the continued importance of Remembrance Day and the work the Royal British Legion carries out and thanks so much to our fantastic customers for getting behind this fundraiser we were delighted to donate £782”.

Goff Petroleum are continuing to work tirelessly throughout these lockdowns to ensure that heating oil is readily available for all those in the region as winter draws nearer.

Ann Rogerson, Poppy Appeal Organiser commented “2020 and the challenges we have faced this year have been tough for all those who need to raise charitable funds, our Poppy Appeal was very different this year with no street collections and a limited number of boxes in shops. Goff Petroleum’s fundraising endeavours are really appreciated by all those at the RBL Poppy Appeal”.

If you know of a local good cause that could benefit from Goff Petroleum’s support then please visit our website and let us know via the Good Causes form.

To lend your support to The Royal British Legion please visit britishlegion.org.uk