North Norfolk District Council recognises that these are very challenging times for most businesses. However, we would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the following Business Impact Survey.
This will help us to gain a better understanding as to the level of impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on local businesses. It will also help us to identify the needs and types of support businesses require from the Government and other support partners.
Breakwater IT are looking for individuals and businesses across Norfolk to donate their old laptops. These laptops would be repurposed and distributed to students who are struggling to access remote education.
In the current lockdown, students have returned to online learning from home. However, there are some who may not possess the equipment to access remote learning.
In an aid to help, The Forum generously offered to send their old laptops back to us for repurposing. Following this, we decided to start asking our clients if they had any old laptops they wished to donate. We are pleased to now be opening the project to all businesses to donate.
Our team will rebuild and replace the hard drives in the laptops. As a result of replacing the hard drives, there is no risk to data being leaked. Ideally, the laptops will need to be less than 5 years old. We have the capacity to refurbish 100 laptops.
Here’s how it will work:
Complete our online form stating how many laptops you have, along with a few other details.
We’ll get in touch to let you know if we’re able to use your device(s) and arrange to get them to us.
Our team will rebuild and replace the hard drive(s) in the laptop(s). As a result of replacing the hard drive(s), there is no risk to data being leaked. Your old hard drive(s) will be professionally destroyed, and a blank copy of Windows will be installed.
We’ll distribute the laptops to those in need.
If you’d like to get involved, visit our website: click here
Alan Boswell Group are thrilled to announce that they’ve been awarded Feefo’s highest accolade for the sixth year running!
Feefo gives Platinum Trusted Service awards to businesses who have achieved Gold standard for at least three consecutive years. It is the highest possible accreditation the independent review site offers, and reflects the Group’s ongoing commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
Independent feedback from genuine customers
Feefo is a site where customers leave honest, unbiased reviews of products and services. As of January 2021, The Group has received more than 6,200 individual reviews, and;
Score 4.9/5 for customer experience
Score 4.8/5 for products!
“Fabulous service – responsive, helpful and professional. For the last 10-15 years I’ve used aggregators, large scale insurance companies but after my experience with ABG, I’m not sure I’ll be using this model in the future. Also nice to interact with the same person and not get bounced from person to person and have to explain everything time and time again – refreshing and just like the good old days of being a name rather than a number.”Customer review, 12/01/2021
Chris Gibbs, MD of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers, says “To receive the top award for six years in a row is a fantastic achievement. It recognises how committed our teams are to providing our customers with the best possible experience – even in a year as challenging as 2020. Well done to everyone involved.”
If you’d like your insurance to be handled with Platinum-rated customer service, give Alan Boswell Group a call on 01603 218000 or email hello@alanboswell.com.
MHA Larking Gowen, chartered accountants and business advisors, is pleased to announce the launch of their new podcast series Business Insights Chat, where the team interview successful business owners and leaders from a variety of sectors throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Each week, our special guests will share their views, insights and experience in business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will discuss what drives them, their experiences, and what they are looking forward to, as well as how they’ve had to adapt in the face of lockdown restrictions.
These conversations are a unique insight into the thoughts and processes of some of our region’s key business leaders, running hugely successful and renowned businesses, and each week, the guests are asked to impart their best piece of advice for other leaders, as we move towards the light at the end of the COVID tunnel.
In the series launch, partner, Ian Fitch, talks to the Managing Director of Turners (Soham), Paul Day.
You will be familiar with the bright orange and red logo of Turners driving up and down the A14, as one of the most prominent logistics and haulage companies in the country, with a turnover of over £450 million, and over 4,000 staff. Hearing how the man at the top of a company like this prioritises fairness is a fascinating insight into what it takes to be the best, and how you can also become a championship table tennis player at the same time!
Future guests also include the CEO of Purcell, Mark Goldspink; Oliver Paul, co-owner of the hugely successful and popular Suffolk Food Hall; and Susannah Rendall, MD of the Boxford Group, which owns Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa, amongst other ventures.
Purcell is an architectural firm which has worked on Big Ben and other famous landmarks, while Oliver Paul offers a fascinating insight and refreshing look into why Suffolk, in particular, really is underrated and under-used. Oliver said, “It’s been a pleasure to be involved. Our thanks to MHA Larking Gowen for what they are doing with this content, it is very thought provoking and has also given me a moment to step back and think about our own business. No doubt this podcast will have elements people can really reflect on and apply to their own business”
Ian Fitch said, “It’s a privilege to interview such high calibre business leaders and learn how they have overcome challenges and what has driven them to succeed. Their down-to-earth advice and thought-provoking insights will inspire, encourage and motivate many other business leaders and owners.”
These conversations are not to be missed, and whilst they will no doubt inspire the leaders of tomorrow, they will also provide food for thought for those already leading teams and businesses of their own.
Every Business Owns Intellectual Property, What Do You Own? is the title of a business conference taking place in Norwich on Wednesday 28th February, arranged and hosted by GENIX Business Support.
Intellectual property (IP) will account for a large part of the value of many businesses and yet often the owners haven’t given it a moment’s thought.
The conference is designed for small business owners and will cover the four main areas of intellectual property; trademarks, designs, copyright and patents and explain how to protect intellectual property rights. The interactive session will draw on examples and provide delegates with a clear understanding of what they need to consider for their business.
The keynote speaker will be, Gary Townley, from the Intellectual Property Office.
Leanne Castle from GENIX said, “We are pleased to be hosting this conference. There will be plenty of opportunity for delegates to ask questions and to network during the coffee break.”
The three-hour session costs £12 per person. For more information and to book tickets go to www.genix.org.uk or call 0800 096 3013
As you know the UK is now in the middle of Lockdown 3.0. Working with the amazing team at the EC, I have compiled a set of articles which I feel you will really enjoy reading. They’re straightforward, light-hearted and to the point. NO WAFFLE! but help to focus the mind on what is really important in running a business in the current climate. Have a look, and explore the ideas within and let me know what you think… Do you agree? Which one resonates with you in your business the most? Let me know, if as a result of reading these if it stirs any questions that I can help to answer.
On this week’s exciting episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James are thrilled to welcome broadcaster and presenter Simon Mundie.
Simon has been a presenter on BBC Radio 1, and has covered sporting events like Wimbledon as well as a number of large music events. In more recent years, Simon has been hosting BBC Radio 4’s critically acclaimed Don’t Tell Me The Score, which uses sport to explore life’s bigger questions. He has interviewed many of the most well known and successful people on the planet including Caitlyn Jenner, Jonny Wilkinson, Michael Johnson and even a former bank robber turned professional ironman – as well as psychologists, neuroscientists and former Buddhist monks.
He explores life themes including addiction, self-acceptance and tribalism, and we discuss the lessons he’s learnt from his interviews to see how we can apply this to the world of business.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, please like us, and leave a comment. We would love to hear what you are enjoying about the podcast, and it helps others to find us!
Young Norfolk Writing Competition 2021 is open for submissions
The Young Norfolk Writing Competition – the popular annual competition celebrating creative writing in all its forms – is now open for entries from 11 – 18-year-olds living or studying in Norfolk.
The competition is a collaboration between the National Centre for Writing based in Dragon Hall, Norwich and Young Norfolk Arts, supported by Norfolk County Council. It builds on the success of previous years in which over 1,100 young people have participated from over 100 schools and other settings.
Young lovers of writing and reading are encouraged to submit stories, lyrics, narrative for games, graphic stories, poems, spoken word, scripts, podcasts, plays, articles, journalism or essays in written or audio format.
Kasey Challenger, who attends Dereham Sixth Form College, was one of seven winners of the 2020 competition and was also named joint 2020 Young Norfolk Laureate alongside Mathilda Armiger and Ryan Taaffe-Fowle.
Kasey said:
‘The Young Norfolk Writing Competition and laureateship have been an invaluable opportunity that has helped me take steps to grow my confidence and moderate my anxiety. I have been given the chance to meet new people, perform my work, and have learnt a lot about poetry through mentoring – getting to explore new writing styles with really constructive feedback and encouragement that I have never had before. This year has helped me to become a better writer and learn to love what I am writing, as well as giving me the tools to explore the role that writing can play in my life in the future.’
Hear more from 2020’s Young Norfolk Laureates, including snippets from their winning poems, in this promotional video for the competition: https://youtu.be/L1d8ZLWWnmM
The 2021 winners will receive individual prizes, professional mentoring to help take their writing forward, and opportunities to have their work performed and published.
The competition is free to enter and closes at 5pm on Monday 31 May 2021. Entries may be written, audio recorded or in graphic story format.
Victoria Maitland, Programme Officer at the National Centre for Writing said:
‘This competition always showcases the very finest writing that Norfolk has to offer. 2020 was a challenging year to be a young person, but the entries to the competition proved that creativity shines in even the most difficult circumstances. I’m excited to read the entries that 2021 has to offer.’
Lucy Farrant, Director of Young Norfolk Arts said:
‘The Competition is a great chance for the county’s young people to express themselves in their own words using a medium which they enjoy. This opportunity is vitally important at this difficult time and I am really looking forward to reading and hearing the entries. I know there is a wealth of talent out there and I can’t wait for it to be shared.’
Robert Rickard, 14 – 19 Adviser at Norfolk County Council said:
‘More than ever, given world events, we are delighted to help devise and promote this annual competition which nurtures the very best of young people’s creative energy and brings together education settings from right across Norfolk.’
Employers passionate about developing their organisation’s culture, engagement levels and workplace environment, can now sign up to take part in the new Best Employers Eastern Region 2021 Programme.
Best Employers Eastern Region is a community for organisations that believe success is achieved through their people. It brings together employers from across the East of England to develop fresh ideas to keep their culture fresh, enabling your people to thrive.
From its roots as an employee survey, Best Employers supports leaders to continuously develop their organisation’s culture, engagement levels and working environment. It encourages collaboration and provides the opportunity to hear from global industry speakers who have experienced similar challenges first-hand. Best Employers also supports organisations to develop their employee brand through awards and accreditations.
Lynn Walters, Executive Director at Pure and co-founder of Best Employers Eastern Region, said: “Following a year of incredible change, this is a great forum to share experiences and learnings – to learn from each other and understand how the change has impacted our employees, our organisations priorities, culture and values. As a professional recruitment consultancy for our region, we have seen first-hand the significant impact that the pandemic has had. Engagement, culture and values are essential to retain and attract the best talent and despite the recession, top talent in specialist areas are still in high demand.”
Through a programme of inspiring online events and webinars, participating organisations will have the opportunity to learn and hear from international speakers and business leaders across our region. They will share their experience and what they learnt from leading through a challenging time.
The Best Employers survey, provided by co-founders, eras Ltd, will give organisations the information they need to understand their current levels of engagement. George Sik, Consultant Psychologist at eras ltd says, “The timing of the Best Employer survey couldn’t be better. The opportunity for organisations to gather feedback from their staff at this time, when we have many people working remotely, is invaluable and we expect to see some significant shift in the levels of engagement. The opportunity to track your progress and benchmark your organisation against other top employers is incredibly valuable.”
The new 2021 programme will begin with a virtual launch event on 22nd April 2021 which will mark the opening of the employee engagement survey. This will be followed by webinars on:
Engaging and leading remote and onsite teams
Health, wellness and developing workforce resilience
Fostering an innovative, hungry and progressive culture
Recruitment, onboarding and rewarding your team
Hosted by Best Employers co-founders eras ltd, there will also be a series of workshops available to participating organisations that will show you how to set up your Best Employers survey.
Best Employers was born out of a collaboration in 2012, between Alex Pearce, Managing Director of eras ltd and Lynn Walters, Executive Director of Pure.
Alex very sadly and unexpectedly died in October 2020, and to mark his legacy, Best Employers 2021 will raise money in his memory. 50% of the net proceeds raised through our 2021 programme will be donated to Winston Wishes and Nelsons Journey.
By participating, organisations enhance their profile and employer brand and commit to creating progressively engaged organisations. The prestigious Best Employer awards and accreditations have become an exceptional showcase of the businesses people want to be a part of. In 2018, almost 150 organisations and 15,000 people took part with eight Best Employer awards and over 30 gold and platinum accreditations presented.
For more information on Best Employers Eastern Region visit –
Norfolk based financial planners, Loveday & Partners, have been announced as the headline sponsor for the 2018 Royal Norfolk Show Ball, which is raising funds for Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity Big C.
Mark Loveday, Director said, “We are absolutely thrilled to partner local cancer charity Big C which provides an invaluable service to those affected by cancer across the region. Very few families in our community are untouched by this dreadful disease and we are delighted to support Big C in all they do to provide families with support and care at vital times.”
This year’s Norfolk Show Ball will be held at the Norfolk Showground on Friday 22nd June and will transport guests back to the dazzling jazz era with a ‘Roaring Twenties’ theme. Tickets are now on sale for the event, please visit norfolkshow.big-c.co.uk.
Funds raised from the ball will go towards a new Big C community centre in Norwich which is scheduled to open in late 2018. The four existing Big C centres at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth and at the Louise Hamilton Centre in Gorleston, provide emotional and practical support and information for anyone affected by cancer in the local community. Each year approximately 8,000 people are given a cancer diagnosis in Norfolk and Waveney, with over 26,000 visits made to Big C centres.
Dr Chris Bushby, CEO at Big C says, “Our grateful thanks to the team at Loveday & Partners for coming on board as key sponsor for the Norfolk Show Ball. Their support for the event and Big C, will ensure that we raise as much as possible for our new Norwich community centre, which will mean that more people are able to access support where and when they need us most.”
Loveday & Partners is a Norfolk based firm of financial planners providing bespoke investment solutions for private investors and their families, trustees and business owners.
Further corporate sponsorship opportunities are available supporting Big C at the Norfolk Show Ball. Please contact Nicky Burgis at nicky.burgis@big-c.co.uk or on 07917 800474.
To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
From 1 August 2018, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Doha will become the 77th guaranteeing organisation member of the WCF/ATA international guarantee chain.
ATA Carnets will be accepted by the Customs of Qatar for the following categories of goods: goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings, or similar events
ATA Carnets are accepted for transit
ATA Carnets are not accepted for postal traffic
ATA Carnets are accepted for unaccompanied goods
Importation in multiple / split consignments is not accepted. However, importing only a part of the goods is allowed under the condition that said imported items are re-exported as 1 consignment.
Languages in which Carnets should be completed English or Arabic. Qatari Customs may require translation when Carnets are completed in any other language.
Replacement Carnets Accepted
Carnet completion It is advisable that the following information is shown in Box C of the importation Voucher:
Name of the event
Venue of the event
Duration of the event
Important notes:
a) Penalty for late re-export: Failing to re-export goods by the final date of re-exportation as specified by Qatar Customs, a fee of QAR 1,000 shall be payable for every week or part of the week past the re-exportation date, taking into consideration that the final amount shall not exceed 20% of the value of the goods. Goods not re-exported for whatever reasons, shall be subject to import duties, taxes and penalties according to Qatar Customs law.
b) Penalty for non-presentation of Carnet on re-export: A Regularisation Fee between QAR 500 to QAR 1,000 will be imposed by Customs for non-presentation of Carnet Forms to Customs for endorsement/verification upon re-export from Qatar, when alternative proof of re-exportation is provided.
c) Penalty for undervaluing the goods: Penalties may be applied in cases where the Qatari Customs deem that the goods on the General List have been undervalued. This may also include seizure/confiscation of the goods as well as prosecution under Qatari law.