Zest, one of the UK’s fastest-growing EV charging networks, has invested in new EV charging facilities at Chantry Place in Norwich, one of the region’s largest shopping centres.
Zest is providing sixteen charging bays at Chantry Place, a Savills retail destination of 90 shops, cafés, and restaurants in Norwich city centre. Zest will also operate and maintain the charging facilities, in order to provide a reliable long-term service for customers and staff.
According to recent research by LCP Delta, 74% of UK EV drivers would more frequently visit destinations with charging facilities. The chargers at Chantry Place have been selected to reflect the average dwell time, with 22kW fast chargers adding around 90 miles range in an hour. The first eight charging bays are now open in the centre’s lower-level car park, with the second phase set to bring eight more in its upper-level car park.
For Zest, Chantry Place is the latest in a rapid series of retail destination projects that includes Metrocentre in the North-East and Merry Hill in the West Midlands.
For Chantry Place, named in Trip Advisor’s top five places to shop in Norfolk, this is the latest in a long list of sustainability innovations. The centre has already implemented carbon-reducing features such as natural ventilation, the latest LED lighting, and 772 solar panels on its roof.
Paul McCarthy of Savills, General Manager of Chantry Place, said: ““Our aim is to provide an unrivalled retail and dining experience in Norwich and provide everything under one roof for shoppers. We are incredibly proud of the 1,000-space car park we offer and being sustainable is a huge priority for us, so we are incredibly grateful to Zest for their support and putting these EV chargers at Chantry Place.”
Robin Heap, Zest CEO said: “We know that people just want to charge where they park as part of their normal routine. Retail destinations, like Chantry Place, that respond now to this demand are those that will thrive as new EV drivers establish their charging habits.”
Giving her reaction to the Budget, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“Business wanted a steady, workmanlike Budget, and that’s what we got. The Chancellor listened to our calls to avoid higher business taxes and costs – and indeed moved to lower them in a number of areas. He has finally taken real action to lessen the crushing burden of business rates, and sharpened incentives for entrepreneurship and investment.
“While his commitments to key business infrastructure projects are positive, the Chancellor must ensure that they move from the drawing board to speedy construction on the ground. In a softening economy, the combination of sustained infrastructure investment and lower business taxes is important to maintaining the confidence of firms across the country.”
On business rates:
“Businesses will cheer measures to cut the burden of business rates, which hundreds of thousands of firms have to pay before they even turn over a single pound.
“More frequent revaluations will be welcomed, too, but only if a simpler system with fewer valuation errors can be delivered. We would also have liked to see plant and machinery investments excluded from business rates calculations, so we will be pressing for further action on this and other aspects of the system that discourage investment.
“All in all, the rates reforms are a significant step in the right direction, and we will work closely with the government to ensure that they result in real improvements for long-suffering businesses on the ground.”
On the Business Tax Roadmap, Corporation Tax, and Capital Gains Tax:
“The Business Tax Roadmap will help provide a greater degree of certainty as businesses look to plan for the future. Ultimately, the acid test for the roadmap will be whether it makes it easier for businesses to navigate the UK’s complex tax system.
“Cuts to corporation tax and capital gains tax show that the UK is very much open for business. The reduction in capital gains tax in particular will help to encourage entrepreneurial risk-taking in some of our most dynamic young firms.”
On additional investment in HMRC services:
“While businesses continue to express serious reservations about the quality of service provided by HMRC, the additional investment to make it quicker and easier for business people to deal with the Revenue is welcome. We will press for this investment to be geared towards supporting small and medium-sized businesses and making compliance easier.”
On fuel duty:
“We were expecting an increase in fuel duty, so the freeze is good news for businesses, particularly those at the smaller end of the spectrum. The freeze will help keep transport and distribution costs competitive.”
On infrastructure:
“Businesses will be pleased that the Chancellor is moving forward on key infrastructure projects. However, these projects remain at a very preliminary stage, and businesses won’t celebrate exploratory studies and plans that are never realized. Here in Norfolk we want to see our critical infrastructure projects, such as the improvements on the A47 and the Great Yarmouth third river crossing come to fruition are soon as possible.
“Do I Have Enough Money to Retire?” – Clarity Through Cashflow Forecasting
It’s one of the most important and most frequently asked questions we hear: “Do I have enough money to retire?”
For many, the idea of retirement is both exciting and daunting. The thought of stepping away from work and embracing the next chapter of life brings dreams of travel, hobbies, and freedom. But it also raises serious concerns: Will my money last? Can I maintain my lifestyle? What if something unexpected happens?
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we understand that retirement isn’t just about reaching a certain age or hitting a magic number in your pension pot. It’s about confidence. It’s about knowing that your finances will support the lifestyle you envision, for the rest of your life.
Understanding What Retirement Really Means
Retirement means different things to different people. For some, it’s a complete exit from the workforce. For others, it might mean reducing hours, changing careers, or pursuing passion projects. Regardless of your definition, the common thread is financial independence – the ability to make decisions without being limited by money.
Planning for that kind of freedom doesn’t happen overnight. It requires thoughtful analysis, strategic decision-making, and most importantly, clarity. That’s where we come in.
It’s Not Just About the Pension Pot
When people think about retirement planning, they often zero in on their pension. While your pension is undoubtedly a key piece of the puzzle, it’s far from the whole picture. Savings, investments, property, state benefits, and other assets all play a role. So too do your expenses, both essential and discretionary.
The big question isn’t just “How much have I saved?” but “What do I want my retirement to look like, and will my resources support that vision?”
This is where lifestyle planning becomes essential. Are you hoping to travel extensively? Do you want to help children or grandchildren financially? Will you remain in your current home or downsize? All these choices carry financial implications.
How We Help: Clarity Through Cashflow Forecasting
At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we use advanced cashflow forecasting tools to give you a realistic, personalised view of your financial future. This isn’t just about looking at your savings and investments on paper. It’s about modelling your actual lifestyle – your income, expenditure, tax obligations, and future goals.
We’ll work with you to build a detailed picture of what your retirement might look like, taking into account:
Your current assets and liabilities
Anticipated income from pensions, savings, and investments
Expected and potential expenses (e.g. travel, healthcare, care costs)
Inflation and investment growth assumptions
One-off events, such as gifting money or moving house
The result is a living, breathing financial roadmap that helps you understand whether you’re on track or whether adjustments are needed.
Real-Time Insight With Your Personal Client Portal
We also provide each of our clients with a secure, personalised customer portal that gives you real-time access to your financial information. From tracking your outgoings to monitoring the performance of your investments, this platform brings transparency and control to your fingertips.
No more guesswork. No more digging through paperwork. Just a clear, accessible view of your finances, whenever you need it.
Planning for the Unexpected
A good retirement plan isn’t just built for the good times; it accounts for the unexpected as well. Market volatility, health issues, changes in family circumstances or new tax rules can all impact your financial position.
Through our planning process, we’ll stress-test your forecast under various scenarios. What happens if inflation rises faster than expected? What if you live 10 years longer than you assumed? What if you need to provide care for a loved one? These are uncomfortable questions, but addressing them now gives you the confidence to navigate the future with peace of mind.
Making the Most of What You’ve Got
Part of our role is helping you make your money work harder. That might mean:
– Making better use of tax allowances (such as ISAs and pension contribution reliefs)
– Reviewing investment strategies to suit your retirement timeline
– Considering phased retirement to draw income tax-efficiently
– Evaluating the potential benefits of downsizing or equity release
– Aligning estate planning to minimise inheritance tax
None of these strategies are one-size-fits-all. That’s why everything we do is built around you – your goals, your values, your lifestyle.
Why People Delay…and Why You Shouldn’t
It’s natural to put off retirement planning, especially if you’re uncertain about what lies ahead. But the earlier you start asking the right questions, the better positioned you’ll be. Even if retirement is 10 or 15 years away, decisions you make now – around saving, investing, or paying off debt – can have a major impact on your future options.
And if you’re already nearing retirement age? There’s still time to make meaningful changes. Many of our clients come to us just a few years before they plan to retire. Through careful planning and considered advice, we help them gain clarity and confidence about what lies ahead.
Book Your Free Financial Health Check
If you’re unsure whether you have enough money to retire, we encourage you to take the first step today. Our free financial health check is a no-obligation opportunity to talk through your current situation and understand your options.
Retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a new phase of life that should be enjoyed with confidence and freedom. Asking, “Do I have enough to retire?” isn’t a sign of doubt; it’s a sign that you’re ready to take control of your future.
Norwich Airport Passenger Action Group (NAPAG) are looking for feedback from passengers using Norwich International Airport, in particular those using the airport for business.
NAPAG are an independent group of passengers who regularly fly from Norwich International Airport and are committed to improving the experience of passengers using this Airport. NAPAG is recognised by and has full access to the airport’s management team.
As a result of previous passenger feedback the airport has installed a covered external waiting area; has reduced car parking fees with the ability to pre-book up to just two hours before arrival; and provided additional comfort seating in both the departure and arrivals areas.
The group also continue to lobby for new destinations and it is now possible to fly from Norwich to Malaga and Alicante year round and very shortly Norwich to Geneva.
George Nobbs, Leader of Norfolk County Council, has welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement of a draftdevolution agreement for East Anglia in his budget speech yesterday. The deal is worth more than one billion pounds for East Anglia.
Cllr Nobbs said: “This announcement of a draft agreement for East Anglia potentially sees the start of a profound transfer of powers from Whitehall to this region. I have always believedthat key decisions on public services are best made by locally elected politicians, answerable to the public, rather than distant bureaucrats in Whitehall.
“Each and every council in the region will now debate the draft document as details are worked up. I am personally delighted that this is a deal specifically for East Anglia. This is not a region created by central dictate, it is deeply rooted in English history and has possessed a distinct identity for more than a thousand years.”
The deal has been produced after months of negotiation with authorities across Norfolk and Suffolk, and latterly, Cambridge and Peterborough. The New Anglia LEP is also a signatory.
The draft agreement will now be debated in each of the councils in the region.
Including other local investments confirmed in yesterday’s Budget, the deal would bring over £1 billion to the area for transport, skills and housing as well as new local powers to give the area control over existing pots of Government money.
The current offer includes:
Over £1 billion of new money to support economic growth over the next 30 years
The region will take control of millions of pounds of multi-year consolidated and devolved transport budget
New powers over infrastructure, developing skills for employment, and improving our health and social care system
£175 million of capital grant for the East to deliver an ambitious target of new homes in line with national targets
The deal would also include the creation of a combined authority for East Anglia, chaired bya directlyelected Mayor supported by a cabinet made up from leaders from the partner authorities
The draft agreement suggests a combined authority be set up across the four authority areas in the East but councils would still keep their sovereignty and deliver local services. It would see the transfer of significant resources and powers from central government to the region but at this stage specifically for infrastructure, housing, economic development and jobs and skills.
As we grow ever closer to the season of fun and festivities, don’t miss out and book your table early!
We have the perfect setting from the big to the small parties including our private dining room that can accommodate up to 26 people. We are currently offering a 10% discount for bookings of 6 or more. For the Christmas period we will be open every day in December, and will be available for lunch as well as our regular dinner service, depending on the number of guests. Either dine from our a la carte menu or we can create a bespoke selection of dishes as per your budget.
Yalm is an exciting new food hall showcasing some of the best independent chefs and kitchens from the region, across two floors. Offering all-day dining and drinking – it’s the perfect city centre spot to come and yalm with friends. With seven independent kitchen teams we have a huge variety of dishes that span the globe in food influences and always seek to support local producers, makers and farmers. Set in the stunning Royal Arcade in the heart of the city we have 300 covers and which allows plenty of space for all occassions. From breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner there is no booking required and always a warm welcome on hand.
On the day that the National Living Wage comes into effect, The British Chambers of Commerce calls on the government to act cautiously as it increases the wage – or risk business investment, productivity, and growth.
Given that companies face a number of up-front costs, there is a risk that some firms could be forced to divert money away from investment in skills and infrastructure, which could hurt the UK’s productive potential.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“It is important that all Norfolk businesses, both large and small, understand the new National Minimum Wage regulations to ensure they are compliant with the new regulations which are now in effect. Low pay and low social mobility are challenge to the Norfolk economy, but they won’t be solved just by driving up wage rates. The best way to get a high-wage economy is through better education, training, and investment, by schools, universities and businesses alike.”
Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the BCC, said:
“As a member of the Living Wage Commission, I saw first-hand how a decent wage can transform people’s lives, as well as their performance at work. So we should celebrate every business that can, and does, make the commitment to pay each and every employee a living wage. That includes a significant majority of Chamber of Commerce members all across the UK.
“However, the government’s new National Living Wage will apply a ratchet effect to all companies’ pay bills, and sits alongside a raft of other high employment-related costs. It is unclear whether the NLW will spur productivity or strengthen businesses, communities or the economy as a whole. While many companies have the ability to increase pay, others will struggle to do so alongside pensions auto-enrolment, the apprenticeship levy, employer National Insurance contributions, and other up-front costs. Some will have to divert money from training and investment to increase pay, which could hurt their productivity. Others may stop hiring altogether.
“In the face of these concerns, the government must make a clear commitment to avoid over-burdening firms when it comes to future increases in the National Living Wage. Future increases must be proportionate, take account of other employment-related costs, and be based on clear and unequivocal evidence.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council have extended their deadline for receiving comments on their Housing Strategy to 15 April 2015.
The purpose of the survey is to input into their Housing Strategy, to ascertain whether there is a need for a specific type of housing in the Borough to attract or retain people, or whether housing is a small part of a much larger issue.
They want to discover if the supply of housing has a direct impact on your business, and if so, what type of housing you feel would help address this issue.
On 23 June 2016, the UK will settle the long running question of whether we should leave or remain within the European Union. No country has ever left the European Union before, so no one can predict the end results.
On Friday, 10 June 2016 from 2.30pm – 5pm, Norfolk Chamber will be holding a debate to give the Norfolk business community clear information on the viewpoint for both sides of the argument.
This will be one of the biggest choices facing the British electorate in a generation. We want to give you the opportunity to hear from both the Remain and Leave campaigns, and have the chance to ask for the clear evidence and information that businesspeople need in order to make an informed choice at the ballot box.
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce’s ongoing research programme into business sentiment towards the upcoming referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, the BCC is running amajorpollto measure business attitudes and impacts.The fieldwork for this survey is open from 5 April to 15 April.
The last EU poll from the British Chambers of Commerce, conducted in February 2016, highlighted over two-thirds (69%) of the senior businesspeople in the East of England, confirmed that the outcome of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation was unlikely to change how they will vote. This wasdespite large majorities saying they are familiar with theobjectives of therenegotiation package.
Views varied between categories of business, with those exporting only to the EU expressing the strongest support for “remain”, while those exporting only outside the EU expressing the strongest support for “leave”.
Commenting on the last BCC poll results, Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said: “The findings suggested that for businesspeople, this was a question of in or out- not renegotiation. Business remained divided on Europe, andbusinessleaders’ views reflected the size of their firm and their export interests, rather than the current political debate. They are making rational economic choices based on their own interests.”
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a part of Europe? Would Britain be better off staying inside the club or going it alone?
Those in the ‘remain camp’ – the leading group being Britain is Stronger in Europe, highlight that 3 million jobs (one in every ten UK jobs) are linked to our trade with the EU[1] and the UK gets £66 million of investment from EU countries every day[2]. UK workers get vital protections because we’re in the EU: including guaranteed holiday and maternity leave, and protection from discrimination. According to figures from HMRC, 61% of small business export to the EU and 200,000 UK businesses trade with the EU.
Whereas those in the ‘leave camp’ – the main group being Vote Leave, believe that Britain is being held back by the EU, which they say imposes too many rules on business and charges billions of pounds a year in membership fees for little in return. They also want Britain to take back full control of its borders and reduce the number of people coming here to work. They also highlight that leaving the EU would result in an immediate cost saving, as the country would no longer contribute to the EU budget. Last year, Britain paid in £13bn, but it also received £4.5bn worth of spending[3].
Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Nationally
UK inflation remained the same in February 2016 at 0.3%
The Markit/CIPS manufacturing PMI fell below market expectations last month
New UK car sales rose to 84,000 for February.
The number of workers on zero-hours contracts for the main job rose
Locally
Aviva announced that its profits have grown by 20%
Building of the Quadrum Institute – a new centre for food and health research to be located at the NRP starts work this month. The anticipated opening will be in 2018
Primark have announced plans to expand their store front in June 2016
Gnaw, the handmade chocolate company has set itself a goal of adding 15 more world-wide markets this year.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – Britain’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey, based on over 8,500 responses from firms in Q1 2016 – suggests that growth in the UK economy continued to soften in the first quarter, with most key survey indicators either static or decreasing.
Several key indicators for the services sector – the UK’s main driver of economic growth – fell slightly this quarter, with domestic sales and orders reaching their lowest level for over three years. For manufacturing, domestic sales fell again, and remain low in historical terms.
While some manufacturing sector indicators have shown slight improvements, these increases are from a very low base. Combined with the slight weakening in some areas of the dominant services sector, the Q1 figures suggest a static picture- with potential downside risks for UK economic growth ahead.
Key findings in the Q1 2016 survey:
Overall, the figures for both the services and manufacturing sectors indicate continued growth. However, this has remained static across many indicators, and slackened in others.
In the Norfolk manufacturing sector there continued to be a decline in both export sales and orders (-25) and (-33) respectively. Domestic sales moved out of negative territory from (-8) in Q4 2015 to (0) this quarter, however home orders fell further to (-9).
However, more Norfolk manufacturing firms grew their workforce in the last three months (+2), but those expecting to recruit in the next 3 months declined to (+10) from (+18) in Q4 2015.
The Norfolk service sector showed mixed results, with domestic sales falling (+21) and orders remaining static (+11); whilst export sales and orders increased (+9) and (+3) respectively.
In both the Norfolk manufacturing and service sectors reported less difficulties in recruiting staff.
Confidence in turnover and profitability for both services and manufacturing remains low by historical standards
The balance of Norfolk manufacturers intending to increase prices fell sharply, from (+23) to (0) (reversing the rise of the previous quarter). The service sector balance decreased from (+22) to (+18).
The balance of firms intending to invest in plant and machinery and training either fell or remained static in the services sector
Whilst the number of Norfolk manufacturers investing in plant and machinery rose, but those investing in training fell.
Norfolk companies reported increased pressures for higher pay settlements (+37) in manufacturing, (+20) in services). In manufacturing, the level is still higher than before the financial crisis.
“Our latest QES survey results suggest that the Norfolk economy is in a holding pattern. While the majority of the picture is static overall, there are clear indications that economic growth is continuing to soften. From sales and orders, to confidence and investment intentions, many of the Norfolk business indicators are at a low ebb. However there continue to be opportunities and we will continue to support our businesses through these challenging times.”
Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The softening environment should be a wake-up call for Westminster. Further action is likely to be needed to support business confidence, encourage trade and underpin investment in the months ahead.”
David Kern, BCC Chief Economist, added:
“These results are disappointing but not surprising. Although GDP growth for the previous quarter was upgraded slightly, our survey points to a slowdown in Q1 2016. This is the inevitable consequence of mounting global and domestic uncertainties, but it is nevertheless concerning that the vibrant and dominant services sector is likely to face mounting challenges in the next few years. The mediocre employment balances are a warning that we cannot afford to be complacent about the continued dynamism of our labour market.
“The improvement in the manufacturing export balances, probably helped by sharp falls in sterling, is welcome. But exports are still weak by historical standards. Our current account deficit has escalated to a record high in 2015 and is likely to remain unacceptably large in the next few years. Britain’s credit rating will be at risk, unless we make improving our trade balance and boosting our exports national priorities.
“In spite of the headwinds facing our economy, Britain has major areas of strength that can make a sustainable recovery possible, if correct policies are adopted. In this survey we report a few setbacks, but UK businesses are very resilient. Our labour market and the services sector remain dynamic, and Britain is still likely to grow faster than most other G7 economies in the next 2-3 years.”