At Elevate Digital Media, we help small and medium-sized businesses achieve meaningful online growth through strategic social media, website optimisation, and results-driven campaigns. We believe in keeping digital marketing simple, effective, and personal, partnering with business owners to help their businesses thrive.
We’ve got some exciting news to share… Barkers Photo Fun has been named as finalists in not one, but two national wedding awards – The Quirky Wedding Awards and The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA).
For us, this recognition means the world. Every wedding we attend is unique, and our mission is always the same: to bring fun, creativity, and those unforgettable moments to couples and their guests. From our elegant Magic Mirror and Classic Booth to our roaming robot “Phoebe” and even our AI-enhanced experiences, we love helping people make memories that last a lifetime.
The Quirky Wedding Awards shine a spotlight on suppliers who bring something a little different to the table – which is right up our street! And TWIA is extra special because it’s judged in part by feedback from the couples themselves. That means the people who’ve laughed, posed, and made memories in our booths get to have their say.
We’re so proud to be recognised nationally, but we’re even prouder of the amazing couples who’ve invited us to be part of their big day. Their trust and support have brought us this far – and with their votes in TWIA, we might just go all the way.
So here’s to fun, laughter, and creating magical wedding memories – and to Norfolk being represented on the national stage. Wish us luck!
Glen and Owen Spooner, brothers and singer songwriters based in Norwich, Norfolk. As a tribute to their Dad who passed away when they were young – they called themselves Sons Of Mark. Sons of mark are now regulars on the Norwich music scene playing covers as well as their own material. In between gigs they have spent their time writing many new songs, with great melodies and catchy chorus lines. They spent time in London during the summer of 2019 recording a number of their new tracks with a highly experienced producer, these tracks include Full Speed Ahead, Other Side and Soldiers In The Night, all of which are now available on all music platforms, Apple, Spotify. One of their most recent songs ‘Our Fine City’ was adopted by Norwich City Football Club and played during one of their home games. As a duo they have great harmonies and have been likened to the Everly Brothers for their talent, whilst also incorporating their indie background.
Open Mornings provide parents, children and their families with the opportunity to explore our 15 acre woodland site, view our state-of-the-art facilities and talk to teachers and pupils. We hold two Open Mornings during the course of the year. If you are unable to attend our Open Morning, we welcome private tours of the school at a time convenient to you.
King’s Lynn-based gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett Ltd is celebrating a double national honour after being named a finalist in two prestigious UK awards, celebrating export success and creative excellence.
The brand has been shortlisted in the Exporter of the Year category at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards 2025, and the Perfume, Cosmetics & Personal Care category at the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards 2025.
Founded in 2015 at a kitchen stove in Terrington St Clement, when founder Richard Finney MBE first mixed Moustache Wax in a baked bean tin, Captain Fawcett has grown into a global enterprise. Today, close to 80% of sales come from export, with products now sold in 45 countries across 6 continents, most recently launching into Vietnam and Peru. A dedicated international platform in the USA further supports Captain Fawcett’s growing overseas presence.
Exports not only drive the Captain Fawcett’s growth but also feed directly back into the British economy, supporting jobs and wider supply chains here at home. In recognition of commitment to helping other businesses pursue international trade, Captain Fawcett has five times been appointed a Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Export Champion, advising and inspiring fellow UK exporters and in 2025 was awarded the MBE in recognition of services to Internationl Trade and Charity.
Captain Fawcett Founder Richard Finney MBE said: “As an island nation, trade has always been in our blood. Britain has much to be proud of – from our reputation for excellence and craftsmanship to somewhat madcap humour that travels so well overseas. From humble beginnings in Norfolk, it is a huge honour to share Captain Fawcett with customers worldwide, whilst supporting the UK economy and encouraging others on their export journeys. Captain Fawcett’s story is not simply about commodities, but about people and celebrating a bold, outward-looking spirit in the very finest traditions of enterprise. Exporting is ever a mutually beneficial exchange and the Captain is delighted to do his bit.”
Captain Fawcett’s distinctive packaging for the award-winning hair stying Pomades, created by Creative Director Iain Crockart, has also been shortlisted at the London Packaging Awards. Both handsome and practical, the design is grounded in heritage and utility, inspired by traditional fired clay pots once used for apothecary’s ointments and reflecting Captain Fawcett’s philosophy that packaging is the handshake before the conversation.
The London Packaging Innovation Awards will be announced at ExCeL London on 15–16 October 2025, where Captain Fawcett will appear on the Luxury Stage. The Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards ceremony follows on 11 November 2025 in London.
In August 2025, Grade (UK) Limited, trading as Vision Plus, entered administration following several years of challenging trading conditions. Vision Plus is a well-established manufacturer and distributor of television antennas and related products for the caravan, motorhome, and marine markets.
Despite investment in innovative new Wi-Fi-enabled antenna technology, the company struggled with:
·A 25% drop in sales in 2024, followed by a further 25% decline in the first quarter of 2025
·Shifting consumer demand and increasing competitive pressures
·Long-term declining market conditions in the recreational vehicle sector since 2018
With the business unable to achieve the turnaround required, Leading Business Services were appointed as joint administrators.
The Solution: A Pre-Pack Sale
Our team secured a pre-packaged sale of the business and its assets to an unconnected buyer. This approach allowed us to:
·Preserve the ongoing value of the business
·Secure employment where possible
·Maximise returns for creditors
What is a Pre-Pack Administration?
A pre-pack administration is a restructuring process where a sale of the company’s business and assets is arranged before administrators are formally appointed. Once appointed, the administrators complete the sale immediately.
This strategy offers several advantages:
·Continuity of operations, reducing disruption to customers and suppliers
·Safeguarding jobs wherever possible
·Achieving better returns for creditors than if the business were broken up and sold piece by piece
Why This Matters for Local Businesses
This case highlights how rapidly market conditions can change, particularly in niche industries. For directors, taking early advice when challenges arise can create space for solutions that protect jobs and maintain value.
At Leading Business Services, we work closely with directors, stakeholders, and professional partners to explore all available restructuring and insolvency options. In cases like Vision Plus, a pre-pack deal can provide the best possible outcome for both employees and creditors, while allowing the business to continue under new ownership.
If your business is facing financial pressures, early professional advice can make all the difference.
Come join us for a fun evening of painting and sipping at Redwell ! Get creative on October 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and we’ll provide all the materials you need. Paint and sip is ‘follow the leader’ style painting and the finished results are always amazing.
Let’s relax, paint and enjoy some craft brew beer and maybe try the delicious freshly baked pizzas . See you there!
Its October – so our theme this month is Pumpkins. Further details can be seen on our face-book page ‘Bricolage Crafts’ Norwich.
? Save the Date – Charities United is back for 2026!
Join us for our next quarterly Charities United on Tuesday September 22nd for a space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the amazing work happening across Norfolk’s charity and CIC sector.
? Calling all local charities and CICs!
Do you have a venue you’d love to showcase? Or a project, initiative or story to share? We’re looking for hosts and speakers for our 2026 Charities United events.
This is your chance to:
?️ Show off your space
? Share what you’re up to
? Simply connect with sector colleagues and partners
? If you’re interested in speaking, hosting or sharing, drop us a message – we’d love to hear from you!