MHA Larking Gowen’s Corporate Finance Experts James Lay and Jack Minns are launching a new webinar series which will help those who are getting ready to sell their business. 

Surely, there can be no worse a time to launch your first television campaign than during a pandemic. Conventional wisdom would conclude such a plan to be a futile waste of time and money. We believe otherwise.

JMS Group has long been an advocate for the power of television advertising, having witnessed the transformative results created for so many of our clients during more than three decades of production. Television has proven itself to be a reliable advertising channel no matter the state of the economy. So-regardless of the current situation-JMS Group has produced its first addressable TV campaign to promote both itself and Sky’s AdSmart platform.  And we’re proud to be the first production company to run a TV advertising campaign in our region.

AdSmart from Sky allows commercials to be displayed only in households that meet a bespoke advertiser-specified profile. The profile is assembled from tens of thousands of consumer data points linked to Sky’s subscribers. JMS Group’s commercial will be displayed in households containing marketing professionals and the owners of SMEs. But why is now still a good time to be advertising? Businesses are fervently reinventing their services. They are shifting to video sales consultations, creating new direct-to-consumer subscription models, or making a wholesale move to online-only trading. If ever there was a time for a business to be communicating with its consumers it is now, not least because-even with restrictions easing-television viewing has skyrocketed, and is likely to remain at elevated levels for some time to come. 

JMS Group produced its campaign while the production team worked remotely out of its Hethersett headquarters. A cloud-based production workflow had already been in daily operation for several years allowing both client projects and production of the campaign to continue uninterrupted offsite during lockdown. The dispatch of completed commercials to broadcasters is also via a file-based cloud delivery system. JMS Group’s addressable campaign went live in Sky households on 1st July.

Use Sky to reach your customers, right now. Discuss television advertising with JMS Group on 01603 811855.

Tom Vaughan-Mountford, JMS Group

Due to the continued growth of Swarm across the East of England, Directors Chris and Robert are really pleased to announce the appointment of two new senior managers to the team. Carl Long and Lucy Martin have both joined to take Swarm to the next level and accelerate Swarms momentum across the UK.

Carl Long has been appointed as Commercial Manager of Swarm and will be leading a new Commercial team in developing relationships with businesses and stakeholders across the East of England.

Carl brings with him a wealth of experience in business development growth and is looking forward to the challenge ahead. He comments,

“Having witnessed the very positive results of the Swarm method for both the employer and employee, I was very keen to join the team to use my enterprise experience to help expand our offerings geographically and the services provided.”

Along with Carl, Lucy Martin has been appointed as Area Manager of Swarm and will be overseeing the operational arm of the business for the East of England, as well as managing the Swarm Futures project.

Lucy has extensive experience in the education sector supporting young people to overcome challenges in their learning journey and joined the team earlier on in the year to lead on Swarm Futures project.

“These are exciting times to be with Swarm as we are continuing to grow and expand our services to really stand out from the crowd. The team and I are focusing on developing our strong relationships with customers, so we can offer an even more personal approach to recruitment and post recruitment care. I am very pleased to be on board and looking forward to the journey ahead.” Lucy Martin ,Area Manager

Both have been appointed to assist Founder Robert Ashton and Managing Director Chris Perry in taking Swarm’s unique and innovative concept in Apprenticeship training across the UK.

“With the appointment of our two new Senior Managers, Swarm has entered into an exciting new stage of its development as a fast growth social business. From our humble beginnings back in 2013, this really marks a turning point in our campaign to challenge the traditional approach to apprenticeships and focus training on developing skills that enable apprentices to deliver real business impact and growth.” Chris Perry, Managing Director.

Ends

After an accident left her disabled, Laura Remblance took to crocheting to cope. She has now turned her hobby into a full-time, fully-fledged business thanks to MENTA’s free business skills training. Laura, founder of Lovingly Handmade Crochet, was nervous about starting a business. She creates lifelike ‘plushy’ cuddly toy versions of people’s pets. The plush toys are also purchased as memorial gifts after a pet has died. The 30-year-old didn’t know whether her hobby-turned-business venture would work. With health concerns and little idea of how to start a business, Laura decided to try MENTA’s start-up workshops as her initial approach to setting up had been directionless. She says, “The three, free courses and great business advice gave me confidence, knowing my unique products would sell, I could establish myself as a sole trader.” MENTA’s friendly business advisers inspired Laura to take her business seriously, without being overbearing in their approach. “Because of my disability, I am sensitive to criticism,” Laura says. “A put-down would have been a shut-down to my business. But this was not the case.” Alex Till, CEO of MENTA comments, “It is fantastic to hear such a success story developing from our business workshops. More than 500 people based in Suffolk and Norfolk have completed the 12 hours of start-up training and 270 have started their enterprises. The Start Right, start-up programme (which is unaffected by Brexit), is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.” Fiancée, Riccardo Veronese left work to care for Laura and as the demand for plushies grew, Riccardo took up his own crochet hook. He is now an integral part of this start-up which has expanded, selling via online platforms such as notonthehighstreet.com where the products reach a wider range of potential customers. The plushies take from 50, to 60 hours to complete and each one is unique with clients providing photographs of their pets as reference for Laura and Riccardo. As well as the plushy range, Laura sells other products that focus on inclusivity and diversity. These include bespoke, crocheted dolls and toys made to order as keepsakes. Despite her collection of crochet figures, Laura’s pet plushies are central to the heart of the business. For more details regarding MENTA’s free business skills training, dates and locations across Suffolk and Norfolk visit www.menta.org.uk and the start-up page or call 01284 760206. Lovingly Handmade Crochet can be found at www.lovinglyhandmadecrochet.co.uk

Last night Eye Film won Best Promotional Programme at The Royal Television Society East Awards 2017 for their school film Leighton Park.  This is the first time the awards have been held since 2003, when Eye Film won Best Onscreen Personality for John Peel’s episode of the TV series ‘Going Home’.  With the whole Eye team present on the night, MD Charlie Gauvain accepted the award together with Max Knaapen who shot and edited the film.  “We’ve had a busy year with our company rebrand, launching a new website, producing two new TV projects for the BBC and working on a series of new films for schools, so we’re thrilled that we won.  I don’t think there’s another school film quite like it and it was wonderful that Leighton Park allowed us creative free reign on the project, so thank you to them!”.  On hearing the news, Headmaster of Leighton Park, Nigel Williams added “I was eager to work with Eye Film, as the family team had a very clear vision about what they could offer us and a willingness to explore and understand the unique set of values that make Leighton Park School so special. I am delighted with the film and very excited about the thoroughly deserved award.”

Eye Film was also nominated for Best Factual Programme for Alderney: The Evacuation, which they produced with the help of a Crowdfunder campaign. A third film in the series, Alderney: The War Years is currently in production and will be ready for release later in the year. 

Monthind has cultivated a strong reputation as a dependable provider of biohazard cleaning services across the East of England. Our longevity in the industry reflects our commitment to serving a wide array of clients, spanning both the private and public spheres. From local authorities and property managers to various public agencies, including police forces, we have consistently delivered high-quality services.

The cornerstone of Monthind Clean’s success lies in the expertise and dedication of our specialist team. Building upon their pre-existing industry experience, these individuals recently undertook the rigorous NASC course, culminating in them achieving their certification as trauma and biohazard specialists. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to continuous professional development and ensuring our team possesses the most up-to-date knowledge and skills. Throughout the NASC course, the team showcased exceptional professionalism and technical acumen, excelling in simulations ranging from carpet decontamination to intricate, multi-faceted biohazard scenarios. Their ability to consistently apply their acquired knowledge and training demonstrates their readiness to tackle the complex challenges inherent in trauma and biohazard remediation. This formal certification is a testament to their knowledge and skill, and it underscores Monthind Clean’s pledge to only employ the very best and most professional teams.

Charlotte Burden Says: “Such an amazing course, I would 100% recommend. My Specialist Cleaning team and I are now fully certified in Trauma and Biohazard Cleaning. The course enhanced our knowledge and skills no end and we are now ready to assist you all with any specialist cleaning needs you may have.”

Trauma and biohazard cleaning demands a sophisticated skill set and a comprehensive understanding of the inherent risks involved. Due to the nature of the work performed and the sites where the team is deployed, rigorous training and a deep understanding of health and safety protocols are paramount for the safety of both our technicians and anyone else present at a remediation site. The National Academy of Specialist Cleaners plays a vital role in elevating standards within this field, equipping professionals with the essential knowledge, understanding, and specialised training necessary to navigate the complexities of trauma and biohazard remediation responsibly and effectively.

Monthind Clean’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated by the NASC accreditation of our specialist team, reinforcing our dedication to providing safe, effective, and professional biohazard cleaning services. Our continued investment in training and development ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry, ready to meet the diverse needs of our clients with the highest level of expertise with sensitivity and empathy. We are proud to have a team that is not just experienced but also formally recognised for their skills and knowledge, allowing Monthind Clean to continue as a leader in the field.
 

In his much-anticipated summer economic statement, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a draft of measures aimed at boosting the UK economy: including a temporary holiday on stamp duty on the first £500,000 of all property sales in England and Northern Ireland, with immediate effect.

In a move firmly aimed at boosting the property market, the tax threshold has been temporarily raised until 31 March 2021. Stamp duty was previously paid on land or property sold for £125,000 or more.

Hatch Brenner Conveyancing Executive Rachael Hughes commented: “Myself and the Hatch Brenner Residential Property team very much welcome the introduction of the stamp duty holiday. It will give people looking to buy a home confidence, and make it more affordable for people to move house during the current coronavirus pandemic. It is a positive action by the Government to keep the housing market moving. We have seen a steady flow of enquiries from those planning on buying or selling a property – even through lockdown. In particular, since the easing of lockdown, and the relaxation of social distancing to 1m, we have been really busy with lots of new properties entering the housing market as people review their circumstances.”

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is the tax paid in England upon completion by those buying properties and is dependant on the price of the property in question.

From 8 July 2020, anyone completing on a main residence costing up to £500,000 will not have to pay any stamp duty, and any properties costing above £500,000 will only be taxed on their value above that amount. Between £425,000 to £925,000 above £500,000, the stamp duty would be taxed at 5%, and the £575,000 after that (£925,001 to £1.5 million) would be taxed at 10%. Anything remaining over £1.5 million would be taxed at 12%.

According to the BBC News, the stamp duty holiday will cut £4,500 off the average stamp duty bill and save some up to £15,000: Stamp duty holiday: How will it work?

First time buyers

The new stamp duty holiday replaces the previous first time buyer stamp duty discount whereby they previously did not pay stamp duty up to a property value of £300,000.

Landlords and second home buyers

Under the terms of the stamp duty holiday, landlords and second home buyers are eligible for the tax cut, but will still have to pay the additional 3% stamp duty they were previously charged.

Government stamp duty rate calculator

The rates have been adjusted in the Government SDLT calculator which is an easy tool to work out the SDLT payable for most residential property transactions.

Our team of Residential Property Solicitors has extensive experience in advising those looking to move house. Call 01603 660 811, or email info@hatchbrenner.co.uk and we would be happy to help.

Read more: The housing market re-opens: Covid-secure guidance to get the residential property sector moving

Please click onto the document to read this week’s market summary.

Freebridge Community Housing employees enjoyed their sixth annual Week of Wellbeing last week. The week aims to support the wellbeing of staff across the whole company and involved an array of activities.

Reflexology, creative writing, dance classes and meditation comprised just a small part of the list of events on offer. The week, which took place from 8 – 12 May, is designed to promote and support the six strands of wellbeing – Career, Physical, Mental, Social, Economic and Community Wellbeing – for its employee team of over 200 people.

While many of the week’s events were run by Freebridge employees a host of local organisations and businesses, including The Wellbeing People, Alive Leisure, The Engaging People Company, Paul Tibbs Photography, the Natural Therapy Centre and The Maltings Q Club were amongst those who provided expertise and facilities.

Local businesses generously donated prizes for a charity fundraising raffle. Proceeds will be going to East Anglian Air Ambulance, King’s Lynn Foodbank and West Norfolk RSPCA, who are all Freebridge chosen charities for 2017.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of Freebridge, said: “Once again we have had a fantastic Week of Wellbeing at Freebridge. This week gives our employees the opportunity to gain news experiences that can have a positive impact on both their work and personal lives.

“Our tenants remain at the heart of everything we do at Freebridge, and we believe that by having a workforce that is both physically and mentally healthy we will be able to continue to provide the best service possible.

“We couldn’t have made the week such a great success without support from local businesses; we would like to express our thanks for all their efforts and generosity.”