It’s been another busy month for local businesses, and staffing and wages are still high on the list of challenges facing employers. April saw the introduction of the largest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage – at 9.7 per cent, the highest in percentage terms since its introduction in 2016. The hourly rate paid to adult workers has leapt from £9.50 to £10.42 and retail, hospitality, cleaning and maintenance workers are chief among those who will benefit. For someone working full-time, this represents a rise of more than £1,600 per year. The importance of ensuring that staff are paid correctly, particularly for companies which use seasonal workers or operate on a shift basis, shouldn’t be underestimated, as those who fail to address payroll changes run the risk of HMRC fines. While we all want a society where people are paid fairly and able to support themselves, the National Living Wage increase has created something of a ripple effect for many employers. As pay has risen for this group, the knock-on effect is that other workers are reasonably asking whether their wages will benefit from a similar percentage increase? The challenge for many companies is whether a blanket increase is affordable, particularly at a time when energy and material costs have spiralled. Some firms are being forced to look again at efficiencies and to examine staff costs against other aspects of their business. Areas such as bookkeeping and marketing can often be outsourced for less than the cost of a full-time employee, and asset finance-backed investment in machinery or equipment can often enable a company to automate production lines and reduce manpower. These are tough decisions for any company, but there are several finance products which may help to ease the current pressures on businesses. As the leisure and tourism sector gears up for what is anticipated to be a busy season, as consumers spend more cautiously and staycation once again, a merchant cash advance can provide a cash boost and is only repaid as card payments are taken. For manufacturing and processing firms, invoice discounting – now a highly flexible product – can enable a company to receive early payment and keep production and cashflow moving. It’s a truism that tackling things early, before financial problems escalate, is always the best approach and we are here to help any companies which need to grapple with rising staffing costs. Finance should be a tool to help your company grow, so take time this month to review your operations and explore new ways to navigate the changes ahead. (CTA) For more information, contact Michael Moore at Complete Commercial Finance on 01553 611619 or visit ccf.finance Image of Michael Moore provided by Complete Commercial Finance
Potential volunteers are being encouraged to spare some time and make a contribution to their community as a way of marking the King’s Coronation. The Big Help Out is a national day of volunteering and anyone interested has the chance to join the team at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. There are various ways people can help, including lending a hand in one of the charity’s 46 shops – most of which are open on the Bank Holiday Monday of the King’s Coronation weekend (8th May). They have a chance to book a ‘taster’ session – in the hope it whets their appetite and leads to them becoming a fully-fledged volunteer. Other ways people can get involved include donating four hours to help the fundraising team – perhaps helping at an event or with a bucket collection – or four hours to sign-up as a gardener, to help a family tidy their garden as part of EACH’s Help at Home service. These two will be in the future rather than on the Monday. Instead, people can sign-up in the build-up to the Bank Holiday. Hannah Milbourne, EACH Volunteer Services and Development Manager, said: “Volunteering features heavily as part of the King’s upcoming celebrations and what better time to get involved than over the Coronation weekend. “As an organisation, we’re thrilled to be participating in The Big Help Out. “It’s an exciting opportunity for individuals to get involved and celebrate this very special day through volunteering. “People can book a ‘taster’ session and we’d welcome anyone who’d like to join us and get involved. “We hope they feel inspired to try it for the first time and the aim is to encourage everyone to make a difference in their community. “I’d encourage anyone to come along and help out, even if to contribute and have fun for one day. However, of course, we also hope they’ll love it and it leads to them taking the next step and joining us on a long-term basis. “We look forward to welcoming some new faces and hopefully some of them will want to stay on and join our existing team of over 1,700 fabulous volunteers.” All help is greatly appreciated and there are various roles available, to suit individual skills and interests. To find out more about any of the opportunities available, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. To book a taster session in one of the shops on 8th May, pop in and set something up. The campaign – hopefully set to be “one of the biggest mobilisations of volunteers the country has ever seen” – launched nationally on 20th March, with tens of thousands of people having already downloaded The Big Help Out app. Image provided by EACH
Mum Georgia Williams says she will be channelling her son’s strength when she takes part in an epic fundraising walk for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Son Miles, three, was unexpectedly diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure when he was just two weeks old, in October 2019. The left side of his heart is oversized, meaning it doesn’t effectively pump blood and oxygen around his body. Miles’ condition has led to complications throughout his short life but he remains a happy, bubbly little boy. As a way of saying thank you for the support she receives from EACH, Georgia, who works in recruitment, has signed up for the charity’s 32-mile Pier 2 Pier walk, along the Norfolk coast, on 10th June. “I want to give something back,” said the 34-year-old, who is married to Brandon and lives in Old Catton. “The pandemic dramatically impacted fundraising for most charities and I want to raise as much money as I can so families going through incredibly tough times can continue to benefit from the wonderful work EACH does. “The Pier 2 Pier challenge is going to be tough; I’ve never done a challenge like this before and I’m hoping that by choosing such a difficult challenge people might be more encouraged to donate! “I’ll be walking with my brother and godmother and I’m sure we’ll be channelling Miles’ strength throughout the tougher moments of the 32 miles.” Georgia and Brandon, 36, had no idea anything was wrong during the first fortnight of Miles’ life. However, things moved quickly after a night of poor feeding and drowsiness led to them taking him to the doctors. They then had to make an emergency dash to the A&E department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, before being blue-lighted to the intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London. During their time at GOSH, the family were introduced to EACH and they continue to receive support at The Nook. “Although not much can ease the journey we’ve been on as a family, EACH has been a huge support during some of the toughest times we’ve faced,” said Georgia. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has been incredibly supportive and so willing to help in any way they can.” To sponsor Georgia, head here. EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walk is a 32-mile challenge from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, following a fully-marked route along the popular Norfolk Coastal Path. The cost is £60 – £70 including a morning coach journey from Yarmouth to Cromer, so cars can be left near the finish – and sign-up closes on 14th May. Entry includes lunch and hot food at the finish and regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks. Walkers, who are asked to commit to raising £250, will also receive a finishers’ medal and an EACH technical T-shirt. Image credit EACH For more details, head here.
Mid-sized businesses in East Anglia (27%) see workforce issues, such as recruitment and retention costs, skills gaps and a shortage of workers, as a big challenge in the next six months
More than a third of regional businesses (37%) say it’s too expensive to hire staff.
East Anglia businesses face a squeeze on their workforce in the next six months, as skills and labour shortages rival rising interest rates and business costs in the list of top concerns. More than a quarter of mid-sized businesses in the region (27%) have ranked workforce challenges, such as recruitment and retention costs, skills gaps and a shortage of workers, as one of the biggest issues facing their business – with supply chain challenges coming out on top. According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-market businesses, more than a third of Midlands businesses (37%) say it’s too expensive to hire staff – pointing the finger at the cost of immigration bureaucracy, National Insurance contributions, and the expectation of higher pay and more benefits during the cost of living crisis. The survey also found that 40% of regional businesses cannot hire people with the right skills, with 37% admitting that immigration restrictions are preventing them from recruiting enough people. Currently, the biggest areas of concern for East Anglia businesses is recruitment of entry (70%) and lower managerial levels (70%). As a result, business leaders are taking significant steps to address workforce challenges over the next six months. Peter Harrup, partner and Head of East Anglia at BDO LLP, commented: “Time and again over the last three years, we have seen regional businesses thinking outside the box when faced with growing pressures. Workforce challenges are no different, with businesses offering specific incentives targeted at attracting more diverse talent, opportunities for existing staff to upskill and retain, as well as recruiting more staff through trainee schemes or apprenticeships. The landscape has changed considerably, and a significant number of businesses have flexed to adapt to it.” The Rethinking the Economy survey also showed that over the next five years, East Anglia businesses intend to invest in upskilling their existing workforce (30%), with the same number making a concerted effort to reverse the slide in the number of over 50s workers. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a mass exodus of over-50s from the labour market between March 2020 and November 2021, following record high employment rates of 50-64-year-olds in 2019. Similarly, nearly a quarter of East Anglia businesses (21%) intend to launch new products or services to support business growth in the face of labour shortages. As workforce challenges add to mounting economic pressures, additionally businesses are turning to technology and automation in order to address operational and productivity shortfalls. The survey found that over the next three years, nearly a third of East Anglia businesses (30%) intend to invest in technology to improve data-driven decision making, with 37% increasing the use of AI or adaptive AI systems. Harrup added: “The pressures and knock-on effect of workforce challenges is a worrying concern and one that could significantly impact on business confidence in the coming months if recruitment initiatives and investment in technology don’t begin to bear fruit. “What is clear from our latest survey is the need for greater support from the Government, to help East Anglia businesses address long-term challenges. Without more targeted intervention from Whitehall, mid-market businesses will continue to struggle in the face of ongoing adversity.” Topping the list of requests for Government support include incentives for consumers to encourage them to purchase from businesses, such as voucher schemes similar to Eat Out to Help Out, together with immigration policy changes to plug skills gaps and labour shortages.
Fundraisers looked the part as they took to the catwalk for a charity fashion show. The event, held at The Red Lion pub in Eaton, raised more than £800 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Over 50 guests bought tickets and watched on as volunteer models Sian Farrow-Blance, Jo O’Sullivan, Deborah Vine and Ellie Dwyer strutted their stuff, mostly wearing preloved designer stock from Woven Anew and Resoleresale, in addition to new dresses designed by Veronika Guardi. Another supporter, Annie Lloyd, made a necklace for one of the models to wear with her orange dress. It featured orange, to tie in with EACH’s branding. Organiser Jenny McGreal said: “Our show was a great success and we raised £802. “Following on from it I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to The Nook, to meet Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller. “What an incredible facility it is and so wonderful to absorb first-hand the passion and dedication of the team and volunteers.” Jenny organised the event with Laura Wilson, who owns The Red Lion. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, in Framingham Earl, it has two other hospices in Ipswich and near Cambridge. Image credits EACH
Children enjoyed a fun-filled day of Easter activities at The Nook. The event was organised for siblings who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The group featured a range of ages and highlights included decorating chocolate eggs. EACH Family Support Practitioner Katie Chapman said: “All the siblings had a fun day and enjoyed getting to know each other. “They loved decorating their chocolate eggs, making wreaths and completing an egg hunt together. “They also made their own pizzas, which they got to have for lunch.” The event was supported by volunteers Sarah Dixon and Jackie Creighton. EACH runs sibling days during the school holidays, for children aged five upwards. “They allow siblings to come together, have fun and make friends in a safe environment,” added Katie. “It’s a time for them to get together and meet others in similar situations to themselves.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. In addition to The Nook, it also has hospices in Milton, near Cambridge, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich. Image credits EACH
Above: Station adopters, Heather Babb and Trevor Lond, receive their accreditation. Credit: Greater Anglia Diss rail station has received a ‘Wildlife Friendly’ accreditation recognising the work of community volunteers to improve biodiversity and support nature there. Greater Anglia has partnered with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust to formally recognise the achievements of its team of volunteer ‘station adopters’ to create wildlife havens at stations across its network through the new ‘Greater Anglia Wildlife Friendly Stations Accreditation Scheme.’ Diss station adopters, Heather Babb, Katie Brame, Nikki Young and Peter Harrison received the award following assessment by a Norfolk Wildlife Trust Conservation Officer to determine how well the station supports local flora and fauna. They have created a garden area on platform 2 with nectar-rich planting to help support pollinating insects, complete with an insect hotel. The ecologist’s report stated that although Diss is an “urban station, surrounded by housing and industrial estates, it sits in a good location for providing some habitat connectivity for wildlife through the town.” James Hogg, Development Officer at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: “The alarming decline in the abundance of wildlife and the plight of species under threat means that just protecting the nature we have left is not enough; we need to put nature into recovery, and to do so at scale and with urgency. “This project with Greater Anglia is a fantastic example of how people can transform nature-poor areas into new nature-rich places – and change the way we think about land, seizing opportunities to help nature outside traditional nature reserves.” Each assessment also offers tips and advice for how to make the stations more wildlife friendly and the reports can also be used as examples of best practice to help spread good ideas around all Greater Anglia’s stations. Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said, “We’re delighted to partner with the region’s wildlife trusts to formally recognise the valuable work of our station adopter volunteers in supporting wildlife and improving their local environment.” “I’d like to congratulate the volunteers at Diss station on receiving this recognition and thank them for the incredible work that are doing that is help to support biodiversity locally.” Rail stations in East Anglia are increasingly becoming havens for local wildlife thanks to the efforts of over 300 volunteers who last year transformed over 7,400 square metres of land into thriving wildlife gardens. In a recent survey, Greater Anglia station adopters reported a wide range of creatures visiting their stations including many different types of butterflies as well as bees, slow worms, bats, foxes, toads, lizards, deer and many varieties of birds, recording more than 200 different species. Greater Anglia has joined the rest of the rail industry in pledging to make stations across Britain more sustainable. Action to reduce waste, support local wildlife and cut the carbon footprint of railway stations will be informed by the industry’s Sustainable Stations: Best Practice Guide, which details ways in which train operators can meet this commitment in support of global goals of decarbonisation, reducing waste and supporting local plant and animal life. Image provided by Greater Anglia
Could your business join the Refill revolution? Food, drink and retail businesses, and any business with a tap, can sign up as a Refill Station (for free) and offer refills. You can help people who are keen to avoid single-use plastic and introduce them to your business at the same time. Why becoming a Refill Station is great for your business:
Reach new customers by appearing on the free Refill App used by over 480,000 people worldwide looking for places to refill water, hot drinks, food and groceries.
Make your customers happy. 61% of customers view a business more favourably if they offer reusables.
Boost sales: water refill customers spend on average between £2.50 and £5 per visit in food and drink businesses.
Food and drink businesses offering refills can save money on costs of disposable packaging
Prevent pollution and plastic bottles littering the environment in Norfolk.
Join more than 500 Norfolk-based businesses offering refills and help us achieve Norfolk-wide refill coverage! Find out more and sign up for free online. Norfolk County Council have teamed up with the Refill campaign to make living with less plastic easy. For more information, please visit www.norfolkrecycles.com/refill-norfolk Image provided by Norfolk County Council
Greater Anglia is to run a special train from London to Norwich on Wednesday evening (19 April) for fans returning from the QPR v Norwich game. The 23:12 London Liverpool Street to Norwich service, which will also call at Diss, will operate to ensure those going to the game can get a return train through to Norwich, as overnight pre-planned engineering works are taking place. Supporters are asked to return for this service, as the 23.30 from London only runs as far as Ipswich due to essential track maintenance works.
Norfolk County Council has received funding from The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to run an E-Cargo Bike project within the Air Quality Management Zone in Norwich. Electric Cargo bikes also known as E-Cargo bikes are electric bicycles designed and constructed specifically for transporting loads (e.g food items, hardware, consumer parcels). They also boast considerably lower operating cost than vans and are nimble enough to provide a practical solution for small / medium local freight, including last mile delivery. The project will allow businesses to try E-Cargo bikes for a fixed term, at no cost, businesses will receive support on all elements of how they can implement e-cargo bikes into their work. This survey will help shape an e-cargo bike library for businesses in Norwich city centre and we hope that you make use of the E-Cargo Bike library when it is operational. The E-Cargo bikes will be available from July 2023 and the pilot will run at least until March 2025. The survey is accessible through the link below and closes on 23.59 on Sunday 7th May norfolk.citizenspace.com/environment-transport-and-development/travel-norfolk-e-cargo-bikes-for-business