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This is the one hundredth podcast for Mark, after starting Impromptu Business Chat back in May 2020, and to celebrate this milestone, we needed a very special guest, and they don’t get much better than local legend (and Tractor Boy!) David Sheepshanks CBE. David was Chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club (soccer to our US listeners) during their success in the 90s, including their infamous win over Manchester United, but was also there to witness the fall into relegation out of the Premier League. He chats to Becky and life-long Ipswich Town Football Club fan, Mark, about how he brought a fresh approach of leadership to the club back in the late 80s, which involved revolutionising the approach to staffing, training and even who was playing on the pitch! They chat about how running a football club successfully meant taking a business-like approach; it wasn’t just about putting a ball in the net anymore. David reminisces about his determination to win back the heart and minds of fans, and the initiatives they brought in to refresh the club and increase footfall to the stands during a dark period performance-wise. He reflects on their community work and emphasis on youth training and development, some of which was revolutionary at the time, and how he focused on culture change, and improved morale and a sense of comradery throughout all levels at the club, breaking barriers and focusing in on a ‘customer is king’ approach across the board. David also discusses his time in the FA (Football Association) and his work on St George’s Park, a new and visionary football centre, created to host a new generation of coaches who could grow with the changing world of football. This episode is not to be missed, not just for football fans, but for those seeking to learn what it really takes to win at any top level. “Buildings don’t win tournaments; environments and people do.” You can now watch us on YouTube! Click here GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk Show notes: Books: The Obstacle is the Way – Ryan Holiday The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey Good to Great – Jim Collins Turn the Ship Around – David Marquet Matthew Syed – Rebel Ideas Radical Candor – Kim Scott Links: Podcast Sir Michael Barber: Accomplishment Vistage YouTube Clip ‘ Greatness’ David Marquet © Larking Gowen LLP Listen here!

Regional accountancy and advisory firm Larking Gowen has announced that Martin Bugg is to become a Partner with the firm from 1 April 2023. Martin is currently a senior manager in the Business & Private team, and well known for his digital and cloud accounting expertise. His appointment as a Partner comes in his twentieth year at Larking Gowen. He joined the firm straight from college in 2003 after studying for an HND in Business and Finance, completed his AAT in 2005 and became ACCA qualified in 2007. Commenting on the appointment, Martin said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Partner at Larking Gowen. I joined the firm at the outset of my career, and it’s great to be able to realise a long-held ambition to reach this position. I’m excited to be part of the leadership team driving the business forwards, providing an efficient and proactive service to clients.” “It’s an exciting time in our profession, as we adjust to new ways of working,” said Martin. “My message to the teams and our clients is that technology buys you time. We should aim to work smarter not harder, using the technology and embracing change. We understand the products well, we can demonstrate the value to our clients, and use the live data to help them grow their business and achieve their goals.” Business & Private Lead Partner Becky Ames said: ” I am very pleased to welcome Martin to the partnership. His knowledge of how digital solutions can be applied to the benefit of both our clients and Larking Gowen is invaluable in our fast-changing profession and will ensure that we continue to be proactive in our approach. Having trained with the firm, he is a great example of how a career at Larking Gowen can take you as far as you want to go.” Image provided by Larking Gowen

Thirsty fundraisers are being encouraged to put the kettle on and raise vital funds for charity. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is organising its very first Big Tea Break – a chance for the public to brew-up, relax and spend quality time together. They idea is that they make a donation and all funds go to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Community Fundraising Manager Tina Burdett said: “We’re asking our supporters to pop the kettle on, share a cuppa with family, friends and colleagues and join us for our very first Big Tea Break. “It’s a chance for people to take a well-earned breather, while helping EACH, and we’re encouraging people to host their own get-togethers between Saturday, 25^th March and Friday, 31^st March. “Please spread the word and for more information, including how to register an event and download a fundraising pack, check our website.” The idea for the fundraiser ties in with the wellbeing and support services offered by EACH, which has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. “One of our key messages is that we help families create memories together,” added Tina. “Now we want to encourage our supporters to take a break and make memories with family, friends and colleagues. “By sharing a cuppa, they can enjoy some time together while helping the families we support make their own special memories.” Supporters are being encouraged to snap, tag and share their photos using the hashtag #BigTeaBreak and they can donate £3 by texting BIGTEABREAK to 70085. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one message at your standard network message rate. Image credits EACH

This week, I was privileged to attend the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards with some of my valued team members, as Big C had been named as a finalist in the Employer of the Year category. As I sat there listening to stories of local success and endeavour, in such challenging times for many, I was struck by a sense of our Norfolk community and how together we are stronger. It’s not often I feel the need to quote a philosopher, but an expression attributed to Aristotle seemed apt “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” I would like to congratulate all the winners and finalists at this year’s Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards and applaud the organisers for staging an event which demonstrated such diversity, energy, commitment and determination to establish a sustainable economy for our county. We didn’t win our category, but we were in esteemed company, alongside a world-famous organisation in the winner, Lotus, still firmly based in Norfolk and trade technology distributor and loyal Big C supporter, Midwich. Such resolve made me reflect on our purpose at Big C to provide continuous and sustainable, ‘support for all’ whether that is meeting face to face with families facing the toughest of times, developing new cancer support services, or investing in world-class cancer research on our doorstep.  I’m very mindful of the need to always reinforce that anyone affected by cancer can access Big C’s tailored, holistic support to achieve best outcomes and enhance wellbeing. Our services are free to everyone, whether that is someone with a cancer diagnosis, their family or loved ones. Or their employer. Managing cancer in the workplace can be sensitive and challenging. We are here to help. Our portfolio of services includes emotional and practical support, professional counselling, complementary treatments, nutrition programmes, bereavement support and welfare advice in partnership with Citizens’ Advice to help with the financial cost of cancer. We can also provide help for business owners or directors. Big C’s free support can be accessed in several ways. Visit one of our Cancer Support Centres in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Wells or Thetford, or call our free telephone support line on 0800 092 7640 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm). Alternatively email our friendly team on support@big-c.co.uk. A smile and warm welcome are guaranteed at Big C. With kindest regards, Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive at Big C.

Photo: Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, Kerry Wilmot, Director of Project and Infrastructure Management at NEBOair, and Ray Parsons from Premier Flight Training Photo credit: Saxon Air Three East Anglian businesses are picking up the pace in sustainable aviation with the unveiling of the region’s greenest flight training programme. The companies – Saxon Air, NEBOair, and Premier Flight Training – all have one thing in common: a passion for sustainable aviation. And the VELIS Electro is at the heart of it all. In 2021, Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand met with the founders of NEBOair who were flying the flag for the world’s first EASA and UK CAA certified light electric aircraft, the Pipistrel’s VELIS Electro, in the UK. Since then, the companies have worked together to bring the aircraft front and centre, from joint-hosting sustainability events at Saxon’s hangarage facility at Norwich Airport through to Saxon Air supporting NEBOair with showcasing the aircraft on a global stage at the Farnborough International Air Show, and the London Climate Technology Show 2022 at Olympia, Kensington. Saxon Air, who rent a VELIS Electro from NEBOair, will now engage with Premier Flight Training to position the company as the most sustainable flying school in East Anglia. Premier Flight Training, based at Norwich Airport, are the latest to rent the Pipistrel VSW121, which is the low emission fossil fuel sistership aircraft to the Pipistrel Velis Electro. The Pipistrel VSW121 uses less than 9.5 litres of fuel per hour during flight compared to Premier’s previous training aircraft, the PA28, using 28 litres per hour. Operated in conjunction with the Velis, they will provide what is thought to be the greenest route to a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) in the UK. This is the latest in a string of businesses in the Norwich community that Saxon Air are supporting in their journey to sustainability, positioning the company as leaders in the green revolution. Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, said: “Electric aviation is instrumental in the future of our industry, and flight schools like Premier Flight Training embracing the Pipistrel solutions to low and zero free emission flight training is exactly the approach we need to see more of.” Kerry Wilmot of NEBOair explains the journey towards sustainability does not stop at electric aircraft: “To truly achieve sustainable flight, it is important to consider the sustainability of airfields as well. We have been working closely with Octopus Energy to design a vision for cleaner, greener community airfields.” “Airfields will play a critical role in reducing the aviation industry’s environmental impact, and there are several ways to achieve a tangible shift in operational emissions through sustainable practices, to generate green energy from poorly utilised land that can be found on many airfields,” she finished. NEBOair invite airfield operators to engage on the following topics: • Buying Green Energy from a Reliable Source • Generating Green Energy On-Site: giving consideration to producing renewable energy on-site through the installation of solar panels on rooftops or in open spaces between runways, or by installing standalone solar charging ports like the NUNCATS built port at Old Buckenham Airfield • Exporting Excess Power: excess energy generated on-site can be exported to nearby communities. This can provide local residents with access to cheap renewable energy during times when it is generated. Long term lease agreements for poorly utilised land can generate revenues for the site of up to 30 years Together, we can create a more sustainable future for aviation!

We recently shared with you in a blog, some ideas our clients have created to incorporate some corporate wellness into the working day. How can these ideas fit in with your teams? How about Motivational Massage Mondays? Imagine walking into your office to feel an exciting buzz in the air and everyone feeling relaxed, refreshed, smiling, and happy? It is so easy to create this! What better way to start the week than with a seated back neck and shoulder massage? We’ll give your muscles a good pummelling, we’ll stretch you out, you’ll feel fantastic, and then we send you back to work feeling refreshed and energised. These are just a couple of testimonials recently received: “It is really relaxing and just what is needed when you are busy keeping your head down working – a lovely way to relieve stress in the work environment” “Just to say that it is fantastic that we get this opportunity to have a little bit of downtime during a working week when often it is just non-stop. The massage is invigorating as well as relaxing” And these are questions we are often asked: “Who is it for?” It is for all types of business. We visit: Office-based, Manufacturing, NHS sites, Schools and colleges, Local authorities, and many more. It is for everyone and all sizes of business. We can be there for just a few hours or a few days depending on how many staff you have. “We don’t have a budget for that” It is not expensive. We will work with you on your budget, just give us a call or drop us an email, and together we will devise sessions that suit you. “Where are you based?” Location is not a problem. We have a wonderful team of therapists dotted across the UK so it doesn’t matter where you are, we will come to you! All we need to know initially is your location and how many staff you wish to cater for to provide you with options and a quote. “What do we need to do?” All we need from you is either a small quiet area away from the main working space or a small meeting room which can be well ventilated (we will agree with you a Covid-19 workplace risk assessment but ventilation is key). We set up the massage chair, which takes up very little room, and we are ready to go – simple as that. Looking after employee health and wellbeing is vitally important particularly following the massive upheaval and unprecedented circumstances that have been thrown our way over the past 18 months or so. Show your employees that you appreciate their resilience, their hard work and reward them with well-earned downtime during the working day. (p.s. It doesn’t have to be on a Monday – it works well on any day of the week!) For further information or to obtain a quotation email Kathy Scott at info@handsonatwork.co.uk or call 07989 367669 Tags: Employee Engagement, Employee Happiness, Health and Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, onsite workplace massages, Wellbeing, Wellbeing At Work, Wellness, wellness At Work, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Workplace Massage, Workplace Wellbeing, workplace wellness

I was asked to present a webinar to a business client about how to deal with stress in the workplace but without having the word stress in the title as apparently that puts people off attending. We concentrated on ways to improve health and wellbeing and discussed what is and isn’t in your control, looking out for colleagues and what employers have in place to support both physical and mental health. We then finished the session with some simple stretches you can do at the desk to encourage movement during the day. As usual, we sent a link to an anonymous online survey to receive feedback on the session and for the most part, the responses were positive saying the session was helpful and they particularly liked the stretches at the end. However, there was one person who was not impressed, who felt it was delivered in such a way that put responsibility for stress management entirely on the employee. I dispute that, but putting that aside, and putting aside my huge over-sensitivity that somebody did not agree with my presentation (I took it so personally) I realised this was someone who has grievances with their employer but who also made some valid points in their criticism. What this person was saying was factors causing stress were out of employees control, such as excessive workloads, unrealistic targets, unworkable deadlines and salaries well below sector average. They felt the session would have been more effective if it had been had with managers and those responsible for allocating workloads, highlighting to them the impact it has on staff and to work through some strategies that they could put in place in their management to reduce stress among staff. I could tell just from those comments in the survey just how passionate this person felt about it. Unfortunately, I believe it is a fact that many good people leave their jobs because of these kinds of frustrations and it is such a shame. We need to take on board what the pandemic has shown us and that is burnout and stress due to factors such as unrealistic workloads or little mental health support has led to employees seeking employment opportunities elsewhere, where the link between mental health and physical health are dealt with as one. It’s all very well, thinking up new ideas of what you can implement to improve staff wellbeing but the fundamentals have to be in place. It’s no use offering different activities, and I include those that we offer as a company, if staff don’t feel comfortable taking part and they won’t be comfortable taking part if they are under so much pressure with their workload or time restraints. What would it cost to implement regular one to one meetings with staff to talk through these issues? A once a year appraisal is not enough. Have regular forums between management and employees for open discussions without fear of reprisals. Give everyone an opportunity to say how they feel and encourage participation in discussions to increase feelings of engagement and control over their workload. Employers taking on board effective management methods to reduce the stress and to have communication on a regular basis with employees ensures no-one feels under immense pressure, and will increase positive feelings of wellbeing and less health issues. Get the fundamentals right with employee health and wellbeing, then build on top of that other wellbeing strategies employees will want to take part in and you will have the beginnings of a great health and wellbeing programme. Image provided by Hands on at work

Stress in the workplace is becoming a huge factor for employers. Did you know in 2012, 10 million working days were lost to stress (in the UK alone!) The key to success in any organisation begins with a happy, healthy and motivated workforce. It’s time to enjoy yoga in your workplace and give your team a boost! Would you like to have regular yoga sessions at your workplace?  Now you can with Hands On At Work. Why have regular yoga classes in your workplace? ???? Relieves work-related aches and pains by bringing movement, strength and stretching into tense and underused muscles, sore backs and shoulders ???? Improves productivity, memory and concentration by bringing awareness to the body and breath, giving the mind a rest from work-related thoughts ???? Reduces stress-related illnesses and absenteeism and develops loyalty towards the organisation ????Develops a sense of team between employees, improving workplace relationships. Duration of the Classes can be either 45 or 60 minutes depending on the preference of the company. A one-hour class is ideal to fit in a well-rounded practice Your classes can take place to suit your company requirements: At the beginning or end of the day or during the lunch hour on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. You’ll be practicing yoga in the workplace in no time – getting ready to return to work chilled and energised for the rest of the day! If Yoga is something you and your colleagues would like to explore, please email us on info@handsonatwork.co.uk with your location and number of employees so we can put together a bespoke quotation. Tags: Birmingham, Business, Employee Engagement, Health, Health and Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, HR, Mental Health, Wellbeing, Wellbeing At Work, Wellbeing Programme, Wellbeing Strategy, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Workplace Wellbeing, WorkplaceYoga, Yoga, Yogaintheworkplace Image provided by Hands on at work

It’s sadly no secret that financial worries are on the rise.  Lowering the utility and petrol price hikes, inflation or other costs of living isn’t something many of us have a say in. However, the good news is as employers there are plenty of things, we can be doing to help to help our employees and support positive financial wellbeing. We all know that money issues can have an overwhelming impact on our mental, physical and emotional health, because of course, it isn’t just about how we look after our finances, but how we can manage them and feel. Here are top financial wellbeing tips for employers to support employees:

• Explore cost-effective support.  Obviously, it’s not always feasible, however investigate what support you can provide at low/no cost to yourself.  For example, more home-based working to reduce petrol costs or a food hamper at Christmas.

• Provide wellbeing sessions.  For example, yoga, fitness classes, step challenges or Pilates to employees in the office or at home, to help employees cut or cancel gym costs.

• Money -specific benefits:  There are lots of benefits out there which support the financial health of employees, for example Health Cash Care plans. These platforms allow access to discounts on weekly shops and gym memberships, to money back from opticians’ appointments.

• Offer regular wellness check ins.  This promotes a culture where employees can discuss their money worries openly, without fear that it’s a ‘taboo’ conversation.

• Provide professional financial education resources.  Providing your employees with professional financial advice on money matters as part of your benefits package, i.e. by offering them access to a financial advisor.

• Salary sacrifice schemes.  Salary sacrifice schemes that allow employees to pay for things through their company payroll to reduce the amount of tax paid can help them to save money. Generally pension contributions are paid this way but can also include payments for transport such as company cars, bikes, and bus passes, and even mobile phones, gym passes and health and dental care.

• Communication is King:  Communicate what financial benefits you offer to your employees making sure that the information provided is up-to-date and relevant.  No matter how good the financial wellbeing support is that you have in place, if it is not well communicated and understood then it’s likely that it will be overlooked by employees.

Tags: Employee Engagement, Financial Wellbeing, Health, Health and Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, HR, Mental Health, Mental Wellbeing, Wellbeing At Work, Wellbeing Programme, Wellbeing Strategy, wellness At Work, Workplace Wellbeing Image provided by Hands on at work

CyberScale, a specialist Cyber Security Consultancy, based in Norwich is has appointed Professor Cameron ‘Buck’ Rogers as the first member its newly established advisory board. Having enjoyed an accomplished career in Cyber Security with roles that have included CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) at the Bank of England, Global Head of Resilience Risk at HSBC and latterly, Head of Cyber and Information Security at BAE Systems Buck will bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to CyberScale at a crucial time in the next chapter of the company’s growth and development. Darren Chapman, founder, and Principal Consultant at CyberScale said:  “This is a key  appointment at CyberScale, and comes at a pivotal time for us as we expand our footprint, particularly across the SMB (small and medium business) space.  The focus of Buck’s role will be to help us ensure that we continue to provide both the most relevant, and highest impact security services to our current and future clients.  His knowledge, experience and contacts in the industry will be invaluable as he helps us optimise our portfolio of Cyber & Information Security Services as well as mentoring our already skilled and experienced team”. Professor Rogers said that joining the CyberScale Advisory Board was a very simple decision to make, commenting;  “Having experienced first-hand the quality of CyberScale’s work and their commitment to making vital cyber security services accessible to any type of business, I was delighted to accept the opportunity to help.  I was excited by the company’s new initiatives in helping small and medium businesses to face up to the challenge of cyber security when they don’t have access to the same resources as larger enterprises.” Buck’s Professorship is in Cyber Security and Digital Innovation at Gloucestershire University. Outside of his Professorship, Buck is a Fellow of CREST (Council for Ethical Security Testers). Buck also provides cyber expertise to the International Monetary Fund, an agency of the UN, where Buck helps Countries to understand and regulate Cyber risk. He sits on the expert panel for Regulation Technology Associates and is cyber security advisor to Cyb3r Operations, a cyber intelligence company.  Buck has also worked with the G7/G20 via the Carnegie Endowment for Peace on Cyber Security, and the global financial system. Image provided by Cyberscale          

Kind-hearted students are basking in ‘story’ after donating a bumper haul of books to charity. The giant collection, ranging from children’s classics to fiction and academic textbooks, has been handed to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by The Thetford Academy. They will be distributed throughout the charity’s 46 shops. The Thetford Academy has previously supported EACH but this is its first donation since before the Covid pandemic. “Our students and staff are always keen to support local charities,” said School Librarian Jacqueline Browne. “We’re therefore very proud to be able to donate our ‘pre-loved’ books to a charity that does so much work for local children who need care and support during difficult times. “We want to say a huge thank you to our local community, who have been very generous in donating lots of books to us following their lockdown clear outs. “EACH is such a worthwhile cause and we’re delighted to help generate income for a charity that specifically supports the children, young people, and families of our region – something we feel immensely passionate about ourselves.” In addition to its donation of around 500 books, the school also held a book sale and raised just over £30 for EACH. Stephen Ball, EACH’s Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Manager, said: “Our sincere thanks go to The Thetford Academy. “It’s a very generous donation and these books will now be distributed throughout our shops, as and when required and requested. “They will generate vital income to help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. EACH Retail Central Support Administrator Jo Wilding and volunteer Dorothy King are pictured with the books at the charity’s Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. Image credits EACH

Photo: Children at Woods Loke Primary School during a visit from Skills for Energy on World Book Day Credit: Skills for Energy/EEEGR In celebration of World Book Day, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at EEEGR’s Skills for Energy, visited the local Rainbows, Brownies, and guides unit on Wednesday 1st of March, 2023 as well as local schools on Thursday the 2nd of March 2023 to deliver activities, inspiring the next energy generation. Each student walked away with a copy of the book of Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty at the end of the activity. Thanks to members of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), these events were delivered with the support of HTL, North Star and Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm. Sophie said: “My aim was to inspire the next generation of young people to interact with the ideas of recycling, renewables, and sustainability whilst taking part in an engaging activity that promotes curiosity and questions about engineering and the wider industry. Thanks to our sponsors, we have managed to deliver what we hope will be the start of many similar initiatives.” Danny Peachey, General Manager, HTL Group said: “It was great to see Skills for Energy delivering the activity with the Brownies, where the group read Rosie Revere, Engineer and used recycling to create a model boat. HTL is proud to be an EEEGR sponsor working side by side with SFE to inspire the next generation.” The school activity was held at Woods Loke Primary School in Lowestoft. During the activity the children had the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about their energy future options, and take home a book in the hope that it will pique their interest and inspire them about the options available. Glynn Fereday, SSE Renewables Operations Manager for Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, said: “It’s a great privilege to be able to share the story of offshore wind with young people to mark World Book Day 2023. It was such a joy to see the children’s faces when we talked to them about the challenging and exciting roles on an offshore wind farm and showed them some of the protective clothing our technicians wear to keep them safe when they’re working out at sea keeping the lights on for homes and businesses. It’s vitally important to show youngsters the breadth of STEM opportunities available to them and the role they can play in the net zero world.” Emma Moore, Training Officer for North Star in the Lowestoft base, has been joining in the fun as those attending take part in reading, colouring, and “boat building” activities. In a statement, Emma said: “Inspiring the next generation remains at the heart of our business . We’ve been training the next generation of marine professionals for more than 26 years through our cadetship programme. Learn more about North Star, and our commitment to training and development here: https://www.northstarshipping.co.uk/careers” In a final statement, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at Skills for Energy and EEEGR, said: “We’ve all worked with talented engineers who design, build, and maintain the world around us. Engineers use their creativity with problem solving skills and EEEGR, through the Skills for Energy activities, want to inspire children to explore this path.” Sophie is available for interview or contact on: E: sophie.skipp@eeegr.com | M: 07879697710