Howes Percival has been named one of the top 200 law firms in England and Wales in The Times’ Best Law Firms 2022 list published on 4 November 2021. The list is based entirely on recommendations from thousands of solicitors across England and Wales who were asked to choose which law firms they would recommend for a number of categories covering business, public and private-client fields. Solicitors are not permitted to choose their own law firms or vote for any category more than once. This is the second time Howes Percival has been featured in the list, which has now been running for four years. The firm was commended for its expertise in commercial property, insolvency & restructuring and planning. Howes Percival’s Chairperson, Geraint Davies said:
‘We are really proud to be featured in this influential list for the second year running. Our listing is testament to the quality of work being produced across the firm and it’s fantastic to see the calibre of our people and their expertise being recognised by our fellow legal professionals.’
Norfolk geothermal innovators CeraPhi pledge to Armed Forces leavers • Great Yarmouth-based CeraPhi Energy vows to support armed forces leavers into new green careers.• More than 20,000 people leave the forces every year, many with transferable skills ideal for the 700,000 estimated new green jobs by 2030.• Reusing skills and disciplined mindset key to building a sustainable transition. CeraPhi Energy has pledged to recognise and embrace the valuable transferrable skills ex-military personnel bring to the renewable energy workforce by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. The CeraPhi team made its pledge at a private closed doors event at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) alongside Mission Renewable, set up to harness the wealth of talent and skills from the veteran community for careers in renewable energy, and Aker Offshore Wind. More than 20,000 people leave the armed forces in the UK every year, many with the skills, mindset and attitude the energy sector needs. An estimated 700,000 new green jobs will be created in the next decade. Great Yarmouth-based CeraPhi Energy, which also has bases in London, Houston, US and works across the world from its Norfol headquarters, becomes that latest renewable energy business to vow to support armed forces leavers to move into green jobs, form communities in the sector, develop exemplars, mentors, and enable service veterans to help each other. Karl Farrow, CeraPhi CEO, signed the covenant with Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE MSc BEng MInstRE, MoD’s Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, on behalf of the MoD. Farrow said: “We are in a new era of reuse and sustainability. Reusing skills and disciplined ability is a key part of building a sustainable foundation and supporting transition. No one deserves more recognition that those men and women throughout the globe who served their countries, keeping us safe well and healthy in our daily lives. “I have been in a fortunate position to have been able to offer many of these ex-service personal from various nationalities an ability to transition from service to Civvy Street and we continue to support these combined efforts and look forward to working with the MoD and the Mission Renewable cause as we ourselves transition.” Mission Renewable is also working with the MoD to develop new supported pathways for service leavers, who can use MoD resettlement ‘credits’ to access funding for safety and technical qualifications needed to enter the renewable energy sector. James Cameron, Mission Renewable CEO, said: “These are early days for the Renewable sector, but what is clear is that ‘green’ careers will become a destination of choice for our service leavers and veterans. “As our nation moves to meet the challenges in sustainability, the fast growth of the renewable energy sector will need men and women of quality to power it. Our Armed Forces community have much to offer, and by harnessing this national resource, industry too can benefit greatly. “Companies like CeraPhi are keen to tap into that potential. From our work in other sectors, we’ve learnt a great deal about successful transition, and the power of advocacy, and it is now our responsibility to help promote these positive business behaviours in support of the renewable sector.” Photo captions: 1. Karl Farrow, CeraPhi Energy Chief Executive Officer, signs the Armed Forces Covenant with Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE MSc BEng MInstRE, Chief of Defence Logistics and Support at the Ministry of Defence. 2. . Chris Sladen, of CeraPhi Energy’s advisory board and chair of the Geothermal Energy Advancement Association, with Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE MSc BEng MInstRE, Chief of Defence Logistics and Support at the Ministry of Defence. 3. CeraPhi Energy sign the Armed Forces Covenant with Mission Renewable at the Ministry of Defence. Chief Exective Officer, Karl Farrow, second left; Gary Williams, Chief Operating Officer, fifth from left, and Chris Sladen, advisory board member and chair of the Geothermal Energy
Attleborough-based renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm, is celebrating two major landmarks – its 15th year in business and securing a total of £22million in Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments for customers who have switched to a heat pump for their heating. Established in 2006, the company was started by technical director David Alston, who first ran Finn Geotherm from a container unit on his father’s farm. An engineering graduate, David spotted the opportunity to bring heat pump technology, which was being widely used in Finland, to heat homes here in the UK. Today, the company has modern offices and a showroom just off the A11 and employs a total of 25 staff. In its 15 years, the company has installed more than 1,000 systems in properties ranging from two-bedroom bungalows and converted windmills to stately homes and even at the zoo in locations across East Anglia and beyond. Heat pumps are now widely accepted as one of the best low carbon heating systems available, with the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan committing to deploy 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. David Alston, technical director at Finn Geotherm, said: “I understood the massive potential of the UK heat pump market when I first started Finn Geotherm 15 years ago and we’ve steadily grown the company as more and more people see for themselves the many great benefits of having a heat pump for their home or business. For the Government to now announce these systems as the future of heating, marks the start of the next exciting chapter in Finn Geotherm’s history.” On its 15th anniversary, Finn Geotherm has also reached the huge milestone of securing £22million in Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments, which will be shared among the domestic and commercial customers for whom it has designed and installed ground and air source heat pump systems. The RHI is the current government initiative designed to reward people for switching to a more environmentally friendly form of heating. Administered by Ofgem, the scheme comprises the Domestic RHI for homeowners and Non-domestic (Commercial) RHI for commercial customers. Based on the amount of clean, green heat produced, both provide tax-free quarterly payments for seven years under the Domestic scheme or 20 years for Commercial. The Domestic RHI ends for new applications in March 2022 and will be replaced by the newly announced Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The Non-Domestic RHI ended in March 2021. As one of the UK’s longest established renewable heating companies, Finn Geotherm has been helping its heat pump customers apply for this tax-free incentive since it was first introduced in April 2014. The company has kept a log of all the RHI payments it has secured for its domestic and commercial customers and this has now reached a total of £22million pounds. Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm added: “To reach this incredible milestone of £22million in our 15th year of trading is testament to the hard work of the entire team at Finn Geotherm in installing these heat pump systems and ensuring our customers receive the maximum benefit of switching to clean, green heating. At a time when we all need to be doing our bit to tackle climate change, we could not be more proud of the role we play in helping people to choose a better method of heating.” For more information on ground and air source heat pumps and details on Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.
One of the best ways to support the Norfolk countryside and farming community is by becoming a member of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA). To become a member please email enquiries@rnaa.org.uk or call 01603 748931. We’re currently reviewing our membership fee structure which runs from 1st January – 31st December each year.
About the RNAA
The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association works hard to ensure it meets the purposes of the charity: Through the Royal Norfolk Show and other events, we are committed to promoting, understanding and supporting food, farming and the countryside in Norfolk. We do this through a variety of activities and events including:
We give back to the local farming community through financial and other support to organisations who having a significantly impact the lives of those in the agricultural industry.
We offer educational support and opportunities dedicated to sharing the important work of agriculture and food production.
We support events and activities which are central to the Norfolk farming community and its development.
The support of our members is central to ensuring the work of the RNAA continues and as well as being extremely rewarding, our members are critical to the work we do in the county.
By becoming a member of the RNAA, not only can you get involved in many of our events and activities, you will enjoy a host of benefits that are only available by joining us.
Benefits of being an RNAA member
Invitations to and updates about events at the Norfolk Showground – as well as a range of discounts and exclusive opportunities.
A variety of Members’ visits and events – enabling social, network and learning opportunities. Watch this space to find out more about what we have planned for 2021 and 2022
Discount on bookings at the Norfolk Showground – Norfolk’s Premier event venue including meeting rooms, commercial spaces, kitchens and parking.
Regular updates on RNAA activities, events, news and opportunities exclusive to our members.
Invitations to a range of interesting and informative events throughout the county.
Long Service Awards for agricultural employees. Members can apply using an application form available here or by contacting the Show Office, please call 01603 731977.
Farm members can purchase concessionary tickets for their agricultural workers.
Entry to the Royal Norfolk Show on both show days including Priority forward parking, exclusive access to both the Members’ Enclosure and the Members’ Area of the Grandstand and Vice President members receive exclusive entry into the Vice Presidents’ Enclosure and Grandstand area.
MembershipEnquiries To enquire about RNAA new and existing membership please get in touch by emailing enquiries@rnaa.org.uk or call 01603 748931.
Turning Factor, a learning and development training provider with offices in Norwich, Cambridge and London, has joined the Future 50 as a partner for its 2022 programme. The company was founded in 2005 by Kathryn Horton, who previously spent 16 years at insurance giant Aviva – then Norwich Union – as a senior corporate trainer. Having seen her brother launch and build his own business, she was inspired to do likewise. “I left a very comfortable corporate role to start my business, but I also wondered whether I could build a business from a blank piece of paper that could eventually run independent of me,” says Kathryn. “That is my drive and ambition to achieve.” Like any business, Turning Factor has had its bumps over the past 16 years, but Kathryn is a firm believer that any successful business owner must experience, and learn, from failure. “You’re not an entrepreneur until you’ve built a few companies and maybe lost a few along the way, and If you haven’t experienced failure, you haven’t pushed yourself hard enough” she says. “If I could wind back the clock and do anything different, I probably wouldn’t because of the experience I’ve gained building and running a business and employing people”. It’s this experience that informs the services that Turning Factor provides to clients, from large corporates to ambitious start-ups like those in the Future 50 programme. For more information vist their website https://www.turningfactor.com/
What does sustainability REALLY mean in practical terms for business, and what does the future look like? Mark breaks down what is currently happening in big business, and what still needs to be done at both corporate and SME levels. He’s currently writing a paper on how his business (Larking Gowen!) needs to tackle sustainability, and his sources are steering away from the ‘trendy stuff’. His personal research aligns with the reports coming from COP26, that businesses play a key role in improving the environmental outlook. In making it his mission to improve practices in his own business, his eyes have been opened wider and his mindset has changed. How do businesses become more sustainable, when considering the energy they use each day, which includes transport, consumables and more? GDP and economic growth can be at odds with sustainability if we don’t think smarter. Mark offers some great insights into how sustainability and profitability can really work together. If you are an expert in sustainability and the environment, particularly for business or know someone who is, we’d love to hear from you, with a view to inviting you to be interviewed on a future special guest episode. Speaking of experts, Mark asked David Attenborough to special guest on this episode. Did he get a polite yet resounding ‘No’ or will Sir David provide this week’s top tips…listen in to find out! We would love to hear from you – you can get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast! Show notesTop tips • Energy use – 08:00 • Material efficiency – 16:13 • Accountability and B corporations – 22:00 BooksDoughnut Economics – Seven ways to think like a 21st century economist Green Swans – The coming boom in regenerative capitalism The Ecology of CommerceLinksCertified B Corporation – “Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment” United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – “an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.”
This year we were wondering what would be an amusing thing we could do to raise some money for Children in Need? Fancy Dress? Jokes? Forfeits? All amusing, but not quite enough… so we decided that sending some Directors to work on our IT help desk would be far more amusing, for everyone else. So this Friday, the average age of the helpdesk team will rise considerably due to our new additions, Kevin and James! It must be said that both are no strangers to providing helpful and friendly IT support and advice, but it also must be said that they were fairly well acquainted with Windows 95 and computer mice with actual roller balls inside. So if you call us this Friday, please do be aware, that the (older)newbies may pick up the phone or your support ticket, please be gentle! If either one of them tries the old “switch it off, switch it on again” trick be sure to report them to their line manager! Of course we are very grateful to Kevin and James for getting in to the spirit of things, so if you could spare a few pounds for Children in Need, it would be greatly received. Please do click here to use our Justgiving link if possible.
• The Hope at Christmas appeal has been launched to support people who are experiencing homelessness this winter; • It builds on last year’s inaugural Hope at Christmas campaign, and once again, people can donate food, thermal clothing, toys, and money in a number of ways; • Donations will be used to create hampers and stockings that can be delivered directly to individuals and families. People across East Anglia are being asked to help spread Hope at Christmas and donate to an appeal that will once again be offering support to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness this festive season. It is the second year that the Hope at Christmas appeal has been run by Hopestead, the charity which aims to end homelessness in the east of England, and builds on the success of last year’s campaign when £1,300 was raised along with four van loads of food donations, sleeping bags and thermal clothing. In addition, 50 wellbeing packs containing toiletries and food vouchers were also created and delivered to local organisations. Some of the local organisations which the Hopestead 2021 Christmas appeal will benefit are:
The Bus Shelter Ipswich
FABB (Food and Beverage Buggies), Norwich
Sanctus Chelmsford
Jimmy’s in Cambridge
A spokesperson from one of the organisations which Hopestead will be supporting explained the importance of delivering hampers and gift packs directly: “Individuals currently experiencing homelessness can feel uncomfortable when accessing organised food provisions. Your donation of food items to create hampers for these organisations to deliver will make a huge difference to individuals and families finding life tough this winter.” This year, people will be able to donate a range of food, clothing and toys items that will be used to create hampers and gift packs that will be delivered directly to individuals and families in East Anglia. This will ensure that they reach people experiencing homelessness who may face barriers when accessing organised food provisions. Members of the public can donate in a number of ways:
Provide monetary donations via Hopestead’s Just Giving account: Donate – Donation amount – JustGiving
Or, drop off donations of food, clothes, and toys to a Hopestead van which will be located at Flagship offices between 10-11am on the following days:
Monday 6 December – Tom Moore House, Cromer Road, North Walsham, NR28 0NB
Tuesday 7 December – Michael Chaplin House, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DA
Wednesday 8 December – Coppice House, 5 Greenwood Court, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7GY
Thursday 9 December – Cedar Lodge, Chiswick Avenue, Mildenhall, IP28 7BD.
People can also drop into Hopestead’s King Street, Norwich head office with donations on 10 December when the team – including volunteers – will be picking and packing all hampers and gift boxes. Marie-Claire Delbrouque, MD of Hopestead, said: “We are pleased to launch our second Hope at Christmas appeal, following on from last year’s incredible campaign when people so generously gave to support those who were experiencing homelessness. I’m so grateful to everyone who donated last year and made our appeal such a success. “This year’s appeal will ensure that Christmas hampers and stockings are delivered directly to those that need them, ensuring individuals, families, and children do not have to go without this Christmas. “Once again, this year, we’re so proud to be working with such amazing organisations who are making a difference in so many ways to support individuals and families this Christmas. These are charities, projects, and not for profit organisations that are there to lend a helping hand when it is most needed, and their support is invaluable. “If you can help with a donation, we would be so grateful. You will be helping us to help others, and together, we can make a difference. “No matter what time of the year, we are committed to working to alleviate homelessness across our region – it is our ambition to end homelessness. We believe everyone should have a warm, safe home. Last year, The Ipswich Night Shelter received a £500 donation through the Hope at Christmas appeal and Claire Jessup, Housing Manager with Selig, which runs the shelter said: “We are so grateful to Hopestead for their donation of £500 which allowed us to buy slippers and nightwear for our guests. When our guests first arrive at the night shelter we give them a welcome pack which includes new slippers and pyjamas. These basic home comforts help to make a guest feel welcome, comfortable and accepted. Thank you Hopestead!” And Wintercomfort for the homeless was another recipient of a donation. Melody Brooker, Fundraising and Communications Manager said: “Hopestead’s very generous donation of £500 along with items of clothing for our homeless service users in December 2020 were a fantastic boost to our welfare costs at a time of great challenge amid the Covid pandemic and lockdown restrictions. “Christmas 2020 was an especially big challenge but, with the help of generous supporters including Hopestead, we were able to prepare and deliver special Christmas meals and gifts to all of our services users. We are incredibly grateful for Hopestead’s generosity and ongoing support of our work.” You can find out more by visiting www.hopestead.org or Hopestead on Twitter @_hopestead or Instagram @hopesteadcharity and Facebook Hopestead | Facebook
LV Shipping & Transport, the internationally operating logistics service provider headquartered in Vlaardingen, is changing its brand name to LV Logistics. The new name better reflects the company’s activities. LV Logistics has 33 offices worldwide. The fast-growing company is internationally recognised as a strong and reliable partner in the field of logistics, including large-scale on- and offshore energy projects, such as the construction of wind farms. LV Logistics has the strong ambition to increase its revenue (currently over 200 million euros) to an even higher level in the coming years by providing a broad range of logistics services and by actively responding to new opportunities in the field of supply chain integration and energy transition. The family business was founded in 1921 under the name J. Lensveld & Sons. Lensveld Transport is still a household name in the Dutch market. With immediate effect, all activities will be carried out under the flag of LV Logistics. Mark van Herk, CEO of LV Logistics: “Our company has existed for 100 years. It is our ambition to grow further at the beginning of our second century. A consistent and clear brand name helps us achieve this. Lensveld was still often used in the Netherlands. Internationally we operated under the name LV Shipping & Transport, which only partly covered the scope of our activities and services. After all, at LV Logistics we are responsible for a large part of the logistics chain, like transport, warehousing, fulfillment service, customs activities and supply chain management and advice. In other words, we want to relieve our customers of all of their worries. The name LV Logistics better reflects what we do and as far as I’m concerned, underlines our innovative strength and growth ambitions for the future.”
Have You Registered Your Trust? New rules were introduced on 6 October 2021 as part of the UK’s implementation of the Fifth Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) extending the scope of the trust register. Previously, trusts were only required to register if they were liable to pay tax. Under the new rules all UK trusts are required to register unless they come under specific exemptions. Trusts that need to be registered Trusts that need to register under 5MLD fall into three broad categories. 1. All UK express trusts unless specifically excluded An express trust is one that is created deliberately by the settlor in express terms and usually in writing, as distinguished from one that comes in to being through the operation of the law, such as trusts set up under intestacy laws or personal injury trusts receiving funds under court order. 2. Trusts that have a UK tax liability Irrespective of whether they are express or specifically excluded. In other words, any trust with a UK tax liability needs to register. 3. Non-UK express trusts that – Acquire land or property in the UK; or – Have at least one UK resident trustee and have a business relationship within the UK (such as having a UK accountant or adviser). Common arrangements that will now need to be registered
Declarations of trust over land (unless the trustees are holding exclusively for themselves);
Investment bonds written in trust (as part of Inheritance Tax Planning for example);
Bare trusts; and
Non-complex estates under administration for more than two years.
Registration deadlines The deadline for new registrations of existing non-taxable trusts under 5MLD is 1 September 2022. Non-taxable trusts set up after 1 September 2022 must register within 90 days of creation.
Trusts that need to register under the existing rules because they have a UK income tax or Capital Gains Tax liability for the first time, must do so by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which the liability arose. This is to allow time for a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to be issued under which to file the self assessment tax return.
Trusts that already have a UTR need to register by 31 January following the tax year in which the liability to income tax or Capital Gains Tax arose (the same deadline as for the corresponding tax return).
Trusts that have other tax liabilities that are not income tax or Capital Gains Tax that is Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax (and the Scottish and Welsh equivalents) and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax, must also register by 31 January in the tax year following that in which the liability arose.
Updates to Registered trusts Currently, registered taxable trusts are required to update the trust register within 30 days of any change in details relating to the registered persons. The Government is intending to legislate to increase this period to 90 days later this year. For further information on this topic, download our factsheet here.
Working with West Herts College we have developed a bold new look for their Annual Report, making it more accessible and engaging with a vibrant design that blows away the corporate cobwebs. As well as developing a new creative direction that brings to life the impressive business achievements of the College over the last year, we oversaw print – creating a high-quality perfect-bound document with spot UV finishing printed on sustainable, FSC papers.
ip21 celebrates it’s 21st Birthday in late November! East Anglia based Intellectual Property (IP) experts ip21 are celebrating their 21st birthday shortly on the 21st November as the company was founded on the same day back in 2000. The company has planned an evening reception in Norwich on Monday 22nd November for its local clients and contacts, and various social events for its staff to celebrate the milestone. Looking back the firm’s founder Bill Jones comments, “The last 21 years has seen drastic periods of change within the business community as the world adapted to the financial crisis and the covid pandemic, yet throughout these difficult times our clients have always been innovating and finding solutions to the challenges facing society. It’s always impressed me how entrepreneurial our region has been over these many years.” Associate Director Dr Cristina Penine adds, “It’s an interesting time in IP right now as the government tries to drive business innovation through various incentive schemes to support the economic recovery. These include generous grant funding for IP Audits and the follow-up securing of newly-registered IP rights, and a number of tax incentives including R&D tax credits and Patent Box which innovative organisations should be looking to exploit.” Now with offices in Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Chelmsford and London, the firm has steadily grown since its founding in the new millennium and this year alone has taken on an additional six members of staff. The company drafts, registers and enforces patent, trade mark and design rights and advises on all aspects of IP Law.