Member News

We are thrilled to reveal the shortlist for the Social Economy Awards 2025, a celebration of the people and organisations driving forward social change, innovation, and impact across the UK.

The Awards form part of the Social Economy Drive 2025 (17th – 21st November), a week-long programme of events showcasing the strength, creativity, and diversity of our social economy. From grassroots enterprises to sector leaders, this year’s finalists represent the very best of a movement that continues to transform communities and improve lives.

The winners will be revealed at a Black Tie Gala Dinner on:

📍 Anchor Point, Birmingham
📅 Thursday 20th November 2025
⏰ From 6:00 PM

Buy One Get One Free offer until 24th October 2025 – https://SEDSEA2025.eventbrite.co.uk

🏆 2025 Finalists Excellence in Community Impact

• BE KIND
• Legacy WM
• Purposeful Active Living
• Romani Uniti din Anglia
• The Coffee Morning Space
• YCA Let’s Talk Hope Cancer Support Group

Excellence in Creative Impact

• Aidem Digital CIC
• Multistory
• Open Lens Media
• Rainey Community Creations CIC
• Rudge Wood Horticulture CIC
• Virtual Decisions

Excellence in Digital & Tech Impact

• Access to Business
• Coderholics
• Pocket Power
• QSEN Training Academy CIC
• Recognition Circular
• Redihomes

Excellence in Green Impact

• Acocks Greener CIC
• ChangeKitchen CIC
• Final Third
• Solutions for the Planet
• Wild Earth
• Working Actively To Change Hillfields

Excellence in Health Impact

• Hope 4 The Community CIC
• Impact 4Life Wellbeing CIC
• Midland Mencap
• Ordinary Magic
• The Movement Centre
• WHG

Excellence in Youth Impact

• Birmingham Impact Football Club
• Bloxwich Community Partnership
• Creative Active Lives CIC
• Eloquent Dance Company
• Kings’ Trust
• The Young Leaders Club

Start-Up Social Enterprise Award

• Bring It To C.I.C
• Children in CueSports CIC
• Community Red Social Supermarket
• Forests With Impact FWI CIC
• Retrofit Balsall Heath
• Survivors Path
• Umbrella Faith
• Vibrant Voices CIC

Co-operative of the Year

• Community Energy Birmingham
• Co-operatives West Midlands
• Dance Co-operative Birmingham CIC
• Friends of the Earth Birmingham Ltd
• SIPS Education
• The Developer Society
• The Midcounties Co-operative
• Walkspace

Community Business of the Year

• Amberleigh Care Trustee Limited
• Aw services
• Feed My Creative CIC
• Networkfour Charity
• SustainaBrum CIC
• The Jericho Foundation
• Voluntary Action Coventry
• Ways for Wellbeing

Social Enterprise of the Year

• Greets Green Community Enterprise
• Purple Mind Community Service CIC
• Push On Wellbeing CIC
• Rippleacts
• Sporting Your Future
• Standing Tall
• Tffinwalli
• Vision For All

Corporate Organisation of the Year

• Royal Mail Centre
• HomeServe
• Lyreco
• National Highways
• Atkins Realis
• Anthony Collins Solicitors
• PwC
• NatWest

Public Organisation of the Year

• Birmingham City Council
• West Midlands Combined Authority
• Walsall Council
• Business Growth West Midlands
• Wolverhampton City Council
• Coventry City Council

Overall Contribution to the Social Economy

• Asherah Rose, Founder/Director – HomEdTech
• Birgit Kehrer, Founder and CEO – Change Kitchen
• Chet Parmar, CEO – Colebridge Trust
• Eleanor Boycott, CEO – Bloxwich Community Partnership
• Jamil Shabir, CEO – Young Leaders Club
• Mariana Plamadeala, Founder – R.U.D.A

✨ Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists – we can’t wait to celebrate your achievements in November!

👉 Book your Awards tickets: https://SEDSEA2025.eventbrite.co.uk

🌟 Join the Social Economy Showcase & Expo

As part of Social Economy Drive 2025, the Social Economy Showcase Conference & Expo will bring together social enterprises, co-operatives, charities, funders, and supporters from across the UK.

It’s a unique opportunity to:

• Promote your organisation by booking a stand
• Network with peers, investors, and policy makers
• Discover innovation and best practice shaping the future of the sector

Whether you are a finalist, a supporter, or simply passionate about the social economy, the Showcase is the place to connect, collaborate, and celebrate.

👉 Book your Showcase tickets: https://SESSED2025.eventbrite.co.uk

Norwich’s vibrant 20s and 30s networking community had the opportunity to hear from our director Shane about the risks and opportunities of investment and the world of pensions at a special evening at the Louis Marchesi.

The event drew a packed room of young professionals eager to gain insight into investing, pensions, and financial planning for life’s big milestones.

Shane is a qualified and seasoned independent financial advisor whose expertise spans investments, pensions, and wealth planning.

In his talk, Shane focused on providing practical, approachable advice for young professionals navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape. The discussion explored key areas such as the types of investments available, their associated risks, and the benefits of regulated financial products.

Understanding Investment Types and Risks

A significant portion of Shane’s talk centred on investment strategies suitable for young adults entering the workforce or building early wealth.

He highlighted the importance of understanding different types of investments – ranging from stocks and bonds to more niche regulated products.

Shane emphasised that while the potential returns on certain investments can be attractive, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved and ensure that any investment is appropriate for one’s individual circumstances.

“Investing isn’t just about chasing high returns,” Shane explained. “It’s about aligning your investment choices with your goals, risk tolerance, and the time horizon you have before you need to access your money.”

This resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom are at pivotal stages in their careers, starting businesses, or thinking about property purchases.

Shane also explored the importance of diversification, warning against the temptation to put all eggs in one basket. He highlighted how regulated investment options provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring investors have recourse in the event of mismanagement.

The interactive Q&A following this section reflected the audience’s interest, with several attendees asking about real-world examples and strategies for starting small but growing investments over time.

Pensions: Consolidation and Drawdown Options

Shane’s talk didn’t stop at investing. Recognising that many young professionals underestimate the importance of pensions, he provided a comprehensive overview of the key options available.

One hot topic was pension consolidation – combining multiple pension pots into a single plan. Shane outlined the potential benefits, such as simplified management, reduced fees, and clearer long-term planning.

He also touched on drawdown options, explaining how retirees can access their pension funds flexibly while keeping investments invested. Shane’s ability to break down complex financial concepts into accessible advice made this part of the talk particularly engaging, and the audience asked numerous questions about how to maximise their pensions while minimising risk.

Why Young People Should Consider Independent Financial Advice Early

Throughout the session, Shane emphasised the value of seeking independent financial advice early in life.

He explained that a qualified financial advisor can help young adults navigate critical decisions around mortgages, career choices, starting a company, and pensions. By establishing a strong financial foundation early, young professionals can make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and accelerate their progress toward long-term goals.

Shane highlighted real-life examples of clients who benefited from early advice, demonstrating how tailored financial planning can save years of unnecessary stress. He also underlined the importance of independent advice, which ensures recommendations are unbiased and suited to an individual’s unique circumstances rather than tied to a specific provider or product.

Engaging and Interactive Session

The event at the Louis Marchesi was particularly lively, with attendees actively participating in the discussion. Shane’s approachable style encouraged questions throughout, making it less of a lecture and more of an interactive learning experience.

Topics ranged from the practicalities of investing with modest funds to strategies for balancing career growth with financial planning. The high level of engagement was a testament to Shane’s ability to connect with his audience and convey complex financial information in a relatable way.

Practical Takeaways for Young Professionals

For those who attended, or anyone considering their financial future, Shane’s key takeaways were clear:

1. Start Early: The earlier you engage with financial planning, the more time your money has to grow and compound. However, it’s never too late to start!

2. Understand Risk: Every investment carries some risk, so choose options that match your personal circumstances.

3. Diversify: Avoid putting all your money in one place; spreading investments across different assets reduces exposure.

4. Consider Pensions Seriously: Explore consolidation and drawdown options to ensure long-term flexibility and security.

5. Seek Independent Advice: A trusted advisor can guide you through mortgages, pensions, and major life decisions, ensuring you make informed choices.

A Message for Young Professionals

Shane’s talk reinforced the importance of planning for life’s milestones with intention and confidence. For many in the 20s and 30s demographic, this means thinking beyond short-term spending and investing in a structured approach that prepares for property, family, and eventual retirement.

The session concluded with Shane encouraging attendees to explore working with an independent financial advisor early. His advice was simple yet powerful: establishing a solid financial strategy now can make life’s major decisions smoother and less stressful in the future.

For anyone in Norwich or beyond wondering why young adults should engage with a financial advisor, Shane’s talk offered a compelling answer: the earlier you seek guidance, the more control you have over your financial future.

From mortgages and career choices to starting a business and managing pensions, independent advice provides clarity, confidence, and a tailored roadmap to achieve life goals.

The evening at the Louis Marchesi left attendees inspired, informed, and empowered to take concrete steps toward financial security. With Shane Julian’s expertise and approachable guidance, young professionals in Norwich now have a blueprint for making informed investment and pension decisions that will benefit them for decades to come.

Please see here for the full slides.

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, we believe retirement is about how you want to live, what you value, and feeling confident you’ve got a plan in place.

That’s why we’re introducing our free Retirement Planning Tool: a bespoke way to map out not just how much income you’ll need, but how to make your retirement lifestyle a reality.

Introducing Our Free Retirement Planning Tool

Think of the retirement planning tool as your personalised retirement blueprint. Through this service, we’ll help you:

• Understand your income sources: pensions, savings, investments, property, state benefits, etc.

• Project what your retirement might look like: how income and expenses may change, and what you might need to maintain your desired lifestyle.

• Model different scenarios: what happens if you retire earlier or later, reduce spending, move house, or increase pension contributions.

• Set realistic goals, and see what moves can help you reach them.

• Keep your plan up to date, so changes in your life, in markets or regulation can be reflected and your plan stays relevant.

Why Use The Tool?

Here are some of the benefits our clients often tell us:

• Clarity & peace of mind – knowing your income sources and how they stack up against your ambitions helps reduce worry.

• Better decision-making – with clear numbers, it’s easier to make choices about retiring, drawing from pension(s), downsizing, or investing.

• Flexibility – if circumstances change (health, family, finances), the plan adapts.

• Avoid surprises – understand where you may have shortfalls, or conversely, where you might have capacity to spend more or give more.

Who It’s For & What We’ll Need

We can work with clients at various stages:

• Early-career, mid-career or approaching retirement – even if it’s 5-10 years away, starting early has big advantages.

• Those who already have some pension savings/investments but want to see the full picture.

• Those uncertain about lifestyle in retirement: where you’ll live, how you’ll spend, what legacy or travel plans you have, etc.

To build your plan, we’ll need:

• Current values of your pension(s), savings, investments

• Details of what you’re contributing now (if applicable)

• Your anticipated or desired retirement lifestyle; where you want to live, kinds of activities, how often you want to travel, etc.

• Major expected expenses (housing, healthcare, travel, hobbies)

• Any other income or assets (e.g. property, inheritances, part-time work)

How the Process Works

Here’s what you can expect, working with Brancaster House Financial Planning:

1. Retirement planner – start with our free-to-use retirement planning tool

2. Initial consultation – we’ll discuss your goals, current situation, lifestyle aspirations.

3. Gather data – we’ll collect the financial details (pensions, savings, projected costs, etc.).

4. Model your retirement scenarios – we’ll build projections under different assumptions (e.g. earlier vs later retirement, different investment returns, different spending levels).

5. Review & refine – we sit down together to review what the numbers tell us. Maybe small adjustments can make a big difference.

6. Ongoing review – as your life changes, or market/tax/regulation changes, we’ll revisit and your plan.

   
   

Why Choose Brancaster House to Help You With Your Retirement Planning?

• We bring tailored, human advice: no “one-size-fits-all,” but advice aligned with your values.

• Experience navigating the rules around pensions, tax, state benefits, and how they interact with lifestyle choices.

• Commitment to transparency: we show you what assumptions drive the outcomes, what levers you can pull, and where uncertainty lies.

• Long-term partnership: this isn’t a one-off layout, it’s a living plan that evolves.

How to Get Started

If you’d like us to help you plan your ideal retirement:

• Get started with our free tool

• Book a free meeting with one of our retirement specialists.

• Bring along anything you know: pension statements, savings, any thoughts on how you want to live in retirement.

• From there, we’ll propose a plan and fees, clearly.

Start picturing your retirement and plan for your financial future by using our retirement lifestyle planning tool >.

How We’re Supporting Our Team at Barkers Photo Fun

When my co-director Natasha and I sat down earlier this year to discuss how we could better support our team, we knew we wanted to do more than just talk about staff wellbeing. We wanted to put our money where our mouth is.

Like many small businesses, we’re acutely aware of the cost-of-living pressures our team faces. When a simple osteopath appointment costs £50-£80, or a dental check-up feels like a luxury rather than a necessity, people put their health on the back burner. They’re living day to day, and preventative healthcare often becomes an unaffordable luxury.

That’s when we discovered Westfield Health through our membership with Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.

A Small Investment, A Big Impact

For around £10 per month per employee, we could offer our team access to a comprehensive health cash plan covering everything from osteopathy and dental care to optical appointments and counselling services. It seemed almost too good to be true, but Natasha and I agreed it was exactly the kind of support we wanted to provide.

The results? They’ve been genuinely transformative.

Natasha herself recently visited an osteopath for the first time. “I wouldn’t have done it without having this cover,” she admitted. “I’d been putting it off because of the cost, but once that financial barrier was removed, I finally prioritised my own health.” As business owners, we’re often the worst at looking after ourselves, so even getting the directors to use the benefits felt like a win.

I’ve personally used the plan for recent dental and optician appointments, and knowing I can claim back a portion of those costs has been a genuine relief. But perhaps most importantly, one of our team members has been accessing the counselling services. Mental health support shouldn’t be a luxury, and having this available, confidentially and without financial stress, means the world to us as employers.

The Bigger Picture

We’re not sharing this to pat ourselves on the back. We’re sharing it because it’s been such an easy, affordable win that we think every business should know about it.

In an industry like ours—photography and photo booths—our people are everything. Their energy, creativity, and dedication make Barkers Photo Fun what it is. When they’re struggling physically or mentally, it affects not just their wellbeing but the entire team dynamic. A healthy workforce genuinely is a happy workforce, and a happy workforce delivers better service, shows up with enthusiasm, and sticks around for the long term.

The beauty of the Westfield Health scheme through Norfolk Chambers is that it’s accessible for businesses of all sizes. You don’t need a huge HR budget or a multinational infrastructure. You just need to care about your people and be willing to invest a small amount each month to prove it. It’s even available for sole traders!

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

We’re living through challenging economic times. People are making difficult choices about what they can and can’t afford. Healthcare shouldn’t be one of those difficult choices, but increasingly, it is.

By offering Westfield Health to our team, we’ve removed one barrier. We’ve told our staff, “Your health matters to us, not just your productivity.” And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People feel valued. They feel supported. And crucially, they’re actually using the benefits rather than suffering in silence.

A Challenge to Other Business Owners

If you’re a member of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce (and if you’re not, you should be), I’d encourage you to look into the Westfield Health partnership. Contact the Chamber for more details about how you can access this benefit for your own team.

Yes, it costs money. But for roughly the price of a couple of coffees per employee per month, you’re investing in their health, happiness, and loyalty. You’re showing them they matter beyond their job description.

At Barkers Photo Fun, we believe that taking care of our team isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. And with schemes like Westfield Health available through Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, there’s really no excuse not to.

Your team takes care of your business every single day. Isn’t it time we took better care of them?

Victor Ling
Managing Director

The Brancaster House team temporarily traded tax efficiency for turbo slides as we took on the Inflatable 5K at the Norfolk Showground, raising money for Priscilla Bacon Hospice.

As independent financial advisers in Norfolk, we’re used to helping people navigate long-term plans, but nothing prepared us for the short-term shock of being launched headfirst into an oversized bouncy tunnel at 8.30am on a Saturday. Still, whether you’re managing market volatility or unexpected air-filled obstacles, resilience (and teamwork) always pays off.

Why We Did It And Why Priscilla Bacon Hospice Matters to Us

We’ve long been proud supporters of Priscilla Bacon Hospice. If you haven’t seen it yet, we wrote about exactly why here:

👉 5 Reasons We Love Supporting Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity

Taking part in the Inflatable 5K brought those reasons to life:

• Team unity: Much like pension planning, inflatable obstacle courses require strategy, encouragement and sometimes pushing someone (gently) in the right direction.

• Community spirit: As a financial planning firm in Norwich, we’re committed to supporting the people and causes that make Norfolk special.

• Real impact: Every bounce, wobble and dramatic fall contributed to raising funds for vital end-of-life care.

What the Day Reminded Us

Whether you’re facing financial uncertainty or an inflatable slide that’s far steeper than it looked online, having the right support makes all the difference.

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, that’s what we’re here for; helping individuals and families across Norfolk feel more confident, more secure and more prepared for the future.

Want Help Getting Your Finances in Shape?

If you’re looking for:

• Financial advice in Norwich

• An independent financial adviser / advisor in Norfolk

• Or simply someone to help you understand your pensions, investments or retirement options…

We’d love to help…and no bouncy castle required.

👉 Book your financial healthcheck today

“We have been so impressed with Smash Marketing since we joined them less than 3 months ago! They’re professional, friendly, and very efficient—excited to see how they can help us grow in another year!” – Tara, Bright Beginnings Learning UK

From Page 8 to Page 1 in Just 3 Months! 🚀

Bright Beginnings Learning UK came to us with low website traffic and enquiries. With our strategic SEO approach, we helped them climb from page 8 to page 1 on Google—and now, they’re seeing real results!

Want to boost your rankings and get more leads? Smash Marketing has you covered. 💡📈

The team at E-Screen are running two exclusive Digital Signage Demo Weeks, taking place 20-24 October and 24-28 November and we would love for you to join us!

Come along to our Great Yarmouth showroom and experience next-level communication, collaboration and engagement. 

Get hands-on with the latest:

  Digital Signage Displays: Discover how stunning visuals can grab attention, share updates instantly and make a lasting impression on customers and visitors.

  Interactive Touchscreens: Explore dynamic touchscreens that engage audiences, simplify communication and enhance experiences across any setting -from offices and events to hospitality and public spaces

  Video Conferencing Solutions: Experience seamless hybrid meetings that connect teams anywhere, with crystal-clear audio and lifelike 4K visuals.

It’s the perfect chance to explore, ask questions, and find the right digital solution for your business – all in one place, no pressure, just great technology, great people and great coffee at the ready!

Book your visit: 

Call us: 01493 543989

Email us: info@e-screen.co.uk

Visit Us: Unit 9, Brinell Way, Harfreys Industrial Estate, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0LU

Whether you want to wow customers, boost collaboration or power up your workspace, this is your chance to find the perfect digital solution for your business.

We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom!

We’re thrilled to congratulate Claire from East Cambridgeshire District Council on successfully passing her Transport Manager CPC!

Claire joined us this summer for our CILT-accredited Transport Manager CPC Course, and here’s what she had to say about the course:

“All CTS staff were very accommodating and friendly; I was made to feel very welcome. The high pass rate achieved by CTS learners gave me confidence, and the instructor Steve was engaging and supportive. It really felt like he wanted us to pass and that teaching is more than just a job for him.

Although there was a lot to take in, the small class size was advantageous because we could work at everyone’s pace and no one got left behind. The offer of extra tuition on weaker points was a valuable back up, but one that I did not have to take advantage of.

I am very proud of my achievement.”

Thanks for your kind words Claire, and congratulations again! We look forward to welcoming you back for your Transport Manager Refresher training in the future.

If you’re based in Wisbech or the surrounding areas and looking to advance your career in transport, logistics, or road haulage, our Transport Manager CPC course is designed for you.

✅ CILT accredited training course; an industry-recognised certification that opens career doors
✅ Expert instructors, like Steve, who bring real passion and support to the classroom
✅ Small group learning which encourages plenty of discussion and ensures no one gets left behind
✅ High pass rates and a proven track record of learner success
✅ Extra support when you need it with one-to-one help available for tricky topics

✅ Classroom based training at our training centre in Terrington St John, just outside Wisbech

Our CILT accredited Transport Manager CPC course in Wisbech is ideal for:

• Aspiring transport managers in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk
• Owner-operators looking to meet legal compliance requirements
• Logistics professionals who want to gain formal CPC qualification

Whether you’re stepping into a new role, boosting your compliance knowledge, or aiming to take your transport career to the next level – CTS is here to help you succeed.

Ready to become our next success story?

Our next Transport Manager CPC course is running on 11 days between the 20^th January and the 9^th February 2026, with exams on the 10^th February 2026. 

Find out more or book on 01945 880155 or email training@ctservicesltd.co.uk

🎉 Big news from the Smash Marketing team! Beks was recognised at the BNI Norfolk Awards Gala 2024/2025, winning the Director Consultant Award for the City Chapter. This award celebrates connection, collaboration, and helping businesses like yours grow through strong networks and shared success.

At Smash Marketing, it’s all about people, building relationships that make a real difference. So here’s to Beks, to the community, and to every business owner who shows up, supports others, and makes things happen.

👏 Congratulations, Beks!

Last Thursday, our team enjoyed a fantastic day at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce B2B event at the Norfolk Showground.

The day brought together a wide range of local businesses, all keen to connect, collaborate, and share ideas, and it was great to be part of such a vibrant community.

Meeting the Local Business Community

Our Partnership Manager Liam and Business Manager Claire were both there representing the firm and spoke with many business owners, advisers, and professionals from across Norfolk.

The event provided a brilliant opportunity to talk about how we support businesses facing financial challenges, as well as the positive impact of early advice when it comes to business recovery and restructuring.

Conversations throughout the day highlighted how valuable it is for local businesses to access practical, professional advice during uncertain times, whether for themselves or their clients.

A Touch of Friendly Competition

Our stand attracted plenty of visitors keen to enter our prize draw for a luxury Jarrolds hamper!

Everyone who stopped by and dropped their business card into the bowl was in with a chance to win, and the lucky winner will soon be announced on our socials.

A Great Day for Local Connections

The event was a reminder of the importance of community within Norfolk’s business landscape.

We’re proud to support and collaborate with local organisations through the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, helping to keep our business network strong, resilient, and ready for the future.

We’d like to thank everyone who came to see us, and we will soon be in touch with those we chatted to. You can also drop Liam an email at liam.walker@leading.uk.com, if you’d like to continue any conversations!

Join us for our Christmas Jingle & Mingle Speed Networking Experience at The English Distillery in Roudham.

Get ready to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections at our Jingle & Mingle event, where holiday cheer meets professional networking!  Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, spark new collaborations, or just enjoy some seasonal fun, this BLN networking event is the perfect place to do it.

What to Expect:

Some fast-paced fun festive networking:  Rotate through quick, engaging conversations with fellow professionals.  Think speed dating, but for making meaningful business connections, all with a festive laugh!

Holiday-themed icebreakers:  From “Elf Yourself” intros to “Naughty or Nice” industry trends, we’re keeping it light, fun, and memorable.

Dress code:  Festive flair encouraged!  Ugly sweaters, sparkly accessories, or Santa hats – bring your holiday spirit!

The English Distillery have kindly offered to supply a complimentary tea or coffee to everyone attending, so come along, grab a cuppa, and enjoy a Christmassy catch-up with other Norfolk business owners.

Members are free, and non-members are £10 plus Eventbrite fees.

Places are limited, so to book your place head over to our Eventbrite page:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bln-december-2025-jingle-mingle-speed-networking-event-tickets-1795773620239?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

We had an amazing time in the Smash Marketing office on Friday, getting into the Do Blue spirit for World Mental Health Day! A big shout out to Mind Norfolk and Waveney and all the local companies participating.

By wearing blue, raising donations, and joining in the conversation, you’re helping shine a light on mental health and making sure no one faces it alone. Every bit of support counts, and seeing so many people get involved reminded us just how much we can do together.