Member News

Alan Boswell Group are thrilled to announce that they’ve been awarded Feefo’s highest accolade for the sixth year running!

Feefo gives Platinum Trusted Service awards to businesses who have achieved Gold standard for at least three consecutive years. It is the highest possible accreditation the independent review site offers, and reflects the Group’s ongoing commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

Independent feedback from genuine customers

Feefo is a site where customers leave honest, unbiased reviews of products and services. As of January 2021, The Group has received more than 6,200 individual reviews, and;

• Score 4.9/5 for customer experience
• Score 4.8/5 for products!

“Fabulous service – responsive, helpful and professional. For the last 10-15 years I’ve used aggregators, large scale insurance companies but after my experience with ABG, I’m not sure I’ll be using this model in the future. Also nice to interact with the same person and not get bounced from person to person and have to explain everything time and time again – refreshing and just like the good old days of being a name rather than a number.” Customer review, 12/01/2021

Chris Gibbs, MD of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers, says “To receive the top award for six years in a row is a fantastic achievement. It recognises how committed our teams are to providing our customers with the best possible experience – even in a year as challenging as 2020. Well done to everyone involved.”

You can read the reviews here.

If you’d like your insurance to be handled with Platinum-rated customer service, give Alan Boswell Group a call on 01603 218000 or email hello@alanboswell.com.

MHA Larking Gowen, chartered accountants and business advisors, is pleased to announce the launch of their new podcast series Business Insights Chat, where the team interview successful business owners and leaders from a variety of sectors throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

Each week, our special guests will share their views, insights and experience in business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will discuss what drives them, their experiences, and what they are looking forward to, as well as how they’ve had to adapt in the face of lockdown restrictions.

These conversations are a unique insight into the thoughts and processes of some of our region’s key business leaders, running hugely successful and renowned businesses, and each week, the guests are asked to impart their best piece of advice for other leaders, as we move towards the light at the end of the COVID tunnel.

In the series launch, partner, Ian Fitch, talks to the Managing Director of Turners (Soham), Paul Day.

You will be familiar with the bright orange and red logo of Turners driving up and down the A14, as one of the most prominent logistics and haulage companies in the country, with a turnover of over £450 million, and over 4,000 staff. Hearing how the man at the top of a company like this prioritises fairness is a fascinating insight into what it takes to be the best, and how you can also become a championship table tennis player at the same time!

Future guests also include the CEO of Purcell, Mark Goldspink; Oliver Paul, co-owner of the hugely successful and popular Suffolk Food Hall; and Susannah Rendall, MD of the Boxford Group, which owns Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa, amongst other ventures.

Purcell is an architectural firm which has worked on Big Ben and other famous landmarks, while Oliver Paul offers a fascinating insight and refreshing look into why Suffolk, in particular, really is underrated and under-used. Oliver said, “It’s been a pleasure to be involved. Our thanks to MHA Larking Gowen for what they are doing with this content, it is very thought provoking and has also given me a moment to step back and think about our own business. No doubt this podcast will have elements people can really reflect on and apply to their own business”

Ian Fitch said, “It’s a privilege to interview such high calibre business leaders and learn how they have overcome challenges and what has driven them to succeed. Their down-to-earth advice and thought-provoking insights will inspire, encourage and motivate many other business leaders and owners.”

These conversations are not to be missed, and whilst they will no doubt inspire the leaders of tomorrow, they will also provide food for thought for those already leading teams and businesses of their own.

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts, or visit www.larking-gowen.co.uk/lginsights

North Norfolk District Council recognises that these are very challenging times for most businesses. However, we would really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the following Business Impact Survey.  

Survey link: 2021 Business Coronavirus Impact Survey (smartsurvey.co.uk)  

This will help us to gain a better understanding as to the level of impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on local businesses. It will also help us to identify the needs and types of support businesses require from the Government and other support partners.  

Thank you for your contribution.

The Economic Development Team

Breakwater IT are looking for individuals and businesses across Norfolk to donate their old laptops. These laptops would be repurposed and distributed to students who are struggling to access remote education. 

In the current lockdown, students have returned to online learning from home. However, there are some who may not possess the equipment to access remote learning.

In an aid to help, The Forum generously offered to send their old laptops back to us for repurposing. Following this, we decided to start asking our clients if they had any old laptops they wished to donate. We are pleased to now be opening the project to all businesses to donate.

Our team will rebuild and replace the hard drives in the laptops. As a result of replacing the hard drives, there is no risk to data being leaked. Ideally, the laptops will need to be less than 5 years old. We have the capacity to refurbish 100 laptops.

Here’s how it will work:

1. Complete our online form stating how many laptops you have, along with a few other details.
2. We’ll get in touch to let you know if we’re able to use your device(s) and arrange to get them to us.
3. Our team will rebuild and replace the hard drive(s) in the laptop(s). As a result of replacing the hard drive(s), there is no risk to data being leaked. Your old hard drive(s) will be professionally destroyed, and a blank copy of Windows will be installed.
4. We’ll distribute the laptops to those in need.

If you’d like to get involved, visit our website: click here

If you have any questions, please get in touch: enquiries@breakwaterit.co.uk | 01603 709300

The fourth Love West Norfolk day will be marked on Sunday 14 February – and this year, it’s an opportunity for everyone in the area to say: ‘thanks west Norfolk’.

After the success of the Love West Norfolk Heroes scheme – which saw some 60 individuals, teams, and organisations recognised – and as times remain difficult, this year’s Love West Norfolk day will be devoted to thanking those who are making a difference.

James Bagge, Love West Norfolk’s Ambassador explained: “Over the last year the Love West Norfolk Heroes campaign has revealed to us all the many acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness performed by so many across west Norfolk.

“Many have shown themselves keen to get public recognition for friends, family, neighbours, organisations, and businesses who have made this harrowing time a little bit easier for us all. This Love West Norfolk Day presents us with an opportunity collectively and loudly to celebrate this enduring and special community spirit-and say: ‘thanks west Norfolk.'”

There are a number of easy ways for people to get involved in this west Norfolk moment of thanks:

• Say thanks online: on Love West Norfolk Day, 14th February, share who you’re thanking in west Norfolk and why on social media, using the hashtags #lovewestnorfolk and / or #thankswestnorfolk. The Love West Norfolk campaign organisers will be sharing your posts throughout the day.
• Send in your thanks: tell Love West Norfolk who you want to thank and why via the contact form on their website www.lovewestnorfolk.co.uk Fifty messages of thanks will be displayed on a virtual ‘wall’ on the Love West Norfolk website, and they will also be shared on social media on 14 February.
• Download and send a Love West Norfolk thank you card: Love West Norfolk will be making available some Love West Norfolk ‘thank you’ cards for you to share online – email one to someone you would like to say thanks to, or share with them on social media.
• Children’s thank you pictures: youngsters in west Norfolk can get involved too. Download and colour in the pictures that will soon be available from the Love West Norfolk website and display in your windows to say thanks west Norfolk. Or, design your own thank you pictures – and don’t forget to share them on 14 February on social media with the hashtags #lovewestnorfolk and / or #thankswestnorfolk.
• A moment of thanks: at 6pm, on Love West Norfolk Day, Love West Norfolk will be sharing a film on their channels. Why not join in a moment of reflection and gratitude as we say: ‘thanks west Norfolk’.

There will be more information shared across the Love West Norfolk social media channels in the coming weeks: Twitter: @LoveWestNorfolk Facebook: Love West Norfolk and Instagram: love_west_norfolk

Lady Dannatt MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk lent her support to the day: “There have been so very many people who have gone above and beyond to support others over the last twelve months. I have had the opportunity to learn about numerous inspirational, heart-warming, kind and generous acts in Norfolk, and it has been a pleasure to get to thank just some of those who are making such a profound difference in our county.

“Ahead of this year’s Love West Norfolk day, I would like to say thank you to people in west Norfolk for all that they have done to lend a helping hand in the most challenging of times. A massive thank you to you all.”

Liz Truss MP for South West Norfolk commented “West Norfolk, as well as having fantastic natural beauty and wonderful heritage, is also blessed with amazing community spirit. The past 12 months has truly demonstrated this spirit and the resilience of everyone in the region.

“As we celebrate Love West Norfolk Day, I would like to praise the army of volunteers who have rallied to support the incredible work done by our NHS staff, carers, teachers, police and the thousands of key workers who help keep the show on the road. We have all helped in fighting covid19 and by continuing to follow the coronavirus guidance, West Norfolk will emerge stronger and I want to thank everyone for their efforts.”

James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk said:  “Our true character shows in times of adversity and people across west Norfolk rose to the immense challenges of Covid by going above and beyond in helping those in need.

“For everyone in our community Love West Norfolk Day is an opportunity to express immense thanks to all the health and social care workers, teachers supermarket staff, refuse collectors, emergency and key workers, businesses and so many more for everything they’ve done.”

Leaders across west Norfolk have got behind this year’s Love West Norfolk Day and are encouraging everyone to share their gratitude for anyone who has made a difference to them by saying ‘thanks west Norfolk’.

Cllr Brian Long, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “Each year we celebrate the very best of our area on Love West Norfolk Day. The beauty, history, local businesses and much more have been recognised in the past. This year is special as we will highlight the most important asset, the people.

“I encourage residents to thank the person, group or organisation that has done amazing things over this last difficult year by getting in touch. Please give your personal #thankswestnorfolk message through the website so they get the credit they deserve.”

Lorraine Gore, Chief Executive of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, adds: “Over the last year actions have spoken louder than words but Love West Norfolk Day this year gives us the opportunity to give credit to some of the amazing achievements of people and organisations across our area who have gone above and beyond. Unfortunately we can’t come together in person but we will do it virtually so please join in and recognise who you want to say ‘thanks west Norfolk’ to.”

Caroline Shaw, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “From all of us here at Team QEH, we’d like to say a huge, huge thank you to each and every member of the community for their support and acts of kindness throughout the year. Whether it’s been through monetary donations, words of hope and thanks on our social media channels or gifts and treats, we are truly grateful for everything our community has done to keep us going throughout this tough time. Thank you just isn’t enough.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my colleagues at Team QEH for their dedication and passion in delivering the best patient care possible during the pandemic. From ward to board, every single person who works for Team QEH has had a part to play in our response to the pandemic and I can’t thank you all enough for your ongoing hard work. Thank you Team QEH and thank you West Norfolk!”

T/Superintendent Lou Provart said: “Kings Lynn Police are the epitome of west Norfolk heroes, and a huge reason why this part of our beautiful county remains such a great place to live, work and do business. All of us here #LoveWestNorfolk and work very hard on your behalf to ensure it remains that way.

“Every day we too come across community heroes who are out there making life better for all of us, whether that is looking after our coastal and rural environment, or volunteering to support those really in a moment of need. The spirit here is first class, and can only be done hand in hand with each other. I’d like to say a huge thank you to you all and we really do look forward to 2021 with an optimism that we will come together again socially!”

Anita Jones, Chief Executive of Freebridge Community Housing said: “This is my first year working in west Norfolk, although I’ve lived here for a few years. I’ve always known that this is an amazing place to be and 2020 showed us that more than ever. We at Freebridge want to thank everyone who stepped up to help the most vulnerable in our area, from the local charities and community groups to those who brightened someone’s day by checking in on a neighbour or friend. 

“I’d also like to thank the team here at Freebridge who have gone above and beyond day in day out to make sure that our tenants are helped and supported. They’ve provided advice on financial support and benefits, made warm meals for those in need at Christmas, kept the children busy with online lockdown activities and continued to provide essential services throughout the pandemic.

“Finally, like many others, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the NHS. One of our board members is a retired nurse and returned to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital last year to help the team there, and it is thanks to her and her colleagues that many people are still able to say in 2021 – thanks west Norfolk.”

Jon Clemo, CEO of Community Action Norfolk commented: “Community Action Norfolk (CAN) are thankful to the many thousands of community volunteers who stepped forward to help their neighbours in the last year. 

“As a charity that works with voluntary and community organisations, we have been in contact with more than 45 different grass roots community groups that sprang up in west Norfolk to help their neighbours during Covid – and we want to say ‘Thanks West Norfolk’ to those people.  It has been heart-warming to see how many people in west Norfolk have been passionate about supporting others in their villages and towns who are impacted by the pandemic, and their kindness and neighbourliness says a lot for community spirit in the area.”

Chris Sargisson, CEO, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce: “We are truly impressed by our local business community who have had to adapt rapidly in these times of uncertainty. Love West Norfolk Day is a wonderful initiative that takes time to recognise and thank those businesses who have helped others and shows just how supportive the business community can be.

“Here at the Chambers we have seen just how well companies and people have quickly learnt to become more supportive of those around them. This recognition can go a long way, especially at a time when businesses are getting ready to steadily start to grow. Saying thank you, showing gratitude and remembering the lessons learnt from the past year provides opportunities to change to keep being kind, supporting communities and shining a light on west Norfolk.”

Michael Baldwin, President of West Norfolk Chamber Council said: “West Norfolk has seen such an outpouring of acts of kindness, selflessness and support of the local community and its local businesses in the last year. I am proud to say that I live and work in west Norfolk an area that has shown such these things in abundance  through awful times of hardship and uncertainty.”

We are acutely aware this is an extremely challenging time for businesses and it is very important that we are able to focus our economic response and recovery efforts on current and emerging issues as accurately and effectively as possible.

We would like to encourage all businesses in the borough to complete this short survey here which should take no longer than 15 minutes. Please feel free to complete the survey more than once, at different times or if your situation or views change.

Survey response data is non-business-specific and will directly inform both our conversations and our economic response and recovery work with partners from Government, New Anglia LEP, other local authorities and local business groups

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is paying out Government grants to support businesses required to close under the current national lockdown.

The latest Local Restrictions Support Grant is a payment for the six-week period from January 5 that is specifically for eligible businesses that are liable for paying business rates, with grants of £2,000, £3,000 or £4,500 available, depending on rateable value.

In addition, those same businesses will receive the Closed Business Lockdown Payment, a one-off top-up payment of either £4,000, £6,000 or £9,000.

Businesses which have successfully applied since November for a Local Restrictions Support Grant should not apply for these latest grants. The council has emailed all relevant businesses to ask if any circumstances have changed, and automatic payments will follow this week.

Local Restrictions Support Grants have already been paid out for eligible businesses that were required to close whilst Norfolk was under Tier 4 restrictions, from Boxing Day to January 4.

For businesses which have not applied for a Local Restrictions Support Grant since November but think they may be eligible, the criteria and application form can be found here. Further grant support to come

The council is currently developing a discretionary support scheme under the Additional Restrictions Support Grant, to help further businesses during the lockdown, which will be launched in early February with the application form made available on the website.  

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat, James and Mark highlight the power of storytelling in business. Whether you’re selling products, services or yourself, stories can make all the difference. As usual they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way they make reference to Andrew Brammer’s book Telling The Tale, the late Max Bygraves and Mark’s new spectacles!   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, please like us, and leave a comment. We would love to hear what you are enjoying about the podcast, and it helps others to find us!   Listen here!

Growth of franchise continues despite pandemic.

TaxAssist Accountants continued its successful recruitment of new franchisees virtually throughout 2020, with 17 new joiners, including two new partners to existing practices and one franchise resale, bringing the total number of franchise areas up to 244 in the UK. It also redesigned and hosted three virtual Initial Training Courses despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

AAT-qualified Calum Williamson, Livingston East and Edinburgh South West, joined TaxAssist on its first virtual course in June 2020 and is opening his shop shortly.

On his reasons for joining TaxAssist, he said: “The appeal of TaxAssist is the ability to have my own accountancy practice with a network of support available should it be required. Providing a quality service is something I’m very much looking forward to while simultaneously influencing my own future.

“Small businesses need the services of a good accountant more than ever before right now, and I’m pleased to be open and ready to assist businesses in my local area to recover and rebuild as the year progresses.”

ACCA-qualified Abdur Chowdhary, Croydon, joined TaxAssist on its November course. He started his career in a Big 4 firm before gaining experience working in independent firms. He joined as a TaxAssist staff member in 2017, and what he saw and experienced was enough to convince him that he needed to invest in a franchise himself.

“Having worked in a TaxAssist Accountants practice for more than two years, I was really impressed by the work culture and the assistance we received from the Support Centre,” he said. “The leads generated were far more than any other firm I had previously worked for due to the efficient marketing, strong brand name and online optimisation. I am very excited to be a part of the network and I’m looking forward to building a substantial practice.”

Seth Brown, Senior Manager, UK Franchise Recruitment, said: “Enquiries about the franchise opportunity in the second half of 2020 increased by 51% in comparison to the same period in 2019, as people are actively reconsidering their future because of the pandemic. What I found of particular interest for prospective franchisees is their wish to work closer to home, take control of their own destiny and to build an asset for their future.

“Our Franchise Discovery Days have moved to online presentations and we have hosted 10 via this format now. While we miss not being able to host prospective franchisees in Norwich, the virtual format has worked brilliantly, and allowed those interested in the franchise to continue to fully explore the TaxAssist opportunity.

“With the Initial Training Course also fully adapted for online delivery, we now have a seamless online journey to becoming a franchisee. We will continue to offer a £4,000 cashback on our franchise fee to reflect the change of setting and this offering will be available for as long as we choose to run the course virtually.”

TaxAssist Accountants is running monthly Virtual Discovery Days and the next TaxAssist Accountants training course will start on 8th February 2021, with three more planned for 2021.

Hatch Brenner Solicitors in Norwich has started the new year by welcoming experienced Property expert Sarah Finn as their new Head of Property.

Originally from East Anglia, Sarah has 30 years experience within all aspects of the Property field including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfers of equity, mortgages, and equity release mortgages. She is also experienced with new build purchases, deeds of variation for rent charges, deeds of easement, overage agreements and lease extensions.

Having held senior positions at law firms in both East Anglia and Devon, Sarah joins Hatch Brenner from Devon-based firm Dunn & Baker LLP where she was a Partner and Head of Residential Property.

Colin Cook, Hatch Brenner Partner commented: “We are all delighted to welcome Sarah to the Hatch Brenner team. This is a great way to kick off what we all hope will be a brighter year for the business and wider community. The last year has been extremely busy for our property team across both residential and commercial property. Sarah is stepping in to lead the team and we look forward to introducing her to our close contacts across the property sector in the city.”

Sarah added: “I am very pleased to have joined Hatch Brenner as the Head of Property. My new role is the perfect next step in my career, and I am looking forward to combining both my expertise in property with my business development and people leadership skills. The firm is long established in Norwich and has an excellent reputation for both client service and expertise – particularly for more unusual or challenging property transactions.”

Sarah is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, walking her dog and going to the gym.

Hatch Brenner Solicitors has welcomed experienced wills, trust and probate specialist Rachel Frammingham as a Paralegal in the Private Client department.

Rachel joins Hatch Brenner from another Norwich-based legal practice where her experience involved meeting clients, drafting wills, LPAs, deputyship applications and probate documents, and legal research. She also has experience in Litigation and Administrative roles within the legal sector.

Caroline Billings, Hatch Brenner Partner and Head of Private Client commented: “It is a great start to 2021 to be welcoming Rachel into the firm and the busy Private Client department. Given her experience and positive nature, I am sure she will be an asset to our department and get on well with our clients.”

Rachel’s role at Hatch Brenner will include meeting clients, drafting wills, LPAs, deputyship applications, probate applications and administration of estates and assisting in the administration of trusts and complex estates.

Rachel is studying towards the CILEx Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice with CILEx Law School. She also holds a Foundation Degree in Law from Sunderland University. Outside of work, she enjoys watching films and going to the cinema and travel.

Hatch Benner Solicitors on Theatre Street has announced that they will be working with independent local charity, Nelson’s Journey, for the next three years in a new long-term community partnership agreement.

Nelson’s Journey has supported children and young people in Norfolk who have experienced the death of a significant person by bringing back smiles since 1997. Providing a range of resources and services, they accept referrals from families and professionals for those who may need their support. The charity also supports professionals in the county who work with children, such as teachers and health workers, to help raise awareness of issues affecting bereaved children.

Nelson’s Journey’s vision is that every bereaved child in Norfolk will look forward to a positive future, empowered to reach their full potential.

Hatch Brenner Solicitors will primarily be supporting the Nelson’s Journey Smiles & Tears Boxes for a child or young person who has been recently bereaved. Having been created by the Nelson’s Journey Youth Panel and young volunteers, the contents of the box have been carefully chosen to support recipients through the grieving process.

Hatch Brenner will be funding a quantity of Smiles & Tears Boxes including postage for the next three years. They are also supporting the charity by funding new laptops for the support team.

Simon Wright, Nelson’s Journey Chief Executive commented: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hatch Brenner staff for selecting us to be one of their long term charity partners for the next three years. It is thanks to the tremendous support of our local community including businesses like Hatch Brenner that our work with hundreds of bereaved children and young people in the county is possible.

“The Smiles & Tears Boxes are a very important step in the grieving process for a young person who has been recently bereaved. Our Youth Panel identified that many adults and friends around a recently bereaved young person do not know what to say to offer comfort. They felt passionately that a supportive gift containing helpful information, activities and treats would have been of great comfort to them at a very challenging time helping to them to understand and cope with their feelings. The box contains age-specific items including specially created bereavement mindfulness colouring postcards, a feelings ball, emotions magnet, happy jar, soft toy, chocolate bar and journal.”

Dawn Parkes, Hatch Brenner Managing Partner commented: “We are pleased to be supporting Nelson’s Journey over the next three years with this new partnership. In addition to funding the Smiles & Tears boxes, we have offered the time and energy of our Norwich workforce to the charity and hope to be able to support them through lots of activities as we progress with the relationship. Where needed, we will also be offering our legal expertise to the Nelson’s Journey Advisors including regarding private client law. We look forward to the relationship developing over the coming years, and hope to hold a business event in 2021 when we are able to do so safely.”

Simon Wright added: “As a result of the restrictions of the coronavirus outbreak, our referral process and support offer has changed. We are operating our Support Line service enabling families and professionals to speak directly with a Child Bereavement Support Worker. If you would like to refer a child or young person for support, you can call 01603 431788, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as we are able.”

Find out more about the Tears and Smiles boxes: Smiles & Tears Gift Box – Nelson’s Journey | Child Bereavement Help for Norfolk

Read more: Hatch Brenner Invested in our Community