Member News

Safepoint successfully deployed to protect Dare to Differ’s lone-working staff across the South East of England.    Read the full case study here

On the Government’s announcement of its testing strategy for international arrivals and business rates relief for airports, Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Regional & City Airports, said:

“These announcements are a much-needed boost as aviation looks to bounce back from the greatest challenge it has ever faced, with regional airports having been amongst the hardest-hit sectors by the pandemic.

“A robust test-and-release system will boost the safe restart of international travel and increase consumer confidence. We welcome the work of the Global Travel Taskforce and look forward to building on this big step forward by working together on the next phases of pre-departure tests and the use of cheaper and faster testing methods to make international travel ever easier and ultimately eliminate any need for quarantine altogether.

“We are pleased the Government has listened to our calls for business rates relief for airports. The measures announced today will provide much-needed support and we will continue to lobby hard and work with Government on what other steps can be taken to safeguard the UK’s regional airports.”

I am delighted to present Captain Fawcett’s simply fabulous Christmas Selection. Including gifts from as little as a fiver, there is truly a splendid little something for everyone! At the close of a somewhat challenging year for one and all, a touch of luxury is certainly in order to treat one’s kith and kin or, indeed, one’s own good self.

SIGNATURE SERIES SPLENDOUS! Captain Fawcett’s renowned Signature Series now includes two brand new collaborations… NEBULA WITH JOHN PETRUCCI American Rock Royalty meets an English Gentleman Explorer – this melodic collaboration with guitar maestro John Petrucci of Dream Theater has produced a work of true majesty! Indeed, first orders for Nebula came so thick and fast extra staff were needed to fulfil them. This launch is truly flying from the shelf! The new range offers a Beard Balm, Beard Oil and Moustache Wax, distinguished by a simply delectable fragrance. Top notes of exhilarating bergamot & aromatic myrtle riff with a bittersweet tang of grapefruit, rising to an intense heart of earthy, violet orris, dark coffee & tenacious woody cedar. A pulse of seductive musk trails a smoky backbeat laced with vetiver & luxurious leather. And there’s an extra special gift for rock star chums! Each 50ml Nebula Beard Oil includes a Limited Edition Nebula Guitar Flow Pick, designed and created by John Petrucci in collaboration with Jim Dunlop. While stocks last! John Petrucci’s virtuoso composition with Captain Fawcett is quite simply out of this world.

ALESSANDRO MANFREDINI EAU DE PARFUM Alessandro Manfredini is a sculptor, graphic artist and silver bearded model. He is also survivor, a gentleman who fought to rebuild his spirit when an earthquake destroyed his dreams.  His collaboration with Captain Fawcett has produced a most seductive Eau De Parfum evocative of Italy’s capricious seasons. And the story of his resilience is a magnificent inspiration for our times. Woody spiced top notes of rosemary and star anise combine with mid notes of fresh green cyclamen on a bed of mineral ambergris, calming cedarwood and sun toasted tonka.   This deeply sensuous fragrance is presented in a stunning iridescent bottle adorned with an antique beetle motif, the ancient talisman of strength and regeneration.  A scent rich with memory bringing faith in tomorrow.

STOCKING FILLERS

Captain Fawcett loves a well stuffed stocking, thus he presents a selection of handsome treats for discerning gentlemen…

We’ve all seen the Government’s campaign to encourage businesses to be ready for the changes in EU trading arrangements on Jan 1st. But, are you sure your business is completely ready? We’ve put together a checklist of the jobs most businesses will need to do. We hope it’s useful for you.

Checklist: declarations for goods that travel between the UK and the EU

1. Define who will be Importer/Exporter of record in UK, needing an EORI starting with GB 
2. Define who will be Importer/Exporter of record in EU27, needing an EORI starting with NL, FR, DE, ES etc. 
3. Appoint an Agent/Customs Intermediary in UK, to submit the Import/Export Declaration
4. Appoint an Agent/Customs Intermediary in EU27, to do corresponding Export/Import Declaration
5. Ensure that data required for customs declarations is available before the goods leave warehouse
6. Ensure the accuracy of the data, check compliance on import declarations
7. Ensure the accuracy of the data entered on export declarations and check compliance for VAT zero rating
8. Define and capture the declaration process with forwarder to pre-lodge export declarations, get P2P status for all exports and link the MRN to the GVMS in an SOP
9. Define Inco Terms with customers and suppliers
10. Review classification: UK will use the UK Global Tariff 
11. Review classification:  EU will use the Common External Tariff, current rates are listed next to the UKGT
12. Decide whether use Postponed VAT Accounting for import VAT from 1st Jan. 
13. Understand changes for movements to Northern Ireland (NI) and register for TSS 
14. Register for Goods Vehicle Movement System (GVMS) when available through Government Gateway 
15. Continue to submit Intrastat arrivals, if you meet the threshold for arrivals after 1 Jan 2021 you will be required to submit for 12 months

If you can put a tick next to all fifteen items, congratulations on a high level of preparation. If not, our advice is that, if you can work through these tasks, your business will be well prepared for the new trade environment starting in just a few weeks. I regularly post on the IES blog where there’s lots more relevant to the import export business. IES blog

Due to an increase in the overall satisfaction score for three consecutive surveys, TaxAssist Accountants also received a ‘Continuous Improvement Award’.

TaxAssist Accountants is proud to have once again been awarded 5-star Franchisee Satisfaction from WorkBuzz, a leading independent franchise consultancy, joining a select group of just four franchisors to have won this prestigious honour for eight years running.

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director at TaxAssist Accountants, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to have won this key award once again. To have also increased our overall satisfaction score in 2020, a year which has seen so many challenges for everybody, is outstanding.

“Our Support Centre staff have all worked tirelessly to maintain truly exceptional levels of support throughout the pandemic, and this award is testament to the care and hard work they have provided. It is heartening to hear back from our franchisees that they appreciate and recognise the support we have given them.”

The WorkBuzz survey works by inviting existing franchisees to participate in an anonymous online survey which asks them 31 questions about their franchise ownership experience. Using a consistent methodology, the franchise is assigned an overall FSB score.

Due to positive feedback, TaxAssist Accountants received above average benchmark results in key areas of the survey which inform the final Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark report. These include training and support, franchise system, culture and relationships, leadership, value and rewards and general satisfaction. Visit www.5starfranchise.co.uk for more information about how 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction is determined.

The highest performing franchisors are recognised in the annual Best Franchise Awards. Visit www.bestfranchiseawards.co.uk/ for more information about the awards.

In this week’s episode, Mark and James discuss the often overlooked importance of good listening skills in business and in life generally. Starting with a fascinating fact which illustrates just how little time we spend on developing our listening skills, they come up with 3 top tips, and along the way they take inspiration from Jim Kwik, the 5 levels of listening and Slade’s Noddy Holder!   here! 

As rates of coronavirus in Norfolk continue to rise, people are being urged to stick to the essentials and follow the national guidelines.

The current restrictions mean that people should only leave home if it is essential:

• To shop for essentials
• To do essential work, because you cannot work from home
• To only carry out essential journeys
• For essential education
• For essential exercise.

It is also essential that people isolate immediately if they have symptoms, test positive or have had close contact with someone who has coronavirus and it is essential to work with NHS Test and Trace and local contact tracing teams, to help keep communities safe.

Cllr Andrew Proctor, Chair of the Norfolk Engagement Board and Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “It is essential that Norfolk follows the national restrictions to halt the ongoing rise in Covid cases.  

“That means only leaving home for essential reasons and if you do need to leave home, following the hands, face, space advice.

“It’s essential that you work with contact tracing teams if you test positive because it is our most effective way to track the virus and keep people safe. We know isolating is inconvenient, but it is absolutely vital – you don’t have to have symptoms to spread this virus and anyone can catch it and pass it on.

“As councils we are here to help – if you need support to isolate or you are struggling to get access to food or medicines please contact us so that we can get you what you need. “

In Norfolk rates of coronavirus have increased from 100 per 100,000 in the week to November 6 to 149 in the week to November 13. The highest rates are currently in South Norfolk (222) and Great Yarmouth (214).

Cases in South Norfolk are thought to be linked to social gatherings in the lead up the national restrictions coming into effect two weeks ago. Those affected are mainly working age adults and it is believed that most cases can be traced back to events that happened in the days before lockdown.

Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health for Norfolk, said: “It’s essential that people stay home as much as possible. It is essential those with symptoms isolate and get a test and it essential that people work with test and trace teams and give details of their contacts.

“If you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus you can’t test your way out of isolating – you might be carrying and passing on the virus even if you don’t have symptoms or you’ve had a negative test. It’s essential that we all work together to reduce the spread of the virus, so that we can protect our loved ones and our communities.”

Dr Smith said those who should be isolating should also try to stay away from other members of their households, if possible, to prevent passing on the virus.

She added: “If you have symptoms, you should stay away from other people you live with as much as possible. I know this isn’t practical for everyone but if you can avoid sharing beds, using shared spaces and use a separate bathroom if you have one, then that can help you to protect your family.”

As national restrictions continue Covid marshalls or support officers continue to be recruited and deployed across the county.  The aim is for them to advise, educate, and engage with businesses and members of the public – being the eyes and the ears and report back concerns and repeat offenders. They are also doing leaflet dropping and working closely with the police around how to enforce the restrictions.

If people need help and support to isolate they can visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/coronavirus  or call 0344 800 8020.

Statistics

Last week’s figures are in brackets.

Seven day incidence per 100,000 on November 13:

• Breckland: 137 ( 76)
• Broadland: 149 (113)
• Great Yarmouth:  216 (165)
• King’s Lynn and West Norfolk: 118 (134)
• North Norfolk: 56 (40)
• Norwich: 142 (84)
• South Norfolk: 222 (86)

Outbreaks

Businesses: 20 (15)

Education: 20 (15)

Care providers: 54 (39)

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices are looking for companies to enrol in Payroll Giving. You can help us care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions by making a regular contribution through your payroll. Just £10 a month, the equivalent of one takeaway coffee a week, could help a child receive an hour of specialist therapies such as music therapy. Working from home? Donate the equivalent of a week of fuel and you could fund over 12 hours of bereavement care. Find out more and sign up visit each.org.uk/payroll-giving or email corporate@each.org.uk

We have launched the public and stakeholder timetable consultation for the December 2021 timetable, when we are looking to adjust the timetables on the Great Eastern Main Line (GEML), the Southend Victoria line and the routes that connect into them, to take advantage of the benefits our new trains offer.  

By that point all services on all those routes should be operated by new trains, so it’s therefore timely to look at how we optimise the impact of new trains on services, especially on journey times, performance and capacity.

The consultation lasts just over 12 weeks to Friday 12 February 2021, though early submissions will be much appreciated.

​Please find below a PDF of the consultation document which can also be found at www.greateranglia.co.uk/december21tt. Submissions can be made online, via email or via post with details included in the attached document (which is the same as the document you can access via the website).

The document provides a high level summary of the proposed changes, as the timetables are still being developed and can change quite significantly during the development process, including as a result of this consultation, so we have highlighted key principles and expected outcomes. We will also need to take into account the emerging situation with the pandemic and the recovery from it, as we finalise the exact timetable details.

Although the capacity, capability and intensive utilisation of the rail infrastructure across our network very much influences the scope of what we can aim to achieve, we’re keen to make the most of the exciting attributes of our new trains, with their increased seating, quicker acceleration and braking and improved performance characteristics.

Whilst more radical aspirations may not be practical, there are still plenty of opportunities to put in place a better service, taking on board customer and stakeholder comments to fine tune the details, as we do so.  There are also one or two specific areas, such as the scheduling of our Norwich in 90 services and proposals to provide a Braintree to Witham shuttle service with connections to/from London during off peak periods, on which feedback is specifically sought.

Our over-riding aims for the December 2021 GEML timetable will be to provide the best possible service for passengers and the region and to maximise the benefits of our new trains for customers and communities along both the GEML, Southend Victoria line and those lines which connect into them.

We hope you find the consultation helpful and we look forward to hearing your views and feedback to help us shape the best outcome for our region.

Please find below a new tool developed by the FSA which aims to help businesses understand what allergen labelling (information) requirements apply to different scenarios by asking 4 questions:

• does the consumer order the food in person (i.e. is there a distance selling aspect?)
• Is the food presented in packaging?
• Is the food in packaging before it is selected or ordered?
• Is the food packaged at the same place it is sold?

https://www.food.gov.uk/allergen-ingredients-food-labelling-decision-tool

The whole team at Tudor Lodge Consultants are thrilled to announce that we are working with Better Healthcare, an established and highly trusted live-in care provider across the UK. The search engine optimisation (SEO), design and development teams at Tudor Lodge are all working on what is a very exciting and promising project. Having undergone a major website overhaul, Better Healthcare approached us with a typical problem for businesses that have moved online or overhauled their online presence: getting found.

There are a range of important SEO practices and requirements that come with a new and refreshed website. Although there is a lot of merit in having a strong degree of longevity with any website, things can get a little bit ‘stale’ and this is when a refresh and update to a website and online brand is ideal.

Working with Better Healthcare, their management and marketing teams, we have started working on various areas, all of which are key to SEO and online success. These include:

• Website Crawling Factors – First and foremost in SEO is ensuring a website is able to be read, understood and properly contextualised [crawled]. Ultimately, if Google or any other search engines (such as Bing, Baidu and others) cannot crawl a website, much of the work done will be fruitless and any rankings will be significantly lower than otherwise
• Website Navigation and Architecture – Being able to navigate around a website of any nature and in any industry is crucial to both the SEO as well as user experience (UX), both factors being closely linked to one another. We are working with the team at Better Healthcare to ensure the website is logically ordered and structured and can be easily and quickly navigated by all users and prospective clients of the company
• Online PR and Presence – A key tenet of SEO is the spread of a brand online; its PR. Thus, we are working with Better Healthcare to create relationships as well as the all-important backlinks where necessary and relevant content across the web for the brand more widely
• Content and Website Information – Another key element of any website’s SEO is the content upon which the entire offering of the brand and company lies. We are working closely with both our own as well as Better Healthcare’s content and marketing team to create new, optimised and user-friendly website content.

Emergency First Aid at Work Training, 17th December Only a few spaces are available to book on our Emergency First Aid At Work Training Course(s), on;

• 17th December 2020
• Lunch is Included
• Free Parking

Courses are held at Rossis Leisure Centre, North Walsham. Prices are £62.50 (+VAT) per person. All our First Aid training courses are compliant with Current HM Gov & UK Resus Coronavirus Guidelines. https://shepherdshsltd.co.uk/first-aid-training-courses/