Black Friday exclusive offer for Chambers members
Book a table of 10 for Barnham Broom’s Christmas Part Night on December 20th and pay just £250! A standard ticket price is £34.95 so this represents almost a 40% saving. To book contact Sarah sjones@barnham-broom.co.uk, valid until 6th December.
Festive Afternoon Tea services throughout December, 12pm – 5pm from £15.95. Reserve a table for your team: 01603 759393 or enquiry@barnham-broom.co.uk
Clifton and Portishead-based Ali reflects on her decade of business building
For Ali Redwood, it was her desire to leave corporate life that inspired her to join TaxAssist Accountants.
With a background in banking and finance and experience of running a family business, self-employment held no fear for Ali, who relished the opportunity to establish her own practice.
“The experience of running my family business equipped me with a sound knowledge of accounting and the finance skills required to run a small business,” explained Ali. “It also gave me a real passion and joy.
“As I grew tired of corporate life, I started to look at my options and owning a TaxAssist Accountants franchise appealed to me as I valued the on-going support and readymade systems which would fast track my business.
“I didn’t want to be ‘just an accountant’. I recognised that with TaxAssist, I would be building a team, allowing me to be the principal of the business, meeting new and existing clients, managing staff, supervising work, networking and managing the customer experience.
“The support from the franchisor and fellow franchisees over the last 10 years has been fantastic. My neighbouring franchisees are not in competition with each other, due to our exclusive territories, and it gives us a real opportunity to work together and support each other. You have your own business but you are not on your own. My staff get great training from the courses provided and I get the benefit of on-going great marketing and operational support.
“The business has grown well, and I now have an exceptionally good team in place. I opened a shop in Clifton in Bristol in 2011 and an office in Portishead in 2016 and I am hoping to open a third premises within the next three years.
“I feel that I am now building an asset for a comfortable retirement, which I would not be in a position to do, had I remained in employment. If you asked me if I would do it all again – the answer is definitely yes!”
A Norwich-based food processing equipment manufacturer has increased its presence in northern Europe by supplying a new production system for a Scandinavian snack giant.
Fabcon Food Systems has provided two of its potato chip batch fryers, alongside new weighing, slicing and feeding equipment, to KiMs for the potato snack firm’s production plant in Skreia, southern Norway.
The installation of the equipment marks the first time the Norwich firm has supplied the snacks maker – part of the Orkla Company with facilities across Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Latvia.
Trevor Howard, managing director of Fabcon Food Systems, said: “To supply one of Scandinavia’s most respected snack manufacturers is another milestone for us as it shows again that our products and designs are in high demand.
“It has been a game-changer for Orkla C&S Norway as they look to produce new products. We look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”
Founded in 2015, Fabcon Food Systems manufacture, supply and install handling and processing equipment for the food industry. Designed and built at the company’s Delta Close factory, Fabcon’s team of 25 supply systems and machinery to customers in the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Africa.
Last year the company’s success was recognised with Fabcon winning the Regional International Expansion of the Year Award at the 2018 Barclays Entrepreneurs Awards.
Congratulations to Larking Gowen, winners of the Best Employer category at the Norfolk Business Awards; and to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Liftshare and Holkham Estate as the extremely well-deserved finalists.
As proud co-sponsors, alongside Birketts, Pure’s Executive Director Lynn Walters was one of the judges. As a team, they were faced with an exceptionally difficult decision in selecting not just an overall winner but also in shortlisting the finalists. The quality of all the entries received was very high and there was a record number of applications.
Lynn said: “Norfolk businesses are taking their people and workplace culture strategies seriously. They understand the benefits of engaging their people and are pushing the boundaries to develop their workplace cultures. This echoes what we see in our work as professional recruitment specialists. Business leaders are recognising the importance of culture and engagement when it comes to competing for, and retaining, high-calibre employees and they are embracing opportunities to develop inspiring environments.”
The judges visited seven organisations before narrowing down the field to the four finalists, all of whom demonstrated a clear passion for creating great places to work and in supporting their people. While each organisation had developed strategies bespoke to its business and aligned to its own company values, there were some noticeable common themes. The progression towards agile working stood out across all four finalists, with the judges seeing genuine examples of job shares, flexibility and different working patterns at both senior and junior levels. The importance placed on mental health and wellbeing was also clear, with each finalist having mental health first aiders in place.
Lynn added: “The calibre of all the finalists was outstanding. It is a privilege to appreciate the culture of these businesses, to understand their vision, values and purpose and how they bring this to life for their staff. The movement towards agile working is a definite step change from previous years. It shows a positive shift from a culture of hours spent in the office to people being trusted and empowered to deliver what is expected of them in truly agile ways. It is also extremely encouraging to see people being supported and encouraged to have more open conversations about mental health, with senior leaders heading the change by talking about their own vulnerabilities.”
Pure has supported the Best Employer category at these awards for many years now. As judges, we have seen how the strategies behind employee engagement and workplace culture are continuously evolving each year. Engagement is an ongoing journey, and this is what helped the judges to make the final decision on the overall winner. In the past five years, Larking Gowen has really been on a journey of making positive changes and taking brave decisions.
Lynn concluded: “Since Larking Gowen first became involved with Best Employers five years ago, the difference in the organisation is nothing short of transformational. I remember meeting them when they first entered and they had all the right intentions but nothing yet firmly in place. Having discussed with them what they needed to consider, it has been a pleasure to watch the changes unfold. Led from the top by Managing Partner Jon Woolston, the culture change has authentically permeated down and the business has developed to become a true employer of choice.
“While it was difficult at the time, it was fantastic to be faced with such a tough decision between four outstanding Norfolk businesses. They all really stood out to us, and that means they will also stand out to current and future employees, and to those they do business with. Congratulations to all of them.”
Throughout its engagement journey to becoming an award-winning employer, Larking Gowen also benefited by participating in Best Employers Eastern Region. Founded by Pure with psychometrics experts eras ltd, Best Employers has become a force for culture and organisational change which businesses are using to shape and develop their employee engagement strategies. It was a real enabler for Larking Gowen as the employee survey findings helped to guide and inform them on the key the priorities to focus on.
Best Employers Eastern Region returns in 2020. Business leaders who are passionate about developing their organisation’s culture, engagement levels and workplace environment can now register to take part and book a place at the launch event in March by visiting www.best-employers.co.uk
Alan Boswell Group win Best Landlord Insurance Provider award
For the second year running, Alan Boswell Group have been crowned Best Landlord Insurance Provider at the National Landlord Investment Show awards.
The awards celebrate excellence within the private rented sector, and this year was hosted by comedian Jon Culshaw. The winners were chosen by a combination of public votes and a panel of industry experts, including senior management from respected property organisations such as Property Investor News, iHowz and George Ellis Property Services.
Heath Alexander-Bew, Director at Alan Boswell Group, said:
“This award recognises our continued commitment to offering landlords excellent products and customer service, and is also testament to our customers and introducers who believe in what we do. I’d like to thank them all for their ongoing support and loyalty.”
Since winning the award for the first time in 2018, the group also took home the award for Best Landlord Insurance Provider at the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) in April of this year. They’ve also retained their status as a Gold Trusted Merchant on independent review site Feefo, maintaining an average score of 4.9/5 for customer service.
Looking for landlords insurance?
Alan Boswell Group have industry-leading products and a multi-award-winning service for Landlords – click here to read an article about the covers every landlord should know about.
They include:
And much more.
Here to help
If you’d like to speak to a Landlords insurance expert, you can call Alan Boswell Group on 01603 216399.
TaxAssist joins a select group of only four franchisors in receiving the award for seven years running.
TaxAssist Accountants has once again been awarded 5-star franchisee satisfaction from WorkBuzz following positive feedback from its network of more than 200 franchisees.
This led it to receiving above the average benchmark results for key areas of the survey which inform the final Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark report. These include training and support, franchise system, culture and relationships, leadership and general satisfaction.
The satisfaction benchmark is provided by WorkBuzz, a leading independent franchise consultancy. It works by inviting existing franchisees to participate in an anonymous online survey, which asks them 29 questions about their franchise ownership experience.
Using a consistent methodology, the franchise is assigned an overall satisfaction benchmark score and the highest performing franchisors are recognised at the Best Franchise Awards.
Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director at TaxAssist Accountants, said: “It was a pleasure to once again read so many positive comments from our franchisees, which allowed us to achieve this prestigious accolade for the seventh year in a row.
“We are extremely proud of the successful TaxAssist business model and the support we provide and receiving 5-star franchisee satisfaction is testament to the hard work of our dedicated team, which has now grown to 60 at the Support Centre in Norwich.
“We will not be resting on our laurels as we have read all of the comments in detail and we will consider and address any issues or suggestions made.”
For more information about WorkBuzz and the Best Franchise Awards please visit www.bestfranchiseawards.co.uk
Sir John Fenn (Rob Knee from the Paston Heritage Society) unveiled, on its 547th anniversary, a facsimile of the Paston Letter dated 22 November 1472, which gives the first mention of the Maids Head, the name of the inn that had taken over from the 13th century Murtle Fish. The facsimile is located just outside the entrance of the Maids Head’s Wine Press Restaurant.
Rob Knee was at the hotel to give a costumed Paston talk about the work of antiquarian Sir John Fenn from Dereham, who edited, over eight years, a volume of some 200 of the Paston Letters that had come into his possession in 1771. The volume was published in 1789 and the initial print run of 750 sold out within a week.
The Paston letters and papers were found in 1735 by Norfolk historian Francis Blomefield in the muniment room at Oxnead Hall, which had been the main seat of the Paston family since the 1480s. William Paston, 2nd Earl of Yarmouth, the last representative of the family, had died in 1732.
The first mention of the Maids Head was in a letter written by John Paston recommending the inn as a good place to stable a horse: ‘if he tery at norwyche ther whyls, it were best to sette hys horse at the Maydes Hedde.’
Christine Malcolm, General Manager, the Maids Head Hotel said: “I would like to thank the Paston Heritage Society for the gift of the facsimile of the 1472 letter. We have much enjoyed working with Rob Knee and his colleagues to mark the Paston Footprints project with events to celebrate Norfolk Day and the hotel’s November ‘birthday’ and look forward to further activities in 2020.”
For more information about the Paston Heritage Society and the Paston Footprints Project see www.pastonheritage.co.uk and www.thisispaston.co.uk .
For more information about the Maids Head Hotel see www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk, t. 01603 209955.
On Thursday 21st November Karl Sandall, Chief Executive Director of The TaxAssist Group, met with Sajid Javid and raised a number of issues concerning the small business community.
Sajid Javid, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was in Norwich on 21st November and took the opportunity to visit the TaxAssist Accountants Support Centre to meet Directors and Senior Managers to learn more about the concerns of small businesses.
“It was a very worthwhile meeting, during which we discussed a number of really important issues”, said Karl.
“The TaxAssist Accountants network of over 350 shops and offices looks after the needs of more than 75,000 small businesses across the country, and we used the time we had with the Chancellor to highlight a number of key concerns on their behalf:
“We are proud to represent small businesses, the ‘lifeblood’ of the UK economy and we will take every opportunity we get to speak up for their needs and concerns,” added Karl.
Balaji Krishnamurthy launches small business tax and accounting service from 91 Bolton Road, Bury
Balaji Krishnamurthy, joined the TaxAssist Accountants network in September, and has already sourced and fitted out his welcoming shop ready to meet with clients.
“I was very lucky to spot the ideal shop, in the ideal location so quickly,” explained Balaji. “It ticks all the boxes in terms of being highly visible and accessible and offers plenty of parking. I would encourage all small businesses owners and individual taxpayers in the area to pop in for a free initial consultation to learn more about our services.”
Balaji worked in the financial services sector for a number of years, initially in investment banking, before moving onto audit work with a Big 4 company where he qualified as an accountant.
“I extensively researched opportunities available to me for the next step in my career,” stated Balaji”. “I was keen to operate my own practice and found TaxAssist to be the perfect match for my aspirations. I am able to run my own accountancy practice while at the same time being a part of one of the largest accountancy groups in the country with a well-established brand name.
“I have a broad range of experience working with companies of all sizes, but it is small businesses that I am passionate about and I am looking forward to adding value to these businesses in my local area.”
Balaji’s shop joins an established network of over 225 TaxAssist Accountants shops nationwide.
SOUL Church has been given the go ahead to start work on a brand-new church building on the site of the former Family Life Centre. Working closely with architects, Fielden and Mawson, the church has just received planning permission and is now looking to break ground as soon as possible.
“We have a real passion to reach the hurt and the lost and this will be a home for the people of our city, with community facilities, indoor and outdoor play parks, a sensory area, café and so much more, as well as a 1,000+ seater auditorium for our services and events. We trust God will bring his plans to fruition and we have faith that as we act in accordance with his will, we will see miraculous things taking place,” confirm Pastors Jon & Chantel Norman, who lead the church.
With upwards of £7m needed for the first phase of the works, the team are thankful for the generosity of church members, as well as the input and selfless giving of those in the community and from other churches in the area and beyond.
If you’d like to find out more about the project or to make a donation, please visit www.soulchurch.com.
As the nights get darker and the temperature drops, Norfolk Community Foundation has once again launched its annual Surviving Winter appeal, providing vital support to help vulnerable people across Norfolk get through the cold winter months. The onset of the winter months can be a worrying time for many people in Norfolk. The combination of bad weather, colder temperatures and the effects of rural poverty can be a tangible, sometimes disastrous, combination for vulnerable individuals and families. The aim of the Surviving Winter appeal is to provide essential support to people who are struggling and in serious need, to stop them from failing into crisis. How is the Appeal helping? Together with the Foundation’s partner organisations Age UK Norfolk, homelessness charity St Martins and local foodbanks who work tirelessly on the ground to support those in need across the county, the Foundation is once again taking action this winter. From providing support to help rough sleepers off the streets long term, to helping families heat their homes and keep their children warm, to alleviating loneliness amongst isolated older people who may have no-one else to talk to, the Surviving Winter appeal will transform local lives. For some, this support could mean the difference between life and death. Donate now to change lives The Surviving Winter appeal needs urgent help from local people and businesses to support the most vulnerable in our communities. Donate online quickly and securely, or alternatively please make a cheque payable to Norfolk Community Foundation and send it to Norfolk Community Foundation, St. James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1TN, or telephone us on 01603 623958. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference to local lives.