Member News

As the nights get darker and the temperature drops, Norfolk Community Foundation is once again launching 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.

MHA Larking Gowen is delighted to be named Best Employer in this year’s Norfolk Business Awards.

The awards, attended by more than 500 guests at the Norfolk Showground Arena, was hosted by TV actor, James Nesbitt, star of Cold Feet, Murphy’s Law and The Hobbit.

MHA Larking Gowen is one of the UK’s top 40 accountancy and business advisory partnerships. It was established in Norfolk more than 130 years ago and has six of its eight regional offices based in the county.

The firm was shortlisted for the award last month along with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Holkham and Liftshare.com.

Jon Woolston, Managing Partner at MHA Larking Gowen said: “The awards have been a fantastic event and we’re delighted to be recognised as Norfolk’s Best Employer, especially after being up against such strong competition.

“Passion for our People is one of our core values, and where we believe the success of our business lies. For us, it’s more than just a slogan.

“We have worked hard to make Passion for our People a reality because it’s the skills, energy and dedication of our teams that make everything else happen in our business.”

Head of HR, Amanda Ninham, said: “Wellbeing is central to everything we do and is the focus for all of our people practices, from training and development to rewards and recognition and our relationship with our local communities.

“Our Wellbeing programme is successful through buy-in from the leaders in our organisation, and making a high level of care and commitment, to each and every one of our people, central to our culture.

“This award is an excellent result and shows that working hard to make our business the best possible place for people to work, pays dividends. It’s very rewarding.”

In the Best Employer award, judges were looking for evidence of opportunities for personal growth, a rewards strategy that drives performance, strong values embedded in the organisation, a positive culture which recognises and values difference, and strong talent attraction and retention strategy. They also looked at the entrants’ approach to wellbeing and mental health, and their support for the local community.

This year’s Best Employer award was sponsored by Pure and Birketts.

Photo left to right – Senior Marketing Advisor Fran Mallen, Partner Phil Moy, Head of HR Amanda Ninham, Partner Chris Scargill, Accountant Sarah Lambert and Managing Partner Jon Woolston.

We hope you have seen publicity about Passport to Puppetry project for Norfolk Chamber members to pay £250 to sponsor access to theatre for youngsters in need of smaller whose family circumstances make it really difficult to pay for tickets. We are offering 10 lucky Chamber members free tickets to our private viewing of the show to an invited audience. Come along and find out why we believe so passionately that live Puppet Theatre and creative learning can both delight and inspire all children, and why it is so worthwhile making it easier to access for those who are otherwise variously excluded!

The event is at Norwich Puppet Theatre https://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/puppetry/hansel-and-gretel

An introduction to Lone Workers Over 20% of the British workforce are considered lone workers. From care workers to estate agents, lorry drivers to farmers, lone workers face unique risks with little to no oversight. If you employ anyone who works on their own, including part time workers, contractors and freelancers, you may have legislative responsibilities over their wellbeing. How Safepoint Works The Safepoint lone worker solution is comprised of a user-friendly app (for iOS and Android), and a robust guardian portal (available on all modern browsers). With the Safepoint solution, organisations can monitor their workers’ safety, wherever they are. Through the Safepoint app, workers can create ‘tasks’. During the task, the worker’s location (along with other vital safety information) is monitored in real time and shared with the guardian portal. The Safepoint portal allows an organisation’s ‘guardians’ to quickly and easily view the location and status of their entire lone working team. Should a worker require help, they can easily use Safepoint to trigger a silent alarm. An alarm will also be called if the worker does not check in as safe by the end of their task. Once an alarm is triggered, the worker’s assigned guardians will be immediately notified and they can use the Safepoint portal to see their worker’s location -as well as other vital safety information. Guardians can use this information to make swift, informed decisions. Partnership with What3words What3words is a brilliantly simple way to describe location. It has divided the world up into a grid of 3m squares that can each be identified by three simple words. So, for instance, the Safepoint HQ can be found at ///calm.gives.comet. When Safepoint heard about What3words, they knew it could be an invaluable tool in keeping lone workers safe. For a company using Safepoint, responding quickly to an emergency alarm could mean the difference between life and death. Safepoint’s partnership with What3words makes it easier to relay location information to the emergency services and first responders. The Takeaway Safepoint was conceived as a boldly innovative lone working solution. This means, reliable, user-friendly software with transparent, contract-free pricing. Now, by partnering with What3words, Safepoint hopes to continue that tradition of innovation and user-focus. What’smore, Safepoint hopes to save lives, and help workers feel safer wherever they are.   An embeddable public video demonstration of the partnership in action can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xcIewLRP8c&feature=emb_title

Paul Robinson Partnership, a long-established Chartered Architects practice, comprising a diverse and skilled team of architects, architectural technologists, building conservationists, and interior designers is reflecting on an incredible 45 years in business.

Founded back in October 1974, by Paul Robinson and Len Gooch, the then Gorleston based Practice quickly attracted a loyal customer base thanks to their ever-growing reputation for robust and cost-effective design services.

The Practice quickly saw expansion to new premises on King Street, Great Yarmouth and welcomed seasoned architect Peter Dean as a third partner, Peter bringing with him a wealth of experience and RIBA accreditation.

With business going well and the order book filled with National clients – an opportunity arose to relocate the team to the Vicarage next to St Nicholas church, in Gt Yarmouth.

The expansion continued with the addition of a fourth partner, Maynard Grout, who joined in 1988, adding to the Practice’s technical skills and National and International client base.

Reflecting on his time as Partner, Maynard said, “I’ve always pushed the Practice towards functional designs, and I am proud of our reputation.”

In 1998, the Practice was sadly rocked by tragedy with the untimely death of its partner Peter Dean in a road traffic accident. His high standards of professionalism and ethics, from which the company’s reputation is built upon, is still reflected in the Practice today.

In 2003 and 2008 respectively, founders Paul Robinson and Len Gooch enjoyed their much-deserved retirements, paving the way for a new chapter with Simon Nicholas and Bruce Hart becoming Partners shortly after.

Simon Nicholas joined the Practice as a junior architectural technician in 1981 and Bruce Hart as a senior architectural technician in 1988.

Both have worked their way through the ranks and remain Partners in the Practice to this day, with Simon credited as the longest-serving member of Paul Robinson Partnership having clocked up a very respectable 38 years’ service to date.

Maynard Grout stepped down in 2013; however, he still has active involvement from time to time and assists with specific surveying projects.

The Practice continues to have a diverse team, varying in skills and experience, led by the management team including Craig Liversidge, Steve Lucas and Andrew Smith.

During his impressive 23 years at the Practice, Andrew has honed his skills and expertise in the building conservation field. Within his role of Building Conservation Manager, and provides consultancy as standalone or as part of an overall service.

Simon Nicholas, PRP Partner, said “It is such a privilege to witness the incredible journey Paul Robinson Partnership has been on throughout the years. Architectural trends and markets have always influenced the business, but we have continued to deliver a range of stunning and award-winning designs for our clients throughout our 45 years.”

Following the consolidation of the Great Yarmouth and Norwich offices, after more than 40 years in Great Yarmouth, in 2017 the team moved to a new home at Octagon Business Park, Little Plumstead, Norwich.

Since its inception in 1974, Paul Robinson Partnership has completed circa 10,000 projects and worked with a diverse range of clients across multiple sectors.

Paul Robinson Partnership looks forward to many more successful years delivering design solutions which embody its clients’ visions.

www.paulrobinsonpartnership.co.uk

Our Winter Sale is on! For all customers booking Forklift training dates during the Months of December 2019 & January 2020, there will be a 10% discount applied. Plus our training guarantee still applies. For further information or to book a course, contact our office on 01692 407600 or email; contact@shepherdshsltd.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Six new franchisees plus one new staff member have recently graduated from the TaxAssist Accountants training course.

Leonard Woodbridge (partner at Paignton), Raza Syed (Southall), Balaji Krishnamurthy (Bury West), Samir Gosrani (New Malden), Michael Sidon (staff member at Chiswick), Daniel Wu (Welling) and Mark Dhillon (partner at Shepherds Bush) are the latest to join the TaxAssist Accountants network.

Daniel Wu worked for 11 years in the Big 4 accountancy firms before deciding that he needed to make a positive change in his life.

“I wanted to get out of corporate life, do something local and be part of my community,” explained Daniel.

“I searched for opportunities on the internet and nothing appealed to me until I came across TaxAssist Accountants. I decided to attend a Discovery Day in December 2017 to find out more. On the day, I was pleasantly surprised that people at the support center were genuinely warm, welcoming and friendly. There was no hard sell about the business model. They were open, honest and transparent. I had the impression that TaxAssist is like a family run business where there is encouragement to grow and be successful. I knew that I had found the right place. There was no doubt that I wanted to join and start my business with TAA in a shop front.

“I did my research and gathered feedback from the existing franchisees. Every one of them that I spoke to was friendly and helpful. It was very apparent that they enjoyed working in their TaxAssist businesses and there were no regrets.”

Leonard Woodbridge decided to work for himself in 2005, building up a small client base and sub-contracting to a few Chartered firms.

“After several years being extremely busy and not having much opportunity to think about it, I realised this business model was working very well for the firms I was sub-contracting to, but not so well for myself,” explained Leonard. “I was spending the majority of my time servicing clients for other firms, who were becoming more demanding.  Spending the majority of my time out at clients also meant there wasn’t much time to build my own client base.

“I was aware of how time consuming it was to keep up to date with the work, legislative, technical changes and systems as well as undertaking marketing.  Hence, rather intrigued, I came along to the Discovery Day in May this year.  I really enjoy meeting people and helping them but I wanted somebody to help me with the operational side of things, this would enable me to develop and grow the business.  The TaxAssist model fitted perfectly and thanks to the support office, this has already proved to be the right move for me as I go forward in the next stage of my journey!”.

Karl Sandall, Chief Executive Director at The TaxAssist Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome another fantastic group of franchisees and staff to the network and look forward to helping and supporting them with all aspects of the running of their practices.

“This year has been very successful in terms of recruitment. We are currently running our last course of 2019 and we already have interest in our first course of 2020 which starts in February.”

If you would like more information about becoming part of the TaxAssist Accountants network, please call our Franchise Recruitment Manager Nikki Haythorne on 0800 0188297.  

Students from across Norfolk and Suffolk will be given the opportunity to speak directly with employers and education and training providers regarding their future career options, apprenticeships and training courses at an event focussed on bridging the skills gap within the expanding and exciting energy industry later this month.

Taking place on Wednesday 27th November in the new £11.4m Energy Skills Centre at East Coast College, Skills for Energy 2019 aims to inspire ambition and aspiration in the next generation of energy professionals with interactive STEM-based activities including virtual reality experiences, robot and ROV control, nautical chart treasure hunt, engine building and weld testing.

Gemma Head, Skills for Energy Programme Manager at EEEGR, said: “This event is now in its fourth year and each year, it has gained greater interest from industry exhibitors and students alike. We are really pleased to be able to host this event again within the region, highlighting the scale of the opportunities which lay ahead for the next generation of energy industry employees”

Sponsored by OPITO, the global skills organisation for the energy industry, and supported by the ECITB, the Skills for Energy event is just one of the elements of the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) Skills for Energy Programme which aims to ensure the ongoing diversity and volume of skilled individuals for the current and future wellbeing of the energy sector. Working closely with industry as well as education and training providers, Skills for Energy helps individuals and companies benefit from the many opportunities the unique and varied energy sector in the East of England offers.

Jill Glennie, External Affairs Director at OPITO said: “The energy industry continues to develop and progress at pace using new technology and innovation to enhance delivery; introducing new roles and ways of working. The industry requires a multi-skilled, technology-enabled workforce to continue to drive the digital agenda.

“OPITO is proud to sponsor and support EEEGR and the Skills for Energy programme. The annual event provides a fantastic schedule of activities, bringing the energy sector to life for attendees who will gain a clearer picture of the opportunities our sector holds for them.”

With over 450 secondary school and higher education students set to attend and more than 30 companies exhibiting including ScottishPower Renewables, EDF Energy, 3sun Group, James Fisher Marine Services, UEA, OPITO, Gardline, Orsted, ECITB and Vattenfall, Skills for Energy 2019 looks set to be an unmissable event for students looking to pursue a career in the region’s growing energy industry.

Lloyd Felton, chief executive of County Broadband which is rolling out full fibre networks across rural East Anglia said:

“Today’s announcement highlights the importance of full fibre access for all. However, it also shows an alarming lack of understanding about the complex nature of full fibre rollouts and the fact that, unlike by comparison the rail industry that operates rail franchises, the industry has already invested billions of pounds in building its own infrastructure over which the service is delivered, in direct competition to BT.

“This proposal would almost certainly lead to delays, or at worst, derailment of existing full fibre investment and new network rollouts. It is a broad-brush, and makes no mention of how customers would be served and supported and provides no recognition for what has been achieved by the many Alternative Network providers who are currently active in providing a competitive full fibre solution.

“The competitive nature of the current market in the UK has meant consumers already benefit from one of the lowest cost broadband services in Europe. Broadband is an essential utility and whilst we share the ambition to bring future-ready full fibre connectivity to every home and business, we believe a mix of public and private investment is the only realistic strategy to deliver the service efficiently, without the need to bring significant cost to the public purse.”

TaxAssist holds bespoke event to engage and support the staff of franchisees

Knowing that happy staff who feel engaged and supported are key to the success of a practice, TaxAssist Accountants recently held its first staff regional meeting at Hampton Manor Hotel in Solihull. This event was delivered by Senior Managers Richard Washington, Richard Chatten-Hague and Jo Nockels on the back of the recent franchisee regional meetings with similar content but tailored specifically for staff.

Richard Chatten-Hague, Senior Business Development Manager, said: “It was great to be a part of this productive and enjoyable, inaugural event.

“We know how vital a role staff play in the running of a practice, and so we felt it was important to hold a bespoke meeting to showcase the vast support on offer, keep them up to date with technical and business development initiatives and to provide them with a platform for views and ideas.

“We are hopeful that holding events such as these will help with staff engagement, development and retention. We received excellent feedback from all who attended, and we will be looking to hold this event again next year.”

TaxAssist takes its commitment to staff development very seriously and runs a two-year diploma course for senior practice staff designed to nurture management and leadership skills. It also produces regular webinars and business development, technical and software training days for staff to attend.

Many franchisees in the network are also recognised as ICAEW accredited trainers, helping to attract and retain talented individuals by offering the ACA qualification.

A list of current staff vacancies can be found here.  

The Maids Head Hotel in Tombland, Norwich has revealed a new contemporary look for its AA 2 Rosette Wine Press Restaurant, which is located in the former courtyard of the 15th century inn that first took the name Maids Head.

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vaughan Thomas and the Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Marian Prinsley visited the hotel on Thursday, November 14 to officially reopen the restaurant following its £60,000 makeover.

Interior Designer, Nicola Lovell, working closely with General Manager, Christine Malcolm, has created a colourful and exciting restaurant with new tables, chairs, banquettes, pictures and decoration, which complement the ancient courtyard of the hotel.

The Wine Press refurbishment is the latest project at the Maids Head, which has seen £3.5 million invested by the hotel’s owners, the Chaplin family, over the last six years across all public areas and guest bedrooms.

Christine Malcolm, General Manager said: “We are thrilled with the restaurant’s new look created by Nicola Lovell, and hope our guests enjoy it as much as we do. I would like to thank the Lord Mayor and Sheriff for joining us to celebrate the completion of this successful project.”

The Wine Press Restaurant’s refurbishment has been completed in time for the hotel’s very busy Christmas period. All the Maids Head team are looking forward to welcoming a record number of guests to the hotel for their festive celebrations.

For more information about the Maids Head Hotel see www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk, t. 01603 209955. 

A new pilot wayfinding scheme has launched in the city centre comprising of 12 newly designed and branded City of Stories totems.

Delivered by Norwich Business Improvement District in partnership with Norwich City Council the pre-existing infrastructure has been redesigned to fit a new image for the city centre.

The 12 newly designed directional totems are located across the city centre, from outside St Peter Mancroft and The Assembly House, to Dragon Hall on King street. 

Each totem is colour co-ordinated to match city centre districts and features directional content, immediate location information, 3D buildings and icons, accessible fonts and designs, as well as heritage information on the surrounding district. 

As a creative and leading tech city, it’s no surprise that the new totems are piloting QR and Near File Communication (NFC) technology, supplied by local company, Thyngs.  The technology will link through to the newly-launched VisitNorwich website (visitnorwich.co.uk), which will showcase more content on the surrounding area, including events, businesses and attractions.

Two years in the making, the scheme has worked extensively with the local businesses, specific interest groups and the wider community to ensure the scheme meets DDA compliance and learns the lessons from some of the national best examples of wayfinding. 

To compliment the new wayfinding initiative, the Norwich BID have also doubled the area of the open guest free wi-fi network in the city centre.  Available 24/7 the network is live throughout the main city centre, from Chapelfield Gardens to Norwich Castle, London Street and the Lanes and covering St Andrew’s, Surrey Street and Prince of Wales Road. The free city centre wi-fi makes it easy for visitors to surf with ease and stay connected.  The free network offers speeds of up to 5Mbps, bringing a truly connected experience to city centre users.

It’s easy to get connected, in Wi-Fi settings select ‘Free-Wifi-NorwichBID‘. Registration is available through two options (Facebook and registration form).  Registration is only required once; afterwards the device will automatically connect to the free Wi-Fi whenever it is in range (if set up on the phone).

Stefan Gurney, Executive Director at the BID said, “We are proud to unveil the amazing new look totems with integrated NFC technology. The new look ties in with our recent City of Stories rebrand and unifies the city with its clear colour coded districts in the city.”

“We are also pleased to offer extended wi-fi coverage across the city centre, increasing and enhancing the visitor and user experience whilst in the city”.