Member News

Liftshare have been chosen to be part of the influential new cohort of Intelligent Mobility companies that will help shape future innovations in transport and mobility.

Based in Milton Keynes, the IM Accelerator is a partnership between Connected Places Catapult and Wayra UK, the world-leading scale-up accelerator that is part of Telefónica Open Future. The program is also supported by Hyundai, Stagecoach Group and Ferrovial Services, which will all provide support to start-ups at the Accelerator.

Chosen because of their continued investment in innovation and market-led new products, Liftshare have big plans for the coming year and the new technology they are developing.

Liftshare CEO and founder, Ali Clabburn, said, “We’re very excited to be a part of the Intelligent Mobility accelerator programme and to be working with Wayra and Catapult Connected Places. Liftshare are incredibly proud to still be considered innovators, even after 20 years, as what we do is more relevant today than ever. We’re looking forward to learning as much as we can, both from the supporters and mentors, but also the other companies involved who are doing incredibly exciting things in the mobility sector.”

Alex Weedon, Connected Places Catapult’s SME director, said, “We are very excited to welcome such a diverse group of promising businesses to the IM Accelerator. We had a large number of quality applications which allowed our judges to choose a group that really represents the scope and ambition of the thriving SME and start-up community currently working in transport in the UK.”

Liftshare is the biggest carsharing network in the UK with over 600,000 members sharing 1 million trips every month. They help over 700 corporate clients to encourage staff to travel more sustainably using a suite of products. Having recently won their second Queen’s Award for Innovation for what judges called, “exceptional contributions to the environment,” Liftshare are on track to have saved over 1 billion miles from UK roads by 2020.

Notes to editors Queen’s Award for Innovation | BITC National Award for Environmental Excellence | Ashden Award for Sustainable Travel | Catalyst Award for Social Technology |  British Parking Awards Further information about Liftshare and its services for individuals and businesses can be found at https://business.liftshare.com

Contact For additional information and images, please contact simon@liftshare.com, tel. 01603 389 321.

In every neighbourhood across Norfolk small charities and voluntary groups are working tirelessly to support their communities. Supporting mental health services, alleviating loneliness, preventing youth crime, helping vulnerable families – these are some of the key issues that need to be tackled. These diverse organisations, set up by people who care, are the backbone of local communities. They work hard to respond to need as it emerges, providing a safe place and a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable in Norfolk. People are being encouraged to use Norfolk Day on 27th July to give something back to support these people and organisations making Norfolk great. By becoming a Friend of Norfolk and committing to a regular contribution that suits their circumstances, they will ensure that these small local charities continue to thrive and help more people, changing the world on their doorstep. Friends of Norfolk will be regularly updated about the ways they are making a difference, and will be invited to events to hear about the amazing work they are helping bring about to transform local lives. Become a Friend of Norfolk to celebrate this Norfolk Day by contacting Norfolk Community Foundation on 01603 623958 or info@norfolkfoundation.com Norfolk Community Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to building stronger communities and improving the lives of people in Norfolk. The charity connects people who care with local causes that matter, helping ordinary people do extraordinary things that make local communities thrive and improve the lives of people who live there. Further information about becoming a Friend of Norfolk is available from Norfolk Community Foundation’s website at https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/giving-philanthropy/collective-giving-networks/friends-of-norfolk/

Budding businesses and entrepreneurial individuals in West Norfolk this week celebrated the launch of a new centre which will help protect, research and commercialise their ideas.

The new Business and Intellectual Property (IP) Centre at King’s Lynn Library launched on Wednesday 17 July and joins a network of thirteen centres across the UK, following Norfolk’s first centre at the Millennium Library in Norwich, which launched in October 2017.

The new centre will be one of three hubs connected to the main centre in Norwich. The other two are planned for Thetford and Great Yarmouth by the end of January 2020.

Councillor Graham Plant, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Growing the Economy, said at the launch: “Encouraging entrepreneurship and business growth is key to sustaining a strong economy and driving economic growth in the county.

“Our libraries are ideally placed to help new and growing businesses to flourish, with expert staff that can help support businesses to carry out market research and business planning.”

Local entrepreneur Evie-May Ellis spoke about setting up her vegan food pop-up Heart Street, and there were expert business advisors from Menta, the Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES), and other partners on hand, offering advice and support to guests.

The Centre holds a comprehensive collection of online databases and publications, printed resources, and will host practical workshops and inspiring talks, and be a space for entrepreneurs to come together to network.

Hazel Russell, co-founder of the of The Wood Life Project, is just one of the many people and businesses who have gained valuable guidance.

Her company designs and sells eco-friendly wooden products as alternatives to plastic. Hazel first heard about Business & IP Centres via a podcast, and decided to go along to her nearest one at the Forum in Norwich.

She said: “The centre is supportive and informative, and helped us move our business forward in a sustainable way.” 

Through 1-to-1 sessions with advisors she learnt about trademark and patent options and how to register designs. She started registering her designs, and the Centre helped and encouraged her to move forward with the business. She has since been back to learn more about finance, strategy, and raising funds, and feels that the support really helped build her confidence and get her business off the ground.

Carl Whitehead has opened his third TaxAssist Accountants shop joining his established premises in Long Eaton, Nottingham and Shepshed, Leicestershire.

Since joining TaxAssist Accountants as a member of staff, and subsequently becoming a director in partnership with former franchisee Phil Marriott in 2011, Carl Whitehead has seen his business continue to boom, hence his decision to open a third shop on Ashby Road in Loughborough.

“Working for Phil proved a fantastic way to build up my knowledge base and confidence in running a practice and to build a rapport with clients” explained Carl, who was 27 at the time, having worked his way up from accounts manager to training manger to practice manager before becoming a shareholder, director and franchisee.

“Since taking over as sole director in August 2017, with a well-established and highly experienced work force and a steady stream of new business, it was always my intention to open a third shop to compliment the two existing practices.

“When the ideal shop unit became available, I jumped at the chance. It is a very prominent shop with a large and eye-catching mural on the wall above our signage, so it’s difficult to miss! I would like to thank the TaxAssist Accountants Support Centre in Norwich for their help and assistance in setting up the shop, which looks great. I would encourage any clients interested in finding out more about our services to pop in for a free initial consultation.”

In addition to the new shop, Carl operates from Field Street in Shepshed and Derby Road in Long Eaton, where he looks after more than 400 clients.

If you are interested in finding out more about joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, call Nikki Haythorne on 0800 0188297.

Here’s the Maids Head Hotel’s 2019 entry for Break’s Grand Norwich Duck Race, which takes place on Sunday 25 August on the River Wensum between St George’s Bridge and Fye Bridge.

‘Quackerine of Aragon’ celebrates the visit to the Maids Head in 1520 of Catherine of Aaragon, Henry VIII first wife. The duck was designed and painted by talented staff members, Susan and Victoria.

Race timings

2.00pm Individual Mini Duck Race: 3,000 little ducks will head to the finish line.

2.30pm Large Painted Duck Race: Large decorated ducks, including ‘Quakerine of Aragon’ take to the water to compete to win the Grand Norwich Duck Race Trophy.

After the race, the Maids Head will host the auction of the large painted ducks on the evening of Thursday 5 September.

Break is the Maids Head Hotel’s charity of the year 2019. Break makes life better for vulnerable young people in East Anglia. The charity believes that every child and young person needs a home where they feel safe and loved, so they can grow in confidence and look to the future with hope. Break’s vision is to ensure children, young people and families reach their full potential and shape their own future in a safe and creative environment.

Local independent energy consultancy, Indigo Swan, have won a prestigious national award at the 2019 Energy Live Consultancy Awards (TELCA).

The company who were praised by the judges for their “strong statistics and good evidence”, won the ‘Most Trusted UK Energy Consultancy (SME)’ category last week. It’s the third time the energy enthusiasts have been recognised with this esteemed accolade in the last five years.

Emily Groves, Founder and Executive Chair commented: “We know that to provide a world class service we must be trusted by every organisation and person we engage with, whether they are a client, an employee, an energy supplier or the wider business community. I’m tremendously proud that we have won this award 3 times as it shows that trust is at our core and continues to resonate as we grow and engage with a greater number of organisations.”

James Groves Managing Director added: “Trust in your vision, trust in your values, trust in your team and your clients will trust in you. At Indigo Swan we are so proud to have been awarded the Most Trusted Consultancy (SME). I once read that Trust is built with consistency and to have been awarded as the most trusted within our sector 3 times over the last 5 years is the type of consistency that makes me so proud of all the Swans and allows our clients to know they are in safe hands year after year.”

The distinguished awards have been identified as being one of the most coveted in the UK. They evolved through a need to recognise and celebrate creativity, innovation and those pushing the boundaries of excellence.

The team at Indigo Swan were joined by more than 360 people at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) on Wednesday 26th June for a glamourous black-tie awards ceremony, which was followed by an after party on London’s luxurious yacht, the Silver Sturgeon.

Lee Ratcliffe, one of the employees who attended the event, commented: “It was an absolute honour to be asked to represent Indigo Swan at the TELCAs and the evening didn’t disappoint! It was great to spend some time with my team outside of work, meet new people and bring home the ‘Most Trusted Consultancy’ trophy!”

Find out more here https://indigoswan.co.uk/blog/most-trusted-consultancy-2019/

Thursday 4th July saw the launch of New Life Ambassadors for Change, a pilot project which aims to improve the life chances of recently released ex-offenders in Norwich. Working in partnership with the High Sheriff of Norfolk Lady Clare Agnew, Charles Watt, former High Sheriff of Norfolk, together with Norfolk Community Foundation, Norwich Prison and the Department for Work and Pensions, will pilot a series of innovative projects aiming to plug the gaps for vulnerable prisoners when they re-enter society. Currently there is relatively little support available for ex-offenders when they leave prison, and those most determined not to re-offend, deemed low risk, are often those who receive the least support on their release.  Charles Watt has been successful in securing funding to help enable vulnerable ex-offenders to be securely housed and supported throughout their first year after release, helping them to turn their lives around. The series of pilot projects will examine how best to support them, offering vocational training, introducing potential employers and increasingly secure employment prior to leaving custody, helping ex-offenders make a positive contribution to society. Norfolk Community Foundation is working with Charles to create essential funding to plug these gaps and closely measuring and monitoring results of the pilot projects to ensure that they are making the most impact, helping to remove the constant obstacles that ex-offenders face. Find out more

CIS, an Acteon Company that installs conductors and piles for the oil and gas and nearshore marine construction industries, has been awarded the prestigious President’s Award for Occupational Health and Safety from the UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).   

The President’s Award recognises CIS for earning its 10th consecutive Gold Medal, which is awarded in honour of an organisation’s commitment to preventing accidents and ill health.    

14 Years Without A Lost-time Incident

Since opening its doors in 2005, CIS has executed more than 1,500 pile and conductor installation operations for the nearshore marine, subsea, and oil and gas industries around the world. During that time, CIS has operated without a single accident or Lost Time Incident (LTI).

“Whether it’s driving piles for foundations in the nearshore marine construction market, installing pin piles for subsea marine contractors or conductors for oil and gas wells, we are extremely vigilant when it comes to safety,” said James Chadd, Managing Director CIS. “Our mission is to ensure that our industry has a bright and buoyant future.  One of the ways we aim to achieve this is to ensure that it is safe. As we enter our 14th year of operation, this award is particularly meaningful because it also represents the fact that our dedication to safety has produced an outstanding performance history, without a single safety or Lost Time Incident. Our people are the driving force behind our health and safety management system, which is the foundation of this achievement. I am extremely thankful for their efforts, each and every day, to make health and safety a top priority.”

The RoSPA Awards criteria takes into consideration not only accident records, but the entrant’s overall health and safety management systems, recognising practices, such as strong leadership and workforce involvement. For CIS, this means that the company demonstrates outstanding commitment to protecting the health and safety of all employees and customers. 

East Anglian-based accountancy and business advisory firm MHA Larking Gowen is extending its company wellbeing programme to reach beyond the doors of its offices.

The firm is in the process of fitting defibrillators to the outside of all seven of its offices in the region. The life-saving machines have already been installed at its Norwich, Ipswich and Diss offices and will shortly follow at Fakenham, Holt and Cromer.

Andrew Butcher, acting chair of the MHA Larking Gowen staff forum, who is co-ordinating the installation of the equipment, said the idea to put a defibrillator into the Norwich office had originally come from a member of staff through the firm’s wellbeing suggestion scheme.

“We thought it was an excellent suggestion, so we put it to the board who loved the idea and asked for it to be rolled out on to all our sites”, said Andrew.  “We then thought, why should our wellbeing programme stop at the doors of the office. If we have something that is available to benefit our staff, visitors and clients why should it not benefit others as well?

“The next step was finding appropriate sites outside our buildings to position the equipment so the public could readily find it and make use of it in an emergency. All our machines except the one at our Ipswich office will have 24-hour access for the public.”

“The nature of the Ipswich site meant that it had to be placed inside the security fence so won’t be accessible at night.”

The firm’s Colchester site already has a defibrillator nearby.

Defibrillators are publicly accessible at a number of community locations within the region. In an emergency you can find the location of your nearest defibrillator by dialling 999. The operator will direct you to the location and give you a code to access the machine.

If you are at the site of a defibrillator people can dial 999 to get an access code. The machines are easy to use and you don’t need training. You will receive clear spoken instructions and a patient will not receive a shock unless they need it.

“The machines are being installed by Cardiac Science Corporation, who have been very helpful throughout the whole process,” said Andrew.

To find the location of your nearest MHA Larking Gowen office, go to www.larking-gowen.co.uk

Aston Shaw are finalists at the British Accountancy Awards 2019. The firm has been shortlisted alongside six other accountancy firms from around the country for the Mid-Tier Firm of the Year Award; the ceremony on 25th September 2019 in London.

In order to make the shortlist for the British Accountancy Awards 2019, Aston Shaw had to demonstrate to the judges that as a firm they add significant value to clients across all service areas. They were required to provide evidence to a panel of industry experts that shows how the services provided have been fundamental in enabling clients to achieve their specific business goals, increase revenues and satisfy and delight their customers.

The awards are recognised as the industry’s most highly regarded accolade. They pinpoint professional development and highlight those that have demonstrated excellence in their profession and so we are very proud to have been shortlisted for such a sought-after award.

Being a finalist in this category is recognition of our focus not just on business growth and profit but on becoming a well-respected firm that makes a positive impact.

Dominic Shaw, Director, said: “I was very happy to learn that our firm has been shortlisted. The entire team has worked hard to make the firm what it is today. It’s fantastic that our hard work has been recognised”.

This prestigious award will be presented to one of six exceptional finalists at an awards and dinner ceremony in London on 25th September.

To find out more about the awards, and to view the full shortlist, please visit: https://www.britishaccountancyawards.co.uk/shortlist-2/

www.astonshaw.co.uk

Pure, the East of England’s leading professional recruitment specialist, has promoted Jodie Woodrow to Business Director.

Jodie originally joined Pure in 2005, co-founding and managing the company’s Ipswich office. She has continued to play an integral role in the development and success of Pure and its purpose of supporting the growth of organisations in the Eastern region over the last 14 years. Having specialised in senior accountancy appointments, Jodie has more recently been focussed on developing Pure Executive, which specialises in Board level appointments. 

Lynn Walters, Executive Director at Pure, said: “Our people are at the heart of our business and Jodie has been instrumental in the successful growth of our Ipswich office and the launch and development of Pure Executive. We’re pleased to have been able to reward her hard work, dedication and contribution to our business.”

Jodie Woodrow added: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Business Director. Since I joined Pure, I’ve had the opportunity to grow our business alongside our energetic and progressive leadership team and to continue my professional development by taking on new, exciting challenges like developing the Pure Executive brand. I have had great a role model in Lynn, who has championed me, providing tremendous support and encouragement to help me progress to Business Director.”

Pure Executive specialises in Board level appointments across a range of sectors and has a strong track-record supporting privately owned organisations, non-profit and listed businesses. Over the last four years, it has appointed over 90 Directors to the Boardrooms of some of the Eastern region’s most established brands.

Andrew Twynam has recently sold his practice to experienced accountant Amit Joshi

When he joined TaxAssist Accountants in 2012, Andrew Twynam had a plan. Work for five years, build his practice up, then sell, to enable him to pay off his mortgage – which he has just achieved after the successful transfer of ownership to Amit Joshi FCCA.

Andrew and Amit had both endured years of commuting and the frustrations of the corporate world before discovering TaxAssist to their mutual benefit.

Andrew had been a finance director for a big city firm but was looking for a better quality of life.  “It’s a familiar story. I had four-year-old twin boys and was leaving home before they were up and getting home when they were in bed. I was really only seeing them at weekends, which put a lot of strain on the family,” explained Andrew.

“I was in a taxi on my way to a charity function in London and I passed a TaxAssist Accountants shop. It looked incredible and, already aware that TaxAssist Accountants is a franchise, I started some research the next day. I was looking for business opportunities and although at the beginning I was very sceptical, I spoke to lots of franchisees who confirmed what I’d been told, and this seemed like the right opportunity for me.”

Amit, who has attained vast experience in accounting over the last 19 years, was keen to leave the corporate and city life behind too, so started looking for opportunities where he could work for himself and build his own asset.

”Ready for a change from my usual commute into central London and having seen the shops on the high street, I started to do my research into TaxAssist and attended a Discovery Day,” said Amit. “It was during my research that the Support Centre informed me that a practice was for sale close to where I live. This seemed a good fit for me, so I was introduced to Andrew and started my due diligence. I liked what I saw and decided this was just what I was looking for. Andrew and I seemed very likeminded, the business was successful, with good working practices in place, all of which made my decision to purchase his business an easy one!

“I attended the February 2019 Initial Training Course and have now spent a few months in the business. While it has been hard work, I have no doubt it has been the right decision for me. I am looking forward to working with the great team I have and to developing the business further.”

For Andrew, an exit strategy had been a key consideration even before joining TaxAssist. “I don’t think I would ever have joined the franchise if there wasn’t a fairly clear exit route,” explained Andrew. “For me it was never the plan to be a TaxAssist franchisee until I retired. That’s what really attracted me to the model, it had a beginning, a middle and an end. The Support Centre gives you a path to follow and supports you every step of the way in helping you to build up your practice and when the time is right, to sell.”

TaxAssist Accountants currently has several practices for sale. Please click here for more information.