Member News

As impossible as it seems that’s exactly the message Norwich-based accountancy firm TaxAssist is spreading with its first national TV campaign.

Showing on several channels including Channel 4, Dave and Comedy Central, this commercial features three small business owners hard at work without a care in the world. Well, why would they when TaxAssist have their taxes under control? There’s Sophie the painter/decorator, Carl the baker, and Dave – the owner of a small tech business.

Our aim was to give the commercial a fun, fresh feel with plenty of smiles. This is mirrored in the bouncy, upbeat music and the choice of voice artiste: Norfolk’s own award-winning voiceover, Neil Didsbury, the friendliest man in the business.

For maximum on-screen impact, we also commissioned a large and rather unique cake from Dereham-based cake decorator’s ‘Little A’s Cakes’. Three tiers high with a striking blue and yellow drip effect, our TaxAssist cake was topped off with marbled meringues. Mouth-watering… until you remember the centre is polystyrene.

Norwich residents can look out for a special appearance by one of the city’s top bakeries. We used Pye Bakery on Dereham Road as the setting for Carl’s Cakes.   And our final shot of the commercial is Sophie entering the TaxAssist Accountants shop on Aylsham Road, there for all her accountancy needs.  Who needs Elstree when you’ve got the fine city?

And the final word should of course go to our brilliant client:

“We’re thrilled to take the TaxAssist brand in to the exciting world of TV advertising and appointing the team at the JMS Group was the right decision.  The fact we’re showcasing a national network of nearly 300 TaxAssist Accountant locations across the UK and it was all filmed in Norwich just shows the skills and expertise held in this city.  We were pitched to by agencies outside of Norfolk, as well as within the county, but JMS showed they have the quality to deliver what we needed.”  

James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, The TaxAssist Group.

Abate Pest Management has become the pest control company of choice to Black Cat Residential Property Limited located in Wisbech, supporting their growing number of fully managed rental properties.

Abate are well known in the housing sector, working for several housing associations, letting agents and private landlords. Jon Blake of Abate said, “we are delighted to support Black Cat Residential Property with a reactive pest control service. Its good to work with another property company that puts tenants first and have solutions in place whenever they are required.”

Wendy Ferguson of Black Cat Residential Property said, “We have had enormous difficulty in the past securing services from a reliable and competitive Pest Controller, but Jon and his team at Abate have provided an excellent service for our properties with very prompt reaction times – we would recommend them to anyone in the property industry looking for a dependable and consistent Pest Control service.” 

Jon went onto say “pest control is a service that should be treated with extreme importance. There are many laws and regulations to protect the public. This legislation includes how toxic bait is used, how many times a pest controller must revisit a site within specific times, how pesticide is stored and how the waste is disposed of. At Abate we make sure that every small piece of detail is covered. We are proud to be full servicing members of the British Pest Control Authority, hold triple ISO quality certification and put our technicians through continuous training. 

Abate Pest Management are now responsible for being called out to manage pest control in approximately 25,000 residential properties within Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Bedfordshire via housing associations, letting agents or landlords. 

Give Abate Pest Management a call on 0800 980 9767 or via their website www.abateltd.co.uk.

For nearly two decades, Digital Copier Systems (Eastern) has been supporting customers, new and existing, in providing premier hardware and software solutions to meet their digital office requirements, with a 5 Star rated Service in support. Over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in software solution requirements, with many successful implementations. Our newest Software Solutions Consultant, Sean McLaughlan, joined DCS back in October 2017, bringing a new perspective to our software division, working closely with our existing software team to get up to speed with the brands we offer. Due to an overwhelming response to our latest software-focussed email campaigns, we are please to announce that the division will now come under the DCS-owned brand Nu Process. Continuing our ethos of being committed to providing quality customer satisfaction, and guaranteeing peace of mind, here is some more information on Nu Process:   Nu Process provides software solutions to all types of businesses and industries, looking at customers’ requirements, consulting on where processes can be improved by technology, recommending and implementing with minimum fuss or disruption, and supporting over the coming years. Other software companies usually use an “off-the-shelf” type software format, and fit a customer around the features. At Nu Process, we delve deep into their business processes, looking at how long it takes to physically carry out each individual manual task (down to the time taken in opening of an envelope) and providing a solution that potentially utilises multiple technologies to answer the long term operational process problem(s). Previously, our team of Consultants and Implementation Managers have worked under the Digital Copier Systems (Eastern) banner, with much success since inception in March 2001. As of March 15th 2018, on DCS’s 17th birthday, we move forward under the name of Nu Process. We remain a part of DCS, under the guidance of Managing Director Nigel Wallis, and the new brand is championed by the entire solutions division teams. We maintain the strong relationship with Konica Minolta that DCS has long partnered with, as a 5 Star service and office solution provider, and continue to access their wealth of knowledge and existing portfolio of software solution technologies, including a close affinity with their “Process Flows” branding. Our name is related to our starting location, on Gamma Terrace, in Ipswich’s Ransomes Europark. Nu is the 13th letter of the Greek alphabet, and represents notable elements of Mathematics, Science and Engineering. In statistics, it measures the degrees of freedom. It also plays on the word “New”, despite being correctly pronounced as [nee]. You can visit our dedicated website: HERE.

KLM UK Engineering Partners with Vision Concept Aviation Training Institute (VCATI)

April 2018 – KLM UK Engineering is delighted to announce the signing of a long-term partnership with VCATI for the provision of EASA Part 147 exams supported by KLM UK Engineering’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Software.

Under the agreement KLM UK Engineering will support VCATI’s successful Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology programmes by providing experienced examiners and VLE to allow the students to gain their EASA Part 66 B1.1 & B2 licence.

VCATI has arrangements in place to supplement the online training with tutorials from industry veterans so that students can qualify while they are employed in good time with top results. Captain Mohamed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Founder of VCATI says “We are committed to the needs of the aviation industry. We launched our student courses last year with intake for the A1 & A2 aircraft maintenance engineering program due to high industry demand and employment potential in the field. Our partnership with KLM UK Engineering to offer B1.1 & B2 qualifications online will open opportunities to hundreds of technicians and workers in the aviation industry to enhance their careers by qualifying for high potential jobs. Our own students acquiring A1 & A2 licenses next year can take up employment and pursue a higher qualification without having to take a gap year.”

Whilst, Ian Bartholomew, Director Business Development & Sales of KLM UK Engineering added: “The partnership with VCATI is another step forward in our aim to connect KLM UK Engineering’s VLE products to many young engineers in the UK and abroad. The industry needs many good engineers for the future to accommodate the growing worldwide fleet and to replace inevitable retirements. KLM UK Engineering wants to leverage its knowledge and experience by connecting many more academies to its growing educational centre at its head office in Norwich. “

Professional recruitment specialists Pure hosted its annual Norwich charity quiz night on Thursday 29th March, bringing local businesses and clients together for a battle of the brains which raised over £2483 for dementia support charity the Alzheimer’s Society.

The fun evening, which has become renowned for its playful rivalry between local organisations, saw 25 teams take part to pit their wits against each other. The teams included people from BDO, Grant Thornton and Kettle Foods. The overall winners were a team from Norfolk Community Health and Care who were presented with bottles of Champagne.

The event, held at the Sprowston Manor Hotel, also included a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses including to help raise further funds.

Joseph O’Sullivan, Senior Manager at Pure’s Norwich office, said: “This was our ninth annual charity quiz night in Norwich and it was once again a fantastic success. The friendly competition between local businesses makes the event a lot of fun, and the title of our annual Quiz Champions really is becoming quite coveted now! I would like to thank everyone who attended, donated and contributed to the event. We are delighted to have to have been able to raise such an excellent amount, and to have had some of the volunteers from the Alzheimer’s Society with us on the night to tell us more about how this money will be used to support people in the local community.”

The Alzheimer’s Society is a dementia support charity which provides a range of services including the running of dementia cafes. It currently supports over 40,000 people affected by dementia and it is also the only UK charity investing in research into dementia care, cause, and prevention. It has committed to spending £150 million on cutting-edge research over the next decade.

The funds raised were secured through the entry fee for each team, with the full amount being donated to the charity, and through the raffle of prizes donated by local organisations. Pure is committed to continuing to support its charity partners across the region. This includes £2,700 raised for Norfolk’s cancer charity The Big C at last year’s Norwich quiz night.

Abate Pest Management Supports a Lowestoft Historic Property Development A property development is underway by JCGP Developments within the Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone in Whapload Road. At the heart of the zone is the renewal of historic buildings and routes, the legacy of Lowestoft’s Herring fishing past. Jim Campbell and Glenn Parrott, builder and architect have joined forces to develop something special within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area.

The development consists of three listed buildings. Two of them were built around 1903 were last used by rope and sailmakers. The buildings are being developed into eighteen residential flats and several commercial properties located on the ground floors. The third building, built in 1676, is called ‘The Fish House’ and is deemed to be the very last fisherman’s cottage in England. Records show it was built by a family of significant wealth, which is visible by the level of detail the building still retains today. The development of this unique building is a construction of two houses which have been designed for the person who both lives and works from home.

Abate Pest Management were called in to support the project by treating all the interior woodwork for the prevention of wood boring insects. The treatment is guaranteed for 20 years and is backed by the Financial Conduct Authority.      

Jon Blake Managing Director of Abate said “This is a very interesting project with some fascinating local history. The plans look very impressive and we are delighted to support JCGP Developments with this preventative woodboring insect treatment.

Whilst Abate is responsible for dealing with any future claims that might arise, should for any reason we cease to trade, the insurance becomes active and the insurance company will then deal with any claims under the guarantee. This gives property developers the peace of mind that they need.”

Photos: Above; Jim Campbell. Top right; The Fish House. Bottom right Building two.

Close to completion, Abate will be asked to look at the best method to bird proof the properties. Being in a seaside resort, gulls and pigeons will be very active, but there are many ways to prevent birds roosting and harbouring on the roofs and ledges including gels, spikes and lasers.

Lowestoft in the First World War was a significant naval base and in 1916 it was bombarded by the German navy. Damage in the Second World War was severe and many of the buildings on Whapload Road were destroyed.

The area of Lowestoft is now a conservation area at risk and will be revived through a five year scheme run by Waveney District Council and Historic England.

If your property business is looking for support relating to woodboring insect treatment or bird control please give Abate Pest Management a call on 0800 980 9767 or via their website www.abateltd.co.uk.

City College students, Norfolk’s young people are the workforce of tomorrow and they want to progress quickly and successfully into work.  They want to be given the opportunity to hone their skills, learn from real employers and prepare for their futures.

Whatever your sector, however big or small you are, we need you to open your doors to our students, to give them real Experience of Work, and be a part of creating the work force of tomorrow.

If you can help or want any further information, please contact the Experience of Work Team on experienceofwork@ccn.ac.uk or Tel 01603 773319/7733450/7733572

Abate Pest Management has recently secured a service agreement with leading 3PL and warehousing company Johnston Logistics UK, based in Snetterton, Norfolk.

From their 640,000-square foot facility in Snetterton, Johnston Logistics UK deliver warehousing, logistics and fulfilment services for businesses throughout the UK. They offer a complete range of services, from bulk storage to individually picking and packing customer orders.

Abate Pest Management will manage the entire site for the prevention of pests by carrying out 12 visits per year. The site has approximately 180 bait stations, several insect monitors and electronic fly killing units. The service will cover any ad-hoc call outs to treat other pests such as wasps or ants if required. Each quarter Abate will produce rodent and insect trend graphs to analyse activities.  Full electronic service reporting is made available for each visit to assist with the companies BRC compliance. 

Jon Blake, Managing Director of Abate Pest Management said: “We are delighted to implement a full-service pest programme at Johnston Logistics UK which was with a national pest control company. We work to BRC level 7, Tesco Food Manufacturers and M&S Food standards for pest control, which is what is needed for a company that works within the food chain. We very much look forward to a long relationship and to maintain a pest free environment.

Jane Bull Compliance Manager said: As a AA Grade BRC approved business it is essential that we have a reliable and effective pest control company taking care of the site.  After just a couple of weeks, I already have complete confidence in the service being provided which means I can leave Abate to do what they do best and get on with other work.

Abate Pest Management is based near Wymondham and services commercial and domestic clients throughout the Eastern region for rodents, insects, birds, woodworm and specialist cleans. Abate offers commercial businesses free site surveys with recommendations and costs.

To contact Abate please call 01953 603390 or visit www.abateltd.co.uk. 

GENIX, the business support specialist has announced that Stephen Pitkethly, chief executive of Ludham based, Dad’s Boats will be the speaker at its networking event, Coffee Means Business which is being held on Tuesday 17th April at Northrepps Cottage, Cromer.

The company was set up in 1950 by Stephen’s father in law, David and builds bespoke paddle boats. In January 2018 Dad’s Boats exhibited at The London Boat Show.

Leanne Castle of GENIX said, “We hold ten networking events, at various locations across north Norfolk each year. The informal and friendly sessions are ideal for those who run small and micro businesses. It’s a great way to make new contacts and gain information over coffee and biscuits.

“We’re pleased to have Stephen from Dad’s Boats as April’s speaker, he will share his company’s story and top tips for growing a business.”

In 2016 North Norfolk District Council commissioned GENIX to organise Coffee Means Business in north Norfolk after recognising the need for a regular networking opportunity for businesses which didn’t involve expensive membership fees.

Cllr Nigel Dixon, Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Development said: “If you own or run a small business, I would thoroughly recommend attending a Coffee Means Business event. They are a great way to meet new people, share business ideas and gain valuable business support in a relaxed environment.”

Coffee Means Business is held from 9.30am until 11.30am, it costs £5pp payable on arrival and booking isn’t essential. The next event will be held on Tuesday 17 April at Northrepps Cottage Country Hotel, Cromer NR27 0JN. For more details visit the events page at www.genix.org.uk or call 0800 096 3013.

GENIX provides a wide range of affordable services and resources for established businesses and for start-ups.

Warehousing and logistics experts Johnston Logistics UK have chosen fellow Norfolk business Full Mix Marketing to help realise their growth plans for 2018.

The Norwich-based marketers will deliver a full range of digital and offline promotion aimed at putting Johnston Logistics UK firmly in the minds of businesses struggling to move, manage or store their goods.

“2018 represents a great opportunity for many businesses, including Johnston Logistics UK” says Rob McIndoe, Managing Director. “With the region’s economy growing and businesses preparing for Brexit, we’re keen to help more companies smoothly outsource their logistics. Marketing is going to be key.”

From their 640,000-square foot facility in Snetterton, Johnston Logistics UK deliver warehousing, logistics and fulfilment services for businesses throughout the UK and handle imports for companies as far away as Australia. They offer a complete range of services, from bulk storage to individually picking and packing customer orders.

Marketing agency Full Mix Marketing began working on specific projects for Johnston Logistics UK in 2017. Following a major investment in IT and software, Johnston Logistics UK have now outsourced their entire marketing as they focus on expansion.

“Sarah and her team have already proven their professionalism, skills and knowledge” adds Rob. “We need to know our marketing will create a return-on-investment. Full Mix Marketing give us that confidence and lets us focus on delivering a great service for our own customers.”

Their marketing campaign begins with a new initiative entitled Easy Switch, targeted at businesses increasingly reliant on ecommerce. “Regardless of their product, more and more businesses are selling their goods online with a few clicks” claims Rob. “We want to show them how simple it is to let us fulfil those orders whilst they focus on providing great products and service.”

Full Mix Marketing provide digital and offline marketing ranging from single elements like social media and advertising, through to becoming their clients fully outsourced marketing department. In December, the strategic marketers were announced as members of the new Future50 list of innovative and ambitious businesses to watch in Norfolk and Suffolk.

“We’re delighted to be chosen by Johnston Logistics UK” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing. “Whilst we deliver marketing and they deliver logistics, we both help our clients grow by letting them focus on what they do best. We’ve a powerful mix of digital and traditional marketing planned to make Johnston Logistics UK the name businesses in East Anglia turn to for logistics.”

More details of Johnston Logistics UK can be found at www.johnstonlogistics.co.uk and Full Mix Marketing at www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk.

Freebridge announce launch of annual community fund

The application process for the 2018 Freebridge Community Fund opens from Monday 9 April, with £5000 once again on offer to local community groups and charities.

The annual fund gives groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £1000 to support a community and voluntary activity that meets the needs of the community within West Norfolk.

Applications are welcome from organisations whose aims include:

– Promoting health and wellbeing;

– Tackling disadvantage;

– Supporting local solutions to local needs;

– Promoting community cohesion;

– Developing sustainable and supportive communities,

and – Improving the environment

The allocation of monies available is made by a panel made up of Freebridge employees and tenants, last year £5000 was shared between Solace End of Life Support, West Norfolk Mind, West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, The South West Norfolk Youth Opportunities Project, West Norfolk Befriending, the Purfleet Trust and 4transform.

Freebridge Director of Housing, Robert Clarke, said: “Although our main role is to provide good quality affordable housing for people across the area, we feel strongly that we have a responsibility to play a role in supporting stronger, vibrant communities in West Norfolk.

“The Freebridge Community Fund provides to organisations on a very local level which we feel fills a need not met by either public funding or more major charities.”

The application process is open from Monday 9 April until Friday 9 June. Applications can be made by visiting www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/freebridge-community-housing-fund/

City centre youth charity, OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN), whose mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in Norfolk has appointed Rachele Kelsall, from Hugh J Boswell and Alex Marsden, working with HSBC, to its Board of Trustees.

Rachele Kelsall is currently the Head of Community Development for insurance broker Hugh J Boswell. She grew up in Bradford and started her insurance career with Royal Insurance in 1986, moving to Norwich to join Marsh in 2000, before joining Hugh J Boswell in 2012.

Speaking of her appointment Rachele said: “I very much welcome the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at OPEN and to continue supporting all that the Trust offers young people, especially at a time when young people often feel excluded from society, increasingly with accompanying mental health issues.  Add into the mix diminishing public sector provision and the work the charity does to support the lives of disadvantaged young people is more vital than ever.”  

Alex Marsden, who grew up in Sprowston, comes with a wealth of experience at senior board level within the financial services sector and is currently working  for HSBC Global Bank as Senior Call Centre Transformation Manager (EMEA).  She is also Company Director for Leximars Consulting Ltd, an Interim Management Consultancy, offering expertise in Leadership/Contact Centre Transformation and Customer Experience.

Alex said: “The work of OPEN has been of interest to me ever since I was involved in a market research project as part of my MBA back in 2014 – I am very much looking forward to getting involved in helping the Trust progress in its mission to be self-financing by 2020 with every penny of profit from its commercial revenue going to the charity.”

OPEN’s Chief Executive, John Gordon-Saker said: “We are honoured to have both Rachele and Alex on our Board of Trustees as they will help raise the profile of what we offer to young people, the business community and the general public. Specifically, Rachele comes with a wealth of expertise in the education sector which will help our youth team grow its school engagement delivery, whilst Alex’s knowledge of customer experience strategies will be crucial as we continue to diversify our range of events and increase capacity.”