It really is that simple,playtennis in the beautifulsurroundings of Eaton Parkall year round for as little as£30 a year.
The courts are located near the central band stand and are a few minutes walk fromthe car park. There are four new floodlit courts which are playable in all weathers andare some of the best courts to play on in the county.
Alan Boswell Group, a Top 20 UK independent insurance broker and financial planner has quietly gone about becoming one of the country’s top brokers for Landlords Insurance.
With over 17,000 landlord clients, the business, formed in 1982 by Chairman, Alan Boswell, has built its customer base through a focus on both product and service.
This attention to detail has now been recognised by the industry with defaqto, the leading provider of independent research into financial products, awarding the group the highest possible defaqto rating, 5 stars, for three of their Landlord Insurance policies. No other company has more.
Heath Alexander-Bew, Director of Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers, said “Our defaqto ratings reflect the effort we have put in to our policies. We have listened to our customers to deliver a product that, we feel, is outstanding in terms of quality of cover.”
The group have also been the recipient of Service Supplier of the Year from the Landlords & Lettings Awards for the past two years. An accolade unmatched by any other landlord Insurance provider. The awards recognise excellence in the private rented sector and the group is hopeful they can hold on to the title they first won in 2013.
But industry awards don’t tell the full story and the group has committed to finding out how their customers feel about their service levels and the quality of their products. Using third party review company, Feefo, to obtain real customer reviews they have been thrilled with the response from their clients. “It is early days but we currently have a service level score of 99%” said Heath.
“We make every effort to make sure our customers feel valued at all times. Whether it is the first time that they call us up for a quote to when they need to make a claim. We will always be there to help.” Heath is referring to the dedicated claims team that the company maintain. Sixteen experienced staff members whose sole focus is helping clients resolve claims. Large or small.
“Our team has worked on over 2,500 Landlord Insurance claims in the last twelve months alone. With an average claim value of over £3,500 it means they have dealt with losses worth over £9.5m.”
Going forward the company are now investing in updating their online quote system and hiring a new team member dedicated to working with letting agents to improve service levels in this area of the industry.
“We’re constantly developing our offer. It was feedback from our letting agent partners that has led to the redevelopment of our online quote engine. This is not an industry that you can afford to sit still in.”
You can find out more about Alan Boswell Group Landlord Insurance here
They’re normally used to charging fares for moving people around our great county of Norfolk but for staff at Courtesy Taxis in Norwich, they’re also fundraising as the latest local company to sign up to the nook business network.
This new corporate scheme, supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) nook appeal to deliver a new purpose-built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk, encourages companies small, medium and large to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support the charity will provide.
The long established taxi firm based in Prince of Wales Road in Norwich, which rose to fame following the Channel 4 documentary ‘The Minicab Office – Up All Night’ has more than 70 cars, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, has committed to raising £15,000 over the term of the appeal. The company has really hit the ground running and been extremely pro-active promoting the appeal to their customers and corporate clients.
Their 4 large TV screens in their 50-seater waiting room now proudly promotes the appeal and encourages others to join with their support. There is also a coin collector on site where customers can donate their loose change.
All vehicles will adorn the nook logo promoting not only the partnership with Courtesy Taxis but also encouraging others to support the appeal too.
On the fundraising side, staff are already planning a sponsored event in which all the drivers can participate in and plansare well underway for a Family Fun Day to be held at Sprowston Social Club on Sunday 21st June.
Mark Streeter, Owner and Managing Director of Courtesy Taxis, said: “Myself and all the staff are delighted to be supporting the nook appeal. It is a local charity and we recognise what a fantastic job they do. We are keen to help reach the goal of opening the nook as we realise that new facilities and space are desperately required. We have some great plans to help reach our target and we look forward to working with the team at EACH.”
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “I’m delighted that Mark, Lisa, Rosie and all at Courtesy Taxis have decided to support our appeal. For a taxi company that covers the whole of the Norfolk community, the same community that will be served by the new hospice, this really represents a good fit and partnership.
“Having already had a couple of meetings with the team at Courtesy it’s apparent they are an extremely creative group with a real desire to not only achieve their fundraising target but also to promote our appeal to others which is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to working with them throughout the appeal and hopefully beyond.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network, should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01603 666767 or funding@each.org.uk and for more information about Courtesy Taxis visit: www.courtesytaxis.com
As Norwich becomes one of the new Super Connected cities, local business Swains Plc leads the way as Norfolk’s first Broadband Connection Vouchers supplier for SMEs.
A leading independent business communications company has become Norfolk’s first registered supplier for the Government’s new Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme, launched to provide SMEs with much needed, improved broadband connections.
In April, Norwich went live as one of 22 UK SuperConnected cities who will benefit from faster and better high grade fibre broadband and Ethernet connections, in selected NR1 – NR9 postcodes. The scheme allows small to medium sized Norfolk business to claim up to £3,000 to cover the capital and equipment costs of installation or upgrading their broadband (from 20 Mbps – 1 GB), via a voucher scheme that contributes towards the costs of connections.
The UK government has set aside £150 million to set up the SuperConnected cities scheme which is part of the SuperFast Britain initiative. Interested SMEs who meet certain criteria, can apply for a voucher by requesting a quote from a registered supplier, then completing and submitting an application form. Vouchers will be issued to successful applicants (a survey of the premises may be required). Successful applicants must place their order within 28 days of their voucher being issued and installations have to take place within 9 months.
As abusiness that stands at the forefront of communications and data technolgy, with 20 years of experience providing telecom and internet services to companies all over the UK, Swains realised the Connection Vouchers represented a great opportunity to help Norwich businesses.
Claire Swain Mason, Commercial Director said, “Swains has always been ahead of developments. We want to help more Norwich SMEs work in the fast lane of business by providing the infrastructure, technical expertise and local market understanding they need. This allows us to provide a well-supported and technically robust service for companies who wish to take advantage of the voucher scheme.”
She adds, “Swains has a preferred and select group of IT service providers (ISPs) who can provide the service around the connection too, making sure the service is second to none from point to point. Working together with Norwich and Norfolk based technical talent strengthens the delivery of the technology that Norwich SME’s needs to thrive.”
One of the local IT support companies, Onebyte, run by Warren Pountain, said, “We are very happy to support Swains and help facilitate a much needed Internet boost to the city. Swains provide credible, resilient connections that we can rely on as a platform to manage the cloud and hybrid based platforms SME’s need.”
Andy Mackay, Operations Director at KLM UK Engineering attendedthe Norwich Venta Probus Club as a speaker during April. The club is formed from retired professional business people and meets monthly at Park Farm Hotel, each meeting a different speaker presents.Andy gave a presentation about KLM UK Engineering and its products which range from aircraft maintenance to technical training, with disassembly of aircraft taking place too.
We would like to thank Peter Townroe, Club President & his colleagues for the £25 donation to a charity of our choice, which is East Anglian Air Ambulance.
KLM UK Engineering has been supporting the Air Ambulance for a number of years and makes regular donations from charity events.
Saturday 18th April, KLM UK Engineering organisedan Aviation Apprentice Event in Norwich to promote Engineering Apprenticeship courses in conjunction with City College Norwich & Aviation Skills Partnership. We were lucky to have support during the day from Simon Wright MP& Chloe Smith MP.
City College Norwich & KLM UK Engineering have recently joined forces to deliver an Aviation Engineering Course as part of the Norwich International Aviation Academy, which has recently gained government funding. This event is the first joint promotion for the aviation engineering courses and will fully explain the new concept moving forward and how it will link into the Aviation Academy.
KLM UK Engineering has long been committed in the development of aviation education for young people in Norfolk & the UK and looks forward to welcoming budding engineers through its doors.
More than 150 peopleattended the event where they had the chance to visit the facilities, learn about the company, meet the staff and ask questions about the programme, which provides four years of academic and practical tuition to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Mechanic.
KLM UK Engineering’s apprenticeship involvement has been running successfully for more than 25 years. Arjan Meijer, Managing Director for KLM UK Engineering said:’The new Apprenticeship setup will take the full benefit of the partnership between CCN, ASP& KLMUKE and form the new NIAA facility from September 2016. I am delighted by the interest today of the potential students visiting our event and look forward to welcoming them to this new exciting programme’.
Corrienne Peasgood, Principal City College Norwich (CCN) – ‘Seeing young people inspired by the facilities, the opportunities & the possibility of a career in this dynamic industry was fantastic. This was careers advice & guidance at its best; committed employer, industry experts, student & staff all working together to explain the pathways to the visitors’.
Simon Witts, Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) – ‘The event has really helped to embed the NIAA into the new approach to Aviation Engineering spearheaded by KLM UK Engineering and its partners. We now have a really strong platform to take this project through to completion and to achieve the fulfilment of the career aspirations for people of all ages.’
Chloe Smith MP – ‘I’m incredibly proud to see KLM UK Engineering and the all-new NIAA presenting together today and attracting our city’s young people into engineering. As the founder of Norwich for Jobs, I know how important it is to offer people such opportunities. I support the NIAA because it will give Norwich national & international prominence in a highly skilled industry. Working together, we secured government backing for it which goes straight into students’ futures’.
The RT Hon Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs & Chloe Smith MP visited our facilities yesterday at Norwich. They had a chance to discuss the shortage of skilled aircraft labour nationally & internationally, the launch of the Norwich International Aviation Academy and one of our newest products Virtual Learning Environment. There was a chance for a quick tour of the facility and a chance for them to see the inside of an aircraft in maintenance.
The Norfolk business community is continuing to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) nook appeal to build a new purspose built children’s hospice in the heart of Norfolk with Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club being the latest company to sign up for the nook business network.
This new corporate scheme asks companies small, medium and large throughout Norfolk to commit to raising either £10,000, £15,000 or £25,000 over the duration of the appeal in return for a number of benefits and support that the charity will provide.
Following the nook appeal launch event at the Norfolk Showground in November, staff at Sprowston Manor unanimously voted to select the charity and in particular the appeal, by committing to fundraise to achieve a target of at least £10,000.
The team at Sprowston Manor have come up with a number of fantastic fundraising ideas and to kick things off have recently held “The Great Gatsby Charity Ball” which has raised a fantastic amount of at least £6,500.
Andrew Dickson, General Manager, Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel & Country Club, Norwich said: “We are delighted to be supporting the (EACH) nook appeal in 2015. We will be hosting a number of fantastic events and our Hotel team have established a fundraising calendar for initiatives throughout 2015 to support this inspirational project.”
Gary Cook, the nook appeal corporate fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club have decided to support our nook appeal and the hotel’s 100+ staff are committed to raising a significant amount of money to help make our vision of a new children’s hospice in heart of Norfolk a reality.
“To achieve our aims we need the backing and support of the whole of the Norfolk Community – individuals, community groups, schools and of course businesses, so this support from Marriott is fantastic and we look forward to working with them.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the appeal or the nook business network should contact the Norfolk Fundraising Team on 01603 666767 or funding@each.org.uk and for more information about Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club visit www.marriott.co.uk
More choice, more variety and local routes for East Anglia’s sun seekers
Thomson and First Choice increase capacity from Norwich Airport by introducing a new route for local holiday makers
Thomson and First Choice are pleased to announce that in summer 2016 they will be increasing capacity at Norwich airport through the introduction of a new route to Paphos, Cyprus.
The move to introduce this new route is part of the UK’s leading holiday company’s strategy to ensure customers across the UK can fly from their local airport and stay at the best hotels in some of the most exciting destinations. The new route will go sale on the 23rd April 2015.
Not only will customers from Norwich be able to fly to some fantastic destinations, but they will also have the opportunity to choose varying durations – not just the standard seven and 14 night stays. Customers travelling from the airport will also have access to some of Thomson and First Choice’s most popular flagship hotels including Thomson’s Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus – new for summer 2015 and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and home to an award winning spa, family swim up rooms and a range of restaurants
Karen Switzer, Director of Aviation Planning for Thomson and First Choice, said of the move: “Adding more capacity from East Anglia with the introduction of a new route to Paphos, Cyprus demonstrates our commitment to Norwich Airport and the local area. Following the success of the additional summer 2015 flights, we know that further demand is there.
“Expanding access to our portfolio of destinations and hotels is a key part of our overall strategy and we hope that this move will enhance the holiday experience for our customers.”
Richard Pace, Operations Director & General Manager of Norwich International Airport commented: “We are delighted that Thomson and First Choice have announced the new flight to Paphos, Cyprus for summer 2016 offering local holidaymakers more choice from their local airport. This decision further demonstrates their commitment to the airport and reflects the high level of demand from customers wishing to fly from Norwich.
TUI UK & IRELAND
TUI UK and Ireland is the UK’s largest tour operator with key brands including Thomson, First Choice, and Thomson Cruises. Sub brands include Thomson Sensatori, Thomson Couples, Thomson Family Resorts, First Choice Holiday Villages and SplashWorld Resorts.
TUI UK and Ireland’s airline, Thomson Airways is the UK’s third largest airline with 57 aircraft operating to over 73 destinations in 20 countries. Thomson Airways was the first airline in the UK to take delivery of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and is flying the aircraft on long haul flights.
TUI UK and Ireland employ a team of 13,300 employees and serve over 5.2 million customers each year.
TUI UK & Ireland is a member of the TUI AG group of companies.
UK regional airline, LinksAir, commences the new Cardiff-Norwich air service on Monday 20th April, also connecting from and to Anglesey which adds to a significant growth of over 30% in passenger numbers for the first quarter of 2015 on the Intra-Wales air service Linskair took over in January.
The new air-link between Cardiff Airport and Norwich International in East Anglia commences at 10:20 AM Monday morning, linking Cardiff , Swansea, Newport and the South Wales region and also via the onward connection, Anglesey and North Wales, to the East Anglian counties of Norfolk and Suffolk with competitive air fares from just £59.00 one-way including all taxes and charges.
The return Norwich-Cardiff-Anglesey services will depart Norwich International at a well-timed 2:20 PM, saving significantly in time by over 4-hours on existing rail or road journey times to both regions alongside cost savings on the current difficult cross-country journey so many have to endure.
This new Norwich service commences as the Cardiff-Anglesey Intra-Wales air service showed a significant 45% increase in passenger numbers for the month of March compared to 2014, with 1145 passengers using the link to Anglesey, the highest number in a single month since June 2009. This follows both January and February also being significantly above the previous year and has seen in the first quarter 2787 use the service, almost 700 more than 2014, a growth of over 25% since Linksair took over the air service from the former operator.
LinksAir Commercial Manager, Roger Hage, added “We are delighted at LinksAir with the initial response to us taking over the Cardiff-Anglesey service and already carrying such increased passenger numbers. Adding the new daily weekday Norwich service will add further to the destinations available from and to Wales helping business and leisure accessibility to the East Anglia region to both North and South Wales..
Norwich Airport Chief Executive Andrew Bell commented “The introduction of the Cardiff route and the new onward connection to Anglesey is another positive step in the airport’s strategy to deliver regional connectivity to both leisure and business travelers as it will not only benefit those working within the energy sector but other industries and those wishing to travel to visit friends and relatives in Wales.”
The East of England and its Norfolk and Suffolk coast is one of the UK’s busiest in the energy sector, especially with gas and offshore renewable developments. Linksair have even added a specific extra flight on the 21st May to allow delegates and exhibitors to return to Norfolk following the Renewable Wales conference in Cardiff.
Flights are available to book at www.linksair.com or via 0844 8002411 or via your local travel agent on all GDS systems as Flexflight. A special “launch” fare of £99 return to Cardiff or £139 to Anglesey is available.
Despite considerable efforts from the Government it would appear that businesses are not heeding the warnings and are delaying their transition to auto enrolment systems from any existing pension provision.
The Pensions Regulator produces a quarterly compliance report and the latest edition highlights an increase in the number of fixed penalties being issued for non-compliance with the new pension rules.
It is likely that these numbers will rise over the next few months as the deadlines (staging date) for many smaller and medium sized businesses to comply approaches.
It is clear, from this evidence that businesses are underestimating the time they need to prepare for auto enrolment. Six months is regarded as the bare minimum.
Many more businesses will come under the new pension rules this year. If this is going to have an impact on your business, it’s important to know exactly what you have to do to ensure that you don’t fall foul of the rules or miss your staging date.
As members of Norfolk Chamber we felt it remiss not to provide businesses the opportunity to improve their knowledge of this complicated process and so we have adapted our seminars to become a Chamber Session.
You can find out about the free training session here