Attleborough based waste management company Anglian Waste Recycling, is helping to make this year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival more sustainable by sorting, collecting and processing waste from the event hub in Chapelfield Gardens.
Anglian Waste Recycling is rolling out 30 bins across the city-centre park, known during the event as Festival Gardens, to collect four different types of waste – dry mixed recycling, glass, food waste and refuse. All waste collected over the 17-day arts festival in May will be brought back to Anglian’s facility in Attleborough to be processed, with zero being sent to landfill. Food waste collected will be sent for anaerobic digestion – a process which produces bioenergy (gas) for local homes in Norfolk. Recycling is sorted and processed, with any residual waste being sent to create refuse derived fuel. Mark Denbigh, Head of Production & Programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival, said: “We’re excited that Anglian offer us a more sustainable way to process our festival waste and this agreement allows us to take a positive step in the right direction to reduce our carbon footprint.” Ryan Marshall, waste and recycling director at Anglian, said: “We are delighted to be providing a total waste solution for the Festival Gardens, which will see the recycling rates for this year increase as we collect waste to be processed and avoid it going to landfill. As a local company, we are pleased to be able to support popular local events such as Norfolk & Norwich Festival and help them to work towards their environmental targets.” Anglian Waste Recycling offers a free waste audit for businesses looking to achieve their sustainability goals, reduce the impact of waste on the environment and save money. To find out more, see www.anglianrecycling.co.ukhttp://www.anglianrecycling.co.uk
The resounding success of Walking With The Wounded’s flagship fundraising event, the Cumbrian Challenge, was underscored as winners emerged from a record-breaking participation on Saturday, 18 May. This year’s event saw over 600 participants take to the Fells overlooking Grasmere to raise money to support veterans and their families across the UK.
Celebrating its 11th year anniversary, the weekend event has become a beacon of solidarity, rallying nearly 2,000 teams over the years to conquer the Grasmere fells and raise over £2 million in support of ex-military personnel. The funds raised play a pivotal role in bolstering WWTW’s mental health care, employment, and support care coordination programmes tailored to support veterans and their families in need.
Embracing the challenge with unwavering determination, each participating team embarked on either the ‘Peak,’ ‘Tough,’ or ‘Tougher’ routes, hiking between 10 to 32 kilometers. The victorious teams showcased extraordinary resilience, completing the demanding routes in:
Peak: 3 hours 5 minutes
Tough: 3 hours 43 minutes
Tougher: 5 hours 41 minutes
Among the triumphant contenders, Walk for Wine team from conquered the Peak route in 3 hours 5 minutes, M’Cory Bullets team triumphed over the ‘Tough’ route in 3 hours, 43 minutes, and BAE Fire + Rescue Flyers team from BAE Systems completed the ‘Tougher’ route in 5 hours 41 minutes.
Tony Hulton, WWTW CEO, said, “Thank you to everyone who took part in the Cumbrian Challenge 2024. It was a brilliant weekend and truly wonderful to see such unwavering support from the Armed Forces community, corporate partners and WWTW supporters. The funds raised from the event this weekend will make a tangible difference to the lives of those who served. Thank you for your commitment to supporting veterans and their families.”
James Davis, WWTW Events Manager, commented, “The Cumbrian Challenge delivered an immersive weekend, uniting WWTW supporters, friends, and colleagues who came together to support UK veterans and their families. As we mark the event’s 11th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us. Whilst the routes are tough, the monies raised will make a difference to the lives of those who served. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Grasmere next year!”
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the process of optimising your website’s content for various search engines such as Google and Bing. It’s about fine-tuning your online presence through SEO-enriched, engaging content and clever SEO strategies to earn the trust of search engine algorithms. SEO is the key to getting your website visible on search engines. It sets the stage for organic traffic that is interested in your content and believes in your brand.
SEO Options For Small Businesses The options are endless if you’re a small business thinking about your SEO plan. You could bring on a dedicated team member, hire a freelancer, or partner with a marketing agency. Your choice depends on things like budget, the scale of your business, and your vision for the future. In-house experts can integrate seamlessly with your crew, but they come with a hefty price tag in terms of salaries and benefits. Freelancers offer a nimble, project-based solution. Meanwhile, agencies bring a ton of experience and a complete package of services to excel in your growth without the hassle of handling SEO internally. What do I get with SEO services? Depending on your option, you will typically receive the following SEO services: keyword research to ensure you’re speaking your audience’s language and being found for the right terms, refining your site’s content for search engines, and crafting content that answers your audience’s burning questions. Agencies also map out rich link-building requests to relevant websites that can help you get found online. Along with various backend SEO techniques, you’ll see your website climb the search engine algorithm. How much you should spend on SEO? Navigating your SEO budget can be tricky, especially for small businesses. It all depends on the level of competition in your industry, how visible you are online, and how high up on search engines you want to be found. While dropping a few hundred to a couple thousand pounds each month is the norm, let your specific business landscape be your compass. Keep in mind that if you’re aiming for the top, this will typically take more time and, therefore, cost more money. If you’re looking for affordable marketing packages, contact Smash Marketing, they have various affordable packages tailored to small businesses needs. What is the monthly retainer cost for SEO? Choosing which SEO monthly retainer you go forward with is important as it dictates what work will be done to your website and it’s content monthly. It’s a mix of nailing keywords, crafting enriched content, and diving deep into website analytics. SEO is all about playing the long game, so you want to find a package that is affordable for your company and also gets all the work needed for your website. Is SEO worth the investment? Investing in SEO to help your business and website thrive is worth the investment for a multitude of reasons. SEO directs organic traffic to your website, where your brand can flourish. From creating seamless user experiences to amplifying your online presence, SEO isn’t just smart—it’s essential for small businesses to carve out their place in the digital world. Without proper SEO, websites will become lost in the vast sea of websites found on search engines. DIY SEO vs. Professional SEO Services Diving into the world of SEO with a can-do attitude might seem enticing. It gives you the chance to learn by doing and fits your budget, but weighing this against the potential setbacks is crucial. Making sure not to create cannibalisation, spam backlinks, or keyword-stuffed content can be difficult. Opting for expert SEO services gives you access to seasoned pros, the latest tech, and smart strategies, helping your business reach new heights with fewer bumps in the road. Factors Affecting SEO Cost Navigating the SEO scene can be difficult as it is a constantly changing digital universe. From the size of your online presence to how fierce the competition is and where you kick off your SEO adventure, everything factors into how much you’ll invest. For example, if you need new SEO-enriched copy, that will be a large portion of your budget, and if you need extensive keyword research, that’s another large portion of your budget. Crafting a budget that matches your brand’s goals means understanding these elements like a pro and making sure every penny you spend gets you closer to your goals. Local SEO for Small Businesses Local SEO spotlights local hometown businesses. It means tweaking your online game to stand out in local searches—a must for businesses fueled by local customers and foot traffic. Diving into the world of local SEO takes less effort and time but packs a punch in keeping your brand rooted in the local scene. The Role of Content in SEO Content is the heartbeat of your SEO strategy, as it gives website viewers the potential to engage and become informed. The content will, in turn, encourage them to linger and explore the whole website. Investing in diverse, quality content is not just filling pages—it’s building bridges to your audience, turning clicks into conversations. It is very important to make sure your content reflects your brand’s tone of voice, products or services, and overall message. It can be the difference between someone using your company for their needs or using one of your competitors. E-commerce SEO Strategies For e-commerce companies, SEO isn’t just a tool. It’s your secret weapon for dominating the online market. Using the correct keywords in your product listing, having enriched content on each product, and having clear pictures are the difference between making a sale or not. It’s all about telling your brand story and capturing your products in a way that grabs attention and keeps those products flying off the virtual racks. Whether hooking customers with killer product stories or ensuring every click leads smoothly to a sale, nailing your SEO game is the key to scoring big in the online arena. Measuring Your SEO Investment It is very important to track your investment in marketing strategies. Using tools like Google Analytics and Semrush, you can find a detailed report of website visitors, how long they stayed on each page, and which buttons they clicked on. Monitoring organic traffic, keyword standings, conversion rates, sales, video views, dwell time on site, pages viewed, unique visitors, rankings, calls made, contact forms filled in, and many more will give you a solid understanding of your website’s performance and how your overall SEO techniques are working. About Smash Marketing Their SEO Packages Smash Marketing is on a mission to break down the complexities of SEO and make it accessible and actionable for small businesses. Their packages, starting at just £495, combine the essential SEO techniques to create a solid online presence that fits your brand’s identity. From the nitty-gritty of keyword research to monitoring your performance, they ensure your journey is marked by growth, visibility, and success. Smash Marketing also adds all the work completed throughout the month into jargon-free reports that you can easily review and understand. You can also book monthly meetings with their team to discuss these reports and your goals for next month. They won’t tie you into any contracts and have a money-back guarantee if you don’t see any SEO results in 6 months. Working with Smash Marketing means you can navigate your brand’s digital SEO landscape. Contact Smash Marketing to learn more about their monthly packages or visit their website smashmarketing.co.uk.
Independent accounting firm M+A Partners has announced four promotions effective from May 2024. The internal management promotions reflect a continued commitment to professional development and advancing accomplished professionals who provide quality of service and value to clients. Andrew Small has been promoted to Audit Senior Manager, Catherine Crisp to Accounts and Tax Senior Manager, Alice Williams to Accounts Assistant Manager and James Kent to Audit Assistant Manager. The managers have significant experience within their specialisms and these promotions are testimony to their hard work and dedication to supporting the firm’s client base and the wider team. Phil Webster, Chief Operating Officer at M+A Partners, commented: “I would like to congratulate each team member on their achievement – we are immensely proud of the successes of our colleagues and are delighted to celebrate their progression through the firm. These internal promotions reflect an important part of our culture, working together to enhance the opportunities and support available and offering clear routes for career progression. I wish Andrew, Catherine, Alice and James continued success in their new roles and know they will be great assets to the team as we move forwards.” Andrew Small – Audit Senior Manager Andrew re-joined the firm in January 2023, following a 2 year period working at a local Multi-Academy Trust as Head of Finance and CFO. He oversees audits for a range of companies, charities and academy trusts, and takes a particular interest in rapidly evolving AI technologies and how they will impact on working practices in the future. Catherine Crisp – Accounts and Tax Senior Manager Catherine became part of the M+A Partners team in 2015, working within the Attleborough office. Her specialisms include dealing with owner-managed businesses and sole traders, she has a mixed portfolio undertaking both accounts and tax work. Alice Williams – Accounts Assistant Manager Alice has been with M+A Partners since 2018. She works within our accounts team, specialising in supporting clients with their business software needs. James Kent – Audit Assistant Manager James joined the firm, within our Norwich office, in 2023. He specialises in audit and assurance engagements with an interest in leisure and hospitality. Away from the office, James is a Trustee of Norfolk Tennis and serves as Honorary Treasurer for the charity.
Proeon Systems is celebrating its 20th Anniversary during 2024, which is a proud milestone for the business. What began as a humble endeavour in a garden shed in 2004 has evolved into a thriving multi-million-pound business having navigated the challenges of a competitive business climate, experiencing highs and lows along the way. From its original vision of providing professional consultancy safety control systems engineering services the company now employs almost 80 people, operating across the transitional energy sector and several other highly regulated industries, providing full turn-key solutions to it’s clients across the UK and Europe. Proeon prides itself on its ability to exceed client expectations in the provision of value and quality and in adopting a flexible approach to clients’ requirements. Kevin Magee, Company Founder and Technical Director said – “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this milestone. We are immensely proud of how far we’ve come and are grateful for the support of our team, clients and partners and who have been instrumental in our continued success.” Over the past 24 months, Proeon has experienced unparalleled growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the Control and Automation systems sector and securing several multi-million-pound projects with clients across Europe in renewable energy, in particular the offshore wind sector. Proeon became part of the RSK family of companies in July 2022 and we look forward to the next stage of the company’s evolution. Proeon focuses on nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening internal capabilities, offering targeted training programmes to ensure our team are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to enable the company to maintain a competitive edge. Encouraging future development, we provide a variety of apprenticeships and graduate engineer programmes. Managing Director Richard Miller commented: “Proeon proudly celebrates our 20th Anniversary milestone achievement. With a clear vision for the future, and a remarkable period of growth Proeon is set for its business success to continue”. Proeon has ambitious expansion plans on the horizon to assist the company in achieving sustained and manageable growth, to continue into the next decade.
Alan Boswell Group (ABG), a leading insurance brokerage and financial planning firm, is pleased to announce the continued growth of its team with the addition of several talented professionals, including Nicky Beasley, who joins the Commercial Account Executive team. Nicky brings a wealth of experience to ABG, having specialised in the construction, manufacturing, and property sectors, as well as the education sector. Her expertise and industry knowledge will significantly enhance the services ABG provide to their clients. Nicky’s arrival marks a significant milestone in their commitment to strengthening the team with top-tier talent. “We are pleased to welcome Nicky to the team,” said Adrian Rayner, Commercial Director at Alan Boswell Group. “Her expertise and proven track record in serving clients within various sectors will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and deliver exceptional service to our clients.” In addition to Nicky, the Group has welcomed 24 other recruits in the past few months, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of insurance solutions. Among these new additions are two other Commercial Account Executives: Alison Fox who brings a wealth of experience in the agricultural sector and is based in the Cambridge office, and Paul Maxwell, based in the Boston office, who has over 20 years’ experience in both commercial insurance and claims handling. Alan Boswell Group remains committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry, ensuring they continue to provide innovative solutions and exceptional service to their clients. For more information about Alan Boswell Group and its services, visit alanboswell.com.
The city centre games festival is back at The Forum Thursday 30 May – Sat 1 June, with free activities for all to enjoy from 10am-4pm, as well as a brilliant programme of talks, workshops, and more – tickets are on sale now! Norwich Games Festival (NGF) promises three days of fun, featuring the best in retro and contemporary gaming, the chance to play, and insight into the industry. There’s plenty for families to enjoy, as well as events for expert gamers, future creators, and competitive players! The Forum will host a fantastic range of exhibitions and activities, where everyone is invited to explore the world of games, have a go at something new, and get a glimpse into the industry, including showcases from innovative local creators. Visitors can play giant models of classic arcade games at The Actual Reality Arcade, explore immersive virtual reality with Infinite Form VR, or enjoy retro gaming on their favourite old console. Event highlights include a talk from YouTuber and comedian Stuart Ashens as he delves into the weirder side of video games, recording artist Bentley Jones sharing the story of his work composing for franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Big NGF Quiz where everybody will get the chance to show off their games knowledge. As well as events at The Forum, Chantry Place will be hosting the free Game On trail from Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun; where families can collect a map from The HMV Shop, and follow the trail through the Centre. Throughout the Festival St Peter Mancroft Church will be home to three days of tabletop gaming from 10.30am-3.30pm, where everyone can have go at the game of their choice, and on Fri 31 May – Sat 1 Jun visitors to Norwich Theatre’s Game Lounge can play on retro and modern consoles – all for free! Ellie Buchan, Norwich Games Festival Producer at The Forum, said, “Norwich Games Festival showcases the best in gaming from across the country, as well as fantastic local creators and developers. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Forum for three days of fun, inspiration, and imagination! I’m especially excited to give everybody the chance to learn about the industry, and hear from experts including the team at Norwich University of the Arts.” The NGF programme also features incredible industry insights, with workshops and talks exploring illustration, writing, development, design, and career advice. Students from Norwich University of the Arts, the lead partner of NGF, will be showcasing their work and explaining their creative development. Future students will also get the chance to hear from Games Course Leader Jake Montanarini, as he shares how Norwich University of the Arts ignites creativity, fosters innovation, and shapes the next generation of game developers. Associate Professor Mark Wickham, Director of Computer Arts and Technology at Norwich University of the Arts said, “Norwich University of the Arts is proud to be sponsoring the Norwich Games Festival as it makes its rightful return to The Forum. We’re privileged to have been part of the festival’s journey and a key component of each NGF since 2014. For us as educators and subject enthusiasts, this is a chance to showcase our work to the ever-growing community of game developers, players, and studios in the region; demonstrating exactly why Norwich is such a great place to make games. Amongst the multitude of professional talks, illustrating some of the world-leading game titles made here in the region, our students will showcase the variety of skillsets involved in games production throughout the festival.” The full programme for Norwich Games Festival can be found at: norwichgamesfestival.co.uk Norwich Games Festival is presented by The Forum, with Lead Partner Norwich University of the Arts, and with the support of Connected Innovation and Norfolk County Council.
One of the UK’s leading providers of nitrogen pumps – Norfolk based Prior Power Solutions – has this month announced the launch of a new direct to customer pump rental service that will support the oil and gas industry’s need for greater product availability. The 90k and 180k nitrogen pumps will provide owner operators with rental products that can be used across multiple applications including purging, well bore cleanouts, well fracturing and nitrogen perforation, and positions Prior Power Solutions as the first British Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to rent its own nitrogen units. The service – which have been launched specifically to provide a non-capex option – enables owner operators to benefit from the product without the cost of purchase. Speaking about the launch, James Rix, MD at Prior Power Solutions said: “The launch of this service comes as a direct response to market demand for the availability of this product in a rental form and the industry’s need for significantly more availability. “Since Covid, Capex has been less available to customers but the demand for high quality nitrogen pump products underpinned by increased productivity, reduced operational costs and enhanced safety, all whilst minimising environmental impact, has continued to surge. “By launching this offering we are responding to this customer demand, providing the market with new equipment that has been designed with ease of maintenance and operation in mind combined with the technical support and back up of a team that has been manufacturing these for over 30 years.” With an investment of £1million – and continued investment planned for the foreseeable future – the service provides customers with not only the latest state of the art pumping equipment but also with the training and access to manpower to support operators out in the field. And, with a supply chain located predominantly in the heart of Prior Power Solutions’ Great Yarmouth base, the business remains firmly committed to building the local economy, retaining and growing the number of highly skilled and specialist jobs in the area and continuing to invest in young people through apprenticeships and work placements. The only British nitrogen pump OEM to rent directly to customers globally, Prior Power Solutions has already secured its first order, prior to launch, and is expecting demand for the service to increase quickly. Prior Power Solutions is a leading provider in the design and manufacture of nitrogen pumps, fluid pumps, hydraulic power units, coiled tubing equipment, compressors, and generator sets for use in hazardous areas. The business also provides extensive equipment repair, overhaul, parts and maintenance services to the offshore oil & gas, renewables, marine, agriculture and construction sectors across the globe.
In our FIRST EVER episode, ‘Celebrating the synergy between Physical & Mental Wellness’, we are talking to Harriet Drewry, a personal trainer and massage therapist who shares her own personal traumas and how she uses fitness and well-being to build her resilience. In 2018, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her younger brother to suicide, and in sharing her story, she hopes to offer solace and support to others who find themselves in similar circumstances.
Lucas & Wyllys, a leading local legal firm established for nearly 200 years, is proud to announce it has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards at the Modern Law Private Client Awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements and dedication to excellence. The private client team at Lucas & Wyllys has a wealth of expertise in areas such as estate planning, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and probate. The team has earned a reputation for delivering comprehensive and personalised service that exceeds client expectations, which is reflected in the client reviews the team has received. The three awards for which the firm has been shortlisted are:
Commenting on the shortlisting, Amy Church, Managing Partner, expressed gratitude and pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “Being shortlisted for these awards is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team. We are deeply committed to providing the highest standard of service to our clients, and being shortlisted for these awards reinforces our ongoing pursuit of excellence.” Winners of the awards will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony on 4th July. Regardless of the outcome, Lucas & Wyllys remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering exceptional legal advice and support to its clients.
Lovewell Blake Partner, James Shipp For existing non-UK businesses looking to set up a subsidiary or branch in the UK there are a number of key considerations to be understood in advance. At Lovewell Blake we have broad experience of assisting overseas entrepreneurs and corporate groups with the initial set-up and ongoing administration. Here are the main aspects to be considered. Company or Branch? Typically a UK company is the chosen structure when setting up a business in the UK. The separate limited company allows risk to be ringfenced and registration for UK taxes and bank accounts is simpler with a UK company number and registered office address. UK tax is likely to be payable on UK operations if the UK business is truly managed and directed from the UK. Our tax experts can set out the key differences between a company and a branch. If the subsidiary route is chosen, we can advise on the initial shareholding structure, incorporate the UK company on your behalf, host the registered office address and deal with ongoing local administration. Bookkeeping and payroll administration Once your business is established, you will be required to maintain accounting records and potentially file quarterly VAT returns electronically with HMRC. We work with our clients to establish a suitable bookkeeping system and will generally maintain and oversee the day-to-day accounting functionality. A Cloud Accounting system can typically work well so that access is available to Directors from any location. Our services can range from complete outsourcing of the entire accounting function to the provision of training and set-up services to your staff. Where staff are to be employed in your UK business, our payroll team can set up and maintain the UK payroll or indeed an overseas payroll if required. Our HR department can also prepare employment contracts and help deal with disputes. Annual Compliance UK companies are required to prepare and file annual accounts and a corporation tax return. UK corporation tax is payable annually. Larger companies, or those who are a member of a larger group, may also require a statutory audit. Our accounting, tax and audit teams can undertake all the required compliance work and report to the Directors in an efficient and timely manner. Where your business is undertaking Research and Development activities, our expert R&D team can also prepare your annual R&D claim for submission to HMRC and deal with any queries or enquires. Where the cost of a tax enquiry is a concern, we also offer a very competitive Tax Investigation Service which covers our costs for dealing with HMRC enquires. Tax Advisory Services Whether the shareholders are UK resident, overseas nationals or corporate entities, our tax advisory team will work with you to design a profit extraction strategy which suits your needs. Where businesses offer benefits to staff such as company cars it is also important to consult a tax specialist so that tax reliefs and incentives are maximised. Capital Investment attracts tax incentives in the UK and planning your expansion strategy is important. Where UK tax rules change or are capped by thresholds or allowances it is important to ensure you are maximising the opportunities for tax relief each year. We pride ourselves in providing a complete and joined up service so that tax advice can be seamlessly implemented into your accounting policies and practices. International support Your UK business may not be exclusively trading and hiring staff in the UK. There are complex areas to be aware of when international aspects are relevant. Since Brexit, the laws and rules around importing, exporting and VAT have changed and can be challenging. Our VAT experts can guide you through best practice and help you avoid common pitfalls. Bringing overseas staff to the UK or sending UK based staff to work overseas also requires consultation and our tax experts can help. From a compliance focus, where you have group auditors or a central accounting function, our teams are experienced in providing required information and documentation in line with the most challenging timescales. To discuss your specific requirements in detail please get in touch and we can set up an online meeting with our experts.
Mobilityways is on a mission to make zero carbon commuting a reality. Their ground-breaking climate tech helps large employers to measure, reduce and report commuter emissions. They are expanding their team and currently looking for an Administrator and Account Manager.