Member News

Chantry Place is once again supporting Alive UK, a local charity which aims to provide emergency support for people in crisis in Norfolk, with a Christmas gifts and treats appeal for local children and their caregivers.

Last year the appeal helped over 700 local children to receive a present, who wouldn’t have otherwise received one. People can donate unwrapped gifts, toys or chocolate treats, such as selection boxes, at a collection point on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place, opposite Boots, from now until Sunday 17th December 2023.

All gifts will be given to families in desperate need in Norfolk and all donations of new gifts are welcome for all ages, including babies, toys for children, presents for teenagers, or those that care for them.

Jo Thorne, chair of trustees, and pastor of Alive Church said: “Many of us are finding things difficult financially, but having to choose between heating, food or debt repayment, plus the added pressure of guilt and sadness if you are unable to give a gift to your child, is immense. More and more people are struggling with these everyday choices and the cost of living situation has made it worse again this year. Last year’s appeal was a huge success and we were able to make such an incredible difference to these families, which is why we wanted to launch the appeal again with the help of Chantry Place. People who donate really are helping give families a magical Christmas and we hope to support hundreds of families again this year.”

Jo Bates, operations manager at Chantry Place, said: “Alive UK is a charity supporting the community with its incredible volunteers working so hard to care and give hope to families in Norfolk. We saw what a difference this appeal made last year to struggling families and we had to do it again this year to spread some joy at this time of year and put some smiles on the faces of families. All donations of gifts need to be new items and Alive volunteers deliver the unwrapped gifts and wrapping paper to care givers of the children so that they can enjoy wrapping the gifts themselves to give to their children.”

One mum who received gifts from the appeal last year said: “When I closed the door behind me, I stood in the sitting room in silence for about 10 minutes before the tears started pouring down my face. I don’t think I was breathing at this point. I’m not sure I’d allowed myself to cry in forever. I was awake every night worrying about how I would explain to our babies that Santa was so busy looking after families that needed help that he didn’t think they would mind not having anything. I’d got a big branch from the woods that I made into a Christmas tree and we had decorated it with some random items. The kids loved it. We’d decorated the house with paper snowflakes but how would they feel with no gift? Then there I was, in the sitting room with the answer to all my prayers. I can’t even find the words to explain the relief and joy. Just thank you!”

Earlier this year, the Alive volunteers went to take food to a family who had received some gifts at Christmas. They were greeted at the door by two of the little girls. Dressed in tutus and fairy wings, the young girls were excited to show her all the gifts they had received and said it was “like magic”!

Alive UK, supported by Alive Church, is a registered charity. It has around 50 volunteers.

For more information on Chantry Place and this appeal, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk.

Chartered accountants and business advisers, Larking Gowen, has reported record figures this year for advising clients on the buying and selling of businesses in East Anglia.

James Lay, a Corporate Transactions and Business Advisory Partner, said: “The market for buying, selling and valuing businesses, which are our core activities, is looking very healthy.

“Sellers should have the confidence that they can get a fair price for their business. Buyers are undertaking a greater degree of due diligence than before, but there is still a high demand for good, strong, viable businesses.

“With the growth in this area of the business, we’re very pleased to welcome two new members to our Corporate Transactions Team.”

Sophie Steadman, who is originally from Norfolk, joins the firm as a qualified chartered accountant after four years in the corporate finance department at a top four accountancy firm in London.

Ben Horner-Glister has been with the firm for five years, working in its medical department. He has already had a successful secondment to the team and now joins it on a permanent basis.

James explained that the firm’s core market was family-owned businesses of between £1m and £10m or more in value.

“We work largely on a success fee basis, which makes for a very straightforward relationship between us and the client. We’re not in the business of telling people what they want to hear, so if you’re not ready for sale, then we’ll guide you on what you can do to increase the value and attractiveness of your business.”

James says confidentially is a primary concern with all clients. “We make sure non-disclosure agreements are always in place, and give our clients control over the whole process, only approaching buyers we are all comfortable with. We are very transparent in terms of the results of the work we do, who we’ve spoken to and why they are interested or not interested,” he said.

“Our Corporate Transactions Team is now seven people strong, and we’re really proud that we are building a department of that size. Looking back to the turmoil of COVID-19, when far fewer people were looking to buy or sell a business, it feels like we have come a long way and the outlook continues to look very positive,” James said.

We are back for a second year –  hoping to bring some festive magic and spread some Christmas cheer to our local hospitals. The team at Contract Personnel are aiming to raise funds to help provide presents, essential items and festive gifts for the children’s wards at some of our local hospitals across Norfolk & Suffolk. At a time where some children and their families face spending time in hospital over the Christmas period, we are raising funds which will be spent on presents for the children, along with essential items for the wards – including cot mobiles, gift sets for the older children, sensory toys, arts and crafts sets and much more! We will then donate the prizes in our Christmas JOB BUS – with some special decorations and accessories. Anything you can donate to our cause will be greatly appreciated. We will be sure to feature your company across our social media channels and website – along with inclusion in our PR articles. And if you just wish to donate as an individual, we will really appreciate your kindness this Christmas! Donate HERE

Join us on National Puzzle Day for an exciting evening of networking with a twist! Puzzle Driven Partnerships is not your typical networking event. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded professionals in a fun and interactive way. Each team will be racing to complete a 300 piece jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time with some surpises along the way!

Get ready to challenge your problem-solving skills and build meaningful connections. The event will take place on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Horsford Cricket Club, Holt Road, Horsford, NR10 3AQ.

Bring your creativity, enthusiasm, and a desire to collaborate. We’ll provide the puzzles and icebreakers to spark engaging conversations. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and forge valuable partnerships.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Puzzle Driven Partnerships offers a unique platform to expand your network and discover exciting opportunities.

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event! Mark your calendars and get ready to connect, solve, and thrive!

Also includes:

• Free Parking
• Bar available
• Snacks provided
• Raffle & Auction
• Networking
• Prizes

All funds generated will go to supporting the work of Norfolk Citizens Advice. As a charity, we are currently under immense pressure to keep up with the increasing demand of the cost of living crisis. This money will provide vital assistance to individuals in our local community that are grappling with substantial hardships this winter.

Please note, when purchasing a ticket this is for a Team of 4 people, so 1 £50.00 ticket will admit a team of 4 people. Please register as many teams as you would like.

Event Brite Link HERE

Thank you !

Rosie Cammell

Fundraising Manager

This year’s Thetford Business Awards were launched on October 19, with representatives from Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as well as the town’s mayor and its sponsors attending. The awards are run by owner of The Thomas Paine Hotel, Gez Chetal, chairman of Thetford Town Football Club Nigel Armes, and his mother and a former mayor and councillor of the town, Sylvia. There are 14 categories for the public to nominate their chosen town business and to vote, go to thetfordbubblyhub.com/thetford-business-awards-2024/ Gez said: “The awards mean the world to me, my family and our founders and we now have more than 100 local businesses involved – it makes me emotional to see what we have achieved with these awards.”

Alan Boswell Group (ABG), a leading insurance broker and financial services provider, is pleased to announce the return of Zoe Kerswill, an experienced insurance executive to its Norwich-based commercial broking team. Zoe is returning as a commercial insurance broker, where she will continue to provide exceptional support to both old and new clients. “We are thrilled to welcome Zoe back to ABG,” said Adrian Rayner, Commercial Director. “Her expertise, dedication, and deep understanding of our clients’ needs make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident that her return will further strengthen our position as a leading provider of commercial insurance solutions.” Zoe Kerswill brings 30 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry, having successfully managed diverse portfolios while maintaining a client-focused approach. Her comprehensive knowledge of the market, coupled with her commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions, has made her a trusted adviser to numerous businesses. “I’m excited to be back at ABG. ABG’s unwavering commitment to clients sets it apart from its competitors,” said Zoe. “I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and I am eager to reconnect with our existing clients and build new relationships.” Zoe’s return underscores Alan Boswell Group’s dedication to fostering talent and maintaining enduring relationships with its employees. For more information about Alan Boswell Group and its comprehensive range of insurance and financial services, please visit www.alanboswell.com or call 01603 218000. To contact Zoe, please call her on 07769 736710 / 01603 214292 or zkerswill@alanboswell.com.

A partner who joined the firm as a school leaver is set to retire after 26 years with the business.

Mark Curtis started his career in accountancy straight from A-levels and joined Larking Gowen in 1997, becoming a partner in 2006.

He led our Business Team for nine years, standing down from this role in 2021 to join the firm’s Board.

Mark has helped lead the way in expanding Larking Gowen’s Business Advisory services. Together with fellow Partner, James Lay, he launched the lively and informative Impromptu Business Chat, a weekly podcast for SME business owners, which has developed to become Leadership and Life Chat.

“In some ways, I’ve made a career of doing things differently,” said Mark. “I’ve never been afraid to try different stuff and challenge the status quo. The key thing is, Larking Gowen is a business that encourages this approach; I’ve been given the freedom and space to develop new ideas.

“Larking Gowen is a broad church. You have the opportunity to really shape your own career, and you are given the space to do this.”

Mark continued: “We’ve been around for 130 years now but no business can survive by standing still, doing the same things year in and year out. You need stability, but you need innovation, challenge and change as well.”

The biggest changes Mark has seen over his career have been in the use of technology in terms of using digital formats and digital technologies to improve practice and create value for clients. These changes continue, and the use of AI is another benefit and challenge that the industry faces.

“AI is great at crunching vast quantities of data and spotting patterns, but we also need to apply human judgement and experience to interpret results,” Mark said.

Retirement for Mark is about taking a step back from business, going low-tech, exploring self-sufficiency and “doing all the things I wanted to do but struggled to do timewise.”

“I’m leaving the firm in a very good place, after many happy and rewarding years, safe in the knowledge that our clients will continue to get the very best service from our talented and dedicated people,” he said.

Managing Partner, Julie Grimmer, commented: “Mark has made a great contribution to the development of the business over many years. I will be sad to see him leave the firm next year, but we all send Mark and Glenda our very best wishes for the new life they are embarking upon together.

“As an East Anglian firm committed to remaining independent, our stewardship and the future succession of the business is something that all the partners remain committed to. Despite the sadness we feel when individuals retire, the current partners and the whole Larking Gowen team remain dedicated to taking the business forward to advise and support our clients and to provide challenging and rewarding career opportunities for our people.”

Amid a background of strong business growth and customer feedback, CTS Training & Consultancy are now proud to announce that we are launching CTS Analysis.  You will now see CTS Training & Consultancy referred to as CTS Training, Consultancy & Analysis. CTS Analysis allows operators of commercial vehicles to remain compliant with their tachograph reporting and compliance requirements.  CTS Analysis gives you reports on all of the information that you would expect from an analysis software including Drivers Hours infringements, Working Time Directive infringements, speed infringements, missing mileage and much more! Despite these similarities, CTS Analysis is tachograph analysis with a difference. Rather than being a pure software company, CTS Analysis is formed on foundations of knowledge and experience in the haulage and logistics industry.  This background enables us to understand that our customers have individual needs which require individual solutions. You spoke, we listened! Many tachograph analysis providers will expect customers to use software to analyse their data independently.  We do offer the option for customers to use CTS Analysis to analyse their data using the software without support if this is suitable for the customer. Here at CTS Analysis, we see things differently and we put the customer at the heart of each of our offerings.  One of these offerings, which we are proud to announce as part of our CTS Analysis launch is that we are offering a ‘managed service’ tachograph analysis. The ‘managed service’ tachograph analysis includes the same access to the software for the customer but it also includes the support of our expert CTS Analysis team that will be on hand to assist customers and provide guidance once reports have been generated.  This support could include advice on infringement debriefs, infringement management procedures and driver repeat offenders.  Customers using the CTS Analysis ‘managed service’ can also expect support with advice on downloading requirements and system uploading. We developed the ‘managed service’ following extensive customer feedback that customers wanted the usual web-based tachograph analysis software but with help, guidance and support to back it up.  CTS Analysis customers can now expect a service that is at the cutting edge of drivers hours compliance. Both CTS Analysis packages (self-service and managed service) also have the option to add on the CTS Defect App. The CTS Defect App is the online, technology driven alternative to the paper Drivers’ Daily Defect Report Pad that are used by many of our customers.  By using an app-based defect reporting tool it allows commercial vehicle operators to have much more control over their defects and subsequently their operation. The CTS Defect App allows operators to see how long a driver took to complete their defect at the start of a working shift, driver signatures and photographic evidence of recorded defects.  The app can also be used either independently of CTS Analysis or as a seamlessly integrated solution with both on one platform. We have been clear throughout our launch that the customer runs through everything we do.  As further evidence of this, we are more than happy to demonstrate CTS Analysis and CTS Defect App to any current our prospective customer.  We are also more than happy to discuss customers’ individual requirements. Contact us to book a free demo – 01945 880155 or training@ctservicesltd.co.uk

Specialist control and safety systems integrator Proeon Systems ltd is building on its success with Fit For Nuclear (F4N) and Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR).  Proeon are delighted to have been named as winners of the “People Development” Category announced at the first UK Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) Summit Awards in Rotherham on 12^th October 2023. Proeon systems are a specialist control and safety systems integrator providing critical control for complex applications typically used in the energy sector, often in the harshest environments imaginable. The company, part of RSK Group, is based at the Hethel Engineering Centre in the heart of Norfolk and employs 68 people. The award recognises success in the Fit For Nuclear (F4N) programme which is intended to help companies meet the very high standards required to supply the nuclear industry. The journey began in 2016 and the award celebrates the outstanding progress that Proeon made.   An industry expert provided by the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear AMRC helped Proeon through the process, benchmarking against a variety of business excellence measures along with sector specific assessment and development activities.  These activities examined all aspect of the way the company developed and led its people.  A particularly challenging activity was anonymous employee consultation surveys.  Although the feedback was sometimes challenging, it was also massively beneficial to the business.  The findings of this and the other activities enabled the company to identify gaps and close them.  Proeon has reached the “Maintain and Sustain” phase of Fit For Nuclear (F4N). The company has since engaged in another similar programme called Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) which it sees as very important as a large amount of Proeon’s work today comes from wind energy projects. Proeon’s Commercial Director Dr Dorian Hindmarsh said:  “an important point that was reinforced during the process was that people are the companies most important assets.  Our people were always valued, but this programme enabled us to put time and effort into people excellence, improving engagement, development, and training. These topics are now cornerstones of the business” Since starting this programme Proeon has increased development resources offering a mixture of on-line training, in-person sessions, optional Lunch & Learn workshops as well as external courses.  Proeon has launched a graduate programme which engages with local colleges and universities to offer placements within the company where individuals gain practical experience of control and safety systems.  Many former participants joined the team on completion. Proeon are also proud to provide apprenticeships partnering with local education establishments to offer the opportunity of paid training while gaining qualifications. Several former apprentices went on to join the company after completing their apprenticeship and now have roles as engineers and administrators.  Proeon also has a Work Experience Programme which typically runs over 2 weeks, giving young people a practical hands-on introduction to control systems and the world of work. Proeon always understood how important it is for people to feel included and informed about what the business is doing.  As part of F4N an information sharing plan was implemented which promotes the regular sharing of business strategy and results to the team. When asked if the time and effort put into F4N had benefited Proeon, Managing Director Richard Miller commented: “taken together the results speak for themselves.  Better staff engagement and the increase of skills has helped Proeon win new projects and better serve its clients.  This is enabling our company to grow and operate successfully within the transitional energy sector, working towards the net zero goal”. Press contact: Mrs Lesley Swift LesleyS@proeon.co.uk For more information:  https://www.proeon.co.uk/   https://namrc.co.uk/services/f4n/

“Each Christmas our Young Carer’s group leaders are always really excited to be able to browse the gifts that have been donated to choose an individual present for the Young Carers in their groups. When it comes to our final group before Christmas and we bring the bag of presents in to distribute to the Young Carers it’s such a pleasure to see their faces.“ Our work means that over 3,000 young people, children, and families, have hope, opportunity, and stability this Christmas and beyond. By supporting our Christmas appeal, you can make an impact in your local community, and help us to continue our vital work. Interested in supporting this year’s campaign? For information on making monetary donations or physical gifts please see below: How you can support our work this Christmas:

• Make a monetary one-off or regular
• donation: https://benjaminfoundation.co.uk/donate/christmasappeal/
• Organise a fundraising event to raise vital awareness
• Join our Gift Appeal and donate physical presents for a young person supported by our charity
• Volunteer to help sort and organise donated gifts

Please note that our deadline for physical gifts is Friday 8th December. This is so that there is enough time for our services to collect and deliver presents to our young people in time for Christmas. View our Gift Appeal Handbook to find out how to register. Your support can help ensure children and young people supported by our charity receive the gift of hope, opportunity and stability this Christmas. Thank you. Any questions or queries? Don’t hesitate to get in touch on Joshua.antcliff@benjaminfoundation.co.uk

Family members came together for poignant gatherings to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. Seventeen people attended a reflective event organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at The Nook. Parents and children made window crystal suncatchers, in memory of their babies, and had the chance to tie blue and pink ribbons to trees in the hospice grounds. They were also given a bag to take home containing a candle, snowdrop bulb and poem. “Families enjoyed the activities and the opportunity to talk and be together,” said EACH Child and Family Worker Rachel Cowles. “Baby loss is something many of us will have in common, whether from personal experience or through families, friends or colleagues.” The gathering took place on Sunday, 8^th October and the 21^st annual Baby Loss Awareness Week began the following day, running until Sunday, 15^th October. On the latter date, families had the chance to attend a virtual Wave of Light candlelit ceremony, tying in with the global Wave of Light. The tri-site event was led by EACH Spiritual Care Lead Emma Scott and also open to families from Milton and The Treehouse, in Ipswich. “This honours babies who died during pregnancy, childbirth or infancy,” added Rachel. “It serves as a global moment of remembrance for families and individuals who have experienced the loss of a child. “Families across the world unite together by lighting a candle and leaving it burning for at least an hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.” Image credit – EACH

Norfolk Citizens Advice presents ‘Share a Plate’ – Give the gift of Advice this festive season!

Give the gift of high quality, confidential advice this festive season! When you are booking your dinner celebrations, add a plus one to the list and donate the extra money to our cause! The cost of one meal = quality advice to someone in need.

The festive season is a time of giving and spreading joy…

What better way to do that than by sharing a plate with those in need?

We’re launching our charity fundraising campaign “Share a Plate” to encourage participants to donate the cost of an additional meal at their festive dinners to go towards our service of providing free, accredited advice.

Join us in making a difference this winter by giving the gift of advice. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will help ensure that our vital services can continue to support those in need. Together, we can make a real impact and bring hope to those who need it this holiday season.

Our charity provides a lifeline for individuals and families struggling with a wide range of issues, from mental health and financial difficulties to legal problems and more…

‘Laura came to us in November of 2022 because she was distressed about supporting her family over the oncoming festive season. They were living off of foodbank parcels and had been unable to top-up their electric pre-pay meter. Laura was concerned about being unable to provide home comforts and proper meals for their partners daughter who was coming to stay for Christmas.

An adviser made sure they were able to access basic living necessities such as clothes and toiletries and issued them a foodbank voucher. The fuel-voucher usually issued by the Warm & Wise team was incompatible with the client’s submeter so they were instead supported with £300 transferred to their account for energy costs.

Laura was emailed an additional £100 supermarket voucher so that she could switch her empty fridge-freezer back on ready to be stocked up for Christmas!’