Future Radio has reopened its doors after more than 3 years of operating virtually. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the charity Open Youth Trust, where Future Radio was based, sadly closed its doors. Since then, the two-person staff team have had to run the station virtually – with most of their 70 volunteers recording their shows from home – while searching for a suitable new site to accommodate Norwich’s community radio station. Finally, after 3 long years, they have rebuilt their studios and reopened their doors for their volunteers, listeners and community, at an old police station at 14 Woodcock Road. To celebrate, they have developed and launched a new Summer festival, FutureFest, taking over The Brickmakers Pub and Garden on Sunday 6th August. FutureFest will offer live music across three stages, including The Brickmakers’ garden stage, as well as a range of street food, garden games and activities for kids, with bands and Future Radio DJs playing from midday until 11pm. Tickets are just £10 plus booking fee and under 13s get in for free, promising a great day out for the whole family. For more info and to get your tickets, go to futureradio.co.uk/fest What’s more, 100% of funds raised at FutureFest will go to Future Radio’s parent charity, Future Projects, as part of their 21st Anniversary Campaign to raise funds to help more local people in need. Following FutureFest, the charity will be running a Golf Day to raise additional funds; get your tickets here before they sell out! “The last three years have presented a real challenge for Future Radio. But we are so proud of the staff and all the volunteers for not just keeping the station running, but for doing everything they can to support each other, train new volunteers, raise funds and ensure Future Radio continues to broadcast quality content for and about its communities.We are also immensely grateful to all the people and organisations that have funded us through this challenging time, particularly the Norwich Freemen’s Charity, The Aviva Foundation, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust and the Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, who provided the funds to make the total rebuild of Future Radio possible.” – Daniel Childerhouse, Chief Executive Officer at Future Projects.Station Manager, Dean Tucker (Left) and Business Development Manager, Christopher Remer (Centre-Right) with two volunteers outside the new Future Radio.Future Radio volunteer presenting from the main broadcast studio (Studio A) View FutureFest Banner below For further information please contact Eddie Daniels on 01603 250 505 or e.daniels@futureprojects.org.uk
Sorry to say it, but if you’re not including Reels in your socials strategy you’re missing a trick. Here’s our ultimate guide to creating Reels that bang.
Reels should be different Meta calls it ‘the language of Reels’ – essentially it’s that semi-formal style that most Reels have in common. Y’know what we mean – great lighting but not overly ‘produced’, great composition without being too posed, and entertaining without being too try-hard. Easy right?!
Hit three criteria 1. Film in 9:16 ratio, or as us normal people call it, portrait. 2. Keep the bottom third and the right-hand side of your video free from text, logos, and other junk. 3. Use sounds.
Make your Reel: Entertaining – start strong with a hook that makes people want to keep watching. Maintain their attention by being interesting. Relatable – tell a story people recognise about themselves, a familiar situation, or a scene they can picture themselves in. Reels featuring a real-life human have a higher engagement rate than those without. Digestible – be direct, easy to understand, and keep things as short as possible. No on is watching a 5-minute Reel (sorry not sorry).
Saxon Air, a leading aviation company dedicated to sustainable and innovative air travel solutions and is making waves in the field of sustainable aviation, demonstrating that the future is now. CEO Alex Durand expressed his belief in the present action, stating, “We are not merely planning for the future; we are actively implementing change in the present. Furthermore, our agenda goes beyond addressing carbon emissions. It is essential for us to embrace broader objectives, such as promoting the circular economy and supporting local initiatives. This includes our beehive projects and the implementation of emission monitors to improve the local habitat.” Saxon Air’s recent endeavours highlight the remarkable efforts being made in the eastern region to promote sustainable aviation. A highlight of the busy month concluded in a visit from the Parliamentary Under-secretary of State in the Department of Transport, Baroness Charlotte Vere. She met several of the businesses Saxon Air is working with to create a sustainable aviation centre of excellence, followed by an aerial tour of Norwich from the skies. Vere concluded “local businesses are working together to drive innovation across the industry and reduce carbon emissions”. During the visit, Andy Holyland of Hydrogen East who provided an update on the East of England Hydrogen Cluster which is being led by a proactive Industry Aviation Group of which Saxon Air are a partner. Holyland emphasised the potential of a facility like Saxon Air, which focuses on sustainable aviation and alternative fuels such as electric and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Saxon Air’s partners such as Swiftair’s David Stambridge, Nuncats Tim Bridge and Ray Parsons of Premier flight school all spoke about their sustainable offerings that are intrinsically linked to the centre of excellence, working to bring sustainable solutions to the industry. Saxon Air also showed the Baroness Pipistrel Velis Electro on lease from another local partner, NEBOair, the world’s first certified electric aircraft. To kick off the month, Alex Durand, took part in a headline panel debate on the decarbonisation of the supply chain at the East of England’s Energy Group (EEEGR’s) flagship Southern North Sea conference hosted by ScottishPower Renewables. The panel debated the merits of what is currently on offer, with Alex Durand highlighting that Saxon Air already has fully electric aircraft in operation.
“This is just the start, our operations are already carbon neutral, but we are utilising existing electric aircraft, SAF and potential hydrogen solutions as well as supporting the development of national infrastructure to speed up the progression of sustainable aviation. Working with different industries such as the energy sector to understand their requirements in terms of supply chain needs is critical to ensuring we develop relevant solutions.” Alex Durand, CEO Saxon Air The continuation of an industry-wide engagement programme, saw Saxon Air host an EEEGR (East of England Energy Group) networking breakfast that saw nearly one-hundred industry professionals gather at the facility to hear the latest updates from Freeport East, the ORE Catapult and Skills for Energy. Saxon Air has been actively engaging with school children and young people, fostering a strong sense of aviation curiosity and knowledge among the younger generation. They recently exhibited at Norfolk’s largest event, The Royal Norfolk Show within the STEMM village highlighting the opportunities and innovation in aviation. Saxon Air’s dedication to sustainable aviation is evident through its collaborations, innovations, and commitments to reducing carbon emissions. As a leader in the field, Saxon Air is driving the industry forward, setting a precedent for sustainable aviation practices across the region.
Tony West is our special guest on this episode. Tony is a Financial Planner with Becketts, and he chats to Tax Advisor, Emma Walker, about investment opportunities with venture capital trusts; and goes in for every financial planner’s favourite topic – pensions! Emma outlines what tax implications there might be on your interest income, and they also outline how ISAs and LISAs work. For further information on today’s topic, and how we can help support you and your business on all tax related matters, click here. You can find Becketts’ website here, or contact Tony directly by emailing Anthony.West@beckettinvest.com You can get in touch with Emma directly through the Our People section of our website here.GET IN TOUCH! If you have any questions on today’s episode, and would like us to get in touch, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can find more episodes from this series on our website here. Please note that this content does not constitute formal advice, and you should seek direct expert advice before acting on anything mentioned in this podcast. Listen here
Global lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters has opened the doors of its new store at Chantry Place in Norwich and it looks incredible! Located in the former Carluccio’s unit with access via the Chantry Square entrance, the new store is spread across two floors and has a range of on-trend and capsule pieces for both men and women. Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “Our customers have wanted Urban Outfitters in Chantry Place for a long time and it is incredible to see the brand arrive at the Centre and look so impressive in its design. This is a brilliant moment for Chantry Place and Norwich to see Urban Outfitters invest in a store with us and strengthens our brilliant fashion offering, joining the likes of H&M, Levi’s and Zara at the Centre. With its fashion and accessory pieces, this new opening gives our customers even more variety when shopping with us and follows on from Moda in Pelle opening at Chantry Place last month.” As well as selling a mix of on-trend women’s and men’s clothes, and handpicked vintage clothing under its Urban Renewal label, Urban Outfitters sells homeware items including tapestries, bathroom accessories and furniture. It also has a Music & Tech collection providing vinyl, records and tech accessories. The only other Urban Outfitters in East Anglia is in Cambridge, which opened in 2021. For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.ChantryPlace.co.uk or follow chantryplacenorwich on social media.
“flagship deal” and third major M&A in 12 months for dedicated automotive team Howes Percival’s dedicated automotive sector team represented leading motor dealership groups – Steven Eagell, Listers and FRF – on their purchase of Motorline Limited’s entire network of 19 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Howes Percival was the lead law firm for the buyer, in a highly complex deal involving multiple businesses and geographical locations, including the acquisition of five freehold sites and leases or underleases of the remainder. The firm’s expertise in the automotive retail sector and depth of resource were key to the success of the transaction. Led by Corporate partners Andy Harris (also head of the firm’s Automotive Sector Group) and Tom Redman and Commercial Property partner Marcus Carter, the firm mobilised multi-disciplinary teams across several offices to manage the complex investigation inherent in a 19-business acquisition. Andy Harris and Tom Redman advised the clients on the business and asset purchase aspects of the transaction. Marcus Carter advised on the myriad and complex property arrangements. Simon DeMaid led the team advising on the Employment law issues, Chris White headed the team advising on Commercial law matters, Faye Meredith led the Banking team, Rob Starr led the Regulatory team and the GDPR team was headed by Stephen Ruse. Commenting on the 19-business acquisition, Tom Redman said, “We were delighted to have acted for Steven Eagell, Listers and FRF on their Toyota/Lexus dealership acquisitions and we wish them every success as they integrate their new dealerships into their existing portfolios.” Marcus Carter observed: “This has been a flagship deal for us and a unique instruction, with some interesting challenges involving multi-site and business transactions and three buyers who individually are stand-alone giants within the automotive retail sector.” The deal is Howes Percival’s third major motor dealer M&A transaction completed in the last 12 months, following transactions for the Steven Eagell Group in July 2022 and Group 1 Automotive in September 2022. Andy Harris continued, “These are interesting times for motor dealers, as some manufacturers move towards an agency rather than conventional distributorship model. The move to electrification has fallen slightly behind target for some, as the UK’s charging network struggles to cope with the increasing number of EVs on the road. Motor dealers also face increased competition from online car supermarkets. Howes Percival is in the thick of these changes and we are ready to support our clients not only on their M&A aspirations but also with day-to-day, business-as-usual matters.” For more information on Howes Percival’s services to the automotive sector, visit: https://www.howespercival.com/sectors/automotive/ Image provided by Howes Percival
A public consultation process has been launched today about proposed changes to the way tickets are sold and customer service is provided at stations. Greater Anglia, along with most other train operators, is proposing changes designed to improve customer service by providing more flexible roles for staff at stations, which would provide a better service and more assistance for customers. The proposals form part of plans to modernise the railway and bring it more in line with modern consumer expectations. They reflect significantly reduced usage of ticket offices over the past decade, as customers move to alternative, more convenient ways of buying tickets. Most tickets are now bought either online or through ticket machines. Given those trends and a world where London Underground has already moved away from ticket offices, and other sectors have also updated their models of service away from the classic desk-based approach, it also makes commercial and financial sense for the rail industry to look at the best approach for the future to ensure customer needs and expectations continue to be met. Agreement has now been reached on the formal proposals on which the industry is now consulting, to get public input before deciding on the next steps. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:“The station proposals put forward today are aimed at providing a more modern and flexible service for our customers. They reflect the more convenient ways in which passengers are looking to buy their tickets and check travel information. “Station colleagues would undertake a new, more flexible role – bringing staff closer to customers. Passenger assistance arrangements would continue as they do now, from first to last trains, but with additional mobile teams to give greater flexibility in providing assistance across the network.“More details, including information about each station covered by the proposals, can be found on our website. Any comments or feedback should be provided to Transport Focus, or where appropriate, London TravelWatch, before the end of the public consultation process on Wednesday 26 July.” Under the plans, staff would undertake a new, more flexible ‘customer host’ role, providing advice about the best and cheapest fares, and supporting customers with other queries and accessibility needs, rather than being confined to the ticket office. Customers would still be able to buy tickets from the ticket machine and online (as now), and colleagues would still be available at the station to help customers at certain times. Ticketing assistance would also be available directly from staff in Greater Anglia’s Customer Contact Centre, contactable via the ticket machine (24 hours a day). Across the Greater Anglia network, it would mean that all 54 stations which currently have ticket offices would switch to the new model of retailing. At seven major stations – London Liverpool Street, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Stansted Airport and Cambridge – Customer Information Centres would sell a full range of products, as well as providing help with more complex transactions. Across the remaining 47 stations, some stations would have staff available for similar hours to today, while some would have staff available for fewer hours than today, focused on the busiest periods. The type of approach proposed for these 47 stations is, in fact, similar to that already in place at Bury St. Edmunds and Cambridge North stations, which has proved to be successful and well received by passengers. All Greater Anglia stations involved in the proposals already have ticket machines, which also have an assistance button enabling customers to contact Greater Anglia staff based at the Customer Contact Centre in Norwich (24 hours a day), to gain guidance or assistance with ticket purchase. No station would become unstaffed as a consequence of the proposals and other station facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets, would be unaffected. Greater Anglia would continue to meet all its commitments on providing accessibility for passengers, including passengers with reduced mobility and people requiring in-person assistance. It would also create new, additional mobile assistance teams, offering greater flexibility and support in providing assistance. To re-affirm, the key components of the proposals are as follows:
The plans would provide a more modern and flexible service for customers
There would still be someone to help with ticket queries and information at all the stations covered by the proposals (specific hours would vary by station) and the ability for customers to speak direct to the Greater Anglia Customer Contact Centre via the ticket machine for guidance or advice
Passenger Assist arrangements would still apply, with additional mobile assistance teams providing extra support
No station would become unstaffed as a consequence of the proposals and other station facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets, would be unaffected.
The consultation is taking place to inform future plans and, whatever proposals are then formally agreed, the transition to full adoption of the new model would probably take two to three years. The consultation runs until Wednesday 26 July 2023 and anyone with any comments or feedback on the proposals should send their responses to Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London TravelWatch, the statutory rail passenger watchdog organisations which will receive and review all consultation responses, before providing recommendations on next steps. Details of the proposals are available on the Greater Anglia website at www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult. The information is also available in alternative accessible formats via our website (Easy Read, large print, braille, audio, and British Sign Language). Physical copies can be ordered by contacting Freepost – Greater Anglia Customer Relations, or by calling 0345 600 7245 (Option 8). Anyone can contribute to the consultation by contacting either Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London TravelWatch, about the proposals for their station. Details of which statutory rail watchdog to contact for each individual station can also be found on the Greater Anglia website (www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult). Submissions must be made by the end of Wednesday 26 July 2023. A Q&A about the proposals has been prepared by the Rail Delivery Group and is available at http://raildeliverygroup.com/customer-focused-stations.
Norwich City legend Grant Holt is swapping his football boots for walking shoes as part of a gruelling charity challenge. The Canaries hero is trekking 44 miles from Ipswich to The Nook, in Framingham Earl, to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). He plans to set off at 5pm on Tuesday, 8th August and walk through the night before arriving at EACH’s hospice in Norfolk. Dad-of-three Grant is an ardent supporter of the charity and completed a fundraising skydive in January 2022. In advance of his latest challenge, he visited The Nook and was given a tour by Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen. “I already knew lots about EACH and the incredible work it does but visiting The Nook was a real experience,” said Grant. “It’s such an amazing, impressive place and much bigger and better than the old hospice at Quidenham. “Coming here has definitely inspired me and I felt even more motivated after being told EACH needs to raise £8,600 from voluntary income per day, per hospice to keep The Nook, The Treehouse (in Ipswich) and Milton (near Cambridge) going. “It needs to raise £6.7 million a year from voluntary donations – and another £7.8 million from its shops – and they’re incredible figures, especially when you consider only 15 per cent comes from statutory sources. “That’s far less than an adult hospice, which is insane, and why I’m determined to do whatever I can, and raise as much as possible. “The walk is going to be tough but it’s always good to challenge yourself and do difficult things, especially for such an amazing cause. “I’ve got 80,000 Twitter followers and if everyone chipped in just £1, we’d have £80,000. How amazing would that be?” Former striker Grant helped Norwich to back-to-back promotions and was named player-of-the-year three times at Carrow Road. Now he is an ambassador for specialist recruitment agency ARC Group and he will begin his walk at the company’s Ipswich office on the Alpha Business Park, in White House Road. In addition to raising funds, the 42-year-old wants to use his platform to raise awareness of the charity, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. “The bigger the total, the bigger difference it’ll make,” said Grant, who was at Norwich City FC from 2009 to 2013. “We all know it’s hard at the moment. Everyone’s penny-pinching and I understand and respect that, but this is a charity that deserves our support. “It does a vital job and I’d love it if people could give a pound or two. Let’s see where that takes us. “Sometimes people give to charity and wonder where the money goes, and whether it makes a difference. Trust me, this money really does make a difference. “EACH does so many amazing things but I just love the thought of parents being able to take a break – just to grab a coffee or close their eyes for a few minutes. That precious time must help so much and it’s easy to take it for granted. “It’s the little things that make such a massive difference. “It’s an amazing charity and, in addition to fundraising, I hope to use my position to help spread the word about EACH. “It’s such an important cause and I hope publicity from this challenge helps raise awareness, as well as funds. That’s my big hope.” To show your support and sponsor Grant, click here. The ARC Group is a specialist recruitment agency covering industries like mechanical and electrical (M&E), construction, healthcare, driving and maintenance. It was founded in 2004. Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
A popular charity shop is celebrating the sweet taste of success and marking its fifth birthday with a cake sale. The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Poringland is hosting the event on Wednesday, 12th July. Staff and volunteers plan to celebrate with the community by organising a cake sale and raffle, from 10am to 2pm. The shop is less than a mile from The Nook, in Framingham Earl, and has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2018. Manager Maria Hall said: “I’ve been here since day one and feel pleased and proud of the way we’ve built things up. “Our shop exceeded its target last year and we’re very thankful to everyone who’s played some part – not least our loyal volunteers and customers. “I’m also very grateful to have such a brilliant deputy in Sharon Wright. “It’s a great team and our shop is an important part of the community. “That’s why we want to mark its fifth birthday in style and everyone is welcome to come along and join us. It should be fun.” Maria was Deputy Manager at EACH’s Long Stratton shop before moving to Poringland. Prior to that she had been volunteering for the charity since 2009. “I feel a strong connection and love my job,” she said. “It’s an amazing charity and the retail side of things is a vitally important way of raising funds.” The Poringland shop is in Overtons Way and one of 19 across Norfolk. For more information about volunteering there, pop in, email maria.hall@each.org.uk or call 01603 984498.
Daredevil Susan Cox is taking a walk on the wild side to raise funds for charity. The 69-year-old thrill-seeker has signed up for a wing walk to show her support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and East Anglian Air Ambulance. Her adrenaline-filled challenge is taking place at Shuttleworth Aerodrome, in Bedfordshire, on Friday morning (7th July) and she hopes to raise £5,000. “It’s beginning to dawn on me, now the big day is getting closer,” said Susan, who lives in Woodton. “I wanted to do something out of the ordinary and it occurred to me I don’t know anyone else who’s done a wing walk. “I love flying, especially take-off, so thought why not? “Originally I was thinking of doing something to mark my 70th birthday. “However, there’s no time like the present so thought I’d arrange something while it was fresh in my mind. “I can’t say I’m nervous at the moment but I’m sure the butterflies will kick in when I wake up on Friday morning. “I’ll probably think ‘what have I done?’ and my family and friends think I’m a complete lunatic! “However, I’m the kind of person who likes stepping out of their comfort zone and I’m sure I’ll be raving about it afterwards. “I think it’ll be an exhilarating experience and I’ll probably be disappointed it’s over!” Retired Susan has long admired EACH’s work, having lived close to its former Quidenham hospice. She recently visited The Nook, in Framingham Earl, and was given a guided tour by Community Fundraiser Anne Austin. “I always think charity begins at home and that’s why I’m so keen to support EACH,” said Susan. “It’s a great cause right here on my doorstep, caring for and supporting people in our community, and I’ve had friends who have used the services. “Going to the hospice underlined why I’m taking on this challenge. It’s an amazing facility and no-one could fail to be impressed. “It’s nice doing something not only for the children being cared for but also the parents, siblings and wider family members who are being supported so well.” To sponsor Susan, head here.
Suicide Awareness is a 3.5-hour workshop designed to teach the warning signs of suicide crisis and how to respond. Content
How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide.
The common causes of suicidal behaviour.
Looking at the lived experience of suicidal thinking.
The warning signs of suicide.
How to get help for someone in crisis.
Resources Includes free certification valid for three years and local resource/information booklet. Suitable For:
‘Non-Specialist’ front line staff working in health, social care, the wider public and other services.
Individuals who are likely to have direct and/or substantial contact with people who may be at risk of mental ill health, self-harm or suicide.
Dates 15th September 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 4th October 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 13th October 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 18th October 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 9th November 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 14th November 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 21st November 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom 4th December 2023 (13:00-16:30) – Online via Zoom More dates to be announced