This initiative is all about exploring how managers and leaders in UK firms reach those difficult choices about what is fair, what is appropriate, who has responsibility for what, when it comes to improving workplace wellbeing.
The research funding ends on 31st January, but we would still love to hear more people’s views before that date. We are going to base a series of PrOPEL Hub articles on this work and the richer it is (the more sectors covered), the more those will be relevant to Norfolk businesses.
We are speaking with a wide range of #managers and #leaders to explore how different people perceive workplace #wellbeing initiatives and make decisions about what is appropriate. Please add your voice!
The interview will take place via phone or video call at a mutually convenient time. Participation is completely voluntary and will take between 45 mins and 1 hour.
A full information sheet and consent form will be sent to you before the interview.
Next steps:
– If you are happy to take part, please contact myself or my colleague Andrea ( andrea.james@uea.ac.uk ) with your name, role in a UK organisation and an indication of a few different times you might be available for a video / phone call before the end of January 2023. Andrea will get back to you to book in a meeting.
– If you have further questions, please email either Andrea or myself and arrange for an informal chat with one of our research team before committing to any interview.
Tasnuva Tina has opened a new small business walk-in tax and accountancy practice on 54 High Street in Saffron Walden.
Tasnuva Tina is an ACCA qualified accountant with over 10 years’ experience managing small business clients. She joined TaxAssist Accountants in April 2019 after purchasing an established practice from retiring accountant Jonathan Berks, who had operated the business for 22 years.
“I have always wanted to operate my own practice, and a large part of why I chose to join the TaxAssist Accountants network was the impressive shop design which really makes the practice stand out from the crowd,” explained Tina.
“Jonathan had built up a very well run practice, and the new shop is ideally positioned to cater for our existing clients, but alongside my fantastic team of staff, I am looking to grow further, so I would like to encourage anyone interested in finding out more about the services we offer to pop in for a free initial consultation. The shop is very visible, well located and has plenty of off-street parking nearby.”
As well as covering Saffron Walden, the new shop covers an area from Royston in North Hertfordshire to much of South Cambridgeshire.
Tina’s shop joins a network of over 227 TaxAssist Accountants shops nationwide.
If you are interested in finding out more about joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, call Nikki Haythorne on 0800 0188297.
Studio Inn came out of our desire to create something unique that we didn’t see already in existence here in Norwich. It’s a unique space where creative people doing creative work can come together to establish a home that feels both grown-up and relaxed, focused and social. More than a workspace, we wanted to bring together those interested in collaboration and the cross-pollination of creative ideas.
Established by Fiona and Bobby Burrage, the founders of lifestyle destination Nor-Folk and branding agency The Click, we’re bringing our pared-back aesthetic and collaborative attitude to a space that fosters productivity and creativity.
Situated in a bright and airy architect-designed development with a courtyard garden, Studio Inn provides the opportunity for company and collaboration, a place where individuals can grow in the collective environment.
Studio Inn membership includes:
– Become part of our creative community – One ‘all inn’ monthly fee of £165 + VAT per month – Your own dedicated desk space with drawers – 24/7/365 access – Access to break-out areas and presentation facilities – Free open plan meeting room facilities – Coffee and tea in our kitchen – Wifi – Enjoy regular socials, events and talks – Bread Source pastries delivered every Friday morning – Discounts on nearby health and fitness classes
Kate Gaskin, Victoria Kerslake & Lizzy Dring on site at an event.
The team at Huxley Events has some incredible news to share with everyone. They have been named finalists for two prestigious awards at the Conference News Agency Awards 2024.
Victoria Kerslake, a member of the team, has been selected as a finalist for the Event Producer of the Year award. The team is extremely proud of Victoria’s hard work, dedication, and innovative ideas that have impressed their clients. She is considered a rockstar in the event planning world.
In addition, Lizzy Dring, another member of the team, has also been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award. Lizzy’s energy, passion, and creative thinking have contributed to the success of their events.
The team is beyond excited and honored to be finalists in these awards. It is a reflection of their commitment to excellence and delivering unforgettable experiences for their clients. They express their gratitude to their clients for their trust and support.
This recognition as finalists is a proud moment for the team as they have worked tirelessly to overcome challenges, exceed expectations, and create lasting memories. They thank their clients, suppliers, venues, and business friends for their continued support and belief in their abilities.
We are delighted that Credo’s owners the STAR Asset Finance Group have been shortlisted in the 2024 Business Moneyfacts Awards in the following category – Asset Finance Broker of the Year
This is a National Award and one that every Asset Finance broker wants to win! Credo was delighted to win this in 2023, and this was down to all the amazing testimonials that were sent in from many valued clients and our fellow Chamber members.
The results are due to be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 18 April 2024 at Evolution London and we would love to have a chance to win again and put Norwich on the map!
But we need your help again!
As part of the decision process, the Moneyfacts Group allow us to ask our own contacts to submit testimonials via an online page. So, if you have received good service from us now or in the past or know us well and have 2 minutes to spare, then please click on the link below and leave a testimonial, we would be so grateful.
Are you aged 16 to 25 and want to have your say on what happens at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn?
The hospital is setting up a Youth Council which will ensure the voice of young people is heard by decision-makers at the hospital and members can also update their friends and communities about what is happening there.
The group will set their own priorities, work closely with departments in the hospital, and be a crucial new way of boosting the links between the QEH and the local community.
Anyone interested in finding out more and signing up for regular updates can log onto www.teamqehyouth.co.uk
During the early autumn, the first fifteen youth council members will be selected.
They will then meet every six weeks and decide on the first areas to focus on.
Youth council members will not get paid as this is a voluntary independent role, but they will be reimbursed for their travel and other expenses relating to their role.
Alice Webster, Chief Executive of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: “It is important that we make sure we are hearing from the under-25s in the communities that we look after. Their ideas, suggestions and connections are so important to us both in terms of continuously improving the care we give and helping us shape our new hospital.
Antonia Hardcastle, the hospital’s Lead Governor, added: “We are only as good as the information we hear about when we are meeting our communities. The Youth Council will be vital in helping us understand the issues, concerns, ideas, and views of the younger members of the communities we care for.
“Being part of the Youth Council is a useful springboard into further education, apprenticeships, or work for some. We are also really keen to hear from those already in work and looking to develop and enhance their skills, as well as bring their own life experience, empathy and personality to the council.”
We, at Paul Robinson Partnership (UK) LLP, are delighted to see Bus Industrial Tools’ new base at Great Yarmouth South Denes Enterprise Zone is featured as a success story in the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership newsletter. We worked closely with Bus Industrial Tools in developing the site and it was interesting to learn from some of the innovative technical approaches the Dutch engineers brought to the project.
Indeed, we have worked extensively on the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Enterprise Zones since their inception and continue to do so to this day. For instance, we’ve just achieved the Planning go-ahead for a workshop on Beacon Park in Gorleston and an extension to a commercial site at Mobbs Way in Lowestoft. Both expected to roll onto site in 2020.
Over the years the Enterprise Zone has been in place, we have developed the early Beacon Park masterplan, we’ve designed and run bespoke projects for many companies, along with speculative developments. All of which have a high degree of take up and success.
For more information about Enterprise Zones or if you wish discuss any projects which require planning and design services, we would love to hear from you – please contact Bruce Hart on 01603 397057 or email design@prparchitecture.com
The Maids Head Hotel in Tombland, Norwich, has purchased an elegant Edwardian style Frolic 31 electric launch and, following a winter refit, the boat will take to the River Wensum in Norwich, when it will be officially named The Murtle Fish.
The boat will be driven by a Maids Head skipper, assisted by a steward, and can take 12 passengers. The Murtle Fish will be available to hire from the spring for afternoon tea afloat, wedding photography and receptions, business away days, drinks receptions and guided river tours.
A two-hour trip will depart from the Quayside next to Fye Bridge and will head to Whitlingham before returning to the city centre. The Murtle Fish will also be used to transport guests to the Maids Head’s box at Norwich City FC.
Christine Malcolm, General Manager, the Maids Head Hotel said: “We are really looking forward to offering a luxury service afloat in the heart of Norwich. The Murtle Fish will complement our two Bentleys, providing a memorable experience for guests.”
The Murtle Fish is the original name of the Maids Head Hotel. The tavern operated on the Maids Head site from at least the middle of the 13th century. The name change to the Maids Head was confirmed in a Paston Letter dated 22 November 1472.
Never has a dark, foggy drive been more happily made than Thursday mornings journey from Norwich to our first Great Yarmouth networking breakfast of 2020!
Even with the dark January early start, the Royal Assembly Rooms was warm and welcoming and the room was filled with coffee and chat.
It was great to catch up with our members after the festive holidays and hear their exciting plans for the upcoming year and to introduce guests who are looking to join the Norfolk Chambers.
We were thrilled that the event got off to a roaring start with our guest speaker David Field, CEO of the Zoological Society of East Anglia talking about his journey and joy of running the charity that leads Banham Zoo and Africa Alive!
David’s energy and enthusiasm for his conservation work is encouraging and awe inspiring! David was also joined by Suzy Jackson, Head of HR to talk about the charity work of David and the team at the ZSEA.
In a talk that we wished wouldn’t end, he took us from the 18th Century’s first Zoo to the cultural impact of zoos on society, to AA Milne’s meeting with the real Winnie The Poo. He told us how his mother finally stopped asking when he was going to get a ‘proper job’, when he started meeting influential people such as HRH The Queen and Lord David Attenborough.
When David is not in Madagascar working on one of the many ZSEA’s conservation projects, or inviting protestors to take a walk with him around the zoo, he is passionately working to bring his mission and vision to life. It’s a mission to connect communities to nature for conservation and a vision that our world will be a haven for wildlife and people.
Uptech Ltd, a multi-award-winning managed service provider based in Kings Lynn, has acquired Lincolnshire IT firm Jalapeno Business Services. This strategic move will enhance the services and resources available to Jalapeno’s clients while maintaining a high level of service.
Under the Uptech umbrella, Jalapeno Business Services based in Bassingham near Lincoln will transition to operating under the Uptech name.
James Fowler, Business Development Manager at Uptech Ltd, said: “This merger marks a significant milestone, promising enriched service offerings and greater innovation.
“Jalapeno Business Services will operate under the Uptech Ltd name and the transition will allow us to leverage Uptech’s extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge technology solutions, and industry-leading expertise.
“Our commitment to delivering high-quality service remains unchanged, and we are excited about the enriched service offerings and greater innovation this partnership brings.”
Mark Brown, owner and director of Jalapeno Business Services, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Uptech Ltd. This partnership allows us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and robust IT solutions, backed by Uptech’s decades of experience and success.
“Our clients will benefit greatly from the additional resources and expertise now available to them.”
Despite the change in branding, all Jalapeno’s current employees will stay on board, continuing to operate from the same office locations. This continuity will ensure that the company’s clients will receive consistent and familiar support while gaining access to the expanded capabilities that Uptech brings to the table.
Uptech Ltd has a long track record of excellence, marked by numerous awards and recognitions within the managed service industry in Norfolk and East Anglia, including Best Managed IT Services Firm 2024 in East Anglia.
As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, Uptech continues to pioneer innovative solutions and deliver exceptional results for businesses across various sectors.
For more information about the transition and the enhanced services now available, visit www.uptech.co.uk or contact James Fowler at james@uptech.co.uk
Leading regional accountancy firm, Larking Gowen, has appointed two new Partners working across its offices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Giles Kerkham, who has been with the firm since 2000, becomes a Partner within the Audit and Advisory Team leading the Not for Profit and Education practice, while Dominic Carter has been appointed Partner for the firm’s Tax Advisory team.
Giles commented, “This is a diverse and exciting sector with a wide range of clients, from care homes and hospices to theatres, cinemas and even zoos. Being promoted to Partner is something I’m extremely proud of. The firm has a strong commitment to this area, and I’m looking forward to leading and developing the team further,” he said.
While Giles’ principal focus has been the Not for Profit sector for several years, the team remains a key part of the wider audit team, also working closely with others across the firm.
“It’s essential to be able to draw on the knowledge and experience of colleagues with different expertise so that we can provide complete and rounded advice to our clients,” he said.
“The way that we collaborate and work together to do this is what sets us apart and differentiates the service we provide to clients. We have excellent and supportive teams and I’d like to continue to develop the first-class service we offer to our clients.
“Our ambition is to be the firm that charities think of first, for expertise, service, experience and delivery.”
Dominic Carter joined the firm’s Ipswich office as a Tax Director in 2019, supporting the tax advisory offering across the business. He has more than 20 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant in national and regional firms.
“My role is mainly with larger owner managed businesses, where we have seen a very high demand for tax services, both from a company and shareholder perspective,” he said.
“We have been looking at property tax aspects, re-organisations, share schemes and equity rewards. Clients are thinking about how they want to position themselves for the future, and the ability of our team to support them has driven growth for us.
“The response to this demand from Larking Gowen has been absolutely fantastic. The growth reflects how we operate as a firm. There is a mindset across all parts of the business and at all levels, to look for opportunities to help our clients and look at their needs holistically.”
He said that since lockdown, clients had become more proactive about changing the structure of their companies and planning for the future of their businesses.
“COVID has made people think strategically about the future. They’ve had time to contemplate and challenge the way things are done, not just as business owners, but also as individuals. By working together across the firm, we’ve been able to cater for these changes,” he said.
Larking Gowen Managing Partner Julie Grimmer said, “I’m delighted to see Giles and Dominic in their new roles as Partners. They have both already made a huge contribution to the firm, and I look forward to seeing their teams going from strength to strength.”
Greater Anglia is adding more weekday services from Monday 7 February in anticipation of more people travelling to work in the wake of Plan B restrictions being lifted.
More trains will run on all the main routes into London Liverpool Street from Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend Victoria, Cambridge, Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford East.
The intercity service between Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and London Liverpool Street will become half hourly for most of the day, only operating hourly for parts of the evening.
A normal regional weekday service will operate, including four additional peak services on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth line, which will be reinstated.
The Stansted Express service between London and Stansted Airport will continue with mostly two trains an hour but with three trains an hour at certain times.
The company has seen a steady increase in passenger numbers since the Government lifted Plan B restrictions – including removing work from home guidance – with numbers expected to grow in coming weeks as companies prepare to welcome workers back into offices.
Greater Anglia’s commuter numbers are expected to reflect widely reported changes to working patterns, with people doing a mixture of working from home and going into the office, and mid-week days being the most popular for travel.
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “We’re pleased to be to welcoming customers back, whether they’re travelling to work or school and college, or for a fun leisure trip. We’re aiming to match the number of services we run to the number of passengers using them.
“We want to provide a safe, reliable and punctual service for our customers, but we also want to provide the best possible value for taxpayers as we are now funded entirely by the government and so ultimately taxpayers.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have altered our services depending on passenger numbers and government guidance.
“Although like everyone we hope the pandemic is nearing an end and that we are approaching a more normal period, we will continue to monitor passenger numbers and make any further adjustments to our services if necessary.
“It’s safe to travel on our trains, even when it’s busy, as we have good ventilation on board and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning and sanitisation.
“We’re asking passengers to continue to wear face coverings on our trains and stations, following government advice to wear them in busy places.
“We look forward to seeing more and more people travelling by train again over the months ahead and to providing the best possible service for them.”
Passengers can check train times on the Greater Anglia website.
Anyone who has tickets for a train which is no longer running as a result of these timetable changes can catch the service either immediately before or after it or can apply for a refund free of charge.