Member Blog

We have recently completed a full refurbishment of two of our popular hotel rooms – Crab Apple and Sweet Chestnut. Read about more about our interior inspirations here:

Crab Apple

Crab Apple is one of our exterior Summer House Suites. As part of our ongoing programme of improvements, we have laid new flooring, and updated all furnishings and wallpaper for a contemporary Nordic vibe. 

Choosing textured wallpaper has given that cosy feel, and accents of mustard and grey provide a modern yet calming look. 

In the lounge, exposed whitewashed ceiling beams complement the thoughtful lighting. Gorgeous views of the Mead and the river beyond are picked out in the playful touches including bird motif cushions. The comfy sofa bed provides a tranquil spot to unwind, and also the space to sleep two children for families requiring accommodation. 

In the bedroom, the grey accents continue with a re-covered headboard for the king sized bed, and textured cushions, rugs and blankets. Clean and stylish furniture including a gorgeous brown leather look armchair and carefully positioned wall features including a large circular mirror give a relaxed luxury effect. The bedroom is finished with contemporary lamps, and lots of storage space.

Sweet Chestnut

Sweet Chestnut is one of our Cottages which is perfect for families sleeping four guests comfortably.

The updates to the downstairs lounge area include new flooring and furnishings – with accents of blush pink, soft greys and deep blues picked out in textured cushions, tassled lampshades and a gorgeous plush royal blue rug. 

The feature wallpaper boasts an ornate repeating scroll and floral cream pattern on deep blue giving a plush Parisian feel. The French chic look continues with art deco inspired furniture and soft grey bucket dining chairs which feel amazing to touch. The feature fireplace provides a focal point to the room. 

We have added a sink and fridge discreetly to the corner of the living area providing convenience to the tea and coffee amenities area with large windows looking out onto the private terrace. 

The feature wallpaper continues up the central staircase opening onto the upstairs landing. 

The new king sized bed in the master bedroom has a gorgeous soft grey headboard and upholstered surround providing a sumptuous setting to unwind. A stunning deep blue textured armchair reflects the feature wallpaper and the colour pops come from warm tones of mustard, grey and olive green in the cushions and throws. 

The twin bedroom across the hallway repeats the deep blue feature wallpaper with scroll motif, with the marble side table and funky lighting mirroring downstairs. Textured throws and cushions in grey shades give a cosy feel making the most of the original exposed beams and complementing the lovely view over the front lawn.

Norfolk minibreak

If you are looking to book your next Norfolk minibreak accommodation, give our team a call. We guarantee the best room rates if you call direct on 01603 737 531 or email info@norfolkmead.co.uk

View all our Rooms on our dedicated website page. 

What’s the best thing to do for your business at the beginning of any new year?

Dust off your Business Plan of course.

I can hear the sighs of boredom form here. And I can imagine the “Business Plan. What Business Plan? I don’t need a Business Plan” shrug of the shoulders. Maybe you feel you haven’t got time (or the will) to refresh your Business Plan – or even put one together in the first place. You just want to get on with marketing your products and services so that you can sell more.

Gosh, I hate to be the one to rain on your parade, but a successful business starts with BUSINESS PLANNING NOT MARKETING.

Before you get started on your marketing planning this January, I would like you to think a little bit about Business Planning because, believe me, your marketing won’t work if you don’t know what you are marketing and who you are marketing it to – that’s Business Planning.

You Have to Plan Your Business If You Want a Business

As someone with a micro business or a side hustle, you have to plan your businesses if you are going to have a business at all.

You may think it’s hard, that you have to produce a massive analytical document, that you will get bogged down in detail, or you think it takes time and it’s boring. You just want to get on and do your ‘thing’.

However, your business plan is vital because it holds the key to selling your ‘offer’ to your target market – MARKETING. Your business plan is your detailed route map from PASSION to PROFIT.

The Missing Link Between Passion and Profit Is Planning

I have worked with so many business owners who are struggling to make that leap from their passion for their products or services through to a profitable micro or side hustle business. They want to stay small but be big – it’s just not happening.

My task as their Business Mentor is to work with them to create systems, processes and automations that will allow them to grow and develop. Invariably, the biggest thing standing in the way of this happening is a lack of clarity on what to do when to ensure the biggest impact.

They need a plan for their business – not necessarily a Business Plan. If you’re not sure of the key difference, take a look at this blog

The One Page Business Plan

When I first approached the problem my clients were experiencing, I looked around for something that would help.

I found lots of examples of so-called ‘simple’ business plans – some of them were even on one page (with very, very small text!). But I didn’t find anything that specifically worked for those ultra-small, often artisan, micro or side hustle businesses.

For me, one of the biggest failings in these examples was their inability to:

• place the business owner at the heart – the ‘why me’, ‘why this business’ aspects
• recognise the proximity of the business owner to their customers – in a micro business, it’s the business owner who answers the phone
• understand that the business owner does everything!

If you have a micro business or a side hustle your planning doesn’t have to be difficult, and the plan for your business doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be done on one page – I know, because I have created one just for you.

If you want a copy and start to take your business from passion to profit, you can get your copy here.

Once you have downloaded your copy of the One Page Business Plan, don’t forget to let me know how you get on. 

On January 14 2020 Microsoft switched off support for Windows 7. This means there are no longer software updates, security updates or technical support for any issues you encounter. This leaves your Windows 7 PC, and your business vulnerable. If you are still running Windows 7 on your business PC, you have a greater risk of viruses and malware.

At Breakwater IT, we recommend upgrading to Windows 10 as soon as possible. With Windows 10 you get built-in, ongoing security protection, increased efficiency with a faster, better connected PC and upgraded preferences to give you a unique work style. Whilst you can make the switch to Windows 10 on your older device, it is recommended to upgrade your PC as those originally built with Windows 7 are running 10-year old technology. Ageing PCs should be replaced with their newer, faster, more lightweight and powerful equivalents. A new PC will enable you to take full advantage of the latest capabilities a modern operating system such as Windows 10 has to offer. Microsoft have provided some handy tools and tips to aid you in the transition to Windows 10:

1. Back up your files and photos to OneDrive or to an external hard drive. Learn more.
2. Get tips on Windows 10 – offering free tips and tutorials on how to use it. Learn more.
3. Download the new Microsoft Edge and sign in to easily transfer your ‘Favourites’ to any Windows 10 PC. Learn more.

Support for Office 2010 will end on October 13 2020. If you haven’t made the switch yet, get in touch with our expert team at Breakwater IT today to discuss your transition to Windows 10 and how we can support you through the journey.

For those who have an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s important that you have the right skills, qualifications, and experience behind you before launching a business. With half of all start-ups failing in their first year of operation, the last thing you want to do is add to the statistic, so undergoing relevant training and education can help set you up for success.

More and more entrepreneurs are realising how important an MBA is for their career goals. Not only will you learn superior knowledge that will teach you the A-Z of running a business, but there are tons of transferable skills that you can utilise effectively in the workplace. With so many benefits, it comes as no surprise why the MBA is still a game changing qualification, so here are just a few advantages that you can gain from obtaining an MBA degree.

Increases Your Earning Potential

Regarded as the most practical advantage of an MBA degree, individuals who embark on this course can earn far more than those without a masters under their belt. There have been many studies carried out that have concluded that those with this qualification have a much higher chance of earning a better salary. The business knowledge you acquire throughout your course will put you at a higher advantage of securing your dream role.

Ability to Study Online

If you’re currently in full time employment, you may find it difficult to commit yourself to an MBA, however, with the option to study online, you are able to fit your learning and coursework around your day to day schedule. There are many benefits that come with studying online, such as:

• Teaching you self-discipline and responsibility
• Learning from the comfort of your own home
• More choice of course topics
• Lower total costs and debts
• Flexible schedule

Studying at your own pace can increase concentration levels, giving you the time that you need to focus on your work. If you’re serious about studying for an online MBA, you can visit https://studyonline.aston.ac.uk/programmes/master-business-administration-online for more details.

Learn Transferable Skills

While the MBA tends to be specifically tailored towards business and finance, the modules that you learn throughout the course will touch upon various other industries, as well as provide you with transferable skills that you can implement into the workplace. Some of the key transferable skills that you will gain include:

• Leadership
• Written communication
• Time management
• Research and analytical skills
• Personal development

Superior Business Knowledge

Not only will you learn a range of transferable skills that can help you stand out from other candidates, completing an MBA will help you gain specialised business knowledge. There are numerous practices and concepts that you will be required to learn which will teach you how to better evaluate data, as well as calculate risks. When it comes to taking business related decisions, the knowledge you obtain can help you feel more confident.

Networking Opportunities

In the business world, knowing how to network is a key trait that employers look out for. No matter who you encounter in your professional endeavours, knowing how to hold your own can help generate leads and increase sales. Throughout your MBA, you will have access to influential people in the industry who can teach you words of wisdom and knowledge to help prepare you for the working world. Some of the key networking benefits include:

• Strengthening business connections
• Getting fresh ideas
• Advancing your career
• Building confidence and self-esteem

Higher Employment Rates

Once you’ve completed your MBA, going into the working world may fill you with dread, however, as long as you gain good grades, you have a much better chance of securing the job you want. Regarded as one of the most prestigious postgraduate degrees you can do, MBAs are held in high regard in both the business and financial community. So, if your goal is to work for an organisation, having an MBA on your CV can do wonders when it comes to gaining employment.

Gain Leadership Skills

For those who like the idea of starting their own company, during your MBA you will learn excellent leadership skills that can teach you how to handle important business decisions. If you plan to employ others in your company, an MBA will teach you the importance of teamwork, giving you the skills needed to motivate and encourage your workforce. Leadership can also boost profits for your business, making your clients and customers take you more seriously.

Whether your goal is to launch your own company, or you like the idea of working in a senior position for an organisation, gaining relevant and credible qualifications like an MBA degree can set you apart from other candidates, and increase the chance of you securing the role.

Many think that the key to entrepreneurial success is having funding and a great product. While both of these are essential components, they are only part of a much larger picture. Finding success requires a variety of skills and abilities outside the desire to sell a product or service. Here are seven skills entrepreneurs must-have in business to be successful.

Confidence Enough to Be Assertive

It is not enough to have confidence in a product; one must have enough confidence to be assertive in their beliefs and speak their opinions on the matter. If your ideas never find a voice, they will never reach the level needed for success. Being assertive does not mean bulldozing over everyone else and ignoring their views. It means learning to say no when it is necessary and standing behind your opinion and ideas while accepting the relevant ideas of others along the way.

Courage to Take a Risk and Adaptability to Change

The business world is constantly changing, and to be on the path to success, you need to be able to change with it. It might help to compare this to blackjack, for although the game might seem simple or straightforward, it has evolved a lot in a short period of time. It now comes in a host of versions beyond the classic version like Deal or No Deal, Pontoon, Blackjack Switch, and Spanish 21. They all have different rules too, and what works for one game might not work for another. To be able to play the game, just like in business, you need to learn the new rules – and retain that information – and then adapt the various strategies you learned as you go. In business, this means you not only need to be open to change, but you need to be able to think on your feet and make good decisions based on the information you have.

Ability to Listen to What Isn’t Being Said

Listening is not merely hearing the words that others vocalize. Success requires that an entrepreneur hones the skill of listening to the words that they’re not saying. Learning to interpret that investors silence as a lack of trust in the product that needs addressing means the difference between finding the required backing and losing out before getting started. 

Ambition to Succeed

Entrepreneurship is a daunting venture which requires enough ambition to push past the hurdles that are in the path of success. While it would be easier to give up when things seem impossible, an ambitious person will see these hurdles as stairs to their ultimate goal, victory. Finding the right balance between ambition and perseverance makes the difference between the halfway point and the finish line. 

Desire to Learn

Learning is a skill most wish to leave upon graduation from their university. A great entrepreneur has the willingness to learn continuously. This desire to learn is needed as new advancements arise in technology, business processes, and clientele. To achieve growth, every company must learn what their consumers want, what their competitors have, and how to make something that is better. This skill means learning from those who have come before and creating something for 

Communication and Networking Capabilities

Communication in the business world has come a long way. With social media, websites, and email becoming the preferred method of communication for both venders and consumers alike, the ability to communicate has never been more critical. Entrepreneurs in today’s society must be able to utilize networking skills and communicate on the levels their clients are demanding. If any venture is to succeed with millennials on the pulse of commerce, entrepreneurs must learn to communicate virtually, what their predecessors had had the luxury of doing face to face.

Ability to Think Creatively

The final skill that is vital for a successful entrepreneur is creativity. The ability to think outside the proverbial box and find new and inventive ways to wow consumers with products that have been mass-produced for years is what makes the difference between a successful business and one that falls just short of the end goal. 

Pulling it all Together

While having a product that consumers want is a crucial part of finding success in any business venture, these seven skills are the keys that unlock the gates to finding entrepreneurial achievement in a world where hundreds of new businesses start daily. They are the essentials needed to reach the finish line in the business world. 

Let’s face it, the ideal job for many is one that means you can work from home. You get more flexibility in your hours, can wear whatever you like and don’t have to do a lengthy commute in all weathers of the year. There are many jobs out there that allow you to work from home, it’s up to you to think about your skills and what you can do to earn the cash from the comfort of your own living room.

You need to think about where your talents lie – whether you are a natural writer, crafter or have great customer service and people skills. You could try reading up and researching what skills certain roles need and hone in on these before applying for jobs. You will also need to be prepared that work from home office jobs can require long and sometimes unsocial work hours, so you need to think of the role that is right for you. Here are some of our top ideas for home office jobs to get the ball rolling…

Online support agent

One stay at home office job you could do is to be an online support agent such as for bingo or sports betting sites. One of the most important roles in online gaming is this customer service role. You’d need to be quick to reply, knowledgeable and quick to learn and friendly too. You would be responsible for acting as a liaison for customers who come to the site and assist with different aspects such as complaints, questions, errors, signing up, cancellations, billing and any other queries they might have.

Freelance writer

A freelance writer is another great office job you can do from home. You can start with a few low-level jobs before building up to bigger ones. There are many sites you can use to get these jobs, such as People Per Hour, Fiverr and more. You can use many different resources such as Linkedin or Facebook to get advice and tips, and, of course, read the many blogs and sites out there with top tips to earn money from your writing. To be a freelance writer you need to be able to turn content round within a good time frame and have good research skills for when topics need more in-depth information.

A virtual assistant

A virtual assistant provides administrative support to either an individual or a team while working remotely. Your tasks will normally include a range of administrative tasks such as answering emails, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements and any other tasks they put your way. It’s important to have strong communication and a good internet connection for this. Most keep in touch via instant messaging such as Skype or Slack. This is a role that will require you to be organized and efficient so you can stay on top of the different tasks assigned to you. We suggest ensuring you have a good filing and recording system to keep track of everything.

An online tutor

Another way you can put your skills to use and have an at-home office job is to become an online tutor. An online tutor may work with anyone from young children to teens and adult learners. All you need is a computer, a strong internet connection and a quiet spot where you can interact with the student and help them with their learning. For many tutoring jobs, you will need a degree, however, some will accept or require an educational background in a specific subject or additional qualifications. You will normally either interact through Skype or a similar program so it’s important you have a webcam and a good microphone to communicate with.

Sell home-made craft items

If you are a bit crafty and creative on the site, you could set up your own online store. People work from home selling all sorts of things they make, including jewelry, greeting cards, trinket boxes and much more. It’s a great way to make some extra money on the side while also doing something you love every day. You could have your own website selling your items or piggy-back on sites such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy.

Business Planning is More than a Cliché

Quotes, clichés, sayings – we love them. They pepper presentations, make beautiful images that are posted on Facebook and are re-Tweeted massively in Twitter streams. The reason we like them is that someone has summed-up, succinctly, a point or an issue that resonates with us.

A quick Google search of the terms “quotes” and “planning” will bring you an absolute mass of quotes both ancient and modern; from the classic by Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan you are planning to fail” to John Lennon’s “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

One of my favourites is “It pays to plan ahead; it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”

So, with nearly half of small business failing within the first five years ….

Why Does Business Planning Come So Low on the Agenda?

Could it be that many business owners think that taking time out from actually running the business is a waste of time?

Maybe they think you only need a plan if you are seeking finance?

Perhaps they’re not sure what to include in a plan or how a plan can really help move their business forward?

Starting a business is a pretty emotional experience. You pour your heart and soul into getting this ‘entity’ off the ground. This is a good thing; but it can also be a bad thing – making it difficult for you to see the business as an object that needs managing and where, sometimes, very hard decisions have to be made.

A plan allows you to disassociate from your business and provides you with a wider perspective.

But does the plan for your business need to be the traditional, take-it-to-the-bank, umpteen-pages-long Business Plan?

Absolutely not!

It all depends on what you want to achieve. Your plan needs to be the plan that will most help you manage and grow your business.

There is a distinction between a Business Plan and a plan for your business. On the whole, smaller businesses, micro businesses and side hustles need a plan for their business – something that tells them where they are going, how they will get there and how to keep on track.

For more of an in-depth look at types of plans, here are three examples of plans that share similar characteristics – but serve very different proposes:

The Strategic Plan

Strategic planning is a systematic process that allows you to develop a series of long-term objectives. I work with many of my clients on a 5-year strategic plan.

This type of plan starts with identifying your desired end results over a specific time period (such as 5-years). You then work backwards to where the business is today.

As I said, many of my clients work on a 5-year timeline; they determine where they want their business to be within a five-year time-frame in terms of size, turnover, staffing levels, products services etc. Once that has been done it’s much easier to work backwards answering the question “If this is where I want my business to be in five-years-time, where does the business need to be in four-years, in three-years…” etc. etc.

Strategic planning is big-picture stuff; it’s overarching, but it won’t tell you what you need to do on a day-to-day basis.

The Business Plan

Business planning provides the detailed route map that will take your business to the desired outcome, i.e., the objectives identified in the Strategic Plan

For a Business Plan you need to collect and analyse a wide range of information about yourself, your business and your business sector; about how it operates, how conditions are developing currently and identifying future trends.

If you are using your Business Plan to get business finance it will need to be an in-depth analysis of what you are selling, how you are selling your products or services, how much it will cost to sell your products or services and how much money you aim to make by selling your products or services. This is what I describe as the traditional, take-it-to-the-bank, umpteen-pages-long Business Plan.

If you are not going out to finance, you still need a plan, but it doesn’t need to be as complicated. In fact, I have created a One-Page Business Plan that really allows you to get to the heart of what you want to achieve in your small, micro or side hustle business

The Action Plan

A problem I have identified is that many of the business owners I work with think a Business Plan is an Action Plan. It’s not.

• Your Strategic Plan outlines your overarching vision and business objectives, for example, reach new customers, drive repeat business, increase turnover
• Your Business Plan describes your market and identifies a set of measurable goals that will allow you to achieve your business objectives, for example, 10% new customers; 25% repeat business; 15% increase in turnover
• You Action Plan breaks down the measurable goals in your business plan into realistic and achievable monthly, weekly, daily activities that will allow you to achieve your business objectives, for example, develop a ‘loss-leader’ online course to upsell priced programme and attract 20 new clients (2%); offer a monthly 20-minute, free refresher to VIP clients, put prices up by 5%

In a nutshell, your Action Plan is the thing that tells you what you will be doing at 10.30am on Monday morning; and why you are doing it. It’s the list of things that need to happen to ensure you meet the targets you set yourself with your Business Plan and it’s the thing you can cross things out on with a big, red pen and say “Done that, what’s next?”

If you aren’t sure how to start the planning process for your business; or you’re not sure how to review and refresh your current business plan book your Breakthrough Session today.

In 2020, social media appears to be a hub that many people use to connect with friends, local businesses and find out breaking news. For this reason, many business owners find themselves focusing their marketing efforts on social media and rightly so – it can be very beneficial to do this.

Of course, the focus on social media often leads to a lack of focus on the main website for a business. Many people believe that this is not worth it and it is an expense that they don’t have the budget for. Here, we are going to look at how websites benefit your business and whether they are really worth it. Keep reading to find out more.

Showcasing Your Brand

One of the main advantages of having a website for your business is that it can help to showcase your brand. If you simply use a Facebook page to promote your product or service, you won’t be able to offer your customers all of the information that you want to.

Having a website gives you the chance to showcase your brand by providing imagery, videos and content that discusses what you are all about. This is something to consider if you don’t have a website already.

Payment Made Online

Another reason why websites can be worth it for small businesses is that they allow for payments to be made online. Say, for example, you wanted to sell something or ask for a deposit for a table. This isn’t something which is always possible without a website and having to take payments over the phone can cause a lot more hassle.

NetBet UK is a great example of a site that has partnered with payment providers like PayPal and Trustly to make payments easier online. This is something that you should consider if you are setting up your website.

Getting Noticed

Finally, you should know that websites can be great for getting your brand noticed. If you are able to create a website with great content and you optimise it for SEO, you can start to show up on google search results. Yes, you can still do this with your Facebook page and your Google My Business account but a website is often much better. Your website will attract customers and they will be more likely to convert or get in touch if they can see that you are a trusted brand. If exposure is your goal, a website can really help with that in the UK.

Final Verdict

While setting up a website can be an expensive task, it is definitely worth it in the end if you manage to create a good website with SEO in place. It is still possible to have a great website and a social media presence that gets you even more customers. Businesses in the UK need to harness the power of a good website and 2020 is the perfect time to do it.

The Tudor Lodge Consultants team is very happy to announce a brand new collaboration with MenoCare, helping the firm to boost its SEO rankings and overall online presence to a much wider audience so that more women can gain advice and help to restore their intimate health in the UK.

Who are MenoCare?

MenoCare, in partnership with The Regenerative Clinic, is made up of a team of world-renowned specialists dedicated to restoring women’s intimate health in a minimally invasive manner.

The aim, is to ensure that women do not have to suffer in silence with vaginal problems that if left untreated, could cause a hugely negative impact on their day to day life.

How we are helping MenoCare?

Site fix: as search engine optimisation experts, we know just how important it is to ensure meta descriptions and titles are of an adequate length, with relevant keywords, in order to help boost rankings.

Content writing: MenoCare in collaboration with The Regenerative Clinic, are leading experts in women’s intimate health. To reflect this to a broader audience, we have been working with MenoCare to put together informative guides on this subject area, building a reputation for the brand.

Keyword ranking: focusing on keyword research is important for helping MenoCare rank highly on SERPs, so we conducted thorough research on words that relate to their field of expertise.

There are several areas to consider when choosing to work with a call answering company.

It’s not only cost.  Although that’s always going to be a consideration.

If you understand what it is what you want to achieve, then it will make the choice easier.  I will run through a few different options below for you to consider.

Basic message taking Even with basic message taking there are things to consider.

If a lot of background noise isn’t a problem for you, then a large call centre may work for you.

Calls will be scripted and even if one of your friends calls and says, ‘they know me’, they may still be asked for their full name as the scripting system won’t allow any flexibility.

It will be one of possibly over 100 people answering your call.  They will have very little knowledge of your business.

It will be basic.  Name, telephone number and brief message.  Possibly an email address too.

Large call centres base their business model on high volume.  Calls will be hurried and without any of the niceties and small talk.  The call will probably be under a minute.

The lowest price we’ve seen is 77p a call.  Generally, this type of operation will charge between £1 – £1.50 per call plus VAT.  If an SMS is included, it would normally be at an additional rate.

Some companies will have a monthly standing fee in addition to the per call fee.

Bespoke call answering Bespoke call answering companies are generally either smaller, or a larger company split into smaller groups.

The people answering the calls will understand you and your callers and will have more time to spend on a call.  It will be very customer focussed.

There will be time for the ‘niceties’.  Asking about their health if they’ve been poorly.  Interest in the caller.

They will be able to deal with much more complex calls.  For example, booking appointments into a podiatry clinic and have a basic knowledge of the service.  Sending out additional documentation such as consent forms.  Booking blood tests at a laboratory.  Making a hotel or restaurant reservation.

This service will be priced individually to suit specific needs.  It’s unlikely to be scripted and the company will have high training standards.

Calls are likely to be considerably longer, and the price will reflect that.

It may be a per call rate of £3 – £5, or a per minute rate from £1.50 a minute.

Pricing This is a complex area.  The headline price may not be what you will pay.

All call answering companies work on a similar model – time.  The more complex the call, the more time it will take which attracts a higher rate.

There may be a fixed monthly fee on top of the call rate.  A one-off set-up fee added to the first bill.

Additional fees for sending an SMS, setting up an out of hours voicemail.  Another fee for Saturdays and evenings. 

Every company is different.

This year is already gearing up to be an exciting one for businesses in Norfolk and the chances are that many organisations are already giving serious thought to how they can develop their offerings and enjoy new levels of success across the months ahead. One topic which will no doubt be on the agenda of many companies will be how they can leverage technology in new and innovative ways, including whether it is time for some firms to finally embrace the benefits of going mobile.

Making a difference

There have been plenty of intriguing news stories across Norfolk in recent months regarding how mobile technology is making a difference to many lives. The fact that 58 per cent of First Eastern Counties bus users now purchase mTickets, which are bought via a mobile app and scanned on the public transport services. Furthermore, there was also news of the University of East Anglia-backed Safepoint launching a lone worker safety app, which allows people to log key information about their jobs on a central system. If they do not then mark a task as completed, an alert is triggered for an employer to check on the individual.

These are both great examples of the benefits of mobile technology and, whether you’re a local business wanting to raise your profile or an entrepreneur with grand plans to build a venture with international reach, there is plenty of evidence that the right app could prove very beneficial.

A big part of our lives

A new report released by mobile market data provider App Annie has put a spotlight on the huge role that smartphones and tablets now play in many of our lives, with the study estimating that the average person spent 3.7 hours on mobile devices in 2019. The research also found that consumers downloaded around 204 billion apps across the year, spending around $120 billion on them in the process.

But which apps are proving particularly popular with consumers? Gaming is one area which has thrived on mobile in recent years, with so many different experiences now available at the touch of a button. Not only are strategy games like Supercell’s Clash of Clans easily accessible on mobile but has also developed in-game news sections to support players and keep interest high. Meanwhile, online casinos have also embraced gaming on the move, for example Betway offer an optimised mobile portal and an app to customers featuring everything from slot games to the likes of roulette and blackjack. The App Annie report stated that mobile gaming is now the most popular form of the pastime and pointed to the fact that major franchises like Call of Duty and Mario Kart had moved into the area as evidence of its continued success. Such findings could prove interesting reading for local software developers, as well as brands considering the idea of using a casual game to promote their services.

The App Annie study also suggested consumers are migrating more financial activities to mobile, while apps are also used for research when they are undertaking shopping too. It also suggested that this year could be the biggest year for mobile yet, particularly with new innovations like 5G set to push the capabilities of such devices to a whole new level.

Small business benefits

All of the findings from that report suggest that consumers are using mobile apps now for a range of different activities. However, while larger organisations may be in a stronger position to develop such pieces of software, should smaller firms be spending valuable time and resources on going mobile too?

According to a study undertaken by Clutch at the start of 2018, the answer is yes. The research found that more than 40 per cent of small businesses have a mobile app, while another 30 per cent intend to build one in the future. Examining the key benefits that such firms get from embracing apps, the research found that 26 per cent regard the option of mobile payment as the most valuable feature offered by their software. Other key features included the possibility to communicate directly with customers and the ability to create a customer loyalty program. The latter point perhaps raises a fundamental point which could be worth bearing in mind if you are looking to develop a mobile app – it is generally best to target existing customers. While the Clutch research found that 28 per cent of small businesses create mobile apps to attract new customers, the organisation warned that this was not good reasoning for an app as drawing people to it would require a significant level of marketing. Instead, a better approach would be to consider how an app could support communication with those you already have a relationship with, which is why loyalty schemes may well be a good idea to explore.

A chance for real success

Businesses of all sizes across Norfolk will be looking at so many different areas as they seek out new ways to develop their services across the rest of 2020. However, with research showing how so many of us are spending more and more time on mobile devices, firms should be thinking about how they can get involved in that area. The businesses that find the right idea and approach when developing mobile apps could go on to have significant success in the future.

Present, Future and Past

With a rapidly evolving marketplace comes challenges and opportunities. Going into 2020 we are positive, optimistic and full of gratitude for the people that allow Chatsbrook to grow year on year. With an amazing 2019 behind us, we’re not stopping there! For the past few months, we have been busy aligning ourselves to the prospective industry changes and trends. Maintaining our competitive edge is very important to us as it means that our clients continue to benefit from our services.

In an interview with Adrian Brooks, director of Chatsbrook, he discusses how Chatsbrook stays ahead of the game by integrating provisions that are based on industry reports and predictions…

“Across varying industries, each marketplace is prone to fluctuations as well as new advancements- but that is not something to shy away from. At Chatsbrook, our priority is to accommodate the client, which is why our development is crucial.”

“Since the initial launch of the business, we have streamlined our panel of lenders to ensure a stronger blend of funders which meet with our clients’ credit and asset requirements. During 2019 our repeat business was running at 73%, highlighting customer satisfaction, the continued support our clients provide and the strong relationships we are building. In addition, we have built an outstanding mix of Commercial Loan lenders and are now able to offer a range of different products to suit each client. We also recognise the need for additional cashflow facilities that are not always tied to asset purchases. Recently, we have supported a client with a commercial loan where a second charge against a property was required, with new products, we are able to extend our capabilities in order to support customers with new acquisitions.”

“In 2020 we are excited to launch our Contract Hire division where clients can place an order for any make of car or light commercial vehicle (LCV) directly through Chatsbrook financed through a contract hire facility.”  

“We are thrilled to launch our “Partnership Programme”! The prospect of further consolidating relationships with businesses who share our values and who are looking to extend their customer experience using funding solutions facilitated by Chatsbrook is exciting!!” – For further details on how this service could benefit your business please contact Adrian Brooks on 01603 733500.

Chatsbrook have committed financial Investment in automated technology in order to streamline our clients’ experience whilst opening various channels of communication. Watch this space to find out more!

“As a business who enters their third year we briefly reflect on our past – In January 2017 Chatsbrook commenced trading as an unknown entity with the core objective to deliver client’s openness, honesty and transparency within the financial sector. The business has been built through self-promotion, prospecting and our extensive network of supporters – Investment was made to enable business expansion raising our commercial profile year on year which has resulted in attracting new customers through recommendations along with new team members. We are excited to be employing soon!”

“Having digested the info@chatsbrook.co.uk