Member News

A trio of shop volunteers have joined forces and are encouraging others to support a leading children’s charity. Pam Baker, Wendy Foulger and Christina Welham give up precious time to work in the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in Market Place, Bungay. There are 44 of the charity’s stores dotted across the region and it is one of 13 in Suffolk. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. It relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and needs to raise £5.4 million from its shops during 2022. Pam has been working in the Bungay shop since a fortnight before it opened five years ago. She lends her services on Tuesdays and Saturdays. “I wanted to do something useful, meet new people and start volunteering for a great cause,” said the 75-year-old, who lives in nearly Ellingham. “My children are grown up and I find it gives me a real sense of purpose. “I love it and always enjoy my days in the shop, spending time with customers and colleagues. “I find the work useful and like sorting through donations. I’ll help with anything in the shop but generally concentrate on our bric-a-brac section. “I’d certainly recommend volunteering to anyone, of any age. “It gives you the chance to do something you wouldn’t normally do and it’s also a great way to boost confidence. “It’s fantastic in that respect and I’ve worked with lots of people who say it really helped them. “David Scott, our manager, encourages everyone and helps them get the best from their volunteering. No-one is ever made to felt inadequate or not part of the team. “People of all ages volunteer here, from retired people like myself to young people doing their Duke of Edinburgh awards. “It’s brilliant for them and gives them a taste of what the real world is like.” Husband John also lends his support by repairing clocks, to be sold in the shop. Wendy, 73, has been volunteering for three years this month and enjoys being around customers, having previously run her own jewellery shop. Given her knowledge and experience, she takes the lead when it comes to donations of gold and silver jewellery. She also keeps the shop tidy and culls stock after a month on the shelves, to keep the store fresh and updated. “I love it and enjoy being here,” she said. “The people I work with are lovely. “Volunteering gets me out of the house and makes me feel useful. “When I had my own shop I used to love chatting to customers. That’s something I missed before starting here so it’s nice to have that social side back in my life. “It’s great building a rapport with people and trying to help them. “Volunteering is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone and, of course, it’s lovely to support such a special cause. “Jewellery is my niche and my special interest. It’s what I have the most interest in and everyone can bring something to the table, depending on their knowledge.” Christina, 67, is passionate about volunteering. It was something she started before retiring, having worked for the NHS for 35 years. “It’s something I’ve felt strongly about since hearing about EACH’s great work at Quidenham (its former Norfolk hospice, before opening The Nook in 2019),” she said. “It’s a very special cause. “When I retired two and a half years ago, I already knew I wanted to do some volunteering. “EACH was the obvious choice and I haven’t looked back since. “In addition, it gives me structure and that’s very important to me. I need it. “It’s also lovely giving something back to the community and one of the main things I do is dress the shop window. “I’d always recommend volunteering and often encourage others to get involved.” For more information about volunteering, head to www.each.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering or email volunteerservices@each.org.uk Photo credit EACH – Slideshow left to right – Christina Welham, Pam Baker, Wendy Foulger

A leading children’s charity is gathering warm-weather clothing and plans to send donations to civilians in stricken Ukraine. Staff and volunteers are sorting through surplus coats, hats and scarves at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Retail Distribution Centre (RDC), in Thetford. They are items that would normally be heavily discounted and sold in the charity’s end-of-season sale. The goods will be handed to two Norfolk haulage businesses who are offering to transport donations to the Ukrainian border. “We’re all watching the news with a sense of horror and disbelief,” said Head of Retail Central Operations Sarah Throssell. “It’s a truly awful, desperate situation and, like everyone, we want to do what we can to help. “This is only a small gesture but hopefully it helps in some way. “It’s come in response to numerous requests from staff and volunteers, all keen to know what they and we can do. “We have two big sales every year – one at the end of the summer season and one at the end of the winter. “They include large amounts of unsold stock and, at this time of year, that includes coats, scarves and hats. “These are exactly the kind of thing in demand by aid agencies so it makes perfect sense to divert them to be used in Ukraine. We hope it helps.” EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, has a thriving Retail section with 44 shops across East Anglia. The charity is not requesting extra donations from the public. Instead, existing, surplus stock will be sorted and the project will be managed by staff and volunteers at RDC. “We’re politely requesting that people don’t drop off extra items at our shops,” added Sarah. “We’re unable to offer them up as collection points but already have more than enough suitable, surplus, end-of-season stock. “We’ll sort, separate and bag everything here and the plan is for the first batch to be transported by the end of this week. “More should hopefully follow, depending on demand. “In the meantime, in addition to clothing, we’ll also be keeping an eye out for donations of sleeping bags and tents.”

Two images – One is of warehouse assistant Dawn Bloom (left) with long-serving volunteers Barbara Browning and Madeline Gotts, sorting through donations at our Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. The other is of Barbara (left) and Madeline.

A tenacious teenager has signed up for a gruelling walking challenge to support the hospice that cared for his best friend. Marcus Amps-Woodward, 15, is taking part in East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Cromer to Great Yarmouth trek, in June. The fundraiser takes participants on a 32-mile walk along the beautiful Norfolk Coastal Path. Marcus, along with older brother Daniel, has signed up in memory of Rebekah Barber, who received care at EACH’s hospice in Milton, Cambridgeshire. She had a rare, gene-linked brain malformation called Lissencephaly and died in July 2016, aged 10. By coincidence, this year’s event is taking place on Marcus’ 16^th birthday – 25^th June. He said: “Mum spotted an advert for the walk on Facebook. She jokingly suggested I signed up as a birthday treat and I don’t think she expected me to say yes! “However, she planted the seed of an idea and when I get something in my mind I love seeing it through and making it happen. “From that point on I dearly wanted to get involved to try and raise as much as possible. “I’ll be doing it in memory of my best friend, Becca, who spent time at Milton. “We were born four weeks apart and grew up together. Our families are close friends and Becca’s parents are my Godparents. “My eldest sister was in the same school year as one of Becca’s siblings and two of her siblings were members of a choir that my parents run for years, right up until the COVID pandemic. “She was a good friend and she was one of the first people I met in my life, because our mums were such great friends. “We were close for a very long time and I have lots of special childhood memories of growing up together. “It was very upsetting when she passed away. I didn’t know all the details when she was poorly because I was so young myself. “I still think about her all the time. The memories come back in waves and I’ll always consider her a very big part of my life, even though she’s not with us anymore. “I’ll be thinking of her all the way when I take part in the walk. I’ll be doing it to commemorate her 16^th birthday and also the anniversary of her passing, which was 7^th July 2016.” Marcus, who lives in Thorney, near Peterborough, is a student at Arthur Mellows Village College. He is no stranger to walking long distances and also a keen runner. “I’m from an athletics background so feel confident, but know it’s going to be a huge challenge,” he added. “The furthest I’ve ever walked is 20km, so this is a big step up. I’m really looking forward to it. “It’s a great opportunity to raise as much as possible for EACH, as Becca received care at Milton. “The support the whole family got was incredible and made such a difference, at such a very hard time.” Hannah Forbester, EACH Events Fundraiser, said: “We’re so pleased Marcus has signed up for our pier to pier walk. “The fact he has such a personal reason for getting involved makes his involvement extra special. “Hopefully he enjoys the challenge and raises lots of money, while at the same time honouring his best friend’s memory. “We wish him well and look forward to seeing him in June.” Marcus and Daniel both set fundraising goals of £250 each but achieved that amount on the first day, thanks to sponsorship from Peterborough Round Table. Now both have targets of £750 but would love to get higher – maybe £1,000. To sponsor Marcus, who will complete his GCSEs two days before the challenge, click here or head to his fundraising page at eastangliaschildrenshospices.enthuse.com/pf/marcus-amps-woodward. To sponsor Daniel, click here or go to eastangliaschildrenshospices.enthuse.com/pf/daniel-amps-woodward There is still time to sign up for EACH’s pier to pier walk, which gets underway at Cromer Pier and finishes at Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth. All walkers will receive a finishers’ medal and t-shirt. There will be regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks, a lunch break and hot food at the finish. The route is clearly marked and medical assistance will be available, if needed. Tickets cost £30 or £40 with an optional coach transfer from the finish line at Yarmouth to the start line at Cromer. Walkers are asked to have a target sponsorship of £150. For more information or to book a place, click here or go to each.org.uk/support-us/events/pier-to-pier-2022/ EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. It has three hospices, including The Nook, in Framingham Earl, just outside Norwich.

Attached images – Marcus (left) and Daniel. The other shows a young Marcus with Rebekah.

Image shows two of our popular RDC volunteers, Neville Jordan (left) and Neville Tuck (right).

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is on the lookout for volunteers to get involved with its daily van runs. This often involves supporting one of the existing drivers, based at the charity’s Retail Distribution Centre (RDC) in Thetford. Supply Chain Manager Roger Leggett said: “Our resources are fully stretched and any extra help would make a massive difference. “This is the one area where we could really use some extra help. “We have four vans and three of them take stock to the various EACH shops, which are dotted throughout East Anglia. “The fourth is used more for furniture runs – both collecting and dropping off – mainly in and around Norwich. “It might be that someone can drive one of the vans for us, or they might be asked to go along and help and support one of our existing drivers. “Sometimes it can be hard work and physically demanding, lifting furniture and heavy items on and off the van, and that’s where an extra pair of hands would be invaluable.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and North Essex. Roger added that the volunteers may also be asked to help pack and unpack vans at RDC. “We’d love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved and supporting us,” he said. “It’s an amazing charity and this particular role would really suit anyone who enjoys getting out and about, meeting people and exploring the East Anglian countryside.” For more information, email Roger.Leggett@each.org.uk or phone 01842 821620. Roger would also be keen to hear from anyone who might like to take on a different role at RDC. This could involve working in the warehouse, sorting through donations of bric-a-brac, clothing and toys.  

Job Opportunity – St Edmunds Society are recruiting for a Head of Welfare with Social Work expertise to join their expanding team. St Eds provide alternative vocational education to disconnected young people aged 11-25. This role will help young people to overcome their barriers to education and reach their full potential. Find out more and apply on the link below: https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=St-Edmunds-Society&t=Head+Welfare&jk=129a91e41b359933&q=Head+of+welfare&vjs=3

The flagship shop first opened on 289 Aylsham Road, Norwich in 2002. TaxAssist Accountants has reached another milestone in its success story as its first shop turns 20 years old. TaxAssist is known for changing the landscape of the accountancy industry through retailing tax and accounting services, which has become the cornerstone of the franchise’s success over the last two decades. As an effective way to attract and retain business clients, property landlords and high net worth individuals, the shopfront model has been successfully rolled out globally, and there are now 260 TaxAssist Accountants shops operating in the UK, Ireland, Australia and North America. James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, explains more about the concept and its enduring appeal. “When the first ‘shop front’ in Norwich was launched, our main intentions were to create a modern, welcoming, branded office, with the aim of departing from the look and characteristics of traditional accountancy practices. The strategy always focused on the client experience and we created a place clients would like to visit and feel comfortable to share their business plans and share their challenges with us so we can help resolve this and satisfy their needs. “Visibility, credibility, walk-in business and brand reinforcement are the key benefits that operating from shop front premises brings to our accountancy network. Not only is this a place of work for our tax and accounting experts to run their franchise from, it is a permanent advert that performs day and night, right throughout the year, that has supported our growth and served us well.” James continues, “The most recent client satisfaction survey found that 78% of clients said that they prefer to meet their accountant in person, making the shop front location the ideal setting for building relationships. High streets are continually evolving and choosing the right location means that TaxAssist Accountants, with its ever growing range of services, stands out as the one-stop-shop for clients in each area we operate in.” Robin Johnson runs the franchise’s flagship Norwich North shop. Robin is also celebrating a personal milestone in 2022, having purchased the practice ten years ago this year from a former franchisee and continues to highly value the shop’s role in his practice’s success. “The shop really stands out and is incredibly well located, which continually drives new walk-in business. Clients love the open, warm, friendly feel of the shop which makes them feel at ease and provides just the right atmosphere for our meetings,” confirms Robin. “The shop is so noticeable, with its bright blue and yellow colours, when we roll out marketing campaigns in the area and online, potential clients already have a familiarity with the brand which makes conversions and referrals a much simpler process.” If you share a passion to open a TaxAssist shop in your local community, a TaxAssist franchise can provide the systems and support you need to be successful. Regular Virtual Discovery Days are held, where you can find out more about the technical, marketing and business development support on offer. Call 0800 0188297 or submit an enquiry here to register your interest.

TaxAssist Franchisees across the world invest further into the TaxAssist Direct Group. On 1st February 2022, TaxAssist Direct Group Directors Karl Sandall and Director Phil Sullivan, stood down as executive directors and sold a large percentage of their shares. As a result, TaxAssist franchisees now own almost 60% of The TaxAssist Group Ltd. Over 170 franchisees are now investors in the company, alongside over 40 members of support staff. This is not the first time that franchisees have had the opportunity to purchase shares in The TaxAssist Direct Group. In 2014 when the founder and chairman retired, around half of the network were offered the opportunity to invest in a Franchisee Assisted Management Buyout – the first of its kind in the franchise industry – which saw franchisees owning 32% of the Group. Since then, following the creation of an internal share site which all eligible shareholders have access to, they have been able to trade shares, access company accounts and the group strategic plans for the future. Daren Moore FCCA, the newly appointed Group Managing Director, said: “I would like to thank our fantastic franchise network in all the countries we operate, who have once again provided the ultimate vote of confidence in us as a board and the TaxAssist business model, by overwhelmingly choosing to invest in The TaxAssist Direct Group, a situation which we believe to be unique in franchising. The new investors and the existing shareholders who purchased more shares this time are 100% engaged with our strategic vision, and as shareholders have total transparency in all The Group’s activities. “For the first time in our history we have now appointed a franchisee to the Executive Board. Mike Melling is a highly successful franchisee who has lived and breathed the brand for the last ten years. He will be invaluable to both the Board and his fellow franchisees, who will be able to benefit from his knowledge and understanding of running a practice, which he will continue to operate while undertaking his responsibilities as Group Development Director. “With a detailed plan for the growth and evolution of the TaxAssist brand, plus the addition of new products and services, these are exciting times for the TaxAssist network. “I look forward to meeting with potential franchisees on discovery days and explaining more about the many benefits of joining and investing in the franchise and sharing in the fruits of the Group’s success.” The TaxAssist Accountants network of franchisees consistently highly rate their franchise experience, resulting in TaxAssist Accountants being awarded ‘5-star franchisee’ satisfaction for nine consecutive years, a feat which only four other franchisees have achieved.

The music department at Norwich High School for Girls has enjoyed a very busy start to 2022, welcoming a brand new Assistant Director of Music, Mr Joseph Wistow, following the retirement of Mr Francis Fox. Mr Wistow, a freelance composer, will be predominately based in the Norwich High Prep School, Stafford House, but will work across the whole school including with the GCSE, A-Level and Sixth Form students. A graduate of Leeds College of Music and the Royal College of Music, Mr Wistow joins Norwich High School for Girls from Langley School, and has extensive copying and engraving experience, including private freelance commissions, score preparation for TV and Film recordings, as well as contemporary classical editing for clients including Universal Production Music. Mr Wistow said: “Starting at Norwich High as the Assistant Director of Music has been great fun so far. There is so much warmth around the school from the extremely supportive staff and the wonderful children. There is an exceptional music provision here with a very high standard. It is very impressive how many girls are involved in school music in our numerous choirs, bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles. Making music here is inclusive for all and a big part of the school. “From a Prep School-perspective, it is about creative music provision that is broad and balanced and fits in with a modern music curriculum so the girls use their iPads to compose original music from Year 1 upwards. Using digital technology gives the girls confidence as they can realise their musical ideas instantly which they really enjoy. Along with our provision of lessons for all across instruments including the recorder, violin and ukulele, we have seen a surge in numbers for our Prep School Choir and they are really excited to be learning music from the new Disney movie, Encanto.” Mrs Susan Roberts, Head of Norwich High Prep School and Nursery commented: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Wistow to the teaching staff. He has already made a huge impact and it is lovely to have a renewed buzz around music across the school. We share his vision of making music accessible to all our students. Our Winter Arts Festival in February was a great success, and we were very thankful for Mr Wistow’s contributions which included hosting steel band workshops with the Steel Pan Agency, sessions on music from different cultures for all the girls and his ‘That’s all Folks’ illustrated talk looking at cartoon music.” Regarding joining a girls only school, Mr Wistow added: “Before joining Norwich High, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a girls’ only school. As soon as I arrived for my interview, I knew that this was the place I wanted to work. The students have a confidence, and a willingness to try new things musically. They are creatively very confident when working together as a team. Being in a single-sex environment, they are not worried about judgment or what anyone else thinks – they are free to be themselves. There is such a positive attitude to learning – I find I get through a lot of content in my lessons. The standard of behaviour, positivity and a willingness to learn is evident from our youngest girls up to Sixth Form. It is great witnessing the through-school environment – from the Nursery girls up to our very talented sixth formers, who clearly treasure music. I really enjoyed the Winter Arts Festival and have a busy end to the Spring Term ahead including the Choral Concert at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 12th March.” Click to find out more about our Prep School and Sixth Form. Buy tickets for the Choral Concert here: https://www.trybooking.co.uk/BMGX

Mrs Thorp hosted the Norwich High School for Girls’ Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards Evening on Wednesday 2nd March. Parents, students, staff, volunteers and recent alumnae gathered in Eaton Grove Hall for the first in-person DofE event since the pandemic. DofE participants Betsy, Lara, Isobel, Estelle, Katherine, Eve and Daniella shared their DofE Experience with the audience and Head Miss Sefton awarded the following prizes: 22 Bronze Awards 13 Silver Awards 8 Gold Awards 7 Platinum Awards (The Norwich High School for Girls’ Platinum Award recognises the achievements of all three Awards while being a student at the school). Donations were collected throughout the evening for the England and Wales Mountain Rescue team – sincere thanks to all our staff and volunteers for their valuable contributions. Congratulations to all participants on their achievements and thank you to all attendees. https://www.norwichhigh.gdst.net/duke-of-edinburgh-awards-evening/

Greater Anglia was the most punctual long-distance train operator in the country last year, winning the accolade for the second year in a row, new independent figures reveal. According to a new, even more stringent punctuality measurement, requiring trains to arrive within 59 seconds of their scheduled time at every stop along their journey, 77.05% of its Norwich – Ipswich – Colchester – London Intercity services ran on time during 2021 – 10% more than the second best performing operator during 2021. The score is a slight improvement on 2020 as well, when Greater Anglia was also named most punctual long-distance operator. The figures were announced by Modern Railways Magazine’s Fourth Friday Club and the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators at the industry ‘Golden Whistles’ awards 2022. The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators measured all UK train services for 12 months up to 12th December 2021 on a moving annual average using industry data. They used the new ‘on time’ measurement where trains have to arrive within 59 seconds of their scheduled time, including at all intermediate stations on the journey rather than just at the destination station. This is gradually replacing the national ‘Public Performance Measure’ (PPM) which classes a service as on time if it arrives at its destination within 5 or 10 minutes of its scheduled time, depending on the route and is the punctuality measure in Greater Anglia’s current contract with the Department for Transport. It has been the standard national measure since regular rail performance results started being published in the 1990s. During 2021, Greater Anglia saw record-breaking PPM punctuality across all of its routes – recording its best ever annual average punctuality of 94.81 per cent, up from 92.97% in 2020, with Intercity trains reaching an annual average punctuality result of 94.82% – up from 91.56% in 2020 . The rail industry has committed to working towards using the ‘on time’ figure as the standard measurement. Greater Anglia’s Head of Performance and Planning, Keith Palmer, said: “Although there is more to do to continually improve our performance, this result is a reflection of the huge amount of hard work that has been put in from all at Greater Anglia, alongside our colleagues from Network Rail, to keep performance high.” “Along with Network Rail, we’ve invested millions in reliability improvements across the entire network and the continued roll out of our fleet of brand new trains is helping to provide the consistent and improving levels of service that our customers expect.” Philip Sherratt, Editor of Modern Railways magazine, commented: ‘Greater Anglia has demonstrated consistently strong performance by winning the Gold Whistle for best Long Distance operator for the second year in a row, and indeed it improved performance further over the last year. This is a testament to the hard work put in by so many across the company to maintain high standards.’

A leading children’s charity is celebrating a record-breaking week of eBay success. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) runs a fast-growing ecommerce operation to support its work caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. It runs in tandem with the charity’s successful bricks and mortar shops, with 44 premises scattered across East Anglia. EACH’S eBay sales have become a vital income stream and there was a recent week of record-breaking success, selling goods worth £12,281. In total, 539 items were sold with an average selling price of nearly £24. It comes on the back of January being the second most successful month so far, generating £40,311. Among the items sold were several quality, high-quality ones, including an OMEGA watch that went for £1,370. Scott Campbell, EACH ecommerce manager, said: “We’re thrilled with the way things are going. “There have been lots of individual successes and the whole operation is going from strength to strength. “The pandemic had an enormous effect and brought a wider audience and variety of customers to our online shop. “COVID forced people to shop online, including those who may never have thought of doing it before. “As a result, we’ve noticed a huge difference and got a really loyal base of supporters. “Pre-pandemic, we had 2,500 followers on eBay and now that figure is 7,000. “These people have instant access to all our listed items and benefit from the wide range of products we sell. “Certain things always go well, like watches, photographic equipment, jewellery, games consoles and retro, collectable toys like train sets. “Then you get some nice surprises.” EACH’s eBay operation generally makes around £1,500 a day and, within an average month, can generate £40,000. Two years ago that monthly figure was £20,000. “Everyone has got behind our eBay operation and 40 of our shops have at least one eBay Champion,” added Scott. “These are people with knowledge and enthusiasm that identify sellable items, take photos of them and list them on eBay. “When that item is sold, it’s sent to us to pack and send. “I’ve been working here for just over two years and am very proud of how the operation has grown. “It’s been incredible and while sales have doubled, it’s also meant twice as much work packing items and sending them out. As a team, we’ve had to keep up so it’s been hard work but very rewarding. “Everything works well and the whole retail side of the charity is very supportive of what we’re trying to achieve. “My goal is to make half a million in the next financial year and I truly believe that’s achievable.” EACH relies on volunteers and is always on the lookout for extra helpers. One of its three eBay volunteers is Andy Temple, who uses his vast knowledge of cameras and photographic equipment to identify sellable items. The 69-year-old, a design engineer during his working life, said: “It’s been a lifelong hobby, since I was ten, and volunteering here is something I really enjoy. “I’m retired and when you reach that stage of your life I believe it’s very important to keep some kind of structure. “If not, you lose the impetus to get out and do things and that’s why I love being involved. “It keeps me going and I like using my knowledge of cameras to make money for the charity. “I trust myself to see the potential in items and list them for a proper, realistic price. “We’ve had occasional successes where a camera might go for £90 or £100 and many other instances where they go for £50 and £60. “We also sell memory cards and that’s another very good way of making money. It’s all about maximising takings.” More volunteers are urgently needed to help EACH’s eBay operation in Thetford. Specific roles to be filled include ‘pickers and packers’ on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, someone to photograph items on a Thursday and Friday and someone to list items on eBay on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. “You can offer a shift of two to four hours per week or fortnight, or offer more occasional support as and when you can,” added Scott. “Whatever time you have to offer, we’d love to hear from you. “Get in touch for an informal chat about the roles and to book a taster session.” To enquire about volunteer opportunities in the Thetford area call 01223 205183 or email volunteerservices@each.org.uk Photo – Scott Campbell, EACH ecommerce manager, alongside Rose Fortescue, the manager of our shop in Lime Kiln Way, Thetford (where the eBay operation is based). Please credit EACH.

Broadband provider, Upp, have started rolling out their full-fibre broadband to local businesses in the East of England. Norfolk gym, Diss Fit Club, has become one of the first to experience the transformational effects of Upp’s next-level service. Prior to installing Upp’s broadband, Diss Fit Club had invested in software to revolutionise the experience of its customers. A smartphone app would allow customers to unlock the front door, download personalised training plans and watch demonstration videos. However, there was a problem. Slow broadband speeds meant that the app would not unlock the door and staff had to physically admit members instead. The download speeds were so poor that training plans could not be accessed, and streaming music or videos was virtually impossible. A call to Upp resulted in the swift installation of their super-fast broadband. The next day, the new experiences which the software promised to deliver came to fruition. Operations Manager Anouska Scott said, “Upp has brought our gym into the 21st century”. Entry to the gym is now fast and simple via the app, freeing staff to complete other duties. Gym managers can also monitor the amount of people at the gym in real time, and music or videos can be downloaded in seconds. With the help of Upp’s next-level broadband, Diss Fit Club has revolutionised its offering to members, and the business has been given the chance to grow. Assisting local businesses like Diss Fit Club is central to Upp’s ‘levelling up’ agenda. Edward Money, Head of Brand and Communications at Upp said, “We are delighted to have made a difference to Diss Fit Club and it’s great to see the impact that Upp’s network can make to local businesses.” To find out more about Upp, visit their website: www.upp.com.