Member News

Thomas Paine Hoteliers Gez and Rosy Chetal celebrated 8 years of owning their hotel on 31st July. During their celebration which included an Indian Buffet for their guests, they raised valuable funds for local and national charities. Gez said “We raised a total of £1676.00, with £1466.00 going to New U Enterprises and Athena Eduction and my daughter had her haircut for the first time in 16 years and she raised £211.00 which was donated to the princess trust as well as 18 inches of her haircut. Our charity events have always been hosted by Ricky Groves ex eastenders star and he will again be hosting our next charity event on November 20th. Since we have bought the hotel we have donated over £40k to local charities which makes us proud that we have achieved this with local support” They are really looking forward to their Bond themed Charity Casino Night on the 20th November 2021 – tickets are available by contacting the hotel on 01842 750372

Chief Executive of accountancy training firm First Intuition, Gareth John, has commended the government for their plans to extend the apprenticeship incentive scheme and thereby support more career opportunities for young people at a time when they need all the help they can get. In his Autumn budget statement Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged increased apprenticeship funding in England to £2.7 billion by 2024-25, this is on top of an extension to help and support employers who recruit apprentices. The government confirmed that employers who recruit apprentices between 1 October 2021 and 31 January 2022 are entitled to incentive payments of £3,000 per eligible learner. This is the second extension to the financial incentives offered to businesses who take advantage of the wide range of benefits of using apprenticeship programmes to develop and retain talent. Speaking about how the scheme has helped young adults into work since it was first implemented in early 2020, Gareth John said: “The first round of apprenticeship incentives offered during 2020 and early 2021 did a great job of giving employers of accountants the confidence to continue with their entry-level recruitment plans during a period when they were balancing increased workloads with high levels of economic uncertainty. This recruitment has really helped them with resourcing rising demand now that the economic recovery is in full swing.” Furthermore, Gareth talks about how the extension and increase to the incentives in early 2021, prompted by the ongoing pandemic, has had an even more positive impact: “Given the growing difficulties employers in the accountancy and finance sector have been experiencing retaining talent, the extension and increase of the incentives for new apprentice hires through to 30 September 2021 was extremely welcome. It seems clear that at a time when a cohort of young adults leaving education needed as much support as possible in securing their first professional roles the increased incentives stimulated a record number of entry-level vacancies. Well done to the Chancellor for this well-targeted and timely support for job creation!” Employers are reminded that those who recruited apprentices between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021 and who will have started their apprenticeship programmes by 30 November 2021 need to apply for their incentive payments via the Apprenticeship Service by 30th November 2021. In the Autumn 2021 Budget the Chancellor confirmed a further extension to the apprenticeship incentive scheme which is likely to prompt further recruitment. Employers will be eligible for a payment of £3,000 per apprentice with an employment start date from 1 October 2021 to 31 January 2022. Applications will open via the Apprenticeship Service on 11 January 2022 and close on 15 May 2022. Gareth comments on this further extension to the scheme: “After seeing first-hand the beneficial impact that the previous two phases of apprenticeship incentives have had on employment opportunities being offered to young adults, it is great to hear the Chancellor has used the Autumn budget to further extend these incentives to the end of January 2022. On top of record intakes of new accountancy trainees being taken on this Autumn I already know of a number of firms whose continued workload growth is now driving a second intake in early 2022. Even more great career opportunities available for even more ambitious individuals.”

In last week’s Cabinet Office meeting with the Paymaster-General Michael Ellis on consumer goods for UK-EU trade, The Chamber raised issues including:   • the situation from 1 January 2022 when easements on proof of origin certification expire; • cross-border VAT, and • the future of CE marked goods, parts and components in the GB market.   The latest version of the Border Operating Model (with details on inbound GB controls) is due for release in a fortnight. Mr Ellis has asked business to send case studies of the current situation they face on EU trade   The UK and US have resolved their differences on digital services taxes (DSTs) in an agreement also involving Italy, Spain, France and Austria. This means that the risk of tariffs, of up to 25%, being applied to UK goods exported to the US has been lifted for at least two years, while more progress is made implementing a global deal on DSTs. See our response on this issue which we raised with the Department for International Trade (DIT).   G7 Trade Ministers adopted principles on digital trade at their meeting late last week. The proposals on data flows are business- and trade-friendly, but Ministers committed to accelerate the progress towards digitalisation of trade documentation   Further progress is being made on implementing the deal on domestic regulation in trade in services by more than 60 countries at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ahead of the Ministerial Conference at the end of November. States have begun to make the changes to their services schedules in Geneva, giving effect to the deal which cuts red tape on services exports

Layrd Design are giving away a free review of your current interior space plus a detailed plan of how to improve this in the future. Win a professional review of your commercial space, this could be an office, shop, hotel, gym, café or any commercial interior space. We will study the current layout, analyse how effectively it works, how it makes the customer/user feel, if the lighting is utilised, if the finishes consistently represent the brand. We will then develop a plan for you to implement various changes in the space to make the maximum input and give the space a refresh and updated feel.

WHAT YOU COULD WIN

Initial consultation meeting at your workspace.

Site Survey by the Layrd Design team

Review document, looking at the:

– Look and Feel

– User Experience

– Lighting

– Consistent Design

– Colours

– Furniture

– Materials

Future Plan Document which details changes and alterations you could make to improve your space in the future.

Read more about this in the link below and find out how to enter. https://www.layrddesign.co.uk/competition  

We are very pleased to announce that, following our journey over the last several months working with ORE Catapult as part of the New Anglia cohort, Proeon are one of 4 companies who have achieved Fit for Offshore Renewables  (F4OR) “Granted” status. Proeon was among 15 companies selected to participate in the latest regional programme. We were accepted onto the programme due to the company’s desire to further increase our capability, competence and competitiveness, and accelerate growth in the offshore renewable energy industry. Proeon took part in the Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme to improve its knowledge and understanding of the offshore renewables sector and its points of difference to other sectors the company currently operates within.  This allows the company to identify how transferrable its current skillset and offerings are to this new sector and enable it to grow a share of the market within its sphere of operations. The company was assessed over two phases of the F4OR programme – the first industry-agnostic Business Excellence phase focused on core business management systems and the second Sector-Specific phase focused on key competencies required for success in the offshore renewable energy industry. In the Sector-Specific phase, areas identified for improvement were related to its understanding of the industry sector itself, specific HSEQ requirements, how to converse in the language of the sector and where to look for relevant information, portals to join to gain access to potential work. The programme has enabled Proeon to identify how transferrable its current skillset and offerings are to the offshore wind sector and has allowed them to develop relationships with other likeminded organisations.  Dr Dorian Hindmarsh, Business Development Manager at Proeon, said: “We believe F4OR “Granted” status is a benchmark of our continued development into the Renewables sector and will act as an enabler for future business, continuous improvement and support our drive into a low carbon future”. Andrew Stormonth-Darling, ORE Catapult’s F4OR Programme Manager said: “It’s a pleasure to see another set of impressive companies join the ever-growing community of those with F4OR granted status. Over the last 12 months, these companies have benefitted from being part of a cohort, increasing their industry engagement, growing their confidence, raising their profile and their market awareness. They have developed new relationships, technologies, capabilities and experiences, adding value to the UK supply chain. Completing the programme also ensures that the positive culture of continuous improvement is embedded and sustained long term. I wish these five companies well in the coming months and hope that they will  reap the rewards from their new ‘Granted’ status.” The list of New Anglia Cohort F4OR companies achieving “Granted” status is on the ORE Catapult website: https://ore.catapult.org.uk/press-releases/five-uk-businesses-achieve-fit-4-offshore-renewables-granted-status-business-inprovement-programme/  

Eastern Voice & Data, a business technology provider based in Norwich are celebrating after winning the national award for Network Project of the Year. Eastern Voice and Data has been established for over 20 years and have built an enviable reputation and were awarded the accolade at the Network Computing Awards 2021 event held in London on the 21st of October. Russell, Managing Director, explained “One of our clients is the Boudica Schools Trust, and we provide technology services to their multiple academies across Norfolk. This includes the new Bure Park Specialist Academy in Great Yarmouth and Sprowston Community Academy in Norwich.” The installation was designed and implemented to enable the central IT team to control technology services via a secure cloud-based portal. This includes IT Network Switches, Wi-Fi, Security Firewalls, Door Access Control, CCTV, and Voice Communications.   The design and implementation of this solution was deemed noteworthy enough to be referenced by leading network manufacture ZyXel as a case study. It was then put forward as ZyXel’s entry for Network Project of the Year 2021 at the National Computing Awards. Callum Jackson, the Technical Director for Eastern Voice and Data who led the installations added “We designed and implemented a network that would harden security protecting against threats from both inside and out. A primary goal was for the entire network to be centrally managed by the trust IT team with the aim to reduce the amount of site visits and increase the visibility of any issues. The project ensured continuity of equipment and configuration throughout all the academies within the trust. This allowed the entire network to be maintained efficiently by the trust IT team.”   “I was excited when I found out we had been nominated for the award, I’m pleased to say that we won!” explained Andrew Mash, Technical Sales Director, Eastern Voice and Data. For a regional technology business to win a national award of this standing is quite notable as it demonstrates the capability of a local business. It’s also significant that the Education Trust itself is held up as a trail blazer in effecting change for the benefit of their students. Jonathan Lumb, IT Manager at Boudica Schools Trust was quoted saying “The network has become an important tool for both our teachers and students because technology helps us provide engaging and powerful learning experiences and content. The new network offers greater efficiency and security, especially implementing a new cloud-based web filtering software that controls the types of content that can be accessed by pupils. The new network system also creates better learning opportunities and standards, while reducing costs”   Eastern Voice & Data are a business technologyprovider based in Norwich. We’ve been established over 20 years and have built an enviable reputation. Long term clients include Diocese of Norwich, Theatre Royal, Norfolk Fire Service, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, UEA as well as many businesses both small and large. Do you have a big idea Eastern Voice & Data can help you with? Call 01603 743388 or contact us  You can view the list of winners here

In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat, Mark and James provide 3 practical tips that business owners can implement in the lead up to a sale of their business. The tips, many of which are just as valid for those business owners not looking to sell, are taken from the 9 key factors of our ‘Business Sale Readiness’ online diagnostic tool. It only takes 5 minutes to complete, its entirely free and the results are instant. Why not try it out here? In addition, we have prepared this handy summary of the 9 key factors for a successful sale. If you’d like to find out more about selling your business, or you are need advice in another business area (such as growing sales, increasing profits and motivating teams), please reach out to james.lay@larking-gowen.co.uk and mark.curtis@larking-gowen.co.uk Listen here

In a week where heat pumps have been recognised by the Government as the future of heating in the UK, Attleborough-based renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm, has scooped two prestigious national awards for heat pump installations it has completed for housing association Flagship Group and museum and visitor centre West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. Finn Geotherm was awarded Non-Domestic Ground Source Project of the Year at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards on Wednesday night. These top national trade awards celebrate the highest achievements across the heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector, and Finn Geotherm was recognised for its landmark £1.4m communal heating scheme (also known as district heating) installed in Felixstowe for Flagship Group. The project saw Finn Geotherm design a six-phase system which heats a total of 115 houses, bungalows and apartments using ground source heat pumps located in six plant rooms around the housing estate. The heat pumps replace expensive and inefficient electric storage heaters, saving residents 70% on their heating bills and cutting their carbon emissions by 70%. The company’s second award win this week was at last night’s RAC Cooling Awards, which celebrate best practice, achievement and the environmental progress of the industry. Finn Geotherm was awarded Building Energy Project of the Year for its heating and passive cooling project at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village near Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk. The project uses a ground source heat pump to heat the four main buildings on the site. Using its expert knowledge of heat pumps, Finn Geotherm also created a passive cooling system. This enables West Stow to maintain a steady temperature across the site all year round – something which is vital for maintaining its precious artefacts. By replacing an oil boiler and underfloor electric heating, the new heat pump has cut carbon emissions by 70%, which is also supporting West Suffolk Council’s aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised in these two major award schemes. This week there has been so much talk about heat pumps and their ability to cut carbon emissions and provide effective, efficient heating. These two award wins show just how brilliant this technology is in real life. We have always known the heat pumps are the future of heating – we’ve been installing them since 2006 – so for us to receive praise for two significant projects for Flagship and West Stow is testament to the dedication of the team at Finn Geotherm and our absolute passion and belief in what we do.” For more information on ground and air source heat pumps and details on Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.

A survey of 2,600 UK exporters has revealed that the recovery in export sales has largely stalled in Q3. The proportion of firms reporting increased sales rose only three points (to 30%) from Q2 (27%), whilst the proportion reporting decreased sales fell by just two points (Q3:26%/ Q2: 28%).  

• Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (30%) rose slightly from Q2 (27%)

• However, proportion reporting decreased sales remained stubbornly and historically high at 26%, while 45% report no change

• Recovery in manufacturing exports began to fall back slightly from previous quarter

  The balance of manufacturers reporting increased export sales was +7%, down from +8% in Q2.   The balance of service sector firms reporting increased export sales was +6%, up from –7% in Q2.   Respondents cited issues arising from the supply chain crisis, as well as Brexit related problems, as the main causes of difficulties with export sales. Some said that they had ceased exporting to the EU altogether due to issues such as red tape and delays at borders. Respondents also pointed to the surging cost of shipping as a serious issue, with one firm noting a single container from China rose in cost from £2100 in the previous year to £15000, as well as the shortage of lorry drivers as impacting export sales.   Elsewhere, UK exporters were slightly more likely to report increased investment plans (30%) than non-exporters (25%), although both groups remain at historically low levels. However, on other key indicators such as cash flow, both groups were broadly aligned – 34% of exporters reported increased cash, compared to 33% of non-exporters, while 23% of exporters reported a decrease, compared to 22% of non-exporters.   Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said:   “A whole range of factors is currently providing sustained headwinds for our exporting firms to operate in. This data must act as a warning to take export-boosting measures now.   “Exports of goods are key to our economic recovery from the pandemic, but trading conditions remain fragile, and businesses need further supportive measures. Everything from the new UK-EU trading conditions to raw material costs to the costs of container hire in overseas markets is constraining export growth and supply.   “More focus needs to be given to lowering business costs with trade partners and addressing non-tariff barriers, which present roadblocks to exports. The government must also acknowledge the scale of the problem in shipping markets.   “The UK government should act now to reintroduce SME Brexit Support Grants and use its export strategy, and the Spending Review, to provide stronger export finance. It should also work with the accredited chamber network to kickstart overseas exports from SMEs across the UK.”

David Cowan, International Declarations Manager at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:   “We look forward to assisting all Norfolk Businesses with their Import and Export Documentation following this amazing news. I know our local businesses are calling for new ways to improve trade, and this can only help them”   William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   “Business will welcome an Agreement in Principle between the UK and New Zealand covering trade in goods and services.   “We particularly welcome the intention to agree comprehensive chapters on market access, labour mobility and professional qualifications, digital trade, and green goods and services. In the year prior to start of the pandemic, the UK had a £366m surplus in services trade with New Zealand, with particular strengths in insurance, pensions, travel, communications, other financial services and intellectual property.   “New Zealand-UK trade is currently between £2-3bn per annum. When this agreement is translated into a final free trade agreement it should provide new opportunities for UK exporters as well as resulting in some small falls in the price of New Zealand wine and other goods imports.   “UK road vehicles, pharmaceutical and other manufacturing exporters will welcome these improved trading terms, with cars accounting for a fifth of all UK goods exports to New Zealand. The agreement on green trade also has the potential to set a new benchmark on a commitment to sustainability within free trade agreements globally.   “We look forward to engaging with the UK Government and the New Zealand Ambassador in the final stages of these negotiations and to giving our views on the draft text at the earliest opportunity.”

This week businesses in King’s Lynn town centre are being asked to vote in support of King’s Lynn’s Business Improvement District so that it can continue for another 5 years. Discover King’s Lynn, the King’s Lynn BID, was set up in April 2017 following a successful ballot of businesses in the autumn of 2016. Under Government rules, a BID can only operate for a 5-year term and is then required to seek endorsement from businesses to continue. “It has been a turbulent time to be running a new BID.” Says Chair, Sharon Edwards. “When we started out in 2017, we expected a challenge; people’s shopping habits were changing and larger retailers were struggling to survive in the town centre environment. We went about creating new events like the monthly Farmer’s Market, annual Christmas Markets, Cocktail Week and Beauty Week to give people extra reasons to visit the Town.” “Speaking up for business and the Town Centre has always been an important part of what the BID is about, COVID has made that role even more important.” Says Vicky Etheridge, BID Manager. “Our Street Rangers have a unique role and we were able to use them to keep in touch with businesses that remained open in some way during the lockdowns, as well as to distribute information, signage and sanitiser in the build up to re-opening.” Vicky added, “alongside that, we have played an active part on the Town Board, using feedback and information from businesses to shape the Town Investment Plan and really champion the needs of the Town Centre.” “No one organisation can solve the challenges that town centres face, “says Sharon, “The business community needs to work collectively, and with the Council, LEP, College and others to create a stronger future. If they haven’t already, I urge town centre businesses to return a yes vote in the ballot so that we can continue valued services like the Street Rangers and continue to be the voice for the Town Centre.” The BID ballot closes on Thursday 11 November at 5pm, for further information on the BID proposal for 2022-2027 visit www.discoverkingslynn.com/news

The countdown is on for young people and local businesses to have their say in two easy online surveys that will help to shape the future of King’s Lynn. If you’re 16-25, now is the time to add your voice to the growing number of young people who have already shared their views on what they’d like to see in the town, what is missing, plus their thoughts on career opportunities in King’s Lynn. And, respondents can also enter a prize draw to win shopping vouchers:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/72MFRQQ Local business owner Harry Seaton, 24-year-old Managing Director of Fluential, is encouraging young people to share their unique perspectives. He said: “It’s definitely tough, as a young person, to feel like you have a voice in decisions as important as spending millions of pounds on renovating the town, but this is not just a box to be ticked, which is why I am asking for your help. It takes no time at all plus you could win one of six £50 high street vouchers.” At the same time, a survey is running especially for business owners, people thinking of setting up on their own, or individuals who are looking to take a hobby to the next stage to share their thoughts on pop-up spaces for the town:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7CQ8NJX Vicky Etheridge, Manager of Discover King’s Lynn explained: “Pop-up spaces present an exciting opportunity for budding businesses to showcase their work and get ideas off the ground, and for established businesses to try out a new product or service. And, we know from public feedback that there is a desire to see these spaces in town.  “To develop these spaces, we want to hear the views of businesses and potential traders, and listen to them to understand their requirements, and what type of spaces they would like to see in the future.” People wishing to take part in the surveys have just a few days to give their views as the closing date for both surveys is 5pm on Sunday 24 October 2021 . Vision King’s Lynn will be announcing more ways for the public to get involved shortly.