Member News

A NEW PARTNERSHIP THAT’S BRILLIANT NEWS FOR EVERY BUSINESS LOOKING TO CUT COSTS.

Darren Craven, CEO Synergy:

“We have a wide range of clients, many of them household names and offer all of them a ‘no savings, no fee guarantee’. In 10 years there have only been two companies where we haven’t been able to deliver significant cost reductions.

The major benefit of our unique partnership with Compleat is that it massively speeds up the whole process and gives our clients huge savings right now.

We know the alliance of Synergy and Compleat will save our clients time and money, typically 25 to 35%, and help secure their future in these incredibly challenging times.

We can’t wait to get going!”

Max Kent, Procurement Director at Compleat:

“Our partnership with Synergy is brilliant news for every business looking to cut costs but maintain quality standards. And let’s face it who isn’t?

In simple terms it works like this. Our software instantly analyses every penny you spend with each of your suppliers. Leading UK procurement specialists, Synergy, then use this data and their vast experience to search the widest market by service and commodity to find the best value for you. We do all the work, you get all the benefits.”

Phil Douglas, CEO Compleat:

“There is massive demand for cost optimisation programmes and our alliance with Synergy means that we can immediately deliver savings in the fastest, most efficient and secure way. This means lower costs, greater control and a brighter future for every business.”

SYNERGY PROCUREMENT CONSULTANTS are a team of cost management specialists with many ‘blue chip’ clients throughout the UK. They work across all business sectors and can guarantee and demonstrate massive reductions in costs. Their clients range from ‘mid-market’ organisations to large, high profile, corporations.

Find out more at https://www.synergy-procurement.co.uk/

COMPLEAT SOFTWARE work with businesses across the UK to deliver substantial and sustainable savings for every business. They have revolutionised digital procurement by leveraging the spend data captured from every supplier and invoice.

Visit out contact us page to get in touch

Ashtons Franchise Consulting (AFC) has expanded and strengthened its team with the appointment of consultant Phil Mowat.

Following a previous career in events, Phil jumped head first into the franchise industry in 2009, helping a family member expand her business in just five years from a team of 10 to 350, operated by a network of 40 franchisees. Phil remains a director of that company to this day.

Phil then headed up the UK operation of Australian brand Local Appliance Rentals seeing them through rapid network growth, from a starting position of five to 35 franchisees in just 18 months. Qualifying as a Business Coach, Phil was then appointed National Strategic Partnership Manager for ActionCOACH UK. This role saw him partnering with high street banks such as NatWest, HSBC, Santander and Barclays to run an educational seminar and events programme for business owners around the UK.

Prior to joining Ashtons Franchise Consulting, Phil was then the UK Country Director for Expense Reduction Analysts where he led and managed the 100+ network of franchisees through the challenging landscape, the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Phil says: “I am a huge advocate for franchising. Simply put, I want to be see more businesses grow via the franchising model. I want to ensure that businesses looking into franchising are receiving the best advice and taking the right approach in order to make it happen for them.”

“Having known Nick and the team for many years – since I franchised my own family business and worked at some major global franchisors – we have kept in touch and I am over the moon to join the team and work with them.”

Ashtons Franchise Consulting’s managing consultant Nick Williams adds: “In the last five years AFC has seen significant growth, even through the pandemic, so we are delighted to strengthen our team with Phil Mowat. He is an ideal fit with the team and we extend to him the broadest of welcomes as we move into our next chapter of service to the franchise sector.”

In the final episode of series 1, Chris chats to Richard Turvill, the managing director of Camplings. Operating out of Great Yarmouth and Cambridge, they are the region’s leading laundry and linen supplier to the hospitality, food production and leisure sector. With many of their customers closed due to lockdown, Richard and his team had to find ways to pivot and adapt during the last 12 months, and his insights into lockdown, technology, Brexit and business in general are invaluable.

Richard offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at how this family business was started, and has evolved, describing them as the ‘fourth utility’ for the hospitality sector; as important to a hotel, for example, as their gas and electricity!

Richard chats about the recent expansion away from their Victorian factories, and into ‘smart boxes’ where the focus is on sustainability, energy saving and efficiency; benefiting both the business and staff, and in turn, a blessing when it came to operating during lockdown. He discusses how subtle changes can up your green credentials, and describes how they now operate two of the ‘smartest laundries’ in the UK and the most advanced in Europe.

Speaking of Europe, Richard talks openly about how Brexit – “If it’s a problem for Mercedes, it’s a problem for everybody” – will affect their recruitment, and his frustrations for those affected who have worked for them for a long time, and subsequently how they have been supporting their staff. He hopes that the downturn in the retail sector will help them fill the gaps in staffing, with many skills transferable and adaptable from the retail sector into manufacturing.

The roadmap to the hospitality sector re-opening has meant that yet another pivot has had to be put in place, but Richard is as prepared for re-opening as they can be, taking their responsibility of supporting the sector, and providing a trouble-free supply chain, seriously.

Richard describes how, in the initial despair of the first lockdown, hope emerged, and now they are ready for the challenge of the expected staycation boom. He praises the loyalty of their teams in helping the business weather the storm.

You can visit Camplings here.

You can subscribe to Tourism Business Chat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Make sure you subscribe, so you don’t miss out on series 2, which includes special guests from Thursford, and Hanks Deli! 

Listen here!

After a very long period of not being able to work due to the ongoing Pandemic, David Fung (Magician) is back and ready to take your bookings.  So if you’re planning an event, wedding or family gathering David would be delighted to hear from you.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out and about again, sharing magic, at events later this year. Especially looking forward to meeting friends and acquaintances at the B2B Exhibition and other opportunities.

I’m into my second year as a Norfolk Chamber member and value all the friends and connections made possible through this brilliant network, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and connect”

Web:

www.davidfung.co.uk

Email:

bookings@davidfung.co.uk

“We always enjoy hearing from our readers. Lately, we’ve had a huge response to calls for raised bed images from your gardens and also asked – what are you finding tough on the plot? Across social media channels and our forums, readers are chatting and debating all things green with the enthusiasm we have come to expect. “

Grow your own Magazine

The #growwithgyo campaign has had a fantastic response from readers, with hundreds of you sending us pictures, messages, social posts and emails. We’ve loved every message we’ve received and wanted to share some of the latest discussion here. 

There are several ways to get involved, Firstly, you can post on social media using the hashtag #growwithgyo to join hoards of likeminded growers who are sharing their produce. Secondly, you can email through to the GYO team, or get involved on our forum, The Grapevine, at growfruitandveg.co.uk. The campaign, in partnership with PlantGrow.co.uk has inspired gardeners of all experience levels, so keep your posts and messages coming! 

https://www.plantgrow.co.uk/ 

We asked what your plans for/thoughts on raised beds were.

We wanted to find out what our readers liked best about their raised beds and – for those who don’t use them – whether they’re considering doing so. Raised beds can be easier to manage than floor level beds but, in some cases, take hard work to construct. 

You said…

“In Tipton, West Midlands. This year I am taking over the front. I have begun adding some raised beds and barrels to grow pumpkins, sweetcorn, onions and beans.” 

From Holly Elizabeth Hickman on Facebook 

“I am really struggling to decide about a raised bed. How can I do them in the most economic way? So very interested in this. Does edging and small raised beds still count?” 

From sboffey 14 on Instagram

“I have 32 raised beds over two half plots on the allotment, 2 sheds, 2 greenhouses, a chicken pen, a fish pond and wheelbarrow width wood-chip paths! It’s so practical and easy to grow and get around the plots.”

From charlie.giovanni on Instagram 

We asked: “What’s your biggest challenge on the plot this week?” 

We wanted to discover what’s holding you back on the plot right now! Often, it’s the challenges we face in the garden that make our successes that much more enjoyable. 

You said…

“Mine is finding time to get outside between rain and keeping children entertained. I’m desperate to get sift some compost to mulch my fruit trees put in last year.” 

From ros_but_growing on Instagram 

“Without a doubt weeding.”

From Alan Dutton on Facebook. 

“Rain! We are on clay so garden is like a swamp. Enjoying planting lots of seeds in my potting shed though. Sunnier days are coming!”

From shuvsoulfan on Instagram 

Expert tips:

In April’s edition of Grow Your Own Magazine, we dished out some top tips from Dr Ian Bedford, an expert from PlantGrow. Here are some gems from Ian. 

• Beetroot and carrots can be sown directly outside [in April]. So can peas, but the mice love to eat them so keep an eye out for them. If you find mice are a problem, sow them indoors and plant the plants outside when they are 15cm tall. 
• Aim to get all your potatoes planted by the end of April. Plant out chitted second early potatoes in the first two weeks of the month and maincrop potatoes in the second two weeks.

Langley Prep School kicks off ‘100 years of education at Taverham Hall’ celebrations and joins forces with the British Heart Foundation.    2021 signifies one of the biggest milestones for both Langley Prep School and the British Heart Foundation. The school is entering its centenary year and will officially reach its 100th year in education in September 2021, while the BHF will be marking their 60th birthday this year. What better time to join forces.   Prep School Headmaster, Mike Crossley comments:  “As you would anticipate, huge strides have been made over the years to enhance the pupils’ education. Importantly, the focus has always been firmly placed on the individual and their wellbeing and remains so today. Excitingly, in 2020 a £1.7 million refurbishment of the hall and classroom provision was completed by the school. Having regularly raised funds for the BHF, and worked together on a number of fronts, it felt very fitting to join forces at such a special time. We look forward to rolling out our exciting ‘Calendar of Events’ which has been created to mark this very special occasion.”   During the past 100 years, the Prep School, situated at the beautiful 70 acre Taverham Hall woodland site, has, and continues to provide, a warm and welcoming environment. Academic achievements flourish alongside a love of the outdoors. The fabulous Forest School programme encourages young and curious minds to explore natural habitats on a daily basis. Today, the School is thriving with more than 300 pupils.   Since being founded in 1961, the BHF has become the UK’s largest independent funder of heart research.  Their research has helped saved millions of lives across the world. However, heart and circulatory disease still affects 7.6M people in the UK.    Jennifer Townsend, Fundraising Manager for the BHF said: “We are absolutely delighted to partner with Langley Prep School to mark our milestone birthdays in a variety of special ways.  The last year has been incredibly tough for charities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our fundraising means that our investment in new life-saving research is likely to halve this year.   “That’s why the support from everyone involved with Langley Prep School and their alumni is so important. Every pound we receive through this partnership is money we can use to support the scientists who are working to discover new ways to treat, prevent and cure heart and circulatory conditions.”   Langley Prep School and the BHF are calling on as many alumni and supporters as possible and invite everyone to join in with the celebratory activities. To find out more, visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/TaverhamHall100

Census day arrived at the weekend and we are working hard to make sure everyone is included.    We have created a series of events for those with questions or those supporting others who have questions. 

We know that some people may have questions and may not have completed their census yet so as a Norfolk and Suffolk initiative we have organised  4 x  daily drop in support events – live!

Still have questions about Census?

Need some friendly face to face advice?

You can meet with a local census engagement manager who will be able to help you. 

4 Times daily Monday to Friday – (Except Thursdays)

● 1000-1030 ● 1230-1300 ● 1500-1530 ● 1930-2000

(UP TO AND INCLUDING APRIL 2nd)

JUST CLICK HERE to join at the time that suits you best

OR

you can join by phone telephone 020 3956 0776‬ PIN: ‪‬2212 38602#

You must fill in your census as soon as possible

Organised by Census Engagement Managers,  Norfolk & Suffolk  

Norfolk County Council has welcomed the news of a major expansion of the fastest type of broadband, which could benefit up to a third of properties. Today, the Government announced Norfolk will be involved in a new round of Gigabit broadband procurement ( https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-new-5bn-project-gigabit ). Known as Gigabit / Full Fibre / Ultrafast / Fibre to the Premise, it has a speed of 100-1000 mega-bits per second – compared to 24 or 30mbps for superfast broadband Councillor Tom FitzPatrick, cabinet member for innovation, transformation and performance, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Norfolk is among the next batch of areas to be set to benefit from this review announced by the Minister. “This is another win for our Better Broadband for Norfolk campaign, achieving significant speed upgrades all across rural Norfolk.  We are amongst the first locations to benefit from this latest wave of funding which we very much welcome. “This phase is likely to contain all properties within Norfolk that are not expected to gain access to Gigabit capable broadband via commercially funded programmes or any other initiatives – that’s estimated to be 30 – 35% of all premises. This will bring real benefits to the businesses and residents who will get this boost. “Implementation would be expected to start in early 2023, which fits well with our third Better Broadband for Norfolk contract, another step in ensuring that Norfolk continues to enhance its digital capability.” For further details of Better Broadband for Norfolk, please see https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/what-we-do-and-how-we-work/campaigns/digital-connectivity/better-broadband-for-norfolk

Cloudtango is the largest, global directory for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Each year, Cloudtango recognises some of the most successful MSPs around the world. We at Breakwater IT are incredibly proud to have been named a UK Top 50 Managed Service Provider by Cloudtango. For the seventh year of the awards, Cloudtango has said: ‘In the seventh edition of the awards, we continue to highlight technical excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction provided by the British MSP industry. Through the selection process, seven years of data have been analysed, 223 different types of certifications have been reviewed, 95 vendor partnerships have been accounted, and 22 different IT services have been evaluated.’ For the 2021 MSP50 award, their technical analysis focused on Cyber Security, Support, Infrastructure and Cloud Services. To find out more about Breakwater IT and our services, visit our website.

Get ready to GoGo on a Jurassic jaunt this Summer with Break and 20 large Tyrannosaurus-Rex sculptures from Monday 12th July until Saturday 11th September 2021.

The GoGoDiscover charity sculpture trail is delivered by East Anglian based children’s charity Break, in partnership with Wild in Art. Each T.rex has been decorated by local and national artists and sponsored by businesses from across the region.

The 2021 family-friendly trail coincides with and celebrates another prehistoric visitor as the T.rex arrive just days before Dippy the Diplodocus at Norwich Cathedral, meaning trail go-ers will have 21 dinosaurs to visit in Summer 2021!

The headline supporters of GoGoDiscover 2021 are Norwich BID and Chantry Place.

Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich Business Improvement District, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Break once again to bring the city back to life with this extraordinary artwork trail. The GoGo trails create a wonderful atmosphere in the city centre and offer a fantastic free attraction for people of all ages, particularly families. As a Presenting Partner, we’ve been lucky enough to have seen a sneak-peek of some of the new decorated dinosaurs, and can’t wait to see them gracing Norwich’s streets in all their glory – we’re particularly proud of Norwich BID’s T-Rex friend!’

Paul McCarthy, General Manager at Chantry Place, said: “Bringing colour, fun and beautiful art across Norwich this Summer, we are so excited to continue our support of Break and these fantastic trails, and our own T.rex we have sponsored looks tea-riffic! GoGoDiscover is such a fun way for people to explore Norwich, and some of its hidden and best loved gems, and put much needed smiles on people’s faces. Most importantly, we hope it raises vital funds for Break.”

The T.rex will be dotted across the city at locations including Riverside, Haymarket, The Forum and Cathedral Close, with trail maps and further details released nearer the time.

While the trail is free, people who have enjoyed the sculptures can donate to Break via text or on the website, so that Break can continue to transform futures and change the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the region.

The sponsors of GoGoDiscover 2021 are Ashtons Legal, Aspiration Europe, Castle Quarter, Chantry Place, Chilled Driving Tuition, Coleman Opticians Hearing & Vision Centre, Contract Personnel, Cooks Blinds & Shutters, Dipples, Dolphin Autos Norwich, First Eastern Counties Buses, Friends of Iceni, Jarrold, Lanpro, Nielson Brandbank, Norwich BID, Norwich School, Riverside Entertainment, The Beeston Group and Wilco Motor Spares. With kind support from our logistics partners, Longwater Construction, Pentaco Construction Ltd and Grandline Plastering.

The artists involved in the 2021 project are Sally Adams, Tory Allen, Deven Bhurke, Joanne Botterill, Illona Clarke, Beverley Gene Coraldean, Lisa Kirkham, Hannah Nelson, Ryan Newell, Norwich School, Mik Richardson, Sophie Li-Rocchi, Hilary Sanderson, Martin Wall, Ross White and Fiona Gowen.

And, at the end of the summer, the GoGoDiscover dinosaurs won’t fade into extinction. They will return in the Summer of 2022, with even more T.rex in the city. While Steppe Mammoth sculptures, will take over all Norfolk and link to the discovery and exploration of Norfolk’s deep history coast.

For more information about Break visit break-charity.org

Text TREX to 70085 to donate £3. Texts cost £3, plus one standard rate message. #GoGoDiscover

The Norfolk Feather Company is a family business that has been supplying and making traditional Feather and Feather and Down products for over 90 years. The Norfolk Feather Company has now attained accreditation to the Made in Britain organisation.

The Norfolk Feather Company told Made in Britain that it prides itself on a strong heritage of championing the finest Feather and the company says that it was this philosophy, that led to the creation of its own signature range of products, that it supplies to customers all over the United Kingdom. The company is proud of its local and highly skilled workforce which is based at its long-standing production plant in Diss, East Anglia. The company says it is constantly innovating with the latest technological enhancements to guarantee it always delivers the highest quality products and it ensures that all of its suppliers provide ethically sourced materials to enable it to provide the highest standards in the industry.

Peter Crellen, managing director at the Norfolk Feather Company, told Made in Britain, “Accreditation by the Made in Britain organisation provides us with respectability and prominence in the marketplace. Whilst we have a 90 year heritage, being able to utilise the official Made in Britain mark, will endorse us to be fully recognised for our products being British manufactured to the highest standards.”

The Norfolk Feather Company will be using the official Made in Britain mark on its hollowfibre and feather pillows, on its website and on its social media platforms. Find out more about the company at its Made in Britain members’ directory profile page here and its website here. 

IT’S NATIONAL BED MONTH!!! To celebrate we are giving you the opportunity to win a luxurious Silk Opulence Pillow Pair – worth over £100. To enter, purchase one of our 13.5 tog duvets which have £25 off on each size for a limited time only. The competition ends on the 25th March. Good luck and stay cosy! To find out more about National Bed Month please see the bed advice website at www.bedadvice.co.uk or visit their Facebook page, Bed Advice UK . #sleepbetterwithnorfolkfeather #nationalbedmonth