Member News

In this week’s episode, Chris chats to Ruth Knight, Director of Norfolk Broads Direct, Broads Tours and Waveney River Centre, and recently retired chair of Visit the Broads. Ruth lives and breathes the Broads, and the tourism sector, but both Ruth and her businesses faced huge challenges with lockdown restrictions and closures. This valuable conversation can be summed up into: innovation; implementation; change; and passion for the sector.

Ruth speaks honestly about the effect that the closures had on both her and her team members, and the subsequent reactions to the changes that needed to be implemented for them to reopen, and how staff motivation was key. She also reflects on the recent re-acquisition they made just before lockdown, and what investment was needed to secure the ongoing success of the company.

They discuss the changes in customer behaviour – no one likes change! – and uncertainties about dealing with future bookings, both financially and for customer morale.

Ruth is confident about the future prosperity of staycations once the sector re-opens, and that the Broads in particular will no longer be a ‘best kept secret’ (they do get more visitors than Cornwall after all). She also explains why engaging with your DMO is key.

Ruth offers a fascinating insight into the pitfalls and positives of running a family business; what businesses need to be doing to attract new talent to the sector; and her advice for those looking for a career in a tourism-based business.

Visit Norfolk Broads Direct here, Waveney River Centre here, and Broads Tours 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 our upcoming episodes; next week Chris speaks to Richard Turvill, MD of Camplings. 

Listen here!

Covid 19: The Recovery

Perhaps we can now see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel?

Or is it the headlight from the Covid-Express thundering down the tunnel straight towards us?

At P+P, we like to think and believe that, with the impact of lockdown 3, allied to a really strong roll-out of the vaccine programme, things are improving and will continue to do so through the spring and summer of 2021. There is no doubt that discipline on a personal and business level remains vitally important if the situation is not to degrade once more. However, none of us can ignore the importance of the economy and the performance of our business in these often delicate and trying times.

Thoughts on the Recovery

The following are some thoughts and points to be considered in the next few weeks as the situation continues to develop.

• Keep Safe. Look to maintain the good disciplines of social distancing and cleanliness at all times and in all situations.
• Are many of your staff still remote (home) working? If so, do you have a plan for e-integrating them into the workplace? Or is some level of distance working to become permanent for your organisation?
  • Has this been discussed with staff?
  • Is this a company policy issue or will personal preference/needs be factored in?
  • Does the current and future infrastructure of the company support the aspirations of the staff?
  • Are there any equipment or infrastructure related issues to be agreed /resolved?
  • Any other issues that are specific to your business or staff?

We recommend the process is planned, there is plenty of consultation and involvement of staff and, as appropriate, a flexible approach is taken.

Best practice management systems

This fits very nicely into the stipulations and best practice of your management system registrations with regards to:

• Understanding the needs of interested parties
• Communication and consultation
• Controlling and managing change and improvement effectively.

There are also potential effects on Environmental Impacts and updates to Health & Safety Risk Assessments.

Whatever your situation and requirements P+P is here to give support and advice. This can be on a remote basis, or as policy and practice dictates, we are now prepared and able to carry out site reviews/meetings.

Contact us at:

Tel:                    01284 330400

Email:               info@performanceplus.co.uk

Web:                 www.performanceplus.co.uk

We work with small to medium size businesses across the East Anglia Region.

This month marks the 10th Anniversary of the opening of Heacham Manor Hotel. In that period, we are immensely proud to have hosted our many wonderful guests, and to have provided employment to hundreds of people in the local community.

To celebrate our 10th birthday, we caught up with Paul Searle, owner of Heacham Manor, and neighbouring leisure resort, Searles.

The History of the Hotel

As the proprietor of Heacham Manor, Paul Searle has a keen sense of the history of the building and its surrounding land, a history which is intertwined with an ancient order of monks, the legend of Pocahontas, and one of the finest sportsmen of the 20th century.

Paul explains that the hotel he acquired in 2009 “was a farm at the time, but it was once owned by monks of the Cluniac order. The land was given to the monks by William de Warenne, who fought with William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.”

This legend provides a glimpse into the storied history of Heacham Manor. The most famous story connected to the Manor, which recently made national headlines, is that of the mulberry tree supposedly planted by the Native American Princess Pocahontas. The English settler John Rolfe owned Heacham Hall, which once neighboured Heacham Manor before it was accidentally burned down by the RAF in the Second World War. In 1614, Rolfe married Pocahontas and later brought her to visit England. In 1617, Pocahontas and Rolfe were gifted a mulberry sapling by King James I who was keen to establish a silk industry in England. Local legend has it that the sapling was later planted by Pochantas in the Rolfe family residence of Heacham Hall. Now situated in the grounds of Heacham Manor, the mulberry tree is still standing!

Pocahontas and the mulberry tree is the most famous story in the history of Heacham Manor, but as a keen cricketer, Paul Searle has his own personal favourite Heacham Manor legend. “The family of Bill Edrich, one of the all-time great English cricketers, actually owned the Heacham Manor farm around the time of the Second World War. It was around that time that Bill Edrich and his famous batting partner Dennis Compton were said to have played cricket on the lawn by the side of the house!”

A Welcoming Country House Hotel

Moving the conversation forward to the present day, Paul was keen to speak about the features that make Heacham Manor so unique. “We’re proud to be the only hotel with a golf course in the west of Norfolk, that’s a really big attraction for a lot of our guests, and our golf club members from the local area. We’ve created an atmosphere of a welcoming country house hotel where people can feel as if they’re visiting friends for the weekend. Heacham Manor is very relaxed and laid back, and we pride ourselves on offering our guests an attentive but none-intrusive service. We’re in a lovely location here, and we have a really good mix of people visiting the hotel, from tourists, to golfers and groups of walkers. That mix of people is growing and evolving all the time.”

When the conversation moved on to some of the highlights of the past ten years, staff and community were the biggest sources of pride for Paul. “When we opened in 2009 it was the period of the recession, so it was a difficult time for the industry in many respects. But we’re very proud to have maintained a really strong and steady group of people running the hotel. A good example of that is our original head chef; Neil Rutland, has now returned to us as food operation manager. Ultimately, it’s the staff who make the hotel what it is, and we employ 40-45 staff from the local community every year. Along with all the leisure and tourism revenue that is generated indirectly by the hotel, we’re pleased to see that Heacham Manor has made a positive impact in the community in those ten years.”

The Heacham Manor Function Centre

So much has been accomplished at Heacham Manor in the past ten years, but exciting plans are afoot to expand the business further. Plans have been approved for a function centre, which as well as providing a venue for weddings, christenings, parties and conferences, will also serve as a sports room, with beautiful views from the terrace overlooking the golf course. Paul explained that while Heacham Manor is somewhat off the beaten track, he wanted it to be “a place where people want to come and visit, whether it’s cyclists, golfers, or running and fitness clubs. This will become a welcoming place for everyone, not an exclusive club that turns people away because they’re not wearing the right shoes. Whether it’s a place that people start off from, or return to for a drink, we will make sure that this is a welcoming place for all, just like the hotel.”

Looking even further forward, Paul and his team are constantly searching for ways to improve the experience for visitors to the hotel. Indeed, just recently, the hotel unveiled a significant refurbishment programme in some of the main rooms of the hotel. The refurbishment has added a contemporary touch to the interior, while maintaining the period character that is so unique to the hotel.

To visit the historic hotel in the month of our anniversary, check out some of our great offers, including a relaxing 2-night dinner, bed and breakfast break from just £146 per person!

Here at Searles, on the ever-desirable North Norfolk coast we offer over 800 holiday home and touring pitches, a whole heap of fun facilities for children and adults alike, with swimming pools, a gym, live music, entertainment, sports and fishing – you name it.

We’re delighted to be the highlight in many a family calendar and have been for the best part of a century.

BRITISH HOLIDAY HAPPINESS

Our success is our reason for existing. It’s not complex. We exist to create family happiness, through affordable, fun and unpretentious British seaside holidays. The way it used to be, is still the way it is now. Our formula hasn’t changed throughout the decades.

At Searles we care. Our team tirelessly and creatively invests itself in the Searles holiday experience, year on year. 

SEARLES TAKES HOME GOLD – TWICE

The Norfolk & Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 – Holiday Parks – Category Winner

AA Holiday Centre of the Year 2018/2019

Of course, Searles isn’t in it for awards – but considering how hard everyone works – it’s lovely to have been recognised with not one, but two this year –

 “These awards place strong emphasis on the quality of the hospitality provided to guests and delivering this is largely in the hands of our employees…Their determination to ensure that everyone visiting Searles enjoys a first-class experience is the reason why we get so many repeat bookings each year.” – Paul Searle

When Geoffrey Searle, Paul’s grandfather, started offering donkey rides and trading caravan pitches for bags of potatoes over 80 years ago, he probably wasn’t expecting Searles to end up as an award-winning holiday park.

Maris piper’s as payment are a thing of the past, but we still retain that original sense of wholesome, outdoorsy fun – cherished and passed down within the Searles family. It’s not often a family business survives, thrives and yet remains true to its roots.

“This is a business that never stands still…an award-winning holiday destination providing first class entertainment, attractions and facilities for all ages. All thanks to the vision, passion and hard work of four generations of the Searle family, who continue to invest in and manage this large seaside holiday complex. Their philosophy for the park is ‘one of continuous improvement and enhancing the guest experience” – The AA

KEEPING NORFOLK ON THE HOLIDAY MAP

Our unspoilt beaches, iconic waterways and lush broads, deep woodlands – no one can dispute Norfolk’s appeal. It’s timeless.

Each year a colossal £5 Billion is added to our local economy from the pockets of visitors.

The thing is, when you run a hospitality business in such a beautiful county it’s easy to be complacent. “We can cut corners. More will come”. This way of thinking is how tourist traps are made. High prices, low customer service, questionable quality everything.

Most places have the odd tourist trap – that’s life, but here in Norfolk we’re hardworking and proud. We have countless businesses doing everything they can to ensure visitors have a wonderful time.  Basically, we don’t take anything for granted.

ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE

Some of the UK’s other “top tourist destinations” would be shamed by the effort Norfolk, and its local communities put into hospitality. It’s not dog eat dog either. In Norfolk, we share a sense of pride with other businesses. We love our county.  

At Searles, we’re a large holiday park and it’s no secret we bring in our fair share of holidaymakers to North Norfolk annually. With 2018’s awards, we’re sure 2019 will be a record-breaking year – which we’re excited about!

It not only about us though.

As Paul puts it –

“We hope the publicity from our awards will also benefit other local tourism businesses by putting the spotlight on North Norfolk as an amazing holiday destination.”

The AA has been handing out awards for a while, but the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards is in its infancy. Long may it continue.

We’re sure that other Norfolk businesses share in our feeling, that a regional tourism awards is something we’ve desperately needed. It helps acknowledge the relentless dedication of our industry to customer service and enjoyment. It’s more than a mantelpiece ornament or wall hanging, put it that way.

A Family Fun Break at Searles

Yes, winter cometh. That’s doesn’t mean the fun stops, it’s just a tad chillier.

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for the 22nd year. One of the longest-running green tourism awards in the country, the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme assesses holiday parks on a number of criteria, including:

• How the land is managed as a haven for wildlife
• Use of energy, water and other resources
• Local community support
• Steps taken to reduce, reuse and recycle waste 

In this article, we take a look at some of the factors that earned Searles the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award as well as our community work, and some of the upcoming green initiatives. 

DAVID BELLAMY CONSERVATION AWARD

Our continued recognition by the David Bellamy Conservation Award is a source of pride for everyone connected to the Searles Leisure Resort family. Indeed, the values of the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme align very closely with our own environmental and community focussed values. 

To attain the Gold Award for the 22nd year, Searles Leisure Resort were able to demonstrate our continued commitment to maintaining a green holiday park by encouraging the protection of the local environment, including plant life and the local wildlife, as well as the progress we have made in conserving energy, water and other resources. 

Cultivating nature and wildlife is a key part of the Searles ethos, and the resort has many wonderful formal and raised gardens throughout the park, while Lavender and Buddleia have been planted in some of our gardens to encourage and support the continued growth of wildlife. 

HONEY BEE PLEDGE

Some of the most important wildlife we support at Searles are our local honey bees. As part of our commitment to the David Bellamy conservation scheme, we have entered into the ‘Honey Bee Pledge’ to show our commitment to the conservation of our bee population. To support the honey bees we have introduced a number of plants into our gardens, including Buddleia, Hebe and Michaelmas. We have also introduced two ‘Bee Stations’, near to the Beach Entrance. These bee pit stops are full of nectar-rich bee food, and have been situated in a location to minimise human interference. 

SEARLES LOCAL COMMUNITY WORK

Another key consideration for the David Bellamy Conservation Award is that of community work. At Searles Leisure we are proud to lead the way in a number of green initiatives in the local community. As part of Hunstanton in Bloom, we are responsible for the maintenance of the neighbouring boat bed positioned just outside our entrance, as well as providing wildflower seed to some of the areas adjacent to the boat bed. 

We are also proud supporters of the local Princess Theatre, as well as sponsors of Anglia in Bloom and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. We are active in raising money for many charitable causes; in 2018 our nominated charity was Down Syndrome Norfolk, while in 2019 we are supporting the British Heart Foundation.

At Searles we are always looking for fun new ways to foster the enjoyment of nature, and to raise awareness of the importance of recycling. One of our latest initiatives is ‘Grow a Garden’, an indoor activity for children aged 0-8 years old which we hope will get children excited about nature through a series of games and activities based around gardening. Children will also have the opportunity to learn about different plants and flowers, as well as being able to grow a ‘Cress Head’, which they can then take home and care for. 

Enjoy our wonderfully green leisure resort for yourself and book a stay at Searles Leisure Resort, the 2019 AA Holiday Centre of the Year. 

The campaign to raise funds for a Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist in Norfolk or Suffolk reached a milestone this week when the fund exceeded £20,000.

Historic exposure to the banned substance asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a form of cancer which often proves fatal and kills sufferers in a tragically short period from diagnosis.

The Anglia Asbestos Disease Support Group, made up of patients, carers, supporters and volunteers alongside Brian Wallis, Ambassador for Mesothelioma UK and representatives of Ashtons Legal, embarked on a fundraising campaign back in 2019 to employ a specialist nurse in either Norfolk or Suffolk. There are currently just two specialist nurses based in the Eastern region – one at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge and the other at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. Not having a mesothelioma nurse in Norfolk or Suffolk means many sufferers living in those areas have a very difficult, and sometimes impossible, journey to get the specialist nursing support they need.

The provision of specialist mesothelioma nurses lies with Mesothelioma UK (a cancer charity specialising in asbestos related diseases) but funds are understandably hard to come by. These nurses make a big difference to the lives of sufferers. They are experts in all issues related to mesothelioma including prevention, treatments, clinical trials and finances; and work with clinical teams to ensure equitable access to the best treatments in the UK. It costs approximately £60,000 to fund a Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist for two days a week, over a two year period. Thereafter, the post is funded by Mesothelioma UK.

Ashtons Legal act for many clients whose historic exposure to asbestos caused irreversible damage to their lungs and ultimately their death. They help clients and their families identify where that exposure took place and under a number of legal acts such as the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 and the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme, bring a legal claim for compensation.

To donate towards the Mesothelioma UK Nurse Specialist fund for Norfolk or Suffolk go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anglia-asbestos-disease-support-group.

Norwich Airport has today published its annual destination guide, FLY, giving holidaymakers a wide choice of destinations on their doorstep and a welcome return to commercial air travel.

The launch follows a surge of interest and bookings for 2021 and 2022 holidays, fuelled by the Government’s announced roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions.

FLY Norwich 2021-22 features 18 destinations in 9 countries, including Bulgaria (Bourgas), Cyprus (Paphos), Greece (Corfu, Crete, Rhodes), Italy (Bergamo), Lapland (Enontekio, Pajala), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Spain (Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, Tenerife), Turkey (Dalaman), and the UK (Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Guernsey, Jersey).

As well as the wide range of destinations, FLY Norwich 2021-22 showcases the benefits of flying local, including a quick journey to the airport, parking close to the terminal, short check-in and security times and total step-free access from the terminal entrance to flight boarding.

For more than 30 years ASAMS has developed its reputation for accuracy, reliability and professionalism with friendly service. One of the next goals is to develop our focus on sustainability. This means addressing the impact that ASAMS has on the environment and society. As one of the UK’s leading metallurgical laboratories, we believe that reviewing our practices such as our carbon footprint, water usage, community development efforts and team diversity will have a positive impact to drive our business. Our focus is to “Do well – run a profitable business” and “Do good – influence social and environmental problems in a positive way”. We believe that this should enable us to continue to support clients in line with their sustainability goals. Sustainable Metallurgy We probably all recognise that metallic materials have been critical to human development over thousands of years. The unique properties of metallic materials mean that significant demand is forecast to continue. The processes to extract and manufacture these materials are energy, resource and waste intensive. Dependent on the material, significant savings in energy can be achieved by recycling metals and there is a large focus within industry on creating a circular economy, where resources are continually reused and recycled. There are also great efficiency savings being made with near-net shape manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing and metal printing.

Although the material testing part of the manufacturing process is a small component of the supply chain, it is important that all parts of the supply chain contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the process. Some examples of what we are doing at ASAMS to have a direct and indirect impact on sustainability in metals testing are: Any waste produced by ASAMS is sorted and separated to ensure as much waste material is recycled as possible. In excess of 95% of waste produced by the company is currently recycled. We work with clients to enable them to develop increased product. longevity by ensuring materials exhibit the correct properties. We also ensure that test pieces are extracted efficiently, minimising any waste produced.  The ASAMS laboratory in Great Yarmouth uses green heating solutions and 30% of the energy used by the company in 2020 was from renewable sources. It is our intention to convert the company fleet to all electric vehicles by the end of this year. The move to electronic reporting has saved paper and the resources required to deliver hard copies of reports to the client. ASAMS has begun the journey to gain accreditation to ISO 14001, along with ISO 45001, we hope to complete the accreditation process by the end of 2021.

Every year ASAMS supports the community and in recent years has donated funds to local sports teams, Cancer Research and Nelson’s Journey, a charity that supports bereaved children. Most recently we have supported the Great Yarmouth Food Bank, The Salvation Army “Toy and Tinsel Appeal” and Norfolk Headway. All staff get involved to decide which organisations to support as it is a key part of the staff engagement culture. “The effect the company has on the environment and community around ASAMS is an important part of what the company does. As a company with over a 30 year history, it is important to create a long-term sustainability culture.” Thomas Whiskin – Director (pictured)

You can view our full Newsletter Here

Whilst the last year has been extremely challenging for all of us, we are pleased with how our team has been flexible and has adapted to working in a COVID-secure environment, using remote working on occasions to ensure that we can maintain social distancing whilst still maintaining high standards of service to clients.

“The company ensured that measures were put in place to protect both its staff and visitors to the lab over the past year. This included the introduction of movable screens, encouraging hand washing, provision of hand sanitizer and masks throughout the laboratory and reduced on-site staff numbers. We have introduced digital signing of test reports and have encouraged remote witnessing of testing as opposed to witnessing in person to reduce numbers in the laboratory to a minimum.” – Rahul Wadher, Metallurgist (pictured) During this time in addition to delivering our full range of world class mechanical and corrosion testing along with failure analysis, in response to client needs, we have also been expanding our range into testing of welds on reinforcing steel to BS 8548, which should be of great interest to prefabricated reinforcement manufacturers in structural and civil engineering. Please spread the word to any of your HQSE managers, Structural and Civil Engineer contacts. Please contact us to find out more about our services and how we can help you.

www.asams.co.uk

You can view our full newsletter here

Small business specialist accountant Tony Hall, who runs TaxAssist Accountants Beverley, has now expanded his practice to include Hull.

Experienced accountant Tony Hall has recently bought TaxAssist Accountants Hull, from Darren Tomlinson.

FCA qualified Tony, had 14 years’ experience working with a range of businesses, before launching his practice in Beverley three years ago. He is now looking forward to sharing his expertise to ensure that existing clients continue to receive the high-quality service they have become accustomed to, as well as meeting with new clients in and around Hull.

“The pandemic has certainly challenged us all, in so many ways, and my services have never been in such demand,” comments Tony.

“As a small business owner myself, I know and understand what pressures businesses are facing right now, and it is vital for small business clients to stay close to their figures and take expert advice and guidance to help them to navigate through these unprecedented times.

“This is where we can help. Clients have access to our full range of services, including Self-Assessment Tax Returns, Year End Accounts, Payroll and Bookkeeping, as well as help with furlough and grant applications, R&D Tax credits, employment law, business-starts ups and debt recovery. We also offer advisory services, assisting with business planning and Cash Flow Management, using the latest software, with all of the time saving and efficiencies this brings.

“Small business owners need a good pro-active accountant now more than ever before and I’d encourage anyone interested in finding out more about our services to contact us for a free initial consultation – either face-to-face, by telephone or online,” said Tony.

Tony Hall is based at 623 Spring Bank West in Hull. Please contact him on 01482 563312 or via his website www.taxassist.co.uk/hull

TaxAssist Accountants is the UK’s largest network providing tax and accountancy advice and services specifically for small businesses. There are more than 395 TaxAssist Accountants offices nationwide, providing services to 77,000 customers, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and personal tax payers.

If you share a passion to help your local small businesses, a TaxAssist franchise can provide the systems and support you need to be successful. Regular Virtual Discovery Days are being held, where you can find out more about the technical, marketing and business development support on offer. Call 0800 0188297 or submit an enquiry via the button at the top of the page to register your interest.  

Employee satisfaction survey reveals staff have risen to the challenges posed by home working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the third year running, above benchmark results compared to businesses of a similar size and industry, has led to TaxAssist Accountants being named as a ‘5 Star Employer’, following completion of an anonymous Support Centre Staff survey by independent research agency WorkBuzz.

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director, said: “In what has been the most unprecedented of years, we are incredibly proud that TaxAssist Accountants has once again received this award.

“The 60 members of staff at the Support Centre have seamlessly adapted to working from home and have done a fantastic job during the pandemic, pulling out all the stops to maintain truly exceptional levels of support to our network of accountants and their clients. I really cannot praise them highly enough.

“It was a pleasure to learn from the survey that 98% of staff are proud to work for TaxAssist and 96% would recommend the Support Centre as a great place to work. I hope this gives our franchise network reassurance that they are fully supported by a happy and engaged workforce who are committed and dedicated to helping their businesses thrive.

“We always value feedback, and the results from this survey will help us to understand what matters most to our staff, so we can respond to their needs.” Steven Frost, CEO of WorkBuzz, said: “For several years, we’ve been helping leading organisations gather feedback from their employees, to improve employee engagement and reduce staff turnover. Through the WorkBuzz 5 Star Employer awards, we will now be able to recognise employers who are truly leading employee engagement to improve the working lives of their people.”  

With dates for the 2021 GoGoDiscover T.rex trail set to be announced very soon, Break has revealed that this year’s event will form the first half of a two year trail of prehistoric proportions, with even more T.rex and another gigantic species to discover next year!

The 20 T.rex forming a Jurassic jaunt around Norwich in Summer 2021 won’t fade into extinction, and will return in Summer 2022 for 10 weeks, with more new T.rex friends and a mighty herd of Steppe Mammoth – and this time it will go county wide!

Bringing colour, fun and beautiful art across Norwich and Norfolk, GoGoDiscover is delivered by East Anglia based charity Break in partnership with Wild in Art and the 2022 trail will celebrate the Deep History Coast.

The new Steppe Mammoth sculptures tie into Norfolk being home to the discovery of the largest and oldest mammoth ever found in Britain. The T.rex and Steppe Mammoth sculptures will be decorated by local and national artists and sponsored by businesses from across the region.

Following the 2021 and 2022 GoGoDiscover family-friendly trails, a charity auction of most of the sculptures will be held in October 2022 to raise vital funds for Break; transforming futures and changing lives of vulnerable children and young people across the region.

Break will be announcing some of the partners and sponsors who have already stomped on board for 2022 very soon, but is now calling out for other businesses to get involved by sponsoring a T.rex or Steppe Mammoth. Peter Marron, GoGoDiscover project manager, comments:

“We are so excited to once again be working with Wild in Art to bring a two year art trail to Norwich and Norfolk, which will bring tourism and economic benefits to the region, put smiles on people’s faces, encourage adventure and exploration of our beautiful county and raise awareness and vital funds for Break. Money raised from the trail will support young people right here in East Anglia. We’ll also be launching a Learning & Community Programme to get even more people involved and getting creative! The 2021 T.rex all have sponsors already and look amazing – we can’t wait to start sharing more news and sneak peeks of them very soon! But now is the time for businesses to sign-up for 2022 and be part of this truly unique and exciting event, while supporting Break.”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art said:

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Break and unveil our latest project, which will be brought to life across Norwich and Norfolk, giving new audiences the chance to enjoy public art in a fun and engaging manner. We passionately champion the importance of art for everybody and the social, cultural and educational benefits which it provides. We hope that through GoGoDiscover we can introduce new businesses to the arts, inject additional funds into the creative sector, and encourage people to explore the cultural offer in Norfolk.”

Businesses and community groups interested in getting involved in GoGoDiscover should visit the page or email peter.marron@break-charity.org. GoGoDiscover follows the success of GoGoHares in 2018, GoGoDragons and GoGoGorillas. Previous GoGo sculpture trails have raised over £1million for Break.