Member News

2021 has kicked off with another mixed bag of fortunes and continued worries as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to rule and more alarmingly take our lives. We have the carrot of the vaccine which although a little way down the line is tantalisingly with the promise of our liberty perhaps returning to near normal levels somewhere between summer and the autumn. In the meantime it’s important that we all remain patient, respect each other and follow the lockdown rules as well as heed the governments revived core advertising campaign; “Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives”.

It’s been almost a year since all events, exhibitions and trade fairs were closed down and we know that many of our clients are as keen as we are to get back to the days of “face to face”. The limited virtues offered by the likes of “Webinars” “Teams” and “Zoom” exhausted by many as the novelty has worn off both for staff and clients alike. We’ve been really encouraged by several clients getting in touch to discuss and begin planning their return to live events, experiential projects and trade fairs. The big question has been when will venues actually fully reopen? Show organisers have been busy releasing new dates, many now being the anniversary of the same event cancelled last year. The last official date given by the government for events to recommence was 1 April 2021. However considering the recent changes with the virus and pandemic that’s probably a little optimistic and is probably bound to change. Combine this with the typical timeline for the planning process and the post summer and the autumn event season seems a safer bet and where our focus is. Needless to say we’re ready to help you design plan and structure your next event when you are, so please get in touch as soon as you like. Displays, graphics and experiential Of course as we all start to get back to normal in the coming months we’re keen to get back to doing what we do best with our full range of design, print and display manufacturing services. You may have noticed that we’ve been reminding clients over the past months about the “Bigger Picture at Image” as our talents and in house capabilities extend much further than events and exhibitions. In particular we’ve been drawing attention to the core elements that are built into all that we do, large format print, displays, graphics and signage. Whilst there may not have been such a great requirement over recent months we’re hoping we’ll see more demand for this area of our business as things start to return to normal. Certainly we’ve come to focus more on this area of our business during the pandemic as the need for Covid-19 signs and displays emerged as did the requirement for the management of work, retail and office environments. These are areas where our ability to be able to design, print, manufacture and install have been invaluable as has our display hire for temporary office screens. There’s also been the opportunity, while staff have been home working, to revamp some client’s office interiors, reception areas and meeting rooms ready for when staff return to the workplace.   Needless to say if we can help you with a sign, display or graphics project please get in touch.

See more at our website: www.image-display.co.uk

Expert Print Management have added Antigen Lateral Flow Covid 19 Test Kits to their Covid Essential website.

Returning results in 10-15 minutes and rated as 97% accurate, Lateral Flow tests are ideal for the workplace to test staff and visitors on entry.

EPM Director Paul Youngs says, “Even though we find ourselves in Lockdown 3, there are still many workplaces that need to remain open. These tests when incorporated into a Covid Strategy, will help to keep Covid-19 out of the building. Even when lockdown is lifted and we begin to return to the workplace, business owners will still need to do what they can to keep their businesses Covid Secure, and these tests are another tool to help do that.

• Simple and easy to use

• CE marked (Approved for use in Europe and UK)

• World Health Organisation certified

• 10-15min result time

• High Accuracy (+97%) • Boxed: 20 tests per box

Email hello@expertprintmanagement.co.uk to place your order

Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity, Big C, is asking local people to host a virtual Big Cuppa coffee morning or tea party with friends, family or colleagues to raise money for those in our community affected by cancer. The event will be held on World Cancer Day, which is Thursday 4th February.

Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C said, “The flavour of our Big Cuppa 2021 will be in striking contrast to last year’s event which was held just before news of coronavirus first began to emerge. Last year we had places like Virgin Money Lounge, the hospital, our Big C shops and our centres hosting in-person Big Cuppa events. This year of course, things need to be very different, but we are hoping lots of local people will still take part and host a Big Cuppa in the safety of our own homes.

“We’ve seen some great virtual dinner parties taking place since lockdown 3 was announced and we’d like to take that one step further with a fantastic virtual community event, all in a very good cause.”

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Big C moved swiftly to transfer all support services online and over the telephone, to ensure ongoing vital support for those facing cancer and their families, in such challenging times. In addition to this increase in demand for their services, Big C has experienced a sharp drop in income from closure of the shops and cancellation of fundraising events.

Head of Fundraising at Big C, Carole Slaughter said “These are challenging times for the charitable sector and we would be very appreciative to anyone who decides to hold a virtual Big Cuppa for us this year. Every donation really does make a difference to the work we do in supporting those that need us.”

It’s easy to sign up to host a Big Cuppa. Simply set up your video call, grab your favourite mug and enjoy a natter. Ask those taking part to donate to Big C online or donate £5 via text, to 70970. Please visit https://fundraise.big-c.co.uk/event/big-cuppa-for-world-cancer-day/for more information and to let Big C know you are taking part.

Your Own Place is delighted to have secured Children in Need and Youth Futures Foundation funding to improve the employment outcomes for year 9s at two Norwich schools in 2021 and 2022.

Following soft-skills and employability workshops focusing on the world of work, year 9s will have the chance to chat through their plans and aspirations in a safe space. This will be with their mentor who will provide an impartial listening ear, help them discover and reveal their skills, empower them to voice their aspirations and develop a plan to achieve them.

The difference you will make

Children and young people have had a tough time through Covid19 – and this project aims to address the ongoing inequality and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. 

The positives of having a Your Own Place mentor are best described by our mentees themselves.

‘It’s good to talk to them. They can help you out with stuff. They’re older. They know the world a bit better. They can talk me through situations.’

‘My mentor was so lovely – her approach made me feel safe and comfortable so I could be open and express myself.’

• You will be an impartial and non judgemental listening ear – something which is powerful for people of all ages and particularly young people.
• You will help your mentee to identify and reveal their skills by asking open questions which allow them to reflect on their successes.
• You will empower your mentee to give voice to their aspirations.
• You will help them develop their own plan to reach their goals.
• You will provide a positive experience of gaining help from an adult.
• You will use your life and work experience to inspire them.

What you will gain

• You will undertake two days of high quality, engaging training which will improve your mentoring confidence, knowledge and skill.*
• We will complete an enhanced DBS check that is transferable to other volunteering opportunities.
• By utilising your new mentoring skills regularly you will continue your personal growth. Many of the skills we utilise in mentoring are valued in the workplace eg positive leadership and management techniques.
• Volunteering for an organisation with a track record of running successful and impactful mentoring projects will help your CV stand out, particularly if you would like to work in a youth setting.
• You will be fully supported throughout so that you can achieve the best outcomes with your mentee and for you.
• The satisfaction of using your life and work experience to help a young person envisage their future and start putting plans in place to reach their goals.
• The enjoyment of connecting with a young person in a unique way.
• The satisfaction of playing a part in preventing future homelessness (those in employment are statistically less likely to be homeless.)

*The training can be completed online, as a mixture of self-directed learning and trainer-led interactive Zoom sessions or face to face (as Covid rules allow)

We hope you feel inspired to be a part of this amazing opportunity.

You can find out FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) here to understand more about how the projects works and then apply for one of the dates below using the application form underneath.

TRAINING DATES

Online courses run from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

Face to face courses from 10 am – 4 pm at a central Norwich venue

• February 24th and 25th    – online course
• March 16th and 17th     – online course
• April 17th and 18th (weekend course)      – TBC
• May 11th and 13th      – TBC
• June 29th and 30th – TBC
• July 15th and 16th     – TBC

Please fill out this APPLICATION FORM

Contact Simone if you have any further questions.

simone@yourownplace.org.uk

mob: 07522 410385

Prioritising your eye health whilst so much time is spent on digital platforms in lockdown.

So many people in January start the new year with great promises of keeping fit, eating healthily and reducing their alcohol consumption. But how many people prioritise their eye health?

Working from home, education and even catching up with friends via video calls is vital during lockdown and many people have seen a complete change in their daily lives, as they become more reliant on digital platforms.  Blue light emissions are not dangerous to the eye if it is in moderation but with time being extended on digital platforms it is important to give your eyes a break from the screen.

Local independent Coleman Opticians, in their 76th year, are used to providing knowledge to their patients on the 20-20-20 rule to improve eye health but how many people are doing it?  The advice means you should stop every 20 minutes, to look away for 20 seconds to something 20 feet away and allow your eyes to focus.

Many of the patients at Coleman’s have reported difficulty in reading and increased headaches as well as poorer night vision during lockdown, and it is imperative that people should still attend their regular health checks as well as calling if they have red eye, floaters or disturbed vision.

Opticians are often missed off the essential health providers list but have been open throughout the pandemic catching many emergencies and being able to fast track them to the right department at the hospital as well as reassuring patients when all is well. Additional stress during the last year has thrown up a range of eye sight issues and the one thing people should definitely do is prioritise their sight.

Early 2020 the team invested in two OCT 3D eye scanners, giving a 3D image of the eye, enabling them to identify any changes in the patient’s eye health, enabling them to identify changes in patients’ eyes, and giving them record of any problems as they arise that can be sent to the hospital if further attention is needed.

Helen Hillis, director of Coleman Opticians, ‘It is essential that people do not put off changes in their sight during lockdown, as we can identify many health issues by seeing patients early. We have fast tracked many patients to the hospital during lockdown, and we would always encourage people to contact us rather than ignore symptoms, as it could be serious’.

So, whilst you may be focusing on full body workouts with Joe Wicks or going outside to get your daily exercise the message is to also spend some time on your eye health during this challenging time and make this a priority.

Coleman Opticians 01603 624564 or email info@colemanopticians.co.uk.

Sight tests, hearing tests, ear wax removal. Established 75 years ago and recent winners of the AOP National Health and Wellbeing award in 2020, as well as the National Optical award for Family Optician of the Year in 22019.

In this weeks episode, James and Mark talk about the importance of forming effective teams in business. As usual, they come up with 3 top tips and make reference along the way to ‘Good to Great’ author Jim Collins, Jordan Belfort and Culture Club!   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, please like us, and leave a comment. We would love to hear what you are enjoying about the podcast, and it helps others to find us!   Listen here! 

Due to high customer demand for Contracts Finder.

The deadline for bid submissions is 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2021. 

Martin Thomas and Sarah Kay join in partnership for new venture at 205 Lavender Hill, London, to operate alongside Martin’s shop in Victoria.

Martin Thomas has been a TaxAssist Accountant for eight years, operating from a hugely successful practice at Victoria in Central London, where he currently looks after 600 clients alongside his six members of staff.

Experienced accountant Sarah Kay has now become a franchise partner alongside Martin to operate the new shop at Clapham Junction, having worked as a practice manager for Martin for the last four years.

“My background is in small business accounting and tax and I think I’m a perfect fit for the TaxAssist business model,” explains Sarah. “The set up suits my strengths and having a proven track record of managing TaxAssist Victoria, means I can join the franchise with full confidence.” “TaxAssist is a fantastic brand, and having seen first-hand the support and expertise available, I think it is miles ahead of a lot of its competition.

“Martin and I make a good team and over the last four years, client numbers have grown which I’m confident will continue, particularly as we are looking to open further shops.”

Addressing the current climate in the pandemic, Martin said: “Clearly London is currently much quieter that it would usually be, but even still, we have continued to sign up a good number of clients and January is proving to be as busy as ever.

“The Victoria shop is a fantastic looking shop in a great location, and we have now replicated this at Clapham, where we are hoping to repeat our success. We have already generated a lot of interest among local businesses and self-employed professions who have arranged appointments for meetings, so we are very much available for business. Clients can contact us for a free initial consultation either by calling us or online as they prefer.”

To contact Martin and Sarah visit their website here www.taxassist.co.uk/clapham-junction 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.  

Leading business process outsourcing company QX Global Group has been awarded the Master Franchise rights for Canada.

TaxAssist Accountants, the UK’s largest network of small business specialist accountants, and leading tax and accounting franchise, is now launching in Canada. This is following successful expansion to the Republic of Ireland, Australia and the USA.

The Master Franchise rights will cover the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the operation headed up by Niraj Mehta, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at QX Global Group. Niraj is a qualified chartered accountant, with almost 20 years of experience spanning various roles in professional service organizations, including 13 years at KPMG.

Karl Sandall, Chief Executive Director of The TaxAssist Group, said: “We are delighted to have awarded our Canadian Master Franchise rights to the internationally known and respected QX Global Group. The team are all highly skilled individuals who share our passion and vision, which, combined with our 25 years’ experience in building and running a leading franchise network, bodes well for future success.”

QX Global Group is expecting a surge of interest in franchising in Canada during and post the coronavirus pandemic, as accountants re-think their professional lives.

TaxAssist Canada will be QX Global Group’s first big investment in 2021. Franchising is an area of strategic focus and continued investment for QX Global Group as it expands capabilities to help accountants in industry, individuals with a financial background, as well as those that already own an accounting practice and wish to develop as part of a global brand.

Chris Robinson FCCA, Executive Chairman and Founder of QX Global Group, stated: “We are constantly exploring strategic opportunities where we can add value, and this partnership with The TaxAssist Group hits all the right buttons. We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with TaxAssist, and this just seems like a natural progression to establish a new line of services in the North American region.

“Canada has one of the largest franchise industries in the world, and there are currently no businesses in Canada which are offering a uniquely-packaged accounts, tax and advisory service dedicated to small businesses, so Canada represents a significant growth opportunity for the TaxAssist Accountants brand.”

The Master Franchisee team are looking to acquire an existing accounting practice and convert this to a TaxAssist Accountants operation by April 2021, along with launching franchisee recruitment activity and hosting Discovery Days, for anyone interested in finding out more about the franchise model. The team will be engaging with Rina Mancini who has a long standing relationship with The TaxAssist Group.

As you know the UK is now in the middle of Lockdown 3.0. Working with the amazing team at the EC, I have compiled a set of articles which I feel you will really enjoy reading. They’re straightforward, light-hearted and to the point. NO WAFFLE! but help to focus the mind on what is really important in running a business in the current climate. Have a look, and explore the ideas within and let me know what you think… Do you agree? Which one resonates with you in your business the most? Let me know, if as a result of reading these if it stirs any questions that I can help to answer.

Proeon join forces with MacKinnon Construction; OSL Consulting; Pruce Newman to form an alliance

Background on our collaborative partnership:

The formation of our collaboration has risen from the mutual desire from each of our 4 privately owned SME companies to offer unrivalled quality, safety and service to our clients.  We have worked together independently on different projects for our clients over the years, working side by side on site.  Together the 4 companies feel this is the right time to put together this collaboration across our disciplines, enabling us to provide our mutual clients with a bespoke cost-effective turnkey offering. 

Key features of our collaborative offering:

• Operating under one umbrella, reducing the risks to project delivery and long-term service support
• Value for money for our mutual clients
  • Reduction in interface costs
  • Reduction in project management costs
  • Single point of contact contract
• Combined track record, experience and expertise across our disciplines
  • Common standards, practices and management structures

Our multi discipline approach covers all of the requirements for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery of the project.  This includes Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), through to project delivery and commissioning, covering all aspects:

• process
• safety
• mechanical
• electrical
• civil

Proeon Systems is a systems integrator with unparalleled expertise, extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record in the development of high integrity industrial grade control and safety solutions to highly demanding complex and critical industry sectors.

We aim to provide a flexible approach to our client’s requirements and our goal is to provide an unrivalled level of service delivered on time, every time.  In providing our services, we ensure we tailor our offering to fit around our client’s needs.

The company draws on world class engineering expertise, assisting our clients in the realisation of their projects from concept design, FEED, detailed design and manufacture of complete packages, together with providing support, installation and commissioning.  Proeon staff have many years of experience in the development of industrial automation control system, safety and cybersecurity design, implementation and assessment.  We bring our knowledge and expertise to highly demanding and complex industry sectors.  Proeon prides itself on continuing its’ ability to exceed client expectations in the provision of the values and quality of its products and services.

Every industry and business is different. Proeon have the experience to work with clients to determine the best mix of services and assessments to suit each set of unique circumstances.

Richard Miller, Managing Director, Proeon Systems: “Proeon Systems are pleased to be part of this collaboration of like-minded SME businesses.  Our expertise and proven track record within complex and critical industrial sectors, coupled with the expertise and track record of our partners will enable us offer a bespoke streamlined and comprehensive service to our clients”.

Pruce Newman Pipework Ltd are a Mechanical Engineering contracting company working in the Engineering Construction Industry, first formed in 1970 as a partnership, and incorporated in 1973, we have over 50 years of trading history. As the name suggests we specialise in the fabrication and installation of piping systems for the Oil & Gas, Energy, Petro/Pharm/Agri – Chemical, Utilities and Food sectors, but we also carry out the fabrication and installation of bespoke structural steelwork, and the installation and decommissioning of process and utility plant, to enable us to complete entire mechanical engineering construction projects for our clients.

Graham Newman,  Business Development Director, Pruce Newman Pipework Ltd stated:  “Pruce Newman Pipework Ltd are proud to be a member of the collaboration between Mackinnon Construction, OSL Consulting Engineers, Proeon Systems Ltd and Pruce Newman in order to offer bespoke turn key design and build solutions for our mutual clients, and to deliver them best value from our combined expertise in design, civil and mechanical engineering and electrical control and instrumentation services. The collaboration builds on the desire from each of the owner managed businesses to offer unrivalled quality, safety and service delivery and our SME ethos of “doing the right thing” for our clients, staff and the wider community”.

OSL is a successful well-established independent company providing engineering consultancy, design and project management services.  We specialise in high hazard process industry sectors including established ones such as Gas Processing and Transport, Refining, Chemicals, Energy, but are also active in emerging areas such as processes for Waste Conversion, Carbon Capture and Storage, and Hydrogen fuel.

Our multi-discipline team of creative, forward thinking technical specialists, work collaboratively with our clients to fully understand their requirement. We deliver high quality consultancy and design for all stages of a project from Concept, FEED, Detailed Design and through to start-up and ongoing performance enhancement. This stage gate development approach is widely accepted as good practice to ensure the level of design maturity de-risks the next stage of design development and cost outlay.

Alastair Robertson MD of OSL commented: “This alliance of like-minded companies experienced in high hazard industries offers a responsive client focused “one stop” project delivery capability”.

Mackinnon Construction is a private, family-owned construction company that has been building for both government and private clients for over 30 years.

Our ethos is to build long-term relationships with clients, partners and subcontractors, with over 80% of our projects coming from repeat clients.

The key benefits our clients enjoy are:

• Complete confidence the project will be delivered as promised on time, within budget and safely to the highest quality.
• We adopt a competitive pricing structure and a rigorous consideration for alternative client solutions to provide the best possible return on investment.
• Personalised service with a practical, helpful and ‘can do’ attitude and direct access to the owners of Mackinnon Construction.
• Our approach to projects is based on a fully integrated and accredited management system. We provide value and risk management to ensure value for money projects with smooth delivery.

Mackinnon Construction brings experienced and committed teams with the capability to apply their knowledge and skills on all the projects which they deliver.

Alistair MacKinnon MD of Mackinnon Construction commented: “This alliance of highly experienced and proven industry leading companies sets out to deliver a truly “one stop, turn key solution” for the smaller multi-disciplined projects, but managed to one end, a faster, cheaper more efficient service for clients that do not have to commit their own resource to complete.”

The market need we are looking at address is that of smaller based EPC style contracts.  For example, where the client wants the security and expertise of an EPC, but where the size and nature of the project would not be cost effective to approach a major EPC.  Our niche offering would enable the joint expertise of our businesses to provide a cost-effective solution for such clients.

Based within the East of England, this enables our collaboration to provide support to clients across the whole of the UK.

For more information, please contact us:

Dr Dorian Hindmarsh, Business Development Manager, Proeon Systems Limited

DD: 01953 857 663   E:Dorianh@proeon.co.uk    

www.mackinnonconstruction.com   www.oslconsulting.com       www.proeon.co.uk        www.prucenewman.co.uk

MHA Larking Gowen has welcomed Mark Hewitson as a new partner, dealing with Business and Private clients, based in their Fakenham and Holt offices.

Mark, who was previously working at a national firm in Esher, south London, is familiar with the region having been brought up in Suffolk. He attended Ipswich School and played football for Ipswich Town at YTS level before realising his future lay in accountancy.

He qualified as an accountant at a firm in Ipswich before moving to London where he has worked for the past 20 years.

As Mark begins his new role, one of his main focusses will be getting to know clients and tapping into his fellow partners’ knowledge of the local area.

“As far as my clients are concerned, my role is to become the trusted advisor,” said Mark. “You have to be interested in a person, get to know them and their families and learn about their goals and aspirations, both for business and individuals.

“You become an essential part of their business, taking the role of an FD where one doesn’t already exist within the organisation, and I’ve found that has accelerated over the last year. With the growing reliance on remote working, and Zoom or Teams, has come the ability to attend meetings more regularly.

“I think some of these changes to working practices will stick because they are effective touch points,” he continued.

What does Mark think the effects of the economic climate will be on the business over the coming year?

“I’ve been through two economic crises and what I’ve found is that clients need more help from their advisors than ever.

“It’s not just looking at tax optimisation, it’s looking at the wider aspects. For example, working with financial advisors and planners. I like to have the financial advisors on my side, it’s good to bring your thoughts together and present them to the client,” he explained.

“I am very pleased to working with the team at MHA Larking Gowen who have a strong presence in the region and an excellent reputation among their clients. The supportive working environment is an impressive part of the way the business operates, and I look forward to working with our many clients.”

Mark has relocated to north Norfolk with his wife, Johanna, who is a journalist and author, and his two children.

www.larking-gowen.co.uk