Member News

Chartered accountants and business advisors, MHA Larking Gowen, has strengthened its Private Client offering by appointing a new partner, Sally Farrow on 1 October 2020.

“We are delighted to announce this important appointment,” stated Jon Woolston, Managing Partner of MHA Larking Gowen, which has a team of over 320 people across seven offices throughout East Anglia, making it a major regional independent accountancy partnership and one of the UK’s top 40 accountancy firms. “Sally originally joined the firm as a trainee then went on to work for a national firm of accountants. She rejoined the firm in 2018 with a specific focus on tax planning and tax compliance for our private clients, including trustees, bringing with her an invaluable perspective to this important part of our business.”

Based in Norwich but covering all MHA Larking Gowen’s offices in the region, Sally will head up the newly formed Private Client tax team with an emphasis on delivering private client services for individuals, trustees and executors and growing the wider private client offering.

Sally has over 20 years’ experience and is a Chartered Tax Adviser and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Sally commented: “I was delighted when I was asked to join the partnership. We have an excellent Private Client offering and I look forward to leading the team in the future. We will continue to focus on providing great client service and proactive advice.”

Jon added: “Sally is a significant asset to this business and our clients. My fellow partners and I look forward to working with her as we continue to expand the firm.”

Spire Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce the promotion of Ejike Ndaji to Head of Private Client.

Ejike trained with Overburys (now part of Spire Solicitors LLP) and qualified as a Solicitor in 2013. After working in the Firm’s Norwich office, Ejike relocated to the Wymondham office in 2017, helping to strengthen the Private Client team. He specialises in all areas of Private Client law including Will drafting, Administration of Estates, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work and Estate Planning.

Ejike will be taking over from Alisdair Liddle, who has been Head of the Department at Spire Solicitors LLP for 7 years. Alisdair will remain highly involved with the Firm, as a member of the Management Committee.

James Knight, CEO of Spire Solicitors LLP, commented:

“The Members and staff would like to thank Alisdair for the years of dedication that he has given to the Team and for developing a Private Client Team that has continued to grow in size and quality of service over the last seven years.  

On behalf of the Firm, I would like to wish Ejike every success as Head of Private Client at Spire Solicitors LLP. He is a valued member of the business and is well regarded by his colleagues, clients and contacts for the support and legal expertise he offers them. This promotion is testament to his dedication, loyalty and hard work since joining the Firm.”

Alongside the Private Client work, Ejike also heads the Firm’s Charities and Social Enterprise team. He has expertise in establishing charities, converting unincorporated Charities and Trusts to Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), advising Charity Trustees on the most suitable operational structure, drafting charity constitution documents, dealing with property transfers etc. Ejike has also been involved with the boards of the Charities: Red Balloon Learner Centre for Bullied Children; Norfolk Community Law Service; and the Norfolk Black History Month.

Ejike also set up the Spire Charitable Trust and to date the charity has raised over £16,000. The aim of the Trust is to alleviate the financial hardship of individuals residing in Norfolk by making donations to other bodies or organisations with charitable purposes and aims.

Norwich-based Coleman Opticians is aiming to reduce the amount of waste in our oceans by stocking glasses and sunglasses created with recycled plastic and fishing nets rescued from landfill and oceans all over the world.

The local practice which has been situated on Norwich’s St Augustine’s Street for over 75 years has today (1st October) become the first UK optician to partner with sustainable brand Coral Eyewear. From today, the practice will stock a variety of unisex shapes and colours from the sustainable brand’s new Endangered Collection.

The Coral Eyewear frames are created with ECONYL®, pellets of recycled nylon created from recycled ocean fishing nets and fabric scraps from landfill. The ECONYL® process reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 90% when compared with the material from oil and instead of adding environmentally-damaging lacquer, gloss or varnish, the frames are tumbled for smoothness. 

Coral Eyewear has been developed by university student George Bailey alongside his father Calvin and The University of East Anglia’s Enterprise Fund. The sustainable start-up received £50,000 to test eco-friendly materials in November last year and has since received backing and support from Norfolk entrepreneur and TV personality Jake Humphrey.

George said: “It’s so exciting to be working with Coleman Opticians and I’m delighted that Coral Eyewear will have a great high-street presence here in Norfolk. Coleman Opticians is a great fit for the brand, and I believe this partnership can make a real impact in our bid to move the industry towards recycled, eco-friendly materials.

I’ve lived locally in Norfolk for a number of years and it’s great to see initiatives like the contact lens recycling scheme and water refill station already in practice. I think that our frames are the next positive environmental swap and we hope it’s the start of a long-term partnership where our frames will eventually return to us for recycling.”

600,000 tonnes of fishing nets are thought to be abandoned in our oceans every year, taking up to 600 years to break down. During this time, tiny fragments called micro plastics are ingested by animals and World Animal Protection estimates just one abandoned net entangles 30-40 marine animals per year.

Director of Coleman Opticians Katie Fenn said: ‘As a local independent business we strive to improve our carbon footprint year on year and supporting local entrepreneur George on this exciting innovation, really was a no brainer. The range of glasses are bright, attractive and knowing how they have been produced will hopefully be the start of a new way of thinking in the future’.

To book an eye-test or appointment with Coleman Opticians call 01603 624564 or email info@colemanopticians.co.uk.

Hatch Brenner Solicitors on Theatre Street is supporting their long-term community partner Headway Norfolk and Waveney the brain injury association, to help raise awareness of the devastating impact of Memory Loss through ABI Week 2020.

Their ‘Campaign to Remember’ during ABI Week is running from 28 September – 4 October. Headway has launched an emotional animated video as part of the campaign highlighting both the complex effects of memory loss but also the UK-wide support available to those affected and their families.

Focusing on the story of Tony, who lost his memory after suffering a car accident aged 27, the video aims to increase understanding and raise awareness of the hidden impact of memory loss following a brain injury. It was produced in response to survey findings by Headway that 72% of brain injury survivors felt the people in their life did not understand their memory problems.

Colin Cook, Hatch Brenner Partner and brain injury legal specialist commented: “Having acted for clients with a range of brain injuries, we know that memory loss is an all too familiar and predominant feature of brain injury. From being used as an early diagnostic tool to determine the period of post traumatic amnesia (and retrograde amnesia) to learning coping strategies to deal with issues arising from memory loss, early access to focussed rehabilitation is key to better long term outcomes. The memory loss campaign during ABI Week is an important opportunity to spread the message and promote understanding in the wider public. We are proud to continue to support Headway Norfolk and Waveney in their work.”

Laura Jones, Chief Executive of Headway Norfolk & Waveney added: “Many thanks to the brain injury legal team at Hatch Brenner Solicitors for their continued support. The impact of memory problems on an acquired brain injury survivors’ life and relationships is one of the most common concerns we come across with those contacting us for support. We are here for anyone affected by brain injury in the local community and work to promote independence, provide rehabilitation support and increase understanding of brain injury.”

View the Headway ‘Campaign to Remember’ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=nalhhZhYYY0&feature=emb_logo

Read the full Headway Memory Loss survey results: The impact of memory loss on people with brain injury

Hatch Brenner is approved as a specialist brain injury solicitor in the Headway Head Injury Solicitor Directory. Colin Cook is also sits on the board of trustees for Headway Norfolk and Waveney. If you or a loved one has suffered an acquired brain injury and are looking for legal advice, please contact our experienced team via 01603 660 811 or colincook@hatchbrenner.co.uk.

Hatch Brenner Solicitors in Norwich is aiming to raise vital funds for nine of the UK’s best loved charities, after signing up once again for Will Aid, the annual charity will writing campaign.

Hatch Brenner has signed up to the scheme, which runs throughout November, for the sixth year.

The firm has raised £22,703 for the nine charities involved since it joined the scheme. It raised £4,000 in the 2019 campaign.

Alexandria Martin from the firm said: “We are very excited to be involved in the Will Aid campaign again this year.

“It gives us an excellent opportunity to reach people in our community who do not have a will and help them to protect their loved ones for the future.

“It also means we can raise funds for nine incredible charities which make a huge difference to people in need both here in the UK and around the world.”

The Will Aid scheme takes place across the country during November and supports ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland).

Thanks to the generosity of solicitors like Hatch Brenner, the campaign has raised more than £21 million for these charities since it launched 31 years ago.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, charities are in need of donations now more than ever.

Campaign director Peter de Vena Franks said: “One in three people die in the UK without making a will, often leaving confusion and chaos behind along with the sadness of losing a loved one.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly made people reflect on the fragility of life and reinforced the importance of having a professionally-written will in place.

“Will Aid encourages people to prepare this vital piece of paperwork at the same time as making a difference by raising money for charity.

“We are thrilled that Hatch Brenner has joined this year’s campaign. They have contributed a great deal to our fundraising efforts in the past and I know they will continue to work with us in future.”

Law firms across the country are being asked to sign up and pledge a portion of their time to write basic wills, putting duty before profit and instead asking clients to make a voluntary donation.

The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills. Donations support the vital work of the nine partner charities.

Any additional work to the will can be charged separately and is paid to the law firm.

Will Aid solicitors will be following the most up-to-date government health advice to ensure that face-to-face meetings remain safe. Many firms will be able to write wills at a distance via a phone or online consultations. Some firms will only be offering their services remotely. Participating firms can be contacted directly for more information.

For more information about how to sign up or how to make an appointment to write a will visit www.willaid.org.uk/solicitors.

Hatch Brenner will be opening up their Will Aid appointments at the beginning of October. Contact alexandriamartin@hatchbrenner.co.uk or call 01603 660 811.

As businesses across Norfolk continue to restart, rebuild and recover, NatWest’s Business Growth Enabler Andy Gray will be supporting businesses move forward following lockdown.

In his role, NatWest will work with local partners including Norfolk Chambers of Commerce to champion the potential of businesses and support business owners as they develop and grow. This may be through one to one mentoring support or by helping entrepreneurs connect with a business network.

Andy will be running regular events on topics such as Trading Online, cyber security and applying for funding and will also support new and developing businesses achieve their potential through NatWest’s Business Builder. The digital tool is on hand to provide help with all aspects of getting new businesses off the ground, with a wide range of online learning and workshops.

The NatWest Group have set out the bold new ambition to be a leading bank in the UK & Republic of Ireland helping to address the climate challenge; by making our own operations net carbon zero in 2020 and climate positive by 2025, and by driving material reductions in the climate impact of our financing activity.

As we move from 2020 into 2021, Andy will also provide specialist support to female entrepreneurs as part of NatWest’s commitment to supporting women in business. An ambassador for women in business, he holds an accreditation in NatWest’s Everywoman program which supports female business owners to turn their dreams and ambitions into a reality.

Andy said: “The last six months have been an incredibly challenging time for all of us in a variety of ways but, as we look the future, it’s absolutely vital the local eco-system continues to support businesses across Norfolk as they move forward. We know there are new enterprises that have developed over this period as well as those that have had to adapt and change, and I look forward to working with our partners support further growth in Norfolk.

Andy has over 12 years’ experience in Banking and Finance and has spent the last four years specialising in business development and entrepreneurship

Print and POS specialist BDH Tullford donated several clear, pull-up partitions to Norfolk-based charity Equal Lives this September, helping to keep their teams safe as they return to the office.

Having diversified during the coronavirus crisis, BDH Tullford initially began producing PPE components, face shields and partition screens to support the NHS. The opportunity to convert pull-up banners into portable partition screens using clear plastic was a natural development. Not only can they be wiped down with antibacterial spray but they can easily be moved around, allowing individuals and organisations flexibility in the workplace. 

Having produced several pull-up screen prototypes, the company saw an opportunity to give back to the local community, donating a batch to a local charity as its employees began returning to the office. 

The chosen charity, Equal Lives, is based in Framingham Pigot in Norfolk. It is dedicated to empowering disabled individuals so they can live independent lives. Its team of employees and volunteers works closely with local people, helping them to understand their rights and access the support they need – all while campaigning for equal opportunities. 

Says Kimberly Myhill, Equal Lives’ Senior Business Development Manager: “Buying PPE and screens diverts vital resources away from the charity’s work. 

“Receiving a donation like this not only allows us to save money but helps us to keep our colleagues and clients safe as we return to the office, allowing us to increased levels of assistance during a particularly stressful time.”

Comments David Hutchins, Director at BDH Tullford: “We’re delighted to provide support to a local charity with these screens. They’re easy to use, simple to set up and incredibly versatile

“Equal Lives provides invaluable services within East Anglia and we’re delighted that we can help them continue to provide those services in a safe and secure manner.”

Internationally acclaimed Spanish installation artist and sculptor, Cristina Iglesias (b. November 1956), presents two major sculptures at the Sainsbury Centre, UEA. This free Sculpture Park exhibition on display from 14 November places Iglesias’ work in dialogue with Norman Foster’s iconic Sainsbury Centre building.

Celosía XI (Hafsa Bint Al-Hayy) (2006) consists of seven terracotta screens that evoke the lattices in Arab architecture. Iglesias co-opts their traditional geometric patterns by incorporating words into the structure of the screens. Passing through the enclosures is akin to reading passages of text. The title refers to the celebrated Andalusian poet Ḥafṣa bint al-Ḥājj ar-Rakūniyya (1135-1191).

The immersive installation Vegetation Room III (2005) is a defined architectural space. The interior walls are casts of organic vegetation. The combination of natural and architectural elements complements the aims of the Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park: to bring together art, architecture and the natural environment. 

This exhibition reunites the work of Cristina Iglesias and Norman Foster, who have collaborated on a number of projects. Iglesias’ sculpture can be seen in front of the Bloomberg Headquarters, London, which was designed by Norman Foster. She has also created a canopy for the façade of the Norman Foster Foundation in Madrid.

Both works are free to view on the West Lawn as part of the Sculpture Park. A trail map is available here.

In collaboration with Marian Goodman Gallery and Cristina Iglesias Studio.  

Our latest blog takes a look behind the scenes at Layrd Design and gives an insight into the working life of Director Will Mayes.

Read the full blog here.

On 28th September, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) launched its G-Cloud 12 framework and it is now live for all public sector customers to use.  G-Cloud 12 offers public sector organisations a straightforward and compliant way to purchase cloud based services, such as hosting, software, and support.

G-Cloud 12 works through an online catalogue called the Digital Marketplace. Services now include service definition documents, which provide detailed service information to support evaluating services, empowering customers to make better buying decisions.  CJC Procurement Ltd has two service offerings; Cloud & Digital Transformation Procurement Services; and Software Cost Optimisation services.

The benefits of using G-Cloud 12 include:

• straightforward contract award using a quick and easy 6 step process on the Digital Marketplace
• transparent prices – catalogue shows suppliers, services, prices and supplier terms and conditions 
• access to the latest innovation and technologies
• ability to move away from long term contracts – maximum duration is 24 months, which is then easily refreshed or can be extended by 2 x 12 month periods
• includes clauses to help you address both modern slavery and corporate social value

Including CJC Procurement Ltd, 5,224 suppliers have each been awarded a place on the twelfth iteration of G-Cloud.  Over 38,000 services will be available for customers to access, subject to a process of additional assurance. This is a growth of over 25% from G-Cloud 11. 

Over 91% of the overall suppliers on G-Cloud 12 are small and medium sized enterprises (SME). Of the suppliers new to G-Cloud 12, over 80% are micro and small organisations, demonstrating that G-Cloud continues to offer opportunities to suppliers of all sizes.  CJC Procurement Ltd is one of these micro businesses and proof that such business can be appointed to public sector Framework Agreements.  For more information on the CJC Procurement Ltd listed services, please follow the links below.

Cloud & Digital Transformation Procurement Service

Software Cost Optimisation Service

It is with great sadness that we have to report the news that Simon Gray, founder of Credo Asset Finance passed away on Sunday afternoon 27th September 2020 after a short battle with cancer.

Simon started Credo Asset Finance as a ‘bedroom broker’ in 2005 after being in the finance industry for the previous 25 years.  He named the company Credo after its Latin name ‘Trust & Belief’ with a vision to help local businesses secure funding as quickly and as efficiently as possible. 

It was not long before he forged many relationships with these businesses and by 2010 with the help of investors, created Credo Capital Finance Ltd.  This is an own book funding facility to offer finance to those that needed more than a simple automated decision to be approved. 

He was a mentor for young people, employing many at Credo and for several years offering 0% interest free business loans and advice to those young people wanting to start a local business.  Credo Asset Finance went from strength to strength under his leadership, growing to 28 staff members and lending in the region of £50 Million a year.  Star Asset Finance acquired Credo in June 2017.

Simon loved spending time with his family, his wife Tracy and three children, Will, Anna & Alex, and loved his holidays.  He sang in local choirs, loved a game of golf, enthusiast for motorsport and enjoyed long walks.

He was an extraordinarily generous man, always wanting to help those in need and astonishingly raised over £100,000 for charity in the last few years.  This included climbing Kilimanjaro in 2016 and most recently the creation of the Canaryball Rally, which involved 20 cars travelling through 8 countries in Europe in 5 days in association with the Community Sports Foundation raising funds for their Build The Nest project in Horsford, Norwich.

He will be truly missed by so many, not least his Credo family.  It is even sadder that Simon will not see his son Will marry Bara who works at Credo which was supposed to take place in June this year. 

Ian Tims MD said “Simon was a legend in Asset Finance.  I will ensure his legacy continues, building the business so that Credo carries on even stronger and brighter for the future.”

All our thoughts are with Tracy and the family at this incredibly difficult time.

Simon Gray 1963 – 2020

A lot has changed since John Mayer joined TaxAssist Accountants in 2000, but he has absolutely no regrets.

John Mayer, who operates his TaxAssist Accountants franchise from Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset, has recently celebrated 20 years at the helm of his flourishing practice. To congratulate him, the Support Centre staff in Norwich sent a hamper to mark the occasion.

John said: “A big thank you for the gift of the Fortnum & Masons hamper celebrating my 20 years as a TaxAssist Accountants franchisee, it is very gratefully received.

“Where has the last 20 years gone! I am so thankful I joined TaxAssist and is a decision I will never regret. It has given myself and my family a good, secure living and has allowed me to meet many great people, both clients and within the franchise.

“It has been challenging at times, sometimes hard work, but over riding all of this, vastly enjoyable, extremely rewarding, and something I am very proud to be associated with.

“I have seen the franchise grow from around £4m fee bank to its current £51m and I like to think I have put a little part into its growth.

“I was going to organise a 20-year celebration party this October, and get my band to play as I did with the 15 year-celebration. Sadly, due to Covid-19 that has to be put on hold until next year, but it should be a party to remember when it does happen!”

Karl Sandall, the TaxAssist Group Chief Executive Director, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with and get to know John over the last 20 years and to help him build the substantial practice which he heads up today. He has always been eager to embrace change and keep up with the times and I congratulate him on his many years of business success. I would also like to thank him for the contribution he has made to the franchise over the years.”

If you are interested in joining TaxAssist Accountants, we are holding monthly Virtual Discovery Days where you can spend a day with the team to find out more about the business opportunity and support on offer. Click here for more information.