Member News

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director of TaxAssist Accountants, offers his take on a highly successful 2019 for the leading small business tax and accountancy franchise.

Network growth Despite the political and economic uncertainty which has marked much of 2019, I am very pleased to report continued strong growth across all KPIs. We now have over 226 franchise areas in the UK, looking after more than 76,000 clients with a collective fee bank of £50 million, as well as a growing network in the Republic of Ireland and Australia.

We are also happy to report network client growth of 7%, fee bank growth of 8% and sales growth of 9%, a higher rate than one of the Big 4 accountancy practices.

In 2019, we recruited 23 new franchisees, including 15 new franchisees, six successful resales (with good multiples due to practice efficiency) and two new partners. This is a growth rate of 13% on 2018, which is very much bucking current franchise industry trends.

I put this down to a number of factors: our well-established brand including a network of 226 highly visible high street shops, 136 offices, our support teams and systems, the banks’ willingness to lend to new franchisees because of network successes and our increasing dominance in the small business accountancy arena. I strongly feel that the benefits and additional security that franchising provide will gain in popularity as a business model for future investors.

Software Over the last few years we have seen increased pressure to keep pace with the biggest technological revolution the profession has ever seen.

Principals of accounting practices have a huge amount of challenges to manage, including regulatory, technological and cultural shifts. As a leading and dedicated franchisor, we see our role as taking as much of this burden away from our network as possible.

We have invested a huge amount of time and resource to research, evaluate and train the network on our market-leading software estate, which includes Quickbooks, TaxCalc, Practice Ignition and Receipt Bank and the level of support and guidance will increase throughout 2020. It is always uppermost in our minds to help each TaxAssist Accountant run an efficient, profitable practice and to ensure our software estate attracts and retains every kind of small business client.

Awards Earlier in the year, following an independent survey carried out by research company WorkBuzz, it was a great pleasure for me to read franchisees’ feedback on levels of training and support, our franchise system, culture and relationships, leadership and general satisfaction. The feedback provided led to us receiving ‘5-star franchisee satisfaction’ for the 7th year running, one of only four franchisors to have received the accolade.

Recognising just how important it is to have happy, engaged and experienced staff to support the network, we also asked WorkBuzz to carry out an independent survey for the staff at our Norwich-based Support Centre.

We received above average benchmark results in a number of key areas which saw us also receiving ‘5-star staff satisfaction’.  It is my hope that recognition such as this will reassure both existing and potential franchisees that they are being well looked after by a stable support team.

Our network performance remains strong and we rose one place to 21st in the highly regarded Accountancy Age Top 50+50 industry league table.

Anniversaries In 2019 we congratulated our Business Development Director James Mattam on his 20 years with the franchise, an anniversary which is fast approaching for myself! I am also looking forward to celebrating 25 years of TaxAssist Accountants in 2020. How time flies!

David Ingram, our franchisee in Newcastle, and Keith and Katherine Loader, a brother and sister partnership in Northampton, also celebrated 20 years as TaxAssist Accountants. Six franchisees celebrated 15 years and 12 celebrated 10 years with us. Many congratulations to everyone and long may your success continue.

National TV Advertising on the Sky AdSmart platform We launched our TV advertising campaign last year as part of our national marketing package and we have maintained a structured marketing campaign throughout 2019, showcasing our brand and the locations available to small business across the entire UK.

We are very pleased with the increased level of brand awareness, enquiries and walk-ins to our shops as a result.

This level of coverage for our brand has meant client lead generation for our franchisees remains strong, with us due to hit more than 9,000 qualified leads in December.

Recruitment videos Our franchisee recruitment team were very busy throughout the year organising the filming of a new tv commercial which was broadcast in September through to November across targeted advertising in Leeds, Coventry and Ipswich, where there are currently vacant territories. We believe we may be the first franchise to use this medium to reach out to potential new franchisees both in the UK or elsewhere. 

We actually filmed seven separate campaigns to assist with franchisee recruitment and these can be viewed on our website. These include five case study videos, in which franchisees were interviewed and filmed about what led them to consider franchising and the benefits of being a part of the TaxAssist network.

An ‘Introduction to a Discovery Day‘ video was also produced following feedback from franchisees on their initial training course regarding any concerns they may have had about attending a Discovery Day. We decided to produce an educational video highlighting the informative, non-sales nature of the day and we are very pleased with the final results which reflect the friendly, family feel of the Norwich Support Centre.

Training Academy We continued to roll out more technical, business development and software training courses through the year, both at our Support Centre and regionally. We held forums, masterclasses and regional meetings and produced a series of webinars, all of which were well received.

It was a pleasure to congratulate 13 franchisees and senior practice staff who graduated from our second two-year LEAD course. The course develops the skills required to be a leader and to help build and manage an effective team, all part of our support package we offer to help with sustainable growth within TaxAssist practices.

International Growth Terry Murphy and Celeste Godwin continued their success in Australia, as did Alison McGinley in The Republic of Ireland, with both countries seeing double digit growth for sales, client and fee bank growth in the last 12 months.

This year, we met with parties interested in developing TaxAssist in Canada and the USA. Both of these countries offer massive opportunities for the TaxAssist brand and we are at a very exciting stage in our negotiations for both countries. Watch this space.

So, in conclusion, 2019 has been a solid year in which TaxAssist has continued to perform well despite the disruption in the profession, but I strongly believe that being part of TaxAssist gives franchisees a massive head start offering an indispensable service to the future of the small businesses around the UK. Our brand, our scale, our breadth of services, our local relationships and our expertise mean that we are truly unique in the market.

I’d like to thank all our franchisees and their staff for their fantastic efforts in 2019 – it’s been a pleasure to work together to make TaxAssist Accountants the success story it is, and as we head towards our 25th anniversary year there is much to celebrate.

December 2019

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner has launched his annual budget consultation setting out the challenges facing policing in the county and seeking residents’ views on how best to meet them.

During his fourth year of delivering his ambitious Police and Crime Plan for Norfolk, PCC Lorne Green is asking the public if they would be prepared to pay extra in a bid to build a safer and more resilient Norfolk – or whether they would prefer no rise at all.

The PCC is required by law to set the budget for Norfolk Constabulary and, as part of this, decide how much the Norfolk public contributes to the policing element of the Council Tax they pay.

To inform this decision, each year Lorne has consulted with people across the county on whether or not this should increase.

This year’s consultation will run from today Monday 16 December until Friday 17 January 2020 and will see Lorne touring the county to seek the views of Norfolk residents.

“It is imperative to me I hear the views of as many Norfolk residents as I can to ensure I make a fully informed decision,” said Lorne.

“Every year, a large majority of the Norfolk public has supported an increase in the police precept to ensure the Norfolk Constabulary can continue to provide a high-quality service.

“Based on the needs set out by the Chief Constable for Norfolk, and with the support of residents, I have previously continued to raise the police precept to invest in a number of areas identified as priorities by the Norfolk public.”

During his tenure, the PCC has previously invested in areas, including:

• Increasing the number and visibility of uniformed officers – Norfolk now has 138 more officers as a result.
• The roll-out of 21st century technology including drones, body-worn cameras and expansion of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
• Policing and crime prevention in rural areas including introduction of Rural Crime Officers, increased Constabulary engagement with rural communities and the launch of the ‘Raise the Alarm’ campaign to reduce church lead thefts.
• Tackling abuse through an increase in detectives and the creation of two new ‘Investigation Hubs’ in the county.
• Increasing support for all victims, including services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assaults.

“Through Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMICFRS), I am provided with external assurance that Norfolk continues to have a high performing, effective well managed police force, and dedicated officers and staff who we should all be proud of,” added Lorne.

“However, looking forward to the next five years, the risks in our communities and the pressures on Norfolk Constabulary will continue to be very challenging for the police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCCN).

“The increase in some of the most abhorrent and harmful crimes, including domestic abuse, sex offences, child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation, has also left officers undertaking complex investigations on a frequent basis.

“This fundamentally changes how the police need to do their business and long-term steps to make our communities and future generations more resilient are necessary.

“This precept consultation is taking place at a unique time starting four days after a general election.

“As a result, we do not know the level of funding that will be received from central government for policing for 2020/21 and the specific impact this will have locally.

“I have reviewed the financial position of Norfolk Constabulary and the OPCCN to help me understand more broadly the impact on policing services of a number of scenarios and the options available.

“Raising taxation is a decision no-one wants to take, particularly at a time when, for so many, incomes are stretched.

“However, we are faced with some stark choices and I need to fully understand how supportive you are of the different options available to keep Norfolk safe and build long-term resilience.”

The Norfolk public are being asked whether they would prefer;

• No increase in the policing element of Council Tax (the precept) which would lead to reductions in policing services
• An increase of around 2% to meet inflation-related cost pressures, meaning at best ‘standing still with no investment’
• An increase in precept above 2% to enable investment in crime prevention activity, support to build community resilience and policing services.

For more information, the full consultation document is available here.

Have your say:

People can have their say by taking the online survey or by getting in contact with the Norfolk PCC office in the following ways:

Post: OPCCN, Jubilee House, Building 1, Falconers Chase, Wymondham, NR18 0WW

Telephone: 01953 424455

Email: TellLorne@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

Hard copies of the full consultation document are also available on request, and hard copy survey forms can be printed from here.

As B2B marketing specialists, we thought we’d look at some of the trends in B2B marketing which may influence all businesses in 2020.

Though not every development will be applicable, there are national and global trends in B2B marketing that small and medium business can capitalise upon too in the year ahead.

Marketing Personalisation

Direct marketing has long been one of the most important and effective tactics of B2B marketing. In 2020, the rise of personalised marketing is set to increase.

Today’s consumers expect a lot from the brands they interact with. B2B relationships are becoming no different, as business buyers begin to anticipate the same level of personalisation they receive from B2C brands like Amazon and Netflix.

Increased personalisation means the content of marketing materials is tailored to the individual target organisation and their interests, activity and interactions with your business. The more personalised the method, frequency and message, the greater the results. For example, emails with personalised subject lines are 29.3% more likely to be opened.

‘Hyper-targeting’ may become one of the buzzwords of 2020. It is used to identify the perfect person within a business to target and seeks to understand their values, aspirations, attitudes and selection triggers. Whether sending emails, mailers, social media messages, presentations or proposals, it’s best to find the specific decision maker you need and devise something relatable to refer to in your message.

Account-Based Marketing (ABM)

In 2020, the zenith of personalised B2B marketing may be Account-Based Marketing.

To become more efficient and effective, B2B marketers will expend energy selling to those customers they know would truly benefit from their product or service, rather than speculatively marketing to a broad audience. Online marketing is more targeted, sales pitches are more refined and relationships are more carefully nurtured. Each interaction has a defined purpose and clear objective.

For B2B firms who sell products or services which have a long sales cycle, or involve many stakeholders and decision -makers, Account-Based Marketing represents a more effective way to generate new business.

A 2017 report claimed 87% of B2B marketers said Account-Based Marketing had led to their largest return-on-investment. If you know exactly who you are targeting, your product is high-value and the sales gestation period is long, you should consider Account-Based Marketing.

B2B Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has long been a feature of B2C marketing with celebrities, experts and social media stars all affecting buying behaviour.

In 2020, similar tactics may see another incremental increase in B2B marketing though the tactics are different.

Businesses aren’t looking for celebrity testimonials but do appreciate reliable, authoritative and research-backed evidence and opinion of why they should choose a particular product, service or supplier. Customer testimonials and case studies help to influence decision making, as do referrals from current and past clients.

The newest trend is for podcasts where B2B organisations provide entertaining and informative video or audio content which subtly introduces their product and expertise. These are likely to increase in 2020 and can be a powerful tactic for small and medium businesses too.

Longer-Form Content Marketing

Content (in the form of blogs and written articles) has long been an important B2B tactic to grab attention, attract customers and prove your business’s skills and leadership.

For many years, convention has been that content should be short, immediate and to-the-point. 85% of content published on the web contains less than 1000 words. However, articles with more than 1000 words gain much greater engagement and SEO benefits. For 2020, the trend may increasingly be for longer content that is of more value.

Readers who feeling overwhelmed by endless blogs and articles are increasingly finding long-form content better researched, more analytic and more valuable. Google too favours long form content for SEO on the assumption that the information within it is more useful and reliable.

Longer content (over 1,000 words) can put off readers who want quick answers to easy questions. However, these people are generally less likely to be future customers. The remainder tend to have a more genuine interest in your ideas, products or expertise – and are willing to invest their time to gain valuable information.

B2B marketers are moving away from making accessing valuable content (reports and guides etc) subject to completing a sign up or contact form. Gated content deters many, restricts reach and many businesses then fail to use the contact details effectively anyway. People who submit their details often cannot be relied upon to be good leads. As content marketing becomes more important in B2B marketing, the mindset is to distribute content far and wide without restriction.

Video Content

As in 2019, next year is likely to see B2B marketers increasingly turning to interactive visual and video content to better engage their target customers.

A HubSpot survey found 81% of businesses use video content and 74% of business people say they’ve made a purchase after watching another company’s video.

Short-form videos for use on websites and social media are seeing greater use across B2B businesses of all sizes. Other visual content, such as infographics, motion graphics and animations are also becoming more prominent and frequently used to explain products, processes and complex information.

In 2020, this is also likely to lead to greater use of social channels – such as LinkedIn, Facebook and even Instagram – to share video content with other businesses.

Social Selling

In 2020, social selling may become a wider tactic in B2B marketing.

LinkedIn in particular has over a half a billion members, of which 40 million are decision-makers and 61 million are senior level influencers.

Social selling takes advantage of the fact that if you’re active on LinkedIn and other platforms, you’re most likely already connected to individuals who could be your business’s next customers. Social selling simply means prospecting for leads through already built and trusted relationships and LinkedIn is typically the most effective way to do so for B2B.

Employee Advocacy

In 2020, B2B businesses may increasingly encourage – and even incentivise – employees to represent their brand and showcase it to the world.

The most common type of employee advocacy is employees using social media to share and endorse content from their organisation with their own networks.

Only 17% of firms say they currently use such tactics but those who do claim it leads to increased attraction, shorter sales cycles, new revenue streams and more growth.

Experiential Marketing and Immersive Events

Live events such as trade shows and conferences have long been a staple of B2B marketing. Despite of the importance of digital marketing, many B2B marketers consistently rank live events as the strongest tactic for converting leads into new clients.

Live events have evolved hugely in B2C marketing and B2B may follow in 2020. Whether at trade shows, exhibitions, seminars or social events, companies will need to give their audience something memorable that will raise emotions and build relationships.

Tactics and technologies which may become more mainstream in B2B include:

• Creative scenic design which moves away from the tradition pop-up stand and table to a more staged trade show presence with lighting, visual displays and comfy furniture
• 3D projection of images, video or graphics onto walls and surfaces to create a more immersive experience
• Interactivity, AR and VR using digital technology to deliver new experiences and information as visitors explore your trade show presence

Website Design and Optimisation

Counter to the recent focus on content market, client experiences and account-based marketing, many B2B firms may once again focus on their website in 2020.

Almost all B2B marketing brings prospective customers to your website. As all modern websites up their game, a B2B website should thus serve as a platform for differentiation, thought-leadership, business development and attracting talented staff – all whilst delivering a great user experience.

In 2020, firms many approach their website redesign or update differently by focusing squarely on their audience and building around the user, not the firm.

SEO will continue to be more critical than ever in competing for online visitors as Google and other search engines become the first port of call for most B2B buyers. The focus of SEO will again include page speed optimisation, mobile-first design and improved security.

Voice-Generated SEO

With the rise of smart speakers and other interactive devices, more people than ever may turn to Alexa, Siri or Cortana for internet searches in 2020.

Google recently released a ‘speak-able schema mark-up’ which allows web designers to nominate sections of their content to respond to voice activated searches. Though still in early development, it’s an area which will play an important role on B2C marketing and trickle down into B2B.

While B2C marketers have been using artificial intelligence (AI) for a while, B2B has been slower to react. With benefits including better insights, detailed analysis, prospect identification, hyper-targeting, content personalisation and automation, it may also become a rising feature of B2B marketing in 2020.

Is 2020 a Pivotal Year for B2B?

Though B2B marketing is always evolving, 2020 may very well become a notable year for a shift towards personalised direct marketing, longer and more valuable content marketing and greater focus on business’s websites as critical to success.

At Full Mix Marketing we specialise in helping B2B businesses of every size and sector to identify and benefit from the marketing methods and tactics that will make the biggest difference.

Simply get in touch at www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk and have a great 2020!

We are one of only four Hotels to be announced as a finalist and one of only two Hotels in Norfolk to reach this stage of the awards.

Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants, recognises both small and large serviced accommodation businesses, providing truly memorable guest experiences, demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business which includes but is not limited to: customer service, additional personal touches or offerings to ensure that each guest is made to feel like an individual, and the amenities and facilities provided within the hotel and guest rooms.

We are delighted to be recognised as one of the top hotels in Norfolk!

The judges commented on our exceptional service and client care, “whilst ensuring a solid commitment to the local community.” They went on to say: “A steady investment programme has ensured the property makes maximum benefit of its superb location and has enabled the owners to demonstrate their dedication to style and guest well-being. In addition, a commitment to using local produce and employing local staff has ensured the success of the business feeds right back into the heart of the local community.”

James Holliday, owner added: “The whole team are delighted to be finalists for Hotel of the Year! It is the culmination of six years hard work since we took over The Norfolk Mead in 2013! As an independent, family-run and local Norfolk business, we are proud of our relaxed luxury offering and strive for excellence in hospitality for every guest.”

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 27 February 2020 at Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk, presented by BBC1s Inside Out and BBC Radio Norfolk host David Whiteley. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

In order to continue our growth and therefore serve our customers better, Credo are proud to announce that we will be moving to new premises in the new year! 

Our new address will be: 

Credo Capital Finance Ltd Capital House Unit I-J Iceni Court Delft Way Norwich Norfolk NR6 6BB

We look forward to the move in January and we hope to welcome you if you are nearby.

Lloyd Felton, chief executive of County Broadband, said: “The re-elected Prime Minister has already made digital infrastructure a notable investment pledge in his victory speech following his campaign commitment for the rollout of gigabit broadband connectivity. We look forward to working with the digital minister in support of his promise to connect the entire UK, including rural and hard-to-reach areas, to future-ready networks.

“County Broadband has big plans to connect thousands of rural communities to our Hyperfast future-ready networks in 2020 across the East of England, making the region a flagbearer for world class digital connectivity.”

Staff wellbeing and the issue of mental health is increasingly important in business and the Norse Group is pleased to offer accredited Mental Health First Aid training for the staff of Chamber members in February at our bespoke training centre in Norwich.

A Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. The programme explores mental health, dispels myths, and most importantly gives candidates the tools to have conversations about mental health and support colleagues to seek help.

MHFA will not teach someone to be a therapist, but it will teach delegates to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and potentially stop a crisis from developing. Delegates learn to recognise warning signs of mental ill health, and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone in a safe way.  The programme is MHFA England accredited and delegates receive valuable resource materials and workbooks.

Qualified MHFA trainer Mark Surridge is running an open programme in Norwich on 18th and 19th February 2020 and a limited number of spaces are available at £270 each, which is £30 lower than the MHFA recommended rate. A recent delegate from Leathes-Prior commented: “Mark was an excellent trainer. He was incredibly engaging and clearly very passionate about the area.”

Follow this link here to access the course booking page.

Studio Inn came out of our desire to create something unique that we didn’t see already in existence here in Norwich. It’s a unique space where creative people doing creative work can come together to establish a home that feels both grown-up and relaxed, focused and social. More than a workspace, we wanted to bring together those interested in collaboration and the cross-pollination of creative ideas.

Established by Fiona and Bobby Burrage, the founders of lifestyle destination Nor-Folk and branding agency The Click, we’re bringing our pared-back aesthetic and collaborative attitude to a space that fosters productivity and creativity.

Situated in a bright and airy architect-designed development with a courtyard garden, Studio Inn provides the opportunity for company and collaboration, a place where individuals can grow in the collective environment.

Studio Inn membership includes:

– Become part of our creative community – One ‘all inn’ monthly fee of £165 + VAT per month – Your own dedicated desk space with drawers – 24/7/365 access – Access to break-out areas and presentation facilities – Free open plan meeting room facilities – Coffee and tea in our kitchen – Wifi – Enjoy regular socials, events and talks – Bread Source pastries delivered every Friday morning – Discounts on nearby health and fitness classes

https://www.studioinn.co/

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been shortlisted for the second year running as a finalist for a national award recognising its work to drive economic growth, investment and job-creation in the area.

The council has been shortlisted in the Driving Growth category of the 2020 LGC Awards, run by the Local Government Chronicle. This follows success in the same category last year, when the council was selected as the Highly Commended finalist.

This shortlisting recognises Great Yarmouth’s innovative work with partners to support energy investment at the Enterprise Zone sites around the Outer Harbour, South Denes and Beacon Park, as well as the ongoing regeneration work in the town centre and seafront, including the new Marina Centre.

It also recognises the range of work the council is undertaking to improve the standard of housing in urban Yarmouth and initiatives to create an attractive mix of good quality housing, that is fit for purpose for all and meets local needs.

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the main political group leaders, said: “Driving economic growth, investment and job-creation is about supporting communities and improving lives, whether that be through maximising business opportunities, regenerating our town centre and seafront, or improving housing.

“This is a top priority, embedded in the council’s everyday business, and that is reflected in the fact that Great Yarmouth has now been shortlisted twice for this prestigious award. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the council teams and partners involved – their total commitment is a credit to the council and to the communities it serves.”

Sheila Oxtoby, chief executive, said: “Through investing proactively in the economy, developing responsive projects and working at a place-based level with partners, including New Anglia LEP and Peel Ports, the council is creating and capturing exciting opportunities for growth for our communities and businesses.

“To be shortlisted again for this exciting national recognition is a tribute to the commitment of officers and partners, and the ambition of councillors. We are pleased that the judges are impressed with the council’s vision and area-based agenda. This is a team success, and I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

LGC editor Nick Golding said: “The councils that have been shortlisted for an LGC Award are among the most innovative – and their innovation helps provide the best services for residents, despite local government facing ongoing financial constraint.

“The officers and councillors of shortlisted councils deserve enormous credit for thinking of new ways to deliver the best services, ensuring vital services thrive, benefiting everyone who uses them.”

Does your business have eco values and principles at its core? If so, why not enter the 2019/20 Norwich and Norfolk Eco Awards?

We’re looking for small and medium size businesses across the city and county that can demonstrate their commitment to protecting the planet through innovative ways of working.

Norwich based Zero Taxis were last year’s eco business winner and we celebrated their fantastic work. They’ve become Norfolk’s first Electric-only taxi fleet, with all energy for their vehicles coming from 100% renewable energy sources – including on site charging via solar panels.

Listen to what other previous winners had to say. Click here.

The awards scheme is free to enter with an easy online application process. Winners receive a trophy and certificate as well as eco awards branding to use for their own marketing purposes.

We are open for entries until Sunday 15 December 2019. The official awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 5 March 2020, at The Halls, Norwich.

Please visit: www.eco-awards.co.uk for more information and to apply.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is national award finalist for driving economic growth

GREAT Yarmouth Borough Council has been shortlisted for the second year running as a finalist for a national award recognising its work to drive economic growth, investment and job-creation in the area.

The council has been shortlisted in the Driving Growth category of the 2020 LGC Awards, run by the Local Government Chronicle. This follows success in the same category last year, when the council was selected as the Highly Commended finalist.

This shortlisting recognises Great Yarmouth’s innovative work with partners to support energy investment at the Enterprise Zone sites around the Outer Harbour, South Denes and Beacon Park, as well as the ongoing regeneration work in the town centre and seafront, including the new Marina Centre.

It also recognises the range of work the council is undertaking to improve the standard of housing in urban Yarmouth and initiatives to create an attractive mix of good quality housing, that is fit for purpose for all and meets local needs.

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the main political group leaders, said: “Driving economic growth, investment and job-creation is about supporting communities and improving lives, whether that be through maximising business opportunities, regenerating our town centre and seafront, or improving housing.

“This is a top priority, embedded in the council’s everyday business, and that is reflected in the fact that Great Yarmouth has now been shortlisted twice for this prestigious award. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the council teams and partners involved – their total commitment is a credit to the council and to the communities it serves.”

Sheila Oxtoby, chief executive, said: “Through investing proactively in the economy, developing responsive projects and working at a place-based level with partners, including New Anglia LEP and Peel Ports, the council is creating and capturing exciting opportunities for growth for our communities and businesses.

“To be shortlisted again for this exciting national recognition is a tribute to the commitment of officers and partners, and the ambition of councillors. We are pleased that the judges are impressed with the council’s vision and area-based agenda. This is a team success, and I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

LGC editor Nick Golding said: “The councils that have been shortlisted for an LGC Award are among the most innovative – and their innovation helps provide the best services for residents, despite local government facing ongoing financial constraint.

“The officers and councillors of shortlisted councils deserve enormous credit for thinking of new ways to deliver the best services, ensuring vital services thrive, benefiting everyone who uses them.”

– Introducing 10 and 11-night holidays to Tenerife from Norwich Airport for Winter 2020

– 10,000 extra seats go on sale from Norwich Airport this month

TUI, the world’s leading holiday company and the UK’s number one holiday provider, has announced its Winter 2020 programme by adding an extra 10,000 seats from Norwich airport.

TUI have now added 10 and 11-night holidays to Tenerife with the addition of a weekly flight operating every Saturday from Norwich Airport, a Norfolk Chambers of Commerce member,  giving holidaymakers from East Anglia more flexibility.

TUI UK&I’s Director of Aviation Planning, Karen Switzer said: “Earlier this month TUI announced its winter 2020 and summer 2021 holiday programme which has since expanded with more destinations and added flights. We are delighted that the additional flights provide holidaymakers departing from our regional airports with even more choice when deciding where to go away.

“With additional flying capacity and more than 1,000 hotels already on sale for Summer 2021 it gives those planning ahead the opportunity to choose the most suitable airport, destination and hotel. The customer is at the heart of everything we do and this additional growth to one of our customer’s favourite holiday hotspots, from Norwich Airport, demonstrates our continued commitment for people to discover their smile with us.”

Richard Pace, Managing Director, Norwich Airport, said: “We’re already very proud to support TUI in providing a year-round service to Tenerife, and now we have the excellent news that 10 and 11-night holidays to Tenerife are being brought in for Winter 2020, with the addition of a weekly flight operating every Saturday from Norwich. This provides holidaymakers from the airport’s catchment in Norfolk, Suffolk and North Cambridgeshire with more flexibility.”