Chartered accountants and business advisers, M+A Partners, has further strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Faith Pearce, Senior Tax Manager.
Faith started her tax career as a private client tax assistant for a large national accountancy firm, where she qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser.
Although starting out in private client tax, Faith has experience in corporate tax compliance and more recently has been involved in a number of tax advisory projects, covering various aspects of tax planning for land owners, high net worth individuals, shareholders and business owners.
As a growing firm, that is very much looking to the future, M+A are delighted to be consolidating the knowledge within their senior tax team and expanding this area of the business.
M+A Partner Clare Goodswen commented “Faith brings extensive tax expertise and specialist knowledge to the firm. I know her as someone that can confidently manage and advise on all tax matters, giving our clients an excellent level of service. We are thrilled to welcome her to M+A Partners and wish her all the best in her new position.”
WHAT IS THE NEW ANGLIA SCALE UP PROGRAMME AND WHO IS IT FOR?
The Scale Up programme has been launched to support businesses with high growth potential up to 20% in terms of turnover. These companies have been categorised as ‘Silver’. Those achieving growth in excess of 20% in terms of turnover or FTEs are categorised as ‘Gold’.
The mission of the Scale Up programme is, therefore, providing the business support to turn ‘Silver’ businesses into ‘Gold’ businesses.
The objective of the programme is to engage with potential high growth businesses throughout the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk and to create an exclusive community of like-minded peers and industry and topic experts. This programme will provide ongoing support and also understand and develop the nature of the high growth ecosystem required to generate growth across the New Anglia region.
KEY BENEFITS TO SME TO JOIN THE HIGH GROWTH PROGRAMME
– Access to members only workshops, information tools, meetings and events
– All businesses at these events are like-minded and keen to grow and develop their businesses in Suffolk and Norfolk – peer to peer support and discussions
– All businesses are in Norfolk and Suffolk
– Access to industry experts and information from dedicated growth/scale-up bodies and people
– Access to inspirational local and national businesses who have been on the scale-up/growth journey
– Three-year programme in place to take them into the next step
New Anglia Growth Hub is delighted to announce the launch of the Scale Up programme. There are two launch events planned so far and more to come. The first two events are supporting Digital Tech and Manufacturing.
The first event is for Digital Tech. The event and conference is on the 6th February 2019 at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket CB8 7BX.
The second event is Manufacturing. The event and conference is on the 26th March 2019 at Barnham Broom Hotel, Norwich, NR9 4DD.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
These events and support are free, but booking is by invite-only through signing up and being accepted on to the programme. This too is a free and simple process but will require review and approval by our High Growth Adviser. If you have not already been contacted you can apply through the simple form below, which will then be reviewed and you will be contacted by phone or email, either to discuss this a little further or get your full details to add you to the programme.
After you have been accepted, you will be able to get invites directly to your inbox for all our events, and be able to access to the supporting information from these events will be through the New Anglia Scale Up Portal on the New Anglia Growth Hub Website. As this is all free, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Kick start your growth today and apply below.
To read more please click on the leaflet and agenda below. If you wish to discuss this further before completing this form, please contact our High Growth Adviser, Morgan Potter through his email: morgan.potter@newanglia.co.uk
Following a year in which companies have been faced with additional security and privacy requirements such as the GDPR, they are increasingly looking to technology to help them adapt to the challenges ahead.
As an IT services provider, Breakwater helps clients identify and manage the technologies to support this ever-changing world. Key to delivering this, is a team with the knowledge to recommend the right solutions for each individual client and the sector they work within.
Breakwater are delighted to begin 2019 with an experienced team of individuals and to be in a position to promote internally, with the appointment of two new Directors in its senior leadership function.
Jack Fisher takes on the role of Operations Director and Stuart Moll, Technical Director.
Jack has worked for Breakwater since 2013 and was previously Service Delivery Manager, creating a knowledgeable team of engineers that manages client enquiries. Jack’s new position will see him further strengthen the expertise within the Service Desk, enabling future growth for both the business and its clients. There will be a focus on investing in apprentices and talent from within the region.
Jack commented “This is an exciting time for both Breakwater and myself in the new position of Operations Director. I am looking forward to building on the knowledge we already have within the business and creating efficiencies that mean we continue to provide a very high level of service. There will be a real focus on training and equipping engineers with the skills to capably respond to all enquiries, transforming operations with the most effectual technologies.”
Stuart Moll was previously Breakwater’s Senior Systems Engineer, and in his new position as Technical Director will focus on the solutions, products and processes used to ensure the smooth-running of clients’ systems.
Stuart commented “Having the right technologies and supporting processes in place shapes the way a system works. I am thrilled to be taking on a role that allows me to directly influence both the solutions used within Breakwater and those we recommend to our clients. I will be working with our network administration and centralised services functions to offer a proactive service that develops with the client.”
John Gostling, Managing Director commented “It is wonderful for us as a business to have the existing talent to be able to promote from within. Jack and Stuart are both an asset to Breakwater and have worked hard to ensure we have progressed in both the service we offer clients and the processes and systems we create. I wish them all the best in their new roles and look forward to seeing the successes I know they will continue to achieve.”
Blue Sky Professional Development in partnership with Colchester Institute have spaces available on their HR Support (level 3) and HR Consultant/Partner (Level 5) apprenticeship programmes starting in February and May. These courses include a CIPD qualification and can be totally funded through your apprenticeship levy. Don’t pay the levy? 90% of the course can be funded by the government, the organisation pays just 10%. To ensure you or your colleague will have a place, or to find out more contact us now – beth.russell@blueskypd.co.uk
Are you aware of the Hebron Trust, a charity based in Norwich and what they do?
The Eye Film team were very happy to work with them to create a short film that helps them to explain exactly what they offer and who they are here to help. They, like many, are subject to Government cuts and subsequently need to fundraise to make up any shortfall in order to continue to provide a safe, nurturing and intensively supportive community environment for women in which to rehabilitate from drug and alcohol dependency and the life-dominating problems that serious substance misuse can cause.
Do watch this space for the launch of their social media campaign soon to support their good work.
Surely all wine is vegan friendly – I mean it’s just grapes, right?
Wrong.
As the JMS Group recently discovered!
We were asked by Broadland Wineries to create a social media video exploring this very subject.
We learnt that there are actually a number of wines that use animal-based products during the production process. However, Broadland Wineries brand of Proudly Vegan wines use plant-based alternatives – without compromising the quality and flavour. In fact, the brand is 100% vegan friendly, right down to the ink and glue on the label!
The video gave us the opportunity to film at Erpingham House – the fabulous vegan restaurant in Norwich’s Tombland. The owner Loui Blake, a passionate vegan spokesman, is filmed extolling the virtues of the Proudly Vegan brand. The restaurant also specially prepared some dishes to pair up with the vegan Merlots, Rosés and Sauvignon Blancs.
It seemed appropriate to be making this video in January – it is Veganuary after all! It’s very interesting to be spreading the message about one of the biggest growing food trends – and despite the abundance of wine on the shoot our team was still safe to drive the van back to base, but then our team are consummate professionals! Now get pouring!
Want to see more? Look out for the finished video – coming soon!
A Norwich-based equipment manufacturer has stepped up its global presence by supplying bespoke equipment for an Australian snack maker. Fabcon Food Systems has provided a full seasoning system for Snack Lovers, a savoury snack manufacturer known for the unique shapes, textures and tastes of its products which are sold across Australia. Working closely with the Melbourne firm’s owners, Fabcon has completed the installation of a full bespoke seasoning line at the company’s factory as it looks to increase its output and product range.
It’s Fabcon’s eighth installation outside of the UK in the past 12 months – on top of new orders in Nigeria, Romania and further business in Kuwait. Trevor Howard, managing director of Fabcon Food Systems, said: “Snack Lovers has a long and successful history in the Australian snacks market so we’re really delighted to be part of the company’s ongoing success story. We clicked straight away with the team and understood what they needed to help support their seasoning process.
“Our system is now fully installed and playing a key role in the production of many popular potato snacks. We’re looking forward to developing our relationship in the months and years ahead.” Ewan Busch, co-founder of Snack Lovers, added: “We met the Fabcon team at a trade event in Vienna in 2017 and were really impressed with the quality of their seasoning equipment and its pricing.
“We had specific quality improvement needs for our systems and Fabcon really stepped up to the challenge and reacted quickly. We’re delighted with the installation and it has really improved our production process for our snack products. Our relationship with Trevor and the Fabcon team goes from strength to strength.” Formed in 2015, Fabcon Food Systems manufacture, supply and install innovative handling and processing equipment for the food industry. Designed and built at the company’s Norwich factory, Fabcon’s team of 25 supply systems and machinery to customers in the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Snack Lovers was founded in 1999 by Mr Busch and his wife, Sharyn. Readers can find more information through www.snacklovers.com.au
Technical overview Fabcon Food System provided the following equipment to Snack Lovers:
• A vibratory product infeed conveyor • A volumetric draw seasoning screw feeder • A Scarf plate feeder • A retractable support structure for both feeders to facilitate access to the tumble drum for cleaning • A stainless steel tumble drum
KLM UK Engineering is delighted to announce the signing of airframe maintenance contract extension with West Atlantic UK Limited.
Paris, Amstelveen, Norwich, 9 January 2019 – A European leader in the regional jets & narrow body aircraft market and having an internationally acknowledged expertise on the Boeing 737, Embraer 170/190, BAe146/Avro RJ, Fokker 70/100 & Airbus A320 Family, KLM UK Engineering is delighted to confirm this contract extension with West Atlantic UK Limited.
KLM UK Engineering will commence airframe maintenance checks with West Atlantic UK Limited on their Boeing 737 Freighter fleet in February 2019, following on from the contract that started in January 2018.
Ian Bartholomew, Director Business Development & Sales at KLM UK Engineering Limited commented: “We are delighted that West Atlantic UK Limited have further extended their heavy maintenance contract with KLM UK Engineering, we have been supporting West Atlantic UK Limited for a number of years and look forward to providing airframe maintenance solutions to them again when we restart the programme in early 2019“.
Nigel Hiorns, Managing Director West Atlantic UK Ltd said: “Having been a customer of KLM UK Engineering’s for a number of years now, we are very pleased to announce the continuation of this working relationship and look forward to our aircraft going back to the KLM UK Engineering facilities when our heavy maintenance programme commences in 2019“.
Hatch Brenner Solicitors has confirmed their continued support of Norwich Theatre Royal with the announcement of the next two must-see productions in their drama venue sponsorship.
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre critically acclaimed production of To Kill a Mockingbird arrives in Norwich from Monday 4 – Saturday 9 March 2019. Exploring racial injustice, the timely and enchanting production brings Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to life.
“Terrific retelling of Harper Lee’s classic makes dramatic gold” The Times
“Some productions have the power effortlessly to win you over and this enchanting heartfelt adaptation is one of them” Daily Express
“Its real triumph is in perfectly capturing its warmth and wonder” Time Out
The Girl on the Train is a gripping new play starring Samantha Womack And Oliver Farnworth. Playing from Monday 1 – Saturday 6 July 2019, the stage adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ internationally best-selling novel is a thrilling mystery which keeps the audience guessing until the final moment. It follows lead character Rachel who watches what she thinks of as the perfect couple from the train window every day, in order to escape a life she hates. When she finds herself a witness to a possible crime, her life changes completely. The production is directed by Anthony Banks with designs from James Cotterill.
“This is a must. Don’t miss it” WhatsOnStage
Samantha Womack has starred extensively in television, film and theatre. She is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in BBC1’s EastEnders with leading roles in Mount Pleasant and Game On, plus the recent box office hit films, The Kingsman series. As well as his extensive career on the stage, Oliver Farnworth has starred in Hollyoaks and as Andy Carver in ITV’s Coronation Street.
Dawn Parkes, Hatch Brenner Managing Partner commented: “We are looking forward to seeing the new productions of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Girl on The Train. In particular, Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird is something of an inspiration to many lawyers given his integrity and compassion, so I can’t wait to experience the retelling of such a great novel on stage in Norwich. We are delighted to continue our association with our neighbours on Theatre Street, Norwich Theatre Royal.”
Would you pay more council tax for policing in Norfolk? That is the question being posed by the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
PCC Lorne Green will soon have to decide whether to increase or freeze the policing element of council tax. First, he wants to know what the Norfolk public thinks and is asking how much people would be willing to pay.
“I want to hear from the people of Norfolk. Do you support keeping the policing part of the council tax at last year’s level, or do you support a rise? And, if so, how much would you be prepared to pay?” said Lorne.
“I have spent a great deal of time over the past year listening to Norfolk communities. They tell me not only do they want to be safe, they want to feel safe. Our constabulary has a responsibility to offer that assurance in our homes, on our streets and in our communities.
“At the same time I recognise the financial situation for policing continues to be extremely challenging. The nature of crime continues to change and is becoming more complex. Ahead of December’s police funding announcement, I made representations to the Home Secretary, Policing Minister and Secretary to the Treasury to impress upon them just how serious the financial picture here in Norfolk is and the threat it poses to our policing service.
“It is important to be clear however that, before I even consider raising the policing element of the council tax, I have to be absolutely sure that the force continues to drive efficiencies at every turn, including from collaboration and partnership working.
“The Chief Constable has told me that a precept freeze would, inevitably, lead to police officer and staff reductions. He has also said that were I to raise the council tax by the maximum amount of 46 pence a week, this would allow significant investment in the force, including the addition of 40 extra officers. I would urge people to listen to what the Chief Constable has to say before having their say.
“To help inform my budget decision, I would like to know your views. Some 56% of Norfolk’s policing budget is funded by central government, meaning your council tax makes up the rest – so I want all Norfolk residents to have the opportunity to have their say.
“There are lots of ways you can share your views, not least through the online survey. Please take the time to have your say as your views are important to me.”
The consultation will run from 2 January until 30 January. The PCC will take his budget proposals to the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel on 5 February 2018.
As proud co-sponsors of the Best Employer category at the Norfolk Business Awards, we would like to share our congratulations with the overall winner The Maids Head Hotel and all three of the extremely worthy finalists.
Alongside Birketts, we were delighted to present the Best Employer award as part of our ongoing purpose of celebrating and promoting the fantastic places to work in our region. This award recognises the companies which are achieving success by engaging, inspiring, motivating and developing their employees.
The Maids Head Hotel, situated in Norwich, and renowned for being the oldest hotel in the UK, was presented with this well-deserved accolade at the black-tie awards ceremony on Thursday. It was one of four businesses to be shortlisted in this category alongside Flagship Group, The Holden Group and Morgan Sindall. As part of the judging panel, we can honestly say that the decision on which of these inspiring companies should be crowned the overall winner was extremely difficult. All four businesses really stood out and shone as inspiring examples of organisations putting people first.
As the winners, The Maids Head Hotel was praised for how its purpose, vision and corporate values have all been fully integrated into the everyday operations of the hotel and are visible in all aspects of the business, including recruitment, appraisals and reward and recognition. The hotel employs 90 people and its workforce is very diverse, both in terms of backgrounds and nationalities. Significant efforts have been made to develop staff by working with local colleges to enhance skills.
All four organisations will benefit from an enhanced employer brand as a result of being recognised in this category. It highlights all of them as fantastic examples of businesses which are committed to developing innovative employee engagement strategies with a long-term growth vision in mind.
As part of the judging process, all entrants also completed the Best Employers Eastern Region confidential employee engagement survey. Having scored in the top 25% of this, and submitted further evidence for judging, Flagship Group and Morgan Sindall were also presented with the Best Employers Eastern Region Platinum Accreditation last month and The Holden Group was presented with the Best Employers Eastern Region Gold Accreditation.
We would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists on the night. It was a huge privilege to once again be a part these awards, organised by the Eastern Daily Press. This year was the biggest celebration in the awards nearly 30-year history and this is a testament to the many inspiring organisations within Norfolk’s deep and diverse business community.
For more information about The Maids Head Hotel as winners read the EDP 24 article.
Congratulations to all the winners and accredited organisations revealed at our Best Employers Eastern Region 2018 event on Wednesday.
The awards conference, held at the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket, brought together more than 150 business people from across the Eastern region. It celebrated the award-winning companies and provided the opportunity for the region’s business leaders to learn from one another about creating engaging, inspiring and inclusive workplaces which bring out the best in their people.
The organisations presented with prestigious Best Employers Eastern Region 2018 Awards were:
Best Overall Large Company: Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd, based in Ipswich Best Overall Medium Company: The Fountain Partnership, based in Norwich Best Overall Small Company: Aramar Solutions limited, based in Ipswich Best Not-For-Profit: Allia, based in Cambridge Best Digital and Technology: StrategiQ, based in Ipswich Best Engineering and Manufacturing: Treatt, based in Bury St Edmunds Most improved: Hundred Houses Society, based in Cambridge
As well as the award-winning organisations, more than 40 businesses were also presented with Best Employers Eastern Region Accreditations at the event. New for 2018, the Platinum and Gold accreditations were judged and awarded to the organisations which scored in the top 25% of the Best Employers Eastern Region employee engagement survey and provided further evidence that demonstrated their working practices. The full list of accredited organisations is shown on the dedicated Best Employers portal.
We would like to congratulate all our winners and accredited organisations. The full list really demonstrates the breadth of amazing organisations we have in our region and this external recognition will help them to further enhance their employer brand. In today’s competitive recruitment market they will be in a stronger position to attract and retain the best people so that they can achieve business growth and success.
As well as being a real celebration, the event was also a fantastic opportunity for the region’s businesses to learn from one another. Ultimately that’s what Best Employers Eastern Region is all about. There were so much experience and diversity in the room and I’d like to thank all of our guest speakers for taking the time to share their employee engagement journeys. It was also incredibly encouraging to see how many people contributed to the Q&A sessions with both our guest speakers and award winners.
The guest speakers at the event were Mark Merrywest from Made Agency, Steve Shore from ReAssure, Marc Holl from IPRS and Tracey Locke from JLL. Jeanette Wheeler from law firm Birketts, sponsors of Best Employers Eastern Region, also led an interview with Catherine Spitzer and Julie Archer from Bidwells, in which they shared their experience of adapting the workplace environment to help shape the culture of the business. Plus, Clare Southall, Associate at Pure, hosted an interactive discussion to encourage delegates to explore what they had learned from the event, and from participating in the survey, and what they aim to achieve as a result.
You can read lots more about the event, including the key findings and regional trends from this year’s Best Employers Eastern Region survey, as revealed by Paul Henderson from co-founders eras ltd, by following Archant’s coverage online. As sponsors of Best Employers Eastern Region, Archant has reported on the event on both the Eastern Daily Press and East Anglian Daily Times.
All those who attended the awards conference, and the launch event in February, have also helped to raise money for charity. whilst the survey is provided free of charge to local organisations, 50% of the ticket price for each event amounting to more than £5,200 will be donated to the regional offices of mental health charity MIND, making this a highly successful and worthwhile initiative for the whole region.