Member News

Abate Pest Management Supports a Lowestoft Historic Property Development A property development is underway by JCGP Developments within the Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone in Whapload Road. At the heart of the zone is the renewal of historic buildings and routes, the legacy of Lowestoft’s Herring fishing past. Jim Campbell and Glenn Parrott, builder and architect have joined forces to develop something special within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area.

The development consists of three listed buildings. Two of them were built around 1903 were last used by rope and sailmakers. The buildings are being developed into eighteen residential flats and several commercial properties located on the ground floors. The third building, built in 1676, is called ‘The Fish House’ and is deemed to be the very last fisherman’s cottage in England. Records show it was built by a family of significant wealth, which is visible by the level of detail the building still retains today. The development of this unique building is a construction of two houses which have been designed for the person who both lives and works from home.

Abate Pest Management were called in to support the project by treating all the interior woodwork for the prevention of wood boring insects. The treatment is guaranteed for 20 years and is backed by the Financial Conduct Authority.      

Jon Blake Managing Director of Abate said “This is a very interesting project with some fascinating local history. The plans look very impressive and we are delighted to support JCGP Developments with this preventative woodboring insect treatment.

Whilst Abate is responsible for dealing with any future claims that might arise, should for any reason we cease to trade, the insurance becomes active and the insurance company will then deal with any claims under the guarantee. This gives property developers the peace of mind that they need.”

Photos: Above; Jim Campbell. Top right; The Fish House. Bottom right Building two.

Close to completion, Abate will be asked to look at the best method to bird proof the properties. Being in a seaside resort, gulls and pigeons will be very active, but there are many ways to prevent birds roosting and harbouring on the roofs and ledges including gels, spikes and lasers.

Lowestoft in the First World War was a significant naval base and in 1916 it was bombarded by the German navy. Damage in the Second World War was severe and many of the buildings on Whapload Road were destroyed.

The area of Lowestoft is now a conservation area at risk and will be revived through a five year scheme run by Waveney District Council and Historic England.

If your property business is looking for support relating to woodboring insect treatment or bird control please give Abate Pest Management a call on 0800 980 9767 or via their website www.abateltd.co.uk.

City College students, Norfolk’s young people are the workforce of tomorrow and they want to progress quickly and successfully into work.  They want to be given the opportunity to hone their skills, learn from real employers and prepare for their futures.

Whatever your sector, however big or small you are, we need you to open your doors to our students, to give them real Experience of Work, and be a part of creating the work force of tomorrow.

If you can help or want any further information, please contact the Experience of Work Team on experienceofwork@ccn.ac.uk or Tel 01603 773319/7733450/7733572

Abate Pest Management has recently secured a service agreement with leading 3PL and warehousing company Johnston Logistics UK, based in Snetterton, Norfolk.

From their 640,000-square foot facility in Snetterton, Johnston Logistics UK deliver warehousing, logistics and fulfilment services for businesses throughout the UK. They offer a complete range of services, from bulk storage to individually picking and packing customer orders.

Abate Pest Management will manage the entire site for the prevention of pests by carrying out 12 visits per year. The site has approximately 180 bait stations, several insect monitors and electronic fly killing units. The service will cover any ad-hoc call outs to treat other pests such as wasps or ants if required. Each quarter Abate will produce rodent and insect trend graphs to analyse activities.  Full electronic service reporting is made available for each visit to assist with the companies BRC compliance. 

Jon Blake, Managing Director of Abate Pest Management said: “We are delighted to implement a full-service pest programme at Johnston Logistics UK which was with a national pest control company. We work to BRC level 7, Tesco Food Manufacturers and M&S Food standards for pest control, which is what is needed for a company that works within the food chain. We very much look forward to a long relationship and to maintain a pest free environment.

Jane Bull Compliance Manager said: As a AA Grade BRC approved business it is essential that we have a reliable and effective pest control company taking care of the site.  After just a couple of weeks, I already have complete confidence in the service being provided which means I can leave Abate to do what they do best and get on with other work.

Abate Pest Management is based near Wymondham and services commercial and domestic clients throughout the Eastern region for rodents, insects, birds, woodworm and specialist cleans. Abate offers commercial businesses free site surveys with recommendations and costs.

To contact Abate please call 01953 603390 or visit www.abateltd.co.uk. 

GENIX, the business support specialist has announced that Stephen Pitkethly, chief executive of Ludham based, Dad’s Boats will be the speaker at its networking event, Coffee Means Business which is being held on Tuesday 17th April at Northrepps Cottage, Cromer.

The company was set up in 1950 by Stephen’s father in law, David and builds bespoke paddle boats. In January 2018 Dad’s Boats exhibited at The London Boat Show.

Leanne Castle of GENIX said, “We hold ten networking events, at various locations across north Norfolk each year. The informal and friendly sessions are ideal for those who run small and micro businesses. It’s a great way to make new contacts and gain information over coffee and biscuits.

“We’re pleased to have Stephen from Dad’s Boats as April’s speaker, he will share his company’s story and top tips for growing a business.”

In 2016 North Norfolk District Council commissioned GENIX to organise Coffee Means Business in north Norfolk after recognising the need for a regular networking opportunity for businesses which didn’t involve expensive membership fees.

Cllr Nigel Dixon, Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Development said: “If you own or run a small business, I would thoroughly recommend attending a Coffee Means Business event. They are a great way to meet new people, share business ideas and gain valuable business support in a relaxed environment.”

Coffee Means Business is held from 9.30am until 11.30am, it costs £5pp payable on arrival and booking isn’t essential. The next event will be held on Tuesday 17 April at Northrepps Cottage Country Hotel, Cromer NR27 0JN. For more details visit the events page at www.genix.org.uk or call 0800 096 3013.

GENIX provides a wide range of affordable services and resources for established businesses and for start-ups.

Warehousing and logistics experts Johnston Logistics UK have chosen fellow Norfolk business Full Mix Marketing to help realise their growth plans for 2018.

The Norwich-based marketers will deliver a full range of digital and offline promotion aimed at putting Johnston Logistics UK firmly in the minds of businesses struggling to move, manage or store their goods.

“2018 represents a great opportunity for many businesses, including Johnston Logistics UK” says Rob McIndoe, Managing Director. “With the region’s economy growing and businesses preparing for Brexit, we’re keen to help more companies smoothly outsource their logistics. Marketing is going to be key.”

From their 640,000-square foot facility in Snetterton, Johnston Logistics UK deliver warehousing, logistics and fulfilment services for businesses throughout the UK and handle imports for companies as far away as Australia. They offer a complete range of services, from bulk storage to individually picking and packing customer orders.

Marketing agency Full Mix Marketing began working on specific projects for Johnston Logistics UK in 2017. Following a major investment in IT and software, Johnston Logistics UK have now outsourced their entire marketing as they focus on expansion.

“Sarah and her team have already proven their professionalism, skills and knowledge” adds Rob. “We need to know our marketing will create a return-on-investment. Full Mix Marketing give us that confidence and lets us focus on delivering a great service for our own customers.”

Their marketing campaign begins with a new initiative entitled Easy Switch, targeted at businesses increasingly reliant on ecommerce. “Regardless of their product, more and more businesses are selling their goods online with a few clicks” claims Rob. “We want to show them how simple it is to let us fulfil those orders whilst they focus on providing great products and service.”

Full Mix Marketing provide digital and offline marketing ranging from single elements like social media and advertising, through to becoming their clients fully outsourced marketing department. In December, the strategic marketers were announced as members of the new Future50 list of innovative and ambitious businesses to watch in Norfolk and Suffolk.

“We’re delighted to be chosen by Johnston Logistics UK” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing. “Whilst we deliver marketing and they deliver logistics, we both help our clients grow by letting them focus on what they do best. We’ve a powerful mix of digital and traditional marketing planned to make Johnston Logistics UK the name businesses in East Anglia turn to for logistics.”

More details of Johnston Logistics UK can be found at www.johnstonlogistics.co.uk and Full Mix Marketing at www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk.

Freebridge announce launch of annual community fund

The application process for the 2018 Freebridge Community Fund opens from Monday 9 April, with £5000 once again on offer to local community groups and charities.

The annual fund gives groups the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £1000 to support a community and voluntary activity that meets the needs of the community within West Norfolk.

Applications are welcome from organisations whose aims include:

– Promoting health and wellbeing;

– Tackling disadvantage;

– Supporting local solutions to local needs;

– Promoting community cohesion;

– Developing sustainable and supportive communities,

and – Improving the environment

The allocation of monies available is made by a panel made up of Freebridge employees and tenants, last year £5000 was shared between Solace End of Life Support, West Norfolk Mind, West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, The South West Norfolk Youth Opportunities Project, West Norfolk Befriending, the Purfleet Trust and 4transform.

Freebridge Director of Housing, Robert Clarke, said: “Although our main role is to provide good quality affordable housing for people across the area, we feel strongly that we have a responsibility to play a role in supporting stronger, vibrant communities in West Norfolk.

“The Freebridge Community Fund provides to organisations on a very local level which we feel fills a need not met by either public funding or more major charities.”

The application process is open from Monday 9 April until Friday 9 June. Applications can be made by visiting www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/freebridge-community-housing-fund/

City centre youth charity, OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN), whose mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in Norfolk has appointed Rachele Kelsall, from Hugh J Boswell and Alex Marsden, working with HSBC, to its Board of Trustees.

Rachele Kelsall is currently the Head of Community Development for insurance broker Hugh J Boswell. She grew up in Bradford and started her insurance career with Royal Insurance in 1986, moving to Norwich to join Marsh in 2000, before joining Hugh J Boswell in 2012.

Speaking of her appointment Rachele said: “I very much welcome the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at OPEN and to continue supporting all that the Trust offers young people, especially at a time when young people often feel excluded from society, increasingly with accompanying mental health issues.  Add into the mix diminishing public sector provision and the work the charity does to support the lives of disadvantaged young people is more vital than ever.”  

Alex Marsden, who grew up in Sprowston, comes with a wealth of experience at senior board level within the financial services sector and is currently working  for HSBC Global Bank as Senior Call Centre Transformation Manager (EMEA).  She is also Company Director for Leximars Consulting Ltd, an Interim Management Consultancy, offering expertise in Leadership/Contact Centre Transformation and Customer Experience.

Alex said: “The work of OPEN has been of interest to me ever since I was involved in a market research project as part of my MBA back in 2014 – I am very much looking forward to getting involved in helping the Trust progress in its mission to be self-financing by 2020 with every penny of profit from its commercial revenue going to the charity.”

OPEN’s Chief Executive, John Gordon-Saker said: “We are honoured to have both Rachele and Alex on our Board of Trustees as they will help raise the profile of what we offer to young people, the business community and the general public. Specifically, Rachele comes with a wealth of expertise in the education sector which will help our youth team grow its school engagement delivery, whilst Alex’s knowledge of customer experience strategies will be crucial as we continue to diversify our range of events and increase capacity.”

Freebridge makes community investment in North Lynn

Freebridge Community Housing has purchased the Discovery Centre in King’s Lynn after agreeing on a sale with the board of trustees.

The Discovery Centre on Columbia Way has provided a range of services for children and young people and has helped thousands of families in a variety of ways since it first opened its doors back in 2002.

As part of the preliminary work ahead of refurbishing the site, Freebridge will be holding two drop-­ in consultation events to give the local community a chance to provide vital input in how the site is developed.

Robert Clarke, Director of Housing said: “We are really very pleased to have taken over ownership of the Discovery Centre, our focus is now on engaging with the local community to understand what people need and want from the Centre, whilst carrying out some much needed improvement works.

“We were keen to buy the centre given its location in an area where many of our homes are located, and over the years has provided an accessible base for many much-­needed services, in particular for the young people of West Norfolk.”

The purchase has come with the full support of the Centre’s former trustees, the King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council and a number of other involved partners.

Cllr Graham Middleton, Trustee, added: “This sale is great news for the Discovery Centre and for the local community. Freebridge has an excellent understanding of the role the centre has played in the past and wants to ensure the centre continues to play a vital role in the community in future. I’d like to personally thank everyone that has been involved in getting to this stage and I hope that many local people will participate in the consultation events so that they can put forward any ideas they have for the site.”

The consultation events are being scheduled to take place in May at the Discovery Centre on Columbia Way in North Lynn, details will be confirmed nearer the time.

The Brown&Co Partnership was created in 1993 and is celebrating its 25-year anniversary in April 2018.

The business was bought from Royal Life by twelve adventurous Partners with the philosophy of “making and taking opportunity”. Nothing has changed apart from the size of the business; now there are 30 Partners, some 250 employees and 15 offices in the UK and overseas.

The Firm’s first year of trading involved offering and selling three or four decent farms to a rising market, which very neatly helped to defray the outlay made for the business. Coincidently, 1993 was the first year of form-filling for IACS and agents and farmers were deflected from normal market purpose for two to three months, but when the market started it was confident and robust.

Nice 15-20 acre fields of Wisbech silt sold for up to £3,000 per acre, whereas a 3,600 acre estate in West Norfolk with thirty houses sold for only a little over £2,000 per acre! The early partnership had a positive age mix of thirty to forty year olds, with five main Partners leading and guiding and was based around an immediate sense of acceptable risk, entrepreneurship and initiative, which remains at the heart of the Firm.

Partnership philosophy and trust bound the Firm then and still does, with a common interest, which is to serve clients, make money, give honest, real and professional advice outside the confines of a corporate framework and “to be as good as we can be at what we do”.

https://www.brown-co.com/articles/brownandco-turns-25

Norfolk to develop their own developers.

With the recent growth here at Netmatters we have found it increasingly difficult to recruit software developers and were quick to ascertain that there is a shortage in the region.

To help bridge the skill gap and offer a way to bring fresh minds into the industry and give them an opportunity to develop both themselves and new technologies, Netmatters introduced the Scion Programme back in early 2017.

The programme has now been running for 14 months and has proven to be a great success, completely resolving the need for development resource.

And now we’re looking to take this even further!

How Will the Coalition Work?

Since the programme has been such a success here at Netmatters, we are planning to offer this training as a free intensive course to would be developers giving them the opportunity to prove themselves; with the knowledge that it’s sponsored by a multitude of agencies and that there is an almost guaranteed job offer at the end of it as a result.

How Many Scions Will There Be?

The initial plan is to have 10 Scions, with more added throughout the year. This is a manageable number and should result in the creation of 15 developers per year at varying levels.

How Long Does the Training Take?

It does completely depend on the individual, but three months is usually enough time for them to get their heads around the basics and to perform entry level coding tasks. From this point onwards, they continue to develop at differing rates, depending on their ability, with an estimate of reaching junior developer within six to nine months.

It may appear very quick to turn these skills around, but with this programme a candidate will have completed upwards of 850 hours after six months training; which completely dwarfs the entire time someone at university would have been immersed in development for their three-year degree.

How Is the Training Structured?

We have devised a training project which delivers tasks to the Scion in a logic order for them to work through. This method allows them to work autonomously for most of their day, limiting the intervention time required from senior skilled personnel. The training is a rolling programme which means that at any given time we will have Scions at varying levels that allow them to help one another explain coding and collaboration.

Why Do They Have to Train Like This?

This intensive training very quickly helps us, and the Scion, know if this is right for them and gets them set for a real position where they will be expected to do a full week’s work.

How Many Hours a Week Is the Programme?

The programme is 40 hours per week under strict commercial conditions. Each Scion must log every minute of their time and adhere to all company rules and regulations as if they were an employee of Netmatters.

What Happens If They Don’t Like It?

If the candidate doesn’t like coding for 8 hours a day, they are not developers. When we say coding, we mean all aspects of development and not specifically 8 hours of code crunching.  

What Do You Need from the Sponsors?

Ultimately, we need you to show a keen interest in getting involved with the coalition of companies that sponsor the programme.

Where Is the Sponsorship Money Spent?

The money is used to pay our training developers and any admin time associated with the programme.

Why Would I Choose to Do This as a Coalition?

We believe you need a minimum of three Scions for the programme to work effectively for a couple of reasons. 

First – Working collaboratively, the Scions will be able to help enhance each other’s learning, understanding “real world” requirements in the workplace.

Second – You need to have a few in your arsenal because if you only have one candidate, the chances of receiving a developer at the end of the Programme on your first or second try are slim.

How Much Input Is Required from the Sponsors?

Our plan is to train the Scions in all aspects of development work and introduce them to all the languages within the first three months. Once we reach the three-month milestone, we would then like the sponsors to start having their input on what the Scions are training towards. This might be a specific coding language, testing method, versions control etc. The head of our training programme will ensure to incorporate the sponsors needs into each of the Scions training plans.

How Will You Allocate Scions to Sponsorships?

If the Scion has a personal preference towards a type of development, then this will determine the types of rolls they are offered. As the programme develops so will new methods of being able to allocate Scions to specific Sponsorships.

Can the Sponsorships Make a Job Offer After Three Months?

Yes of course! In fact, by three months the Scions don’t require as much intervention and may well be able to deliver billable time for the sponsoring company.

You Have Proved This Works for Netmatters, How Can You Be Sure It Will Work as a Collaboration?

It has worked for Netmatters, thank you for noticing! There is no way we can be sure it will work as a collaboration but our only alternative is to keep doing the same thing (fishing in an empty pond) and expecting different results. The actual costs over a year for a Scion are similar to that of a single recruitment fee, so the risk is very minimal comparatively.

Will Candidates Be Willing to Do This Training Programme Without Pay?

Yes. This initiative is already backed by the Norfolk Chamber, and has been proven to ensure those who successfully complete the programme are regarded as an experienced developer – no matter on the Scions previous educational background.

Why Are Netmatters Spearheading This?

We have a proven model that works and nothing can come of there being more technical people in this area, other than more opportunities.

What Is Stopping the Scions Taking the Training and Being Lured Away?

We can write this into a contract, but we will be very clear during the recruitment process that they have an obligation to work for a sponsoring company; if they are given the opportunity.

So, What Is the Plan?

If we can get enough tentative nods we will kick this off at the beginning of April. We would then hope to have at least five Scions training by the end of April and seats filled by the middle of May. As the programme continues to develop so too will the management plan to maximise the effectiveness we provide to both the Scions, and Sponsorships.

You’ve Convinced Me, How Can I get Involved?

If you would like to get involved, please get in touch using the link below with the name of your business and the message “I am interested!”.

Thank you. 

Get In Touch 

Originally posted by Netmatters Ltd.

The UK’s largest network of small business accountants has started advertising across a number of terrestrial and digital TV channels.

TaxAssist Accountants has invested in a TV advertising campaign to raise brand awareness as part of the national marketing package offered to its 200-stong franchise network. This is complemented by a newly designed website and new online and offline marketing materials.

Celebrated as a forward thinking and digital-ready network, TaxAssist Accountants is known for breaking with tradition in an industry that has not experienced this before in its drive to become the one-stop shop for small businesses.

James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, said: “Our ‘Get All Relaxed About Tax’ campaign highlights the different types of clients who deal with us on a regular basis and shows the experience they receive when they leave the accounts and tax to the experts and focus on what they love doing – running and growing their own business.

“We are a people-based business but we also recognise people want to use technology to be able to access useful data about their business. We offer a best of both worlds approach for those who enjoy using tech and those who prefer just to come in and talk to us. With more than 290 TaxAssist Accountants offices across the UK, our accountancy network is ideally placed to service the increased demand from small businesses who will need extra advice and support to deal with changes such as HMRC’s Making Tax Digital initiative.”

The TaxAssist Accountants franchise has been operating successfully for more than 23 years and has helped hundreds of people to establish their own accounting practice. 

There are many benefits to joining a franchise rather than operating independently, but arguably the biggest benefit is the marketing and buying power of a well-known brand giving each individual franchisee a massive advantage over the competition.

If you are interested in find out more about operating a practice under the TaxAssist Accountants brand name please visit www.taxassistfranchise.co.uk or call 0800 0188297. We look forward to hearing from you.

March 2018

Aston Shaw, a fast-growing East Anglian accountancy firm has announced the acquisition of the Norwich-based practice, Tax Solutions.

Tax Solutions was created in Norwich by two partners in 2000, who having both experienced running companies in different business areas, pooled their knowledge and specialisms to create Tax Solutions, which was incorporated in 2003.

The small-scale accountancy practice is comprised of a team of four and has been servicing a wide-range of clients across East Anglia for almost 20 years. Tax Solutions has built a significant reputation for service excellence since then.

Mark Noakes, Director of Aston Shaw said: “We’re excited to begin working with the Tax Solutions team and we look forward to welcoming a new range of clients to our firm.”  Adam Holloway, Accountant at Tax Solutions added: “My colleagues and I are very excited to begin working with Aston Shaw, I think that the fact we share such a similar ethos will make the transition process a smooth one for everyone involved”.

Tax Solutions are set to move from their current premises on Rackheath Industrial Estate to Aston Shaw’s head office in Norwich during early April.

www.astonshaw.co.uk