Member News

FLANNELS has opened the doors to its new 20,000 sq. ft store in Chantry Place. With a carefully curated edit of luxury and contemporary brands, FLANNELS has become one of the most exciting players in the luxury industry, housing the biggest names in luxury fashion, as well as an evolving roster of new and emerging labels.

FLANNELS is a super-inclusive, multi category retailer, that’s reviving in-store experiences and bringing luxury to everyone. Lauren Barrie, Group Head of Retail, Luxury & Premium, says: “We’re really proud to open our next Regional boutique in the heart of Norwich. As we continue to expand and develop our vision, the store brings to life the FLANNELS brand in a physical space – providing an engaging shopping destination, with the biggest brands in luxury fashion and contemporary streetwear all under one roof.” Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “Flannels brings the best of luxury and designer brands to Norwich. This is a huge milestone for us and will put Norwich firmly on the map for designer fashion and beauty. We can’t wait for visitors to see the new store.” For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk or follow @chantryplacenorwich on social media.

The company opens a store with a selling space close to 400 m2, which will stock the Woman line. The store opening is part of Mango’s expansion plan in the United Kingdom. Mango closed 2023 with 60 points of sale in the United Kingdom and has an e-commerce business through its own online channel and other marketplaces. Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, is strengthening its presence in the United Kingdom with a new store in Norwich. The new store will be located on the upper ground floor of Chantry Place shopping centre. The store, with a selling space of close to 400 m2, exclusively stocks the Woman line and features the New Med store concept, inspired by the Mediterranean and characterised by the spirit and freshness of the brand. Sustainability and architectural integration are key to this new design, which is why new stores feature elements such as eco-efficient lighting and heating and ventilation, and a design which incorporates sustainable materials such as natural paint. “The United Kingdom is one of our priority markets for Mango’s international growth. Our opening in Chantry Place will help us consolidate the Mango brand in the country,” says Daniel López, director of expansion and franchising at Mango. Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, comments: “Mango is a fantastic addition to our fashion line-up, giving our visitors more choice when shopping with us. More news on the opening date of Mango will be announced soon.” Mango, one of Europe’s leading fashion groups, is a global company with design and creativity at the heart of its model and a strategy based on constant innovation, the pursuit of sustainability and a complete ecosystem of channels and partners. Founded in Barcelona in 1984, the company closed 2023 with a turnover of 3.1 billion euros, with 33% of its business coming from the online channel, and a presence in more than 115 markets. The company has been present in the United Kingdom since 1999. At the end of 2023, the company had 60 points of sale in the country and an e-commerce business through its own online channel and other marketplaces. For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.ukhttp://www.chantryplace.co.uk or follow @chantryplacenorwich on social media.

In the past two decades, mobile devices have transformed from simple communication tools into essential daily companions that influence virtually every aspect of modern life. For a high percentage of people nowadays the first thing they look for when they get up from the desk, chair, sofa is their mobile phone. In some cases it is for security but for the majority it has become habit. From how we work and play to how we connect with others and consume information, the smartphone has become a pivotal centrepiece. We ran a poll on LinkedIn a few weeks ago, asking, other than the standard use of a mobile phone, what is your primary use nowadays, the results are below and can also be found here

However, while these devices offer numerous benefits, they also come with a set of implications that are worth discussing.   The Multifaceted Use of Mobile Devices Today

1. Communication Revolution: Mobile devices have evolved from providing basic voice calls to enabling a multitude of communication forms, including video calls, text messages, emails, and instant messaging on a variety of platforms.
2. Information and Education: With access to the internet, smartphones put an infinite resource of information at our fingertips. This accessibility has revolutionised education and self-learning, providing opportunities to people in even the most remote locations.
3. Business and Work: The rise of mobile technology has led to the concept of ‘anywhere, anytime’ work. Professionals can manage emails, attend meetings, and complete tasks on-the-go, vastly increasing productivity but also blurring the lines between work and personal life.
4. Social Networking: Social media platforms have seen explosive growth, largely driven by mobile device usage. This has changed how we socialise, how we share and consume content, and even how we perceive the world and ourselves.
5. Health and Wellbeing: Mobile devices deliver health-related innovations from fitness tracking apps to telemedicine, improving access to health resources and personal wellness monitoring.

  The Implications of Mobile Device Usage

1. Privacy Concerns: As we integrate smartphones deeper into our lives, privacy issues escalate. The vast amount of personal data stored on and accessed by our devices makes them targets for data breaches and surveillance.
2. Health Impacts: Despite their benefits in health tracking, mobile devices can also contribute to issues like poor posture, eye strain, and even psychological effects such as addiction and increased anxiety.
3. Environmental Impact: The rapid turnover rate of mobile devices contributes to electronic waste, and the demand for rare earth elements used in their production has significant environmental implications.
4. Social Changes: While enhancing connectivity, mobile devices can also lead to increased feelings of isolation and a decrease in face-to-face interactions. The spread of misinformation through social platforms is another growing concern.

  Navigating Through the Mobile Landscape To maximise the benefits and minimise the drawbacks of mobile technology, it is crucial for users to be informed about managing privacy settings, understanding the health implications, and making environmentally conscious choices. Conclusion The story of mobile devices is one of profound empowerment and complex challenges. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways we use and manage these powerful tools. Staying informed and mindful about the use of mobile technology is more important than ever, ensuring it enhances rather than dictates the quality of our lives. This dialogue is essential not only in tech circles but also in everyday conversations as we navigate the ever-expanding digital landscape. Follow our blog and join the conversation on social media as we explore more about the dynamic world of mobile technology.

New Anglia Growth Hub is organising six new courses for businesses, including how to target your perfect customer, customer engagement, develop your sales strategy, brand storytelling, AI and feeding the algorithm. You can sign up for one or for all stand-alone sales and marketing workshops, which are held in person in Cromer, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn. The courses are fully-funded for Norfolk businesses and led by industry experts and trainers Andrew Hayward and Leyla Hussein from Hayward Miller Ltd. Find out more about the high value and high reward workshops and book your free place.   Artificial Intelligence in Marketing – Your Best, Worse Kept Secret! Sign up to this course and harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) without losing that ‘human touch’. What role does artificial intelligence play in modern marketing strategies? It will cover:

• How AI is not just a buzzword, but a pivotal tool in the marketer’s toolkit.
• How AI is revolutionising customer engagement, data analysis, content creation and enhancing efficiency.
• The latest AI tools and technologies that are reshaping the marketing landscape.

Business support service, New Anglia Growth Hub, is organising the fully-funded course so you can sign up to the workshops for free. Book AI in Marketing course Cromer 7^th May Kings Lynn 23^rd May ✔ Feedback to its courses has been excellent with 100% very satisfied participants who benefitted straightaway. For more details about events, business support and growth programmes visit New Anglia Growth Hub’s website. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.   Target your perfect customer & create sales pipeline course Are you ready to take your sales to the next level? Business support service, New Anglia Growth Hub, is organising this course and you can sign up for free. This session allows owners and managers to understand what works and why, and what did not go as expected and why. We then drill into future direction and building a profile for a perfect prospect for growth. The course will be delivered by sales expert and trainer Andrew Hayward from Hayward Miller Ltd. Quotes from course participants ‘I actually had a list of people ready… but for some reason I was dragging my heels. Now, I have done it and two people have booked in to speak with me! Once again thanks for the inspiration which has led to motivation.’ ‘Excellent day. Useful information delivered in a relaxed and confident manner. Looking forward to getting some of this started!’ Book Target you perfect customer & create a sales pipeline course Cromer 1^st May King’s Lynn 13^th May For more details about events, business support and growth programmes visit New Anglia Growth Hub’s website. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.   Power up your branding and storytelling skills Tell your story and bring your business to life. We have all heard about branding and storytelling but how do you get your story across to your customers when you just don’t know where to start? Sign up to the Art of Brand Storytelling course and you learn how to create a killer brand story and captivate you audience at digital marketing. Ideal for SMEs looking to elevate their brand presence in a crowded digital marketplace and create an authentic identity. We know you have to tick off many actions on your to-do list but this course can help you reach more customers and grow your business. Business support service, New Anglia Growth Hub, is organising the course and you can sign up to the workshop for free. Book The Art of Brand Storytelling course Kings Lynn 13^th May ✔ Feedback to its courses has been excellent with 100% very satisfied participants who benefitted straightaway.  For more details about events, business support and growth programmes visit New Anglia Growth Hub’s website. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.   Feeding Algorithms This session is an introduction to anyone looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing algorithms. Find out which algorithms power today’s most influential digital platforms. The course will cover:

• From search engines, email marketing to social media channels, understand how these complex systems work and how you can tailor your digital marketing strategies.
• Actionable tips for optimising content, enhancing visibility and driving engagement.
• Running campaigns and keeping up with the latest tech updates.

Business support service, New Anglia Growth Hub, is organising this course and you can sign up for free. Book Feeding Algorithms course Great Yarmouth 10^th May Kings Lynn 30^th May Cromer 6^th June For more details about events, business support and growth programmes visit New Anglia Growth Hub’s website. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.   Customer Engagement Have you always wanted to get to know your customer better, understand the customer journey and create greater response? This workshop will guide you through the creation of a sales plan, sales approach, warm leads, creating an impression with your sales approach and then a practice and improvement practical. Business support service, New Anglia Growth Hub, is organising this course and you can sign up for free. Feedback to the course has been excellent with 100% very satisfied participants who benefitted straightaway. Quote from participant ‘I really enjoyed the course yesterday. It flowed so well and was really interesting and useful. I just have to tell you about my success just now. I thought, before my 10am meeting, I’d have a try at a warmed prospect. So I spoke directly with the correct person – he answered the call. And got to the point of offering our next public course. He said he’s willing to close down for the day, to have them trained and we now have a date and an agreement for a factory visit to check out the training space.’ Customer Engagement – Read more about the course and book! Cromer 9^th May Kings Lynn 21^st May For more details about events, business support and growth programmes visit New Anglia Growth Hub’s website. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.   Develop your Sales Strategy Take time out for just one day to do vital development work on your sales strategy and action plan that can support your business growth long term. This session shows you how a pipeline works, how to test and measure results, why some salespeople seem very successful and some always fail, how to focus on an efficient sales process for your company and product or service. As well as researching the data and not wasting time with outdated sales perceptions. Business support service, New Anglia Growth Hub, is organising this course and you can sign up for free. Feedback about the course has been excellent with 100% very satisfied participants who benefitted straightaway. The fully-funded course will cover: – Building your sales pipeline – Communication – Create your pitch – Speed up the sales process – Test & Measure – The ideal client – Market research your target database. You will come away inspired and will be ready to take action! Book Develop your Sales Strategy course Kings Lynn 29^th May Cromer 3^rd June For more details about events, business support and growth programmes visit New Anglia Growth Hub’s website. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District is excited to announce its annual Charity Summer Ball on the 14th September 2024 at the picturesque Caistor Hall Hotel.

The highly anticipated premium event is set to deliver an evening of unparalleled entertainment, extraordinary food, and plenty of exciting things to steal the summer spotlight. Whilst offering you an unforgettable and magical experience this glittering event gives you the opportunity to raise funds going directly towards supporting our communities now and for the long term.

Tickets for the Summer Ball are available on Eventbrite. Visit cadat.org.uk/summer-ball/

In addition to attending the Summer Ball, interested individuals and businesses can get involved in multiple ways. Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District is looking for generous sponsors to contribute to the cause. You can become a sponsor for this highly anticipated event by donating prizes for the event’s charity auction and balloon pop, sponsoring the event’s wine and beverages, and offering time as volunteers to help ensure the evening runs smoothly. Sponsors can benefit from free tickets, social media promotion through the charity’s various platforms, brand awareness during the ceremony, and exclusive brand visibility on-site with their own marketing materials.

These sponsorship packages not only provide a way to give back to the community but are also an opportunity for businesses to enhance their visibility in a significant community event. Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District highly appreciates any support provided towards making this grand event a fabulous success.

On behalf of Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District, we cordially invite everyone to join hands in supporting this noble cause. Your contributions are destined to create an impact and impressively aid the successful and efficient delivery of this inspiring and fun-filled event.

For more information about the Summer Ball, obtaining tickets, and details regarding sponsorship packages, please visit cadat.org.uk/summer-ball/.

Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District is a dedicated charitable organisation committed to offering guidance and support on a variety of issues via various modes of communication, including face-to-face, telephone, and email. In 2023, they took part in ‘The Big C Project’ which supported over 900 people facing a cancer diagnosis with specialist welfare and benefits and gained £2.7 million worth of income back into people’s pockets who accessed their specialist support via their partnership with Big C. During the very challenging time, people said they were relieved and reassured to be offered this support. This was thanks to their no barriers approach to support, advice and guidance.

As part of the Citizens Advice Network, collectively, the network serves around 2,500 locations across England and Wales. The network supports communities thanks to the generous support of over 21,500 volunteers and 7,000 paid staff. Their areas of expertise cover a range of issues, like money, benefits, housing, employment problems, and more. Committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination, their robust campaigns leverage clients’ experiences and stories to research and bring about positive local and national change.

As a charity, the Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District face a constant need for support. Without the generous backing of compassionate individuals and corporate supporters, the organisation’s impact on society could not be achieved.

With Microsoft Edge Features Enhancing productivity is crucial for businesses, especially for those relying on managed service providers like Uptech. Every tool that aids in speeding up tasks or improving communication is invaluable. Surprisingly, your web browser, particularly Microsoft Edge on Windows 11, can play a significant role in optimizing productivity. Let’s explore five key features tailored to elevate productivity for Uptech’s managed service clients: 1. Split Screen for Enhanced Multitasking: Efficient multitasking is paramount for managing tasks across various systems. Microsoft Edge’s split-screen feature allows you to compare information, research topics, or monitor systems seamlessly within a single tab. 2. Vertical Tabs for Streamlined Navigation: Managing numerous tabs for different tasks can be challenging. With Microsoft Edge’s vertical tabs, you can organize and navigate between open tabs effortlessly, ensuring quick access to essential information. 3. Workspaces for Collaborative Projects: Collaboration is key in managed services. Microsoft Edge’s Workspaces feature streamlines collaboration by creating dedicated workspaces with relevant tabs for each project. Sharing these workspaces via links simplifies collaborative efforts. 4. Collections for Organized Research: Gathering information for projects is a routine task. Microsoft Edge’s Collections feature allows you to save and organize critical information from web pages into custom collections, ensuring organized and focused research. 5. Immersive Reader for Distraction-Free Work: Clear communication and focused reading are vital for productivity. Microsoft Edge’s Immersive Reader feature provides a distraction-free reading experience, ensuring focused communication and understanding. If your business isn’t already leveraging Microsoft Edge on Windows 11, now is the ideal time to consider the switch. These features can transform how you manage tasks, collaborate, and stay organized. Reach out for assistance in optimizing your productivity tools and workflows.

First introduced in 2000 Research & Development tax reliefs (R&D) are designed to encourage businesses to invest in developing ‘new’ or ‘improved’ products. Many companies are put off by the words ‘Research and Development’. They often interpret the phrase as meaning that they have to be a research company, work from a laboratory, wear white coats or maintain a large team. In reality, if you innovate and improve the way something works in your business and the outcome lacked a degree of ‘certainty’ from the start, you may qualify. Fiscale is a specialist tax advisory company, formed in 2014. The world of R & D is ‘specialist’ and the current direction of travel from HMRC, is that businesses should engage with specialist tax advisory firms rather than ‘generalists’, after all, you wouldn’t expect your GP to undertake open-heart surgery, would you?! A recent survey showed that 71% of businesses that are claiming R&D, are using a specialist advisor. For R&D tax relief purposes, the deadline that applies is that an R&D claim needs to be submitted no later than 2 years following the financial year end of the business. In addition, from August 2023 there were new filing requirements, including making it mandatory for all businesses that put in an R&D claim to include an Additional Information Form, which is essentially a report to track all R&D activity and provides HMRC with specific information that they require to determine eligibility. Fiscale works with companies to identify qualifying projects and then help guide them through the submission process of both the financial and report elements of the claim. We have helped businesses from a broad range of sectors claim R&D tax reliefs from software developers to fudge manufacturers, and from construction businesses to sign manufacturers. Might your business be missing out on this opportunity and if so, maybe it’s worth a call to explore the possibilities? Please contact Joe Webster-Davids on 01440 708333 or email at info@fiscale.com

After much anticipation, the brand new website for CTS Shop is now live! From Compliance Stationery and Digital Tachographs to First Aid Kits, Workwear, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we’ve got you covered with top-notch supplies that meet industry standards. Offering an extensive catalogue tailored to cater for every aspect of your operations, CTS Shop is part of the CTS Group; your one solution for transport training, consultancy and compliance. Based in East Anglia, CTS brings a wealth of hands-on experience in the transport and training industry. At the core of our business lies our comprehensive range of services, meticulously designed to address the diverse needs of the transport industry. Whether you’re in need of forklift training, driver CPC and ADR, or DGSA services, compliance audits and tachograph analysis, we’ve got you covered. Explore CTS Shop online, where we offer a selection of high-quality products and materials specifically for the transport industry. We stand by every item we sell, offering only products that we personally use and recommend. With competitive pricing and prompt delivery, CTS Shop ensures you have access to the best resources with the convenience your business requires. With nationwide shipping, local delivery options, and convenient pick-up facilities, getting your hands on the essentials has never been easier. Plus, enjoy the added benefit of free delivery on orders over £150. Shop now at www.ctservicesltd.shop

Highbury Recruitment is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Bronze Employers Recognition award. We believe in supporting those who have served our country and are honoured to be recognised for our efforts. The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) is a government-led initiative that recognises employers who assist veterans and their families in returning to civilian employment.

For more information on recruiting within the ex-forces community, please get in touch. The ex-forces community brings with it a wealth of talent, expertise, and skills that are incredibly valuable to many of our current clients.

East Coast Gelato will be opening at Chantry Place Norwich, on Friday 26th April 2024, selling its delicious range of homemade gelato, sorbets and treats.

Made locally in Hunstanton, East Coast Gelato will be open daily at Chantry Place in Centre opening hours and will be located on the dining terrace. It will serve a range of gelato, in flavours such as Biscoff, salted caramel and mint choc chip; as well as raspberry and strawberry sorbets. Plus, homemade fruit lollies, gelato lollies dipped in chocolate and ‘conies’ in a range of flavours, and vegan options.

Elliot Hibell, manager at East Coast Gelato at Chantry Place, said: “We can’t wait to bring our delicious, locally-made Italian range of gelato and cold treats to Norwich. We already have stores in Hunstanton and Thornham, and we’re confident that our new store at Chantry Place will be just as popular. Our owner, Joel, was trained in Italy by the very best and has brought his skills and knowledge about making the best Italian gelato to Norfolk – and he is the one who still makes it now in our kitchen in Hunstanton!”

Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “East Coast Gelato will be bringing its delicious, award-winning gelato and sorbets to Chantry Place. Located on the dining terrace, visitors can enjoy treats from this local business, who use freshly made ingredients. This follows other good news for the Centre, with Flannels recently opening and more news on new openings coming soon.”

East Coast Gelato has been serving incredible gelato and handmade desserts since 2016.

For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk or follow @chantryplacenorwich on social media.

At Zip Water, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our water solutions help our global customers meet their sustainability and ESG targets by: Inspiring a refill culture We aim to make bottled water a thing of the past with drinking water solutions, such as HydroTap, that pour filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling drinking water on tap. HydroMe takes this one step further, allowing access to flavour-enhanced water with just a few clicks. Reducing energy demands Energy-saving modes, that consume less energy in times of low usage, and patented technology make our water systems exceptionally efficient. Our unique PowerPulse technology maintains stored boiling water to within 0.2 degrees of set temperature, meaning our products pour the perfect boiling drinking water every time whilst minimising power consumption. Eliminating water waste Using water to chill water? Not cool. Our innovative air-cooling process eliminates the need for water in the cooling process. This means the only water used by our taps is what ends up coming out of them. As an EcoVadis Silver awardee (placed in the top 8% of companies ranked), we are also dedicated to internal sustainable practices, from our fully recyclable packaging to our growing electric fleet of HydroCare vehicles. We’ve also partnered with GivePower.org to support communities around the world with access to clean, purified water. Every time a HydroMe user pours a drink, they collect points. Earn enough to level up, and we’ll donate money on your behalf. See our website to find out more about our commitment: https://specify.zipwater.co.uk/sustainability/our-commitment/our-commitment

Ensors Norwich – now open! Ensors Chartered Accountants are pleased to announce that their new Norwich office is now open and fully operational with their team of experts on hand to deliver comprehensive advice and support to you from their new home at 3 St James Place, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1RJ. As accountancy specialists for over 130 years, Ensors possess a deep understanding of the issues, opportunities, and regulations relevant to local businesses and individuals across East Anglia.  The new office location allows members of their Corporate Finance, Corporate Services, Business Recovery, and Corporate Tax team to support a diverse portfolio of clients across a number of sectors in the area.  Experts from the Private Client team are also available to deliver their professional yet personalised approach to individuals in Norfolk and the surrounding area. In the development of the new regional office, the firm have established an experienced senior team to lead the office offering and provides a number of opportunities to students and qualified accountants. As the latest premise to open in support of the firm’s expansion into northern East Anglia, Ensors’ office in the heart of Norwich City Centre will boast modern facilities and an open plan working environment to encourage collaboration and growth. Ensors are looking forward to the exciting opportunities that the new Norwich branch will bring, alongside building on their growing networks in the Norwich area. To keep up to date on our latest company news please see link here https://www.ensors.co.uk/insights/category/company-news/