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Norwich-based financial planning company Brancaster House celebrates management buy-out

A Norwich-based financial planning company is celebrating its next chapter after a management buy-out by two employees. Brancaster House Financial Planning, based on Castle Meadow in Norwich, is now being run by Nick Halls and Shane Julian, joint Managing Directors, who have worked for the company before stepping into their new roles as co-owners. Established originally in 2004, Brancaster House provides financial planning services including mortgages, equity release, pensions and investments. team of six is committed to its ethos of ‘financial advice for all’, supporting people at every stage of life. Shane Julian said: “It’s been a long-term aspiration of both of ours to either set up our own IFA practices or to be involved in a co-ownership of an IFA business. But it’s not often that you’re given the opportunity to buy an established business from within. We feel buying a business that we both already know the inner workings of and have been involved in running previously is an extremely good position to be in. Even more so when compared to starting from scratch with the regulation that encompasses the financial services industry.” Nick (left) and Shane (right) outside the Norwich office. One of the largest initiatives that the pair are championing is access to financial education for all. Shane added: “We are aware that financial firms sometimes place a significant emphasis on clients that have substantial reserves and that everyone from all walks of life deserves the opportunity to learn what to do with their resources. Making strong financial decisions shouldn’t be reserved for the few.” The pair have worked in the financial industry from administration positions. Nick Halls shared his thoughts on the journey: “The next chapter for the business doesn’t mean any change for the clients that are already on board. The team will continue to provide financial advice in the same way they always have – but now with us leading the charge with Scott, our Chartered Financial Planner who will continue to hold a senior position in the business as a shareholder and experienced member of the team.” Brancaster House is an award-winning financial service provider. Brancaster House aims to be with its clients for the entirety of their financial journey. From their first pension advice, all the way through legacy planning after retirement. For more information about Brancaster House, please visit: http://www.brancasterhouse.co.uk

GNMG NEWS: Sector News & Support

GNMG NEWS/ALERT Sector News & Support 1) An invitation to review a new, AI, cloud based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) hitting the UK market in 2024. We have an exciting, exclusive opportunity for NAAME members to take a deep dive into a new AI powered, cloud based, ERP System called Arcflow. The system will be hitting the UK market in 2024. We are inviting 15 manufacturing leaders on the 5th December at Centrum, Norwich for a C-Suite Analysis session providing an overview of the Arcflow system. This 3-hour workshop will enable you to get hands on an investigate the system to see whether it aligns with your business operations. Participating in the workshop will also unlock the opportunity to be part of the Early Adopter Programme. Instead of just using dummy data, there is the opportunity for you to send some top level data in advance that will be shared on the day so you can understand in greater detail the value of the system for your business. Please confirm attendance by Wednesday 22nd November 2023 – james.williamson@naame.co.uk   2) Be part of the Early Adopter programmes for the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring Project Join an 8-week training programme to adopt a low-cost automation solution with support from the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) We have an exciting to offer our members exclusive access to IfM’s new training programme that will support your business to adopt a low-cost digital solution that will enable you to easily start your digitisation journey. The early adopter package enables companies to build and deploy a simple, low-cost digital solution in their factory so that they can see how digitalisation benefits their business, building in-house digital skills along the way. What’s involved? • 6-8 programme • Access technical experts • Weekly peer-to-learning with 3-5 businesses per cohort • Access a community forum • Access the online training portal Low cost digital solutions include; • Job location tracking • Power monitoring • scrap monitoring • Downtime monitoring Cost: £400. First cohort to start pre-Christmas. Register your interest ASAP – james.williamson@naame.co.uk

Greensphere brings together world’s largest group of leading science institutes

Greensphere brings together world’s largest group of leading science institutes to launch £150 million venture fund tackling climate change and biodiversity loss Specialist fund manager Greensphere Capital announces it is bringing together the world’s largest group of globally-renowned bioscience and environmental science institutes to launch the Gaia Sciences Innovation partnerships. Greensphere will raise a £150 million fund designed to invest in and scale world-leading businesses that successfully commercialise solutions that mitigate against the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Gaia Sciences Innovation brings together leading British partner institutions that are home to more than 4,000 scientists, researchers, and conservationists, including RBG Kew, ZSL, University of York, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and via Norwich Research Park, which includes the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Quadram Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, and the University of East Anglia. Based across the UK with a particular focus in regional research hubs such as York and Norwich, the fund will invest into start-up, spin-out and scale-up businesses linked to these institutions, that can help tackle biodiversity loss and climate change. These companies will then benefit from ongoing access to leading-edge scientific expertise in areas such as plant, fungal and animal sciences, ecology and hydrology, soil and microbiomes, and engineering biology. The wider arrangement will see partner organisations benefit from any new spinouts through profit share (via co-ownership) and license fees which allows organisations to fund future research and further build their organisational capacity. The spin-out companies should also provide a virtuous loop of valuable data from operating environments for scientists to refine and improve intellectual property. Divya Seshamani, Managing Partner at Greensphere Capital, said: “In the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis, we urgently need more investment into solutions based on the best available science.  Mitigating these real risks requires evidence-led, science-based solutions, not anecdotes and spin.” “Britain is home to many of the world’s best bio and environmental science researchers, but the commercial potential in their breakthroughs is too often being overlooked. We want to unlock a pipeline of exciting ventures that are based on brilliant ideas, that operate with scientific integrity, that are grounded in a contextual understanding of the complex natural systems and are alert to the risks of unforeseen consequences.” The fund will focus primarily on investments across three focus areas:

  • Greening real assets: making agriculture and forestry more sustainable and enhancing or restoring land and water-based ecosystems, with applications such as natural pest control, green fertiliser and products that enhance soil health, afforestation and habitat restoration advisory, enhanced carbon dioxide sequestration, and improved watershed management.
  • Green fintech: providing technology and expertise that can underpin and unlock green financial markets. This includes technologies to measure, monitor and verify biodiversity and climate impacts, including technologies for environmental DNA collection and sequencing, sensors for tracking water and soil health, computational genetics, and AI for assessing climate and nature-related risks.
  • Human supply-chain resilience: investing in solutions that improve the resilience of human supply chains (from food to medicine) and ease pressures on ecosystems or adapt to changing conditions, for example through climate-resilient food crops, developing alternatives that displace drivers of deforestation such as meat, dairy and palm oil, and using plants for drug discovery or producing bioactive compounds.

In December 2022, international governments agreed the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework with a goal of halting biodiversity loss by 2030, protecting 30% of the planet for nature. According to World Economic Forum, $44 trillion of global economic value is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, making up over half of global GDP. ZSL and WWF’s Living Planet Index reveals that since 1970, there has been a 69% decline in global monitored wildlife populations, and it is predicted that by 2050 1 million species are on course for extinction. This fund sets out to address these interdependent challenges of climate change. Professor Monique Simmonds, Deputy Director of Science at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, commented: “Addressing biodiversity loss and climate change through science is at the heart of Kew’s mission.  When we work with others, innovate and deliver science-based solutions, we know we will see change. It is now a question of pace.  We are ready, we have the knowledge and the expertise, but it is the arrival of critical funding that will help us realise the solutions.” Matthew Gould, Chief Executive at ZSL, commented: “This is a brilliant opportunity for us to expand our impact and scale ZSL innovation at the kind of speed the world needs. It means our scientists and conservationists will have access to experts and investors as they develop solutions for our planet.” Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor at University of York, commented: “We have some of the best researchers working on solutions to many of society’s most challenging environmental issues. This vital collaboration highlights the University’s commitment to creating a fairer and more sustainable future for all by harnessing knowledge from our discovery-led research to provide innovative solutions in the global fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. We look forward to working with Gaia Sciences Innovation on a range of exciting projects that have the potential to make a real difference to the world we live in.”  Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership (AIP), the science park management company at Norwich Research Park, commented: “The research and innovation at Norwich Research Park is important because it is addressing global challenges like food security, human disease and the effects of climate change. Companies on the campus spinning out of the research community are developing new ground-breaking technologies that will benefit society and the environment and contribute to the economic growth of the UK. We are delighted that as a result of AIP’s enterprise strategy this new partnership with Gaia Sciences Innovation has been formed which will help businesses on the park campus to grow and succeed. Dr Stuart Wainwright, Chief Executive at UKCEH, commented: “We are excited to be a founding institute in this initiative, which will catalyse innovation across UKCEH, from reversing biodiversity loss to improving soil health and mitigating climate change to managing landscapes sustainably.  This presents a fantastic opportunity to maximise the impact of our research and innovation, as well as to build new science collaborations across partner institutes, in order that together, people and nature can prosper.”

Ed Sheeran hands over nearly 450 items, including boxer shorts, to help raise vital funds for EACH

“These donations will undoubtedly cause a stir. It’s going to be exciting and fascinating to see how things pan out” – superstar Ed Sheeran hands over nearly 450 items, including boxer shorts, to help raise vital funds for EACH   Music megastar Ed Sheeran has raided his wardrobe and donated hundreds of garments including onesies, socks and even boxer shorts to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).   The array of goodies, the majority of which are being sold on the charity’s eBay site, starting from Thursday (16th November), includes jumpers, trousers and hats, as well as jackets, belts, bags, T-shirts and Ipswich Town merchandise.   The astonishing haul is set to raise thousands of pounds for EACH, which supports families and cares for children across Ed’s native Suffolk, as well as Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.   The singer-songwriter has been an Ambassador for the charity since 2014 and the donations were delivered by a member of his team to EACH’s shop in Bridge Street, Framlingham.   Kevin Clements, EACH Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “It’s an extraordinary gesture and extremely kind of Ed.   “His generosity will raise thousands of pounds for our wonderful charity.   “Despite his incredible success and sky-high profile, he remains a loyal champion and we’re eternally grateful for his support.   “We realise how lucky we are. It’s invaluable and helps raise the profile of the vital care we provide to local children and families.   “In total, Ed and his family have donated 445 garments and accessories and the vast majority are going to be sold via eBay auctions.   “He has fans all over the world and these donations will undoubtedly cause a stir. It’s going to be exciting and fascinating to see how things pan out.”   EACH plans to release a total of 186 garments and accessories, including 27 pairs of boxer shorts, during three separate auctions, starting later this month in time for unique Christmas presents.   Another 239 will then be listed in a second sale early next year, with the remaining 20 being reserved for new EACH shop openings.   The first 62 items will drop on Thursday (16th November). This will be a ten-day auction, with the next two, both seven-day auctions, going live on 26th November and 3rd December.   The starting price per item will be £9.99 and listings will be scheduled to start around 8pm.   Auctions can be accessed by heading here.   Garments will not be washed or ironed – they will be sold as received – and all sales will be accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity. Items will be sent via fully tracked and insured Royal Mail postage and can be sent overseas.   The complete breakdown of stock received is 26 plain T-shirts, 16 T-shirts with a logo or design, six premium T-shirts, 18 premium polo shirts, three plain jumpers, eight jumpers with a logo or design, nine premium jumpers, 11 pairs of trousers, three jackets, five belts, six onesies, 69 bags and accessories, 73 pairs of socks, 149 pairs of boxer shorts (around half of which have been worn and washed and half are brand new), 21 pairs of shorts, a pair of shoes, 14 hats and seven Ipswich Town items.   Suffolk-based Ed is a long-time supporter of EACH and he met staff and families at The Treehouse, in Ipswich, after becoming an Ambassador.   The 32-year-old memorably performed an acoustic set at a gala fundraiser at Cambridge’s Natural History Museum in 2016. He donated a drum kit which was auctioned for £2,650 and the evening raised more than £262,000.   All photography for eBay was kindly provided free of charge by Norwich-based NIQ Brandbank.

Charity Christmas gift appeal launches at Chantry Place to help families in Norfolk

Chantry Place is once again supporting Alive UK, a local charity which aims to provide emergency support for people in crisis in Norfolk, with a Christmas gifts and treats appeal for local children and their caregivers.

Last year the appeal helped over 700 local children to receive a present, who wouldn’t have otherwise received one. People can donate unwrapped gifts, toys or chocolate treats, such as selection boxes, at a collection point on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place, opposite Boots, from now until Sunday 17th December 2023.

All gifts will be given to families in desperate need in Norfolk and all donations of new gifts are welcome for all ages, including babies, toys for children, presents for teenagers, or those that care for them.

Jo Thorne, chair of trustees, and pastor of Alive Church said: “Many of us are finding things difficult financially, but having to choose between heating, food or debt repayment, plus the added pressure of guilt and sadness if you are unable to give a gift to your child, is immense. More and more people are struggling with these everyday choices and the cost of living situation has made it worse again this year. Last year’s appeal was a huge success and we were able to make such an incredible difference to these families, which is why we wanted to launch the appeal again with the help of Chantry Place. People who donate really are helping give families a magical Christmas and we hope to support hundreds of families again this year.”

Jo Bates, operations manager at Chantry Place, said: “Alive UK is a charity supporting the community with its incredible volunteers working so hard to care and give hope to families in Norfolk. We saw what a difference this appeal made last year to struggling families and we had to do it again this year to spread some joy at this time of year and put some smiles on the faces of families. All donations of gifts need to be new items and Alive volunteers deliver the unwrapped gifts and wrapping paper to care givers of the children so that they can enjoy wrapping the gifts themselves to give to their children.”

One mum who received gifts from the appeal last year said: “When I closed the door behind me, I stood in the sitting room in silence for about 10 minutes before the tears started pouring down my face. I don’t think I was breathing at this point. I’m not sure I’d allowed myself to cry in forever. I was awake every night worrying about how I would explain to our babies that Santa was so busy looking after families that needed help that he didn’t think they would mind not having anything. I’d got a big branch from the woods that I made into a Christmas tree and we had decorated it with some random items. The kids loved it. We’d decorated the house with paper snowflakes but how would they feel with no gift? Then there I was, in the sitting room with the answer to all my prayers. I can’t even find the words to explain the relief and joy. Just thank you!”

Earlier this year, the Alive volunteers went to take food to a family who had received some gifts at Christmas. They were greeted at the door by two of the little girls. Dressed in tutus and fairy wings, the young girls were excited to show her all the gifts they had received and said it was “like magic”!

Alive UK, supported by Alive Church, is a registered charity. It has around 50 volunteers.

For more information on Chantry Place and this appeal, visit www.chantryplace.co.uk.

Larking Gowen reports record activity in corporate transactions in East Anglia

Chartered accountants and business advisers, Larking Gowen, has reported record figures this year for advising clients on the buying and selling of businesses in East Anglia.

James Lay, a Corporate Transactions and Business Advisory Partner, said: “The market for buying, selling and valuing businesses, which are our core activities, is looking very healthy.

“Sellers should have the confidence that they can get a fair price for their business. Buyers are undertaking a greater degree of due diligence than before, but there is still a high demand for good, strong, viable businesses.

“With the growth in this area of the business, we’re very pleased to welcome two new members to our Corporate Transactions Team.”

Sophie Steadman, who is originally from Norfolk, joins the firm as a qualified chartered accountant after four years in the corporate finance department at a top four accountancy firm in London.

Ben Horner-Glister has been with the firm for five years, working in its medical department. He has already had a successful secondment to the team and now joins it on a permanent basis.

James explained that the firm’s core market was family-owned businesses of between £1m and £10m or more in value.

“We work largely on a success fee basis, which makes for a very straightforward relationship between us and the client. We’re not in the business of telling people what they want to hear, so if you’re not ready for sale, then we’ll guide you on what you can do to increase the value and attractiveness of your business.”

James says confidentially is a primary concern with all clients. “We make sure non-disclosure agreements are always in place, and give our clients control over the whole process, only approaching buyers we are all comfortable with. We are very transparent in terms of the results of the work we do, who we’ve spoken to and why they are interested or not interested,” he said.

“Our Corporate Transactions Team is now seven people strong, and we’re really proud that we are building a department of that size. Looking back to the turmoil of COVID-19, when far fewer people were looking to buy or sell a business, it feels like we have come a long way and the outlook continues to look very positive,” James said.

 

Children’s Christmas Giveaway Returns At Contract Personnel

We are back for a second year –  hoping to bring some festive magic and spread some Christmas cheer to our local hospitals. The team at Contract Personnel are aiming to raise funds to help provide presents, essential items and festive gifts for the children’s wards at some of our local hospitals across Norfolk & Suffolk. At a time where some children and their families face spending time in hospital over the Christmas period, we are raising funds which will be spent on presents for the children, along with essential items for the wards – including cot mobiles, gift sets for the older children, sensory toys, arts and crafts sets and much more! We will then donate the prizes in our Christmas JOB BUS – with some special decorations and accessories. Anything you can donate to our cause will be greatly appreciated. We will be sure to feature your company across our social media channels and website – along with inclusion in our PR articles. And if you just wish to donate as an individual, we will really appreciate your kindness this Christmas! Donate HERE

‘Puzzle Driven Partnerships – a networking event with a difference!

Join us on National Puzzle Day for an exciting evening of networking with a twist! Puzzle Driven Partnerships is not your typical networking event. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded professionals in a fun and interactive way. Each team will be racing to complete a 300 piece jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time with some surpises along the way!

Get ready to challenge your problem-solving skills and build meaningful connections. The event will take place on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Horsford Cricket Club, Holt Road, Horsford, NR10 3AQ.

Bring your creativity, enthusiasm, and a desire to collaborate. We’ll provide the puzzles and icebreakers to spark engaging conversations. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and forge valuable partnerships.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Puzzle Driven Partnerships offers a unique platform to expand your network and discover exciting opportunities.

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event! Mark your calendars and get ready to connect, solve, and thrive!

Also includes:

  • Free Parking
  • Bar available
  • Snacks provided
  • Raffle & Auction
  • Networking
  • Prizes

All funds generated will go to supporting the work of Norfolk Citizens Advice. As a charity, we are currently under immense pressure to keep up with the increasing demand of the cost of living crisis. This money will provide vital assistance to individuals in our local community that are grappling with substantial hardships this winter.

Please note, when purchasing a ticket this is for a Team of 4 people, so 1 £50.00 ticket will admit a team of 4 people. Please register as many teams as you would like.

Event Brite Link HERE

Thank you !

Rosie Cammell

Fundraising Manager

Thetford Business Awards are launched at opening event in The Thomas Paine Hotel in Whitehart Street

This year’s Thetford Business Awards were launched on October 19, with representatives from Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as well as the town’s mayor and its sponsors attending. The awards are run by owner of The Thomas Paine Hotel, Gez Chetal, chairman of Thetford Town Football Club Nigel Armes, and his mother and a former mayor and councillor of the town, Sylvia. There are 14 categories for the public to nominate their chosen town business and to vote, go to thetfordbubblyhub.com/thetford-business-awards-2024/ Gez said: “The awards mean the world to me, my family and our founders and we now have more than 100 local businesses involved – it makes me emotional to see what we have achieved with these awards.”

Alan Boswell Group welcomes back commercial executive Zoe Kerswill

Alan Boswell Group (ABG), a leading insurance broker and financial services provider, is pleased to announce the return of Zoe Kerswill, an experienced insurance executive to its Norwich-based commercial broking team. Zoe is returning as a commercial insurance broker, where she will continue to provide exceptional support to both old and new clients. “We are thrilled to welcome Zoe back to ABG,” said Adrian Rayner, Commercial Director. “Her expertise, dedication, and deep understanding of our clients’ needs make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident that her return will further strengthen our position as a leading provider of commercial insurance solutions.” Zoe Kerswill brings 30 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry, having successfully managed diverse portfolios while maintaining a client-focused approach. Her comprehensive knowledge of the market, coupled with her commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions, has made her a trusted adviser to numerous businesses. “I’m excited to be back at ABG. ABG’s unwavering commitment to clients sets it apart from its competitors,” said Zoe. “I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and I am eager to reconnect with our existing clients and build new relationships.” Zoe’s return underscores Alan Boswell Group’s dedication to fostering talent and maintaining enduring relationships with its employees. For more information about Alan Boswell Group and its comprehensive range of insurance and financial services, please visit www.alanboswell.com or call 01603 218000. To contact Zoe, please call her on 07769 736710 / 01603 214292 or zkerswill@alanboswell.com.

Partner celebrates career of innovation after 26 years with the firm

A partner who joined the firm as a school leaver is set to retire after 26 years with the business.

Mark Curtis started his career in accountancy straight from A-levels and joined Larking Gowen in 1997, becoming a partner in 2006.

He led our Business Team for nine years, standing down from this role in 2021 to join the firm’s Board.

Mark has helped lead the way in expanding Larking Gowen’s Business Advisory services. Together with fellow Partner, James Lay, he launched the lively and informative Impromptu Business Chat, a weekly podcast for SME business owners, which has developed to become Leadership and Life Chat.

“In some ways, I’ve made a career of doing things differently,” said Mark. “I’ve never been afraid to try different stuff and challenge the status quo. The key thing is, Larking Gowen is a business that encourages this approach; I’ve been given the freedom and space to develop new ideas.

“Larking Gowen is a broad church. You have the opportunity to really shape your own career, and you are given the space to do this.”

Mark continued: “We’ve been around for 130 years now but no business can survive by standing still, doing the same things year in and year out. You need stability, but you need innovation, challenge and change as well.”

The biggest changes Mark has seen over his career have been in the use of technology in terms of using digital formats and digital technologies to improve practice and create value for clients. These changes continue, and the use of AI is another benefit and challenge that the industry faces.

“AI is great at crunching vast quantities of data and spotting patterns, but we also need to apply human judgement and experience to interpret results,” Mark said.

Retirement for Mark is about taking a step back from business, going low-tech, exploring self-sufficiency and “doing all the things I wanted to do but struggled to do timewise.”

“I’m leaving the firm in a very good place, after many happy and rewarding years, safe in the knowledge that our clients will continue to get the very best service from our talented and dedicated people,” he said.

Managing Partner, Julie Grimmer, commented: “Mark has made a great contribution to the development of the business over many years. I will be sad to see him leave the firm next year, but we all send Mark and Glenda our very best wishes for the new life they are embarking upon together.

“As an East Anglian firm committed to remaining independent, our stewardship and the future succession of the business is something that all the partners remain committed to. Despite the sadness we feel when individuals retire, the current partners and the whole Larking Gowen team remain dedicated to taking the business forward to advise and support our clients and to provide challenging and rewarding career opportunities for our people.”

CTS Training & Consultancy launches CTS Analysis.

Amid a background of strong business growth and customer feedback, CTS Training & Consultancy are now proud to announce that we are launching CTS Analysis.  You will now see CTS Training & Consultancy referred to as CTS Training, Consultancy & Analysis. CTS Analysis allows operators of commercial vehicles to remain compliant with their tachograph reporting and compliance requirements.  CTS Analysis gives you reports on all of the information that you would expect from an analysis software including Drivers Hours infringements, Working Time Directive infringements, speed infringements, missing mileage and much more! Despite these similarities, CTS Analysis is tachograph analysis with a difference. Rather than being a pure software company, CTS Analysis is formed on foundations of knowledge and experience in the haulage and logistics industry.  This background enables us to understand that our customers have individual needs which require individual solutions. You spoke, we listened! Many tachograph analysis providers will expect customers to use software to analyse their data independently.  We do offer the option for customers to use CTS Analysis to analyse their data using the software without support if this is suitable for the customer. Here at CTS Analysis, we see things differently and we put the customer at the heart of each of our offerings.  One of these offerings, which we are proud to announce as part of our CTS Analysis launch is that we are offering a ‘managed service’ tachograph analysis. The ‘managed service’ tachograph analysis includes the same access to the software for the customer but it also includes the support of our expert CTS Analysis team that will be on hand to assist customers and provide guidance once reports have been generated.  This support could include advice on infringement debriefs, infringement management procedures and driver repeat offenders.  Customers using the CTS Analysis ‘managed service’ can also expect support with advice on downloading requirements and system uploading. We developed the ‘managed service’ following extensive customer feedback that customers wanted the usual web-based tachograph analysis software but with help, guidance and support to back it up.  CTS Analysis customers can now expect a service that is at the cutting edge of drivers hours compliance. Both CTS Analysis packages (self-service and managed service) also have the option to add on the CTS Defect App. The CTS Defect App is the online, technology driven alternative to the paper Drivers’ Daily Defect Report Pad that are used by many of our customers.  By using an app-based defect reporting tool it allows commercial vehicle operators to have much more control over their defects and subsequently their operation. The CTS Defect App allows operators to see how long a driver took to complete their defect at the start of a working shift, driver signatures and photographic evidence of recorded defects.  The app can also be used either independently of CTS Analysis or as a seamlessly integrated solution with both on one platform. We have been clear throughout our launch that the customer runs through everything we do.  As further evidence of this, we are more than happy to demonstrate CTS Analysis and CTS Defect App to any current our prospective customer.  We are also more than happy to discuss customers’ individual requirements. Contact us to book a free demo – 01945 880155 or training@ctservicesltd.co.uk