Blickling Estate is the perfect setting for days out full of fun and adventure. Create, explore, move, wonder, make-believe – try everything from building dens and giant nests as you discover five play stations nestled in the woodland and parkland. Head into the gardens to discover stacks of possibilities to play all day – who can’t resist pushing a wheelbarrow around the Walled Garden and digging in our play patch? Ever dreamed of being on stage? Now’s your chance to get dressed up to perform on our mini theatre! After oodles of play, head to The Stables, Farmyard or Muddy Boots cafés for ice-creams, refreshing drinks and light meals – with colouring sheets while you wait. Summer of Play activities are free (normal admission applies), so if you don’t manage to try them all on your first visit, you can come back again and again. Find out more : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate/family-days-out-at-blickling
BDO’s Optimism Index rises to its highest point since August 2022 despite a decline in manufacturing and services output growth
The UK’s labour market sees fifth consecutive increase in BDO’s Employment Index amid stronger hiring intentions
BDO’s Inflation Index declines to its lowest point in almost two years as input price pressures begin to subside
UK businesses have shown stronger optimism and hiring intentions as inflation shows early signs of falling, according to the latest Business Trends report from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO. BDO’s Optimism Index reached a 10-month high in June, recording a 0.65-point increase to 100.40 and crossing the 100-point threshold which indicates above-average positivity. Increases were driven by net-positivity across the services sector, which remains high at 100.67, and a return to improvement across manufacturing optimism which picked up by 1.00 point. Despite this, manufacturing optimism still sits in contractionary territory, below the crucial 95-point mark at 92.56, as businesses tackle ongoing supply side headwinds. Stronger hiring intentions in June reflect the generally more positive outlook from businesses. Buoyant employment levels drove a fifth-consecutive improvement in BDO’s Employment Index, as a 0.60-point increase saw the index rise to 111.96. Increases in the number of self-employed and part-time workers in June contributed to the resilience of the UK labour market. Confidence from businesses has been buoyed by the expected easing of inflationary pressures in the coming months. June saw BDO’s Inflation Index record its weakest overall reading since August 2021, when the country was emerging from a third national lockdown, falling by 2.06-points to 103.68. Price pressures are predicted to subside for businesses in the coming months. However, higher interest rates will place further strain on households leading to more cautious consumer spending, despite inflation slowly easing. Despite net growth across the Optimism and Employment Indices, supply chain pressures have dampened business productivity. BDO’s Output Index fell to 95.95, its weakest reading since March, indicating a slowdown in growth. Both the Services and Manufacturing Output Subindices declined in June and whilst services remain in in positive territory at 97.78, manufacturing witnessed a larger fall of 3.19 points to a deeply negative reading of 81.52. This marks manufacturing’s worst output reading since May 2020 when manufacturing output was curtailed by the first national lockdown. Peter Harrup, head of BDO in East Anglia, said: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence and hiring intentions reflect the resilience we’re seeing and hearing from firms, in the face of ongoing supply side challenges. “Whilst there’s hope that the new Ofgem price cap will drive down household energy prices and in turn ease inflation, the recent rise in interest rates and stagnating price growth indicate that this may still be a long way off. “Firms will need a helping hand from Government with targeted policies or we risk business growth stagnating and plans for expansion falling through.”
The Benjamin Foundation are hosting their annual ‘Sleep Out’ event at the Cloisters at Norwich Cathedral on Friday 6th October.Can you spend one night outside so a young person doesn’t have to? Sleep Out challenges people to get sponsored to spend one night sleeping outside and has raised over £300,000 to support their work since 2015. The Benjamin Foundation are the regional partner of the EveryYouth movement which seeks to reduce the prevalence of youth homelessness across the UK. With an estimated 129,000 young people facing homelessness in the UK last year (source: Centrepoint), and the Foundation’s estimates suggest 3-4,000 here in Norfolk and Suffolk, this cause has never been more important. The Benjamin Foundation provides stability for young people at risk of homelessness to flourish on their journey to independence. Providing a safe home to around 250 young people each night, they also help them learn essential life skills, such as cooking and budgeting, and support their education and career aspirations while building their resilience and self-esteem. Eventually helping young people to move on to independent living and manage their own tenancies. This year, The Benjamin Foundation hosted a launch event for the campaign, which was attended by local dignitaries, businesses and previous supporters, including The Lord Mayor of Norfolk, James Wright (who has supported the Sleep Out events for many years) and the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Caroline Jarrold, all showing out to celebrate the start of our 2023 Sleep Out campaign. The Benjamin Foundation are delighted to partner with the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for the Norfolk campaign this year. Nova Fairbank, CEO of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, spoke at the launch event and had the following to say on why they are partnering with The Benjamin Foundation for campaign this year: “Norfolk Chambers of Commerce are delighted to be supporting the Benjamin Foundation for their 2023 Norfolk Sleep Out Campaign. We’re looking forward to sharing the latest updates with the business community and seeing them get involved with the campaign too. An event like Norfolk Sleep Out is vital to raise awareness of the challenges of youth homelessness and some of the Chamber team joining in the Sleep Out too. We are proud to collaborate with The Benjamin Foundation on their journey.” Speaking at the launch event, Matt Garrod, The Benjamin Foundation Director of Operations for Housing and Homelessness explained: “We were delighted so many people across different organisations and businesses were able to join us for our Norfolk 2023 Sleep Out Launch events. Interest in the launch event and the pending Sleep Out in October shows the deep concern our community has for young people who have experienced homelessness and a willingness to work collaboratively with The Benjamin Foundation to combat this issue”. The event this year is sponsored by Birketts LLP, who have participated in the campaign for many years. Jonathan Agar, the Chief Executive at Birketts, had the following to say: “Birketts is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s 2023 Sleep Out campaign. As long-time supporters of The Benjamin Foundation, we know just how important the charity is in tackling youth homelessness and helping young people who need it into safe homes. We are looking forward to this year’s event in October, joining many others in spending the night outside to raise much needed funds for our local community.” Manager of one of The Benjamin Foundation’s accommodation services, Ray Cook, knows first-hand how important the funds that are raised through Sleep Out are for the charity: “Sleep Out gives a tiny insight into the reality of young people having to sleep outside when they are homeless and without support or a safety net. Alongside raising awareness about this vital issue, the funds raised help us to provide them with the accommodation and help they need to get back on track, enjoy a better life off the streets and achieve their life goals.” Each of the EveryYouth member charities around the UK organise Sleep Out events each Autumn to help support young people to lead successful, independent lives, raising over £6M for the cause since its inception. Join the movement today! For the first time The Benjamin Foundation are offering a discount for early signups. Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout to receive £10 off your booking, redeemable until 1st August. Bookings for the Sleep Out event is now OPEN. Book your place today:NORFOLK SLEEP OUT, Friday 6th October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/norfolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-611169653887Based further afield? Join the Suffolk Sleep Out instead!SUFFOLK SLEEP OUT, Friday 13th October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-615746754117?aff=ebdssbdestsearchCan’t attend but want to support ending youth homelessness in Suffolk? Make a donation to the campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/norfolksleepout2023Sleep Out is open to those aged 18 or over. For more information, please contact events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk
The TaxAssist Accountants National Support Centre, based in Norwich, has been shortlisted for the In-house Marketing Team of the Year award, at the prestigious Accounting Excellence Awards 2023. The annual awards are a highlight of the accountancy industry, showcasing forward-thinking firms, individuals, teams and projects. All 21 categories are judged by a line-up of industry experts and senior professionals covering a wide range of specialisms from within and outside the accounting community. James Mattam, TaxAssist Group Business Development Director, said: “Being nominated as a finalist for this award is a huge achievement, where even to make it to the shortlist is hotly contested. I’m incredibly proud of the team who do an outstanding job of supporting our network of over 200 UK accountants and their 78,000 clients. “The award entry required us to show the value of the campaigns and strategies we operate on behalf of our accountants, providing clear evidence of measurable impact on brand engagement and return on investment, as well as positive feedback from our clients. We had to demonstrate our objectives and audience understanding, and how we ensure this integrates with our marketing, sales and service line growth objectives. “It was important to demonstrate the work that goes into making TaxAssist Accountants a market leading brand and coming hot on the heels of our recent 5-Star franchisee satisfaction award, and also being shortlisted for the SME Accountancy Firm of the Year award at the British Small Business Awards, this is great validation of our business model.” The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Round House in Camden, London on the 3rd October 2023.
Future Radio has reopened its doors after more than 3 years of operating virtually. At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the charity Open Youth Trust, where Future Radio was based, sadly closed its doors. Since then, the two-person staff team have had to run the station virtually – with most of their 70 volunteers recording their shows from home – while searching for a suitable new site to accommodate Norwich’s community radio station. Finally, after 3 long years, they have rebuilt their studios and reopened their doors for their volunteers, listeners and community, at an old police station at 14 Woodcock Road. To celebrate, they have developed and launched a new Summer festival, FutureFest, taking over The Brickmakers Pub and Garden on Sunday 6th August. FutureFest will offer live music across three stages, including The Brickmakers’ garden stage, as well as a range of street food, garden games and activities for kids, with bands and Future Radio DJs playing from midday until 11pm. Tickets are just £10 plus booking fee and under 13s get in for free, promising a great day out for the whole family. For more info and to get your tickets, go to futureradio.co.uk/fest What’s more, 100% of funds raised at FutureFest will go to Future Radio’s parent charity, Future Projects, as part of their 21st Anniversary Campaign to raise funds to help more local people in need. Following FutureFest, the charity will be running a Golf Day to raise additional funds; get your tickets here before they sell out! “The last three years have presented a real challenge for Future Radio. But we are so proud of the staff and all the volunteers for not just keeping the station running, but for doing everything they can to support each other, train new volunteers, raise funds and ensure Future Radio continues to broadcast quality content for and about its communities.We are also immensely grateful to all the people and organisations that have funded us through this challenging time, particularly the Norwich Freemen’s Charity, The Aviva Foundation, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust and the Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, who provided the funds to make the total rebuild of Future Radio possible.” – Daniel Childerhouse, Chief Executive Officer at Future Projects.Station Manager, Dean Tucker (Left) and Business Development Manager, Christopher Remer (Centre-Right) with two volunteers outside the new Future Radio.Future Radio volunteer presenting from the main broadcast studio (Studio A) View FutureFest Banner below For further information please contact Eddie Daniels on 01603 250 505 or e.daniels@futureprojects.org.uk
Sorry to say it, but if you’re not including Reels in your socials strategy you’re missing a trick. Here’s our ultimate guide to creating Reels that bang.
Reels should be different Meta calls it ‘the language of Reels’ – essentially it’s that semi-formal style that most Reels have in common. Y’know what we mean – great lighting but not overly ‘produced’, great composition without being too posed, and entertaining without being too try-hard. Easy right?!
Hit three criteria 1. Film in 9:16 ratio, or as us normal people call it, portrait. 2. Keep the bottom third and the right-hand side of your video free from text, logos, and other junk. 3. Use sounds.
Make your Reel: Entertaining – start strong with a hook that makes people want to keep watching. Maintain their attention by being interesting. Relatable – tell a story people recognise about themselves, a familiar situation, or a scene they can picture themselves in. Reels featuring a real-life human have a higher engagement rate than those without. Digestible – be direct, easy to understand, and keep things as short as possible. No on is watching a 5-minute Reel (sorry not sorry).
Saxon Air, a leading aviation company dedicated to sustainable and innovative air travel solutions and is making waves in the field of sustainable aviation, demonstrating that the future is now. CEO Alex Durand expressed his belief in the present action, stating, “We are not merely planning for the future; we are actively implementing change in the present. Furthermore, our agenda goes beyond addressing carbon emissions. It is essential for us to embrace broader objectives, such as promoting the circular economy and supporting local initiatives. This includes our beehive projects and the implementation of emission monitors to improve the local habitat.” Saxon Air’s recent endeavours highlight the remarkable efforts being made in the eastern region to promote sustainable aviation. A highlight of the busy month concluded in a visit from the Parliamentary Under-secretary of State in the Department of Transport, Baroness Charlotte Vere. She met several of the businesses Saxon Air is working with to create a sustainable aviation centre of excellence, followed by an aerial tour of Norwich from the skies. Vere concluded “local businesses are working together to drive innovation across the industry and reduce carbon emissions”. During the visit, Andy Holyland of Hydrogen East who provided an update on the East of England Hydrogen Cluster which is being led by a proactive Industry Aviation Group of which Saxon Air are a partner. Holyland emphasised the potential of a facility like Saxon Air, which focuses on sustainable aviation and alternative fuels such as electric and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Saxon Air’s partners such as Swiftair’s David Stambridge, Nuncats Tim Bridge and Ray Parsons of Premier flight school all spoke about their sustainable offerings that are intrinsically linked to the centre of excellence, working to bring sustainable solutions to the industry. Saxon Air also showed the Baroness Pipistrel Velis Electro on lease from another local partner, NEBOair, the world’s first certified electric aircraft. To kick off the month, Alex Durand, took part in a headline panel debate on the decarbonisation of the supply chain at the East of England’s Energy Group (EEEGR’s) flagship Southern North Sea conference hosted by ScottishPower Renewables. The panel debated the merits of what is currently on offer, with Alex Durand highlighting that Saxon Air already has fully electric aircraft in operation.
“This is just the start, our operations are already carbon neutral, but we are utilising existing electric aircraft, SAF and potential hydrogen solutions as well as supporting the development of national infrastructure to speed up the progression of sustainable aviation. Working with different industries such as the energy sector to understand their requirements in terms of supply chain needs is critical to ensuring we develop relevant solutions.” Alex Durand, CEO Saxon Air The continuation of an industry-wide engagement programme, saw Saxon Air host an EEEGR (East of England Energy Group) networking breakfast that saw nearly one-hundred industry professionals gather at the facility to hear the latest updates from Freeport East, the ORE Catapult and Skills for Energy. Saxon Air has been actively engaging with school children and young people, fostering a strong sense of aviation curiosity and knowledge among the younger generation. They recently exhibited at Norfolk’s largest event, The Royal Norfolk Show within the STEMM village highlighting the opportunities and innovation in aviation. Saxon Air’s dedication to sustainable aviation is evident through its collaborations, innovations, and commitments to reducing carbon emissions. As a leader in the field, Saxon Air is driving the industry forward, setting a precedent for sustainable aviation practices across the region.
Tony West is our special guest on this episode. Tony is a Financial Planner with Becketts, and he chats to Tax Advisor, Emma Walker, about investment opportunities with venture capital trusts; and goes in for every financial planner’s favourite topic – pensions! Emma outlines what tax implications there might be on your interest income, and they also outline how ISAs and LISAs work. For further information on today’s topic, and how we can help support you and your business on all tax related matters, click here. You can find Becketts’ website here, or contact Tony directly by emailing Anthony.West@beckettinvest.com You can get in touch with Emma directly through the Our People section of our website here.GET IN TOUCH! If you have any questions on today’s episode, and would like us to get in touch, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk. We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! You can find more episodes from this series on our website here. Please note that this content does not constitute formal advice, and you should seek direct expert advice before acting on anything mentioned in this podcast. Listen here
Global lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters has opened the doors of its new store at Chantry Place in Norwich and it looks incredible! Located in the former Carluccio’s unit with access via the Chantry Square entrance, the new store is spread across two floors and has a range of on-trend and capsule pieces for both men and women. Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “Our customers have wanted Urban Outfitters in Chantry Place for a long time and it is incredible to see the brand arrive at the Centre and look so impressive in its design. This is a brilliant moment for Chantry Place and Norwich to see Urban Outfitters invest in a store with us and strengthens our brilliant fashion offering, joining the likes of H&M, Levi’s and Zara at the Centre. With its fashion and accessory pieces, this new opening gives our customers even more variety when shopping with us and follows on from Moda in Pelle opening at Chantry Place last month.” As well as selling a mix of on-trend women’s and men’s clothes, and handpicked vintage clothing under its Urban Renewal label, Urban Outfitters sells homeware items including tapestries, bathroom accessories and furniture. It also has a Music & Tech collection providing vinyl, records and tech accessories. The only other Urban Outfitters in East Anglia is in Cambridge, which opened in 2021. For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.ChantryPlace.co.uk or follow chantryplacenorwich on social media.
“flagship deal” and third major M&A in 12 months for dedicated automotive team Howes Percival’s dedicated automotive sector team represented leading motor dealership groups – Steven Eagell, Listers and FRF – on their purchase of Motorline Limited’s entire network of 19 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Howes Percival was the lead law firm for the buyer, in a highly complex deal involving multiple businesses and geographical locations, including the acquisition of five freehold sites and leases or underleases of the remainder. The firm’s expertise in the automotive retail sector and depth of resource were key to the success of the transaction. Led by Corporate partners Andy Harris (also head of the firm’s Automotive Sector Group) and Tom Redman and Commercial Property partner Marcus Carter, the firm mobilised multi-disciplinary teams across several offices to manage the complex investigation inherent in a 19-business acquisition. Andy Harris and Tom Redman advised the clients on the business and asset purchase aspects of the transaction. Marcus Carter advised on the myriad and complex property arrangements. Simon DeMaid led the team advising on the Employment law issues, Chris White headed the team advising on Commercial law matters, Faye Meredith led the Banking team, Rob Starr led the Regulatory team and the GDPR team was headed by Stephen Ruse. Commenting on the 19-business acquisition, Tom Redman said, “We were delighted to have acted for Steven Eagell, Listers and FRF on their Toyota/Lexus dealership acquisitions and we wish them every success as they integrate their new dealerships into their existing portfolios.” Marcus Carter observed: “This has been a flagship deal for us and a unique instruction, with some interesting challenges involving multi-site and business transactions and three buyers who individually are stand-alone giants within the automotive retail sector.” The deal is Howes Percival’s third major motor dealer M&A transaction completed in the last 12 months, following transactions for the Steven Eagell Group in July 2022 and Group 1 Automotive in September 2022. Andy Harris continued, “These are interesting times for motor dealers, as some manufacturers move towards an agency rather than conventional distributorship model. The move to electrification has fallen slightly behind target for some, as the UK’s charging network struggles to cope with the increasing number of EVs on the road. Motor dealers also face increased competition from online car supermarkets. Howes Percival is in the thick of these changes and we are ready to support our clients not only on their M&A aspirations but also with day-to-day, business-as-usual matters.” For more information on Howes Percival’s services to the automotive sector, visit: https://www.howespercival.com/sectors/automotive/ Image provided by Howes Percival
A public consultation process has been launched today about proposed changes to the way tickets are sold and customer service is provided at stations. Greater Anglia, along with most other train operators, is proposing changes designed to improve customer service by providing more flexible roles for staff at stations, which would provide a better service and more assistance for customers. The proposals form part of plans to modernise the railway and bring it more in line with modern consumer expectations. They reflect significantly reduced usage of ticket offices over the past decade, as customers move to alternative, more convenient ways of buying tickets. Most tickets are now bought either online or through ticket machines. Given those trends and a world where London Underground has already moved away from ticket offices, and other sectors have also updated their models of service away from the classic desk-based approach, it also makes commercial and financial sense for the rail industry to look at the best approach for the future to ensure customer needs and expectations continue to be met. Agreement has now been reached on the formal proposals on which the industry is now consulting, to get public input before deciding on the next steps. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:“The station proposals put forward today are aimed at providing a more modern and flexible service for our customers. They reflect the more convenient ways in which passengers are looking to buy their tickets and check travel information. “Station colleagues would undertake a new, more flexible role – bringing staff closer to customers. Passenger assistance arrangements would continue as they do now, from first to last trains, but with additional mobile teams to give greater flexibility in providing assistance across the network.“More details, including information about each station covered by the proposals, can be found on our website. Any comments or feedback should be provided to Transport Focus, or where appropriate, London TravelWatch, before the end of the public consultation process on Wednesday 26 July.” Under the plans, staff would undertake a new, more flexible ‘customer host’ role, providing advice about the best and cheapest fares, and supporting customers with other queries and accessibility needs, rather than being confined to the ticket office. Customers would still be able to buy tickets from the ticket machine and online (as now), and colleagues would still be available at the station to help customers at certain times. Ticketing assistance would also be available directly from staff in Greater Anglia’s Customer Contact Centre, contactable via the ticket machine (24 hours a day). Across the Greater Anglia network, it would mean that all 54 stations which currently have ticket offices would switch to the new model of retailing. At seven major stations – London Liverpool Street, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Stansted Airport and Cambridge – Customer Information Centres would sell a full range of products, as well as providing help with more complex transactions. Across the remaining 47 stations, some stations would have staff available for similar hours to today, while some would have staff available for fewer hours than today, focused on the busiest periods. The type of approach proposed for these 47 stations is, in fact, similar to that already in place at Bury St. Edmunds and Cambridge North stations, which has proved to be successful and well received by passengers. All Greater Anglia stations involved in the proposals already have ticket machines, which also have an assistance button enabling customers to contact Greater Anglia staff based at the Customer Contact Centre in Norwich (24 hours a day), to gain guidance or assistance with ticket purchase. No station would become unstaffed as a consequence of the proposals and other station facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets, would be unaffected. Greater Anglia would continue to meet all its commitments on providing accessibility for passengers, including passengers with reduced mobility and people requiring in-person assistance. It would also create new, additional mobile assistance teams, offering greater flexibility and support in providing assistance. To re-affirm, the key components of the proposals are as follows:
The plans would provide a more modern and flexible service for customers
There would still be someone to help with ticket queries and information at all the stations covered by the proposals (specific hours would vary by station) and the ability for customers to speak direct to the Greater Anglia Customer Contact Centre via the ticket machine for guidance or advice
Passenger Assist arrangements would still apply, with additional mobile assistance teams providing extra support
No station would become unstaffed as a consequence of the proposals and other station facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets, would be unaffected.
The consultation is taking place to inform future plans and, whatever proposals are then formally agreed, the transition to full adoption of the new model would probably take two to three years. The consultation runs until Wednesday 26 July 2023 and anyone with any comments or feedback on the proposals should send their responses to Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London TravelWatch, the statutory rail passenger watchdog organisations which will receive and review all consultation responses, before providing recommendations on next steps. Details of the proposals are available on the Greater Anglia website at www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult. The information is also available in alternative accessible formats via our website (Easy Read, large print, braille, audio, and British Sign Language). Physical copies can be ordered by contacting Freepost – Greater Anglia Customer Relations, or by calling 0345 600 7245 (Option 8). Anyone can contribute to the consultation by contacting either Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London TravelWatch, about the proposals for their station. Details of which statutory rail watchdog to contact for each individual station can also be found on the Greater Anglia website (www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult). Submissions must be made by the end of Wednesday 26 July 2023. A Q&A about the proposals has been prepared by the Rail Delivery Group and is available at http://raildeliverygroup.com/customer-focused-stations.