What does your mind conjure up when we say Great Yarmouth? Whether we’ve been there or not, we likely all have something come to mind. That’s the power of marketing and positive experiences. Asa Morrison is Chief Executive of Visit Great Yarmouth, a Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO) and tourism business improvement district, of which there are only three in the UK. Asa is passionate about where he lives and works, and his role is to increase support and visitors to Great Yarmouth, in a sustainable and responsible way. He chats to Chris about the issues with the public transport infrastructure, why visitors are good for ALL businesses in the area, and the issues business owners are facing with wages, costs and promotion. He discusses how Visit Great Yarmouth works with Visit East of England, and potential future central funding and the proposed Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP). Asa’s career in the tourism sector is a great example of how there’s room for growth, diversity and progression in the sector, and how tourism is not ‘just a stepping stone’ to a career elsewhere. They also discuss the power of ‘the influencer’ and why businesses should be embracing technological updates arising from lockdown. You can find out more by visiting Visit Great Yarmouth online here.GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, 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 also now watch on YouTube too Click here Find more episodes from the series by visiting larking-gowen.co.uk/tourism-insightsYou can listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcast.
Tireless fundraisers admitted feeling inspired and motivated after being shown around a leading children’s hospice. Nick and Elaine Loades and Kyra Welch have raised more than £34,200 after joining forces to organise events including three hugely successful balls at Holkham. All three are bereaved parents who have been supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Nick and Elaine’s daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis shortly after birth and died in November 2013, aged 16. She received care at EACH’s former hospice, at Quidenham. She was friends with Kyra, who suffered her own devastating loss when son Kaiden died in October 2021. He had Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), detected after 18 weeks of Kyra’s pregnancy. Having had open-heart surgery after just three days, he defied doctors by living until he was eight and half. Kyra was supported by EACH and continues to attend monthly bereavement support groups, at The Nook. As a way of showing their appreciation, Nick, Elaine and Kyra have become dedicated champions of the charity and their three fundraising balls alone – two before lockdown and one in November – raised more than £16,500. The latter was held in memory of both Ellie and Kaiden. “Fundraising gives me a focus and something to channel my energy into,” said Kyra, from Wicken Green, near Fakenham. “It feels a part of me now and I can’t imagine not doing it. “I didn’t know what to expect when we started organising the first ball and was nervous no-one would turn up. “As it turns out, we had so much love and support and thankfully that’s continued. “It’s been amazing and for last year’s ball we managed to sell 250 tickets. “We’ve got another one coming up in November and the same number of tickets were snapped up and sold in just 48 hours. “We’re so grateful to everyone who gets involved. It makes all the hard work worthwhile and it’s great to support EACH. “It’s a charity that has always been there for us because we were supported throughout Kaiden’s life. “I can’t imagine doing it without them and, even now, it’s a source of great help because I attend monthly bereavement groups. “I also have one-to-one sessions and it’s invaluable. “I used to feel alone but, thanks to my counselling, don’t anymore. Instead, I feel supported and aware that others are going through the same thing and in the same situation.” Kyra, Nick and Elaine were recently given a guided tour of The Nook by Community Fundraising Manager Tina Burdett. It was the first time Nick and Elaine, from Colkirk, near Fakenham, had been there as Ellie received her care at Quidenham. The Nook only opened in November 2019. “Fundraising is our way of giving something back and to have raised as much as we have makes me very happy and proud,” said Nick. “I can’t imagine going through something like we did without EACH. “Or rather, I can imagine it and it would be absolutely horrendous. “I didn’t know which way to turn at the time but, fortunately, we had so much care and support. “Just knowing there’s always someone on the end of a phone made the world of difference. We appreciated it so much. “There were so many little things, like the hand and foot casts that were taken the day after Ellie died. We treasure them but wouldn’t have them, had it not been for EACH. “I was blown away by what I saw at The Nook. “It’s an amazing place, bigger than I expected and certainly very different to Quidenham. “Coming here has made me feel even stronger about supporting EACH. “I’m even more determined and it’s amazing to think our efforts have contributed in some way, to help make the hospice such an incredible place.” Two cheque presentations recently took place – one with The Countess of Leicester of Holkham, reflecting the money raised from the balls, and one with EACH Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller. The latter was for more than £27,600. Both were received on behalf of Nick, Elaine and Kyra’s respective charities – Ellie’s Love and Kaiden’s Big Fight. The trio have other fundraisers in the pipeline, including a barn dance in June and a skydive at Beccles in August. Attention then switches to their next ball, at Holkham, in November. “This year’s ball will be especially poignant as the previous day will mark ten years since we lost Ellie,” said Nick. “Kaiden would also have been ten so there are two huge milestones there. “I can’t believe where the time’s gone. It’s flown by and doesn’t seem possible.” Nick, Elaine and Kyra are keen to thank everyone who has supported them with their fundraising. This includes Burn Valley Catering, for all their help previously and for agreeing to be the main sponsor of November’s ball. They are also grateful to Adrian Gladwin, of Diss Event Photography, and Sue Huckle, of Posh Plants, for their continued support, and The Countess of Leicester, who donated the use of the Lady Elizabeth Wing at Holkham. Last year’s main event sponsor was Jem Lake Handmade Kitchens and Interiors. The prosecco arrival sponsors were Vertex Architecture and Ollie Ridout, from West Norfolk Farriery, and the other event sponsors were Oak Frames Norfolk Ltd, Chequers Financial Planning Ltd, J Walker Carpentry, Hollie Webb Slimming World, Hollie Webb Travel, Hanworth Timber Company Ltd, Economy Plant Hire and Aggregates Ltd, BAM Nuttall, Scribbles Pre-School Group, in North Elmham, Jade Borley Illustrates, Halls Power Equipment Ltd and Halls Property Service Ltd. Kyra has recorded two special videos about Kaiden, including one beautifully voiced by her son himself. The second was played at last year’s ball.
Exciting news! Credo Capital Finance are thrilled to announce that we have won the prestigious Business Moneyfacts Award category ‘Asset Finance Broker of The Year’ This award recognises the hard work and dedication of our entire team in providing exceptional financial services to businesses across the country. The Business Moneyfacts Awards, which took place on Thursday 20th April at the Evolution Battersea, London, are the industry’s most highly respected awards, recognising the best products and services in the financial sector. Winning the Asset Finance Broker of the Year award is a significant achievement for Credo and The STAR Group, as it demonstrates the company’s exceptional performance and commitment to providing its clients with outstanding service. We are grateful to our customers for trusting us with their financial needs and for allowing us to help them achieve their business goals. Winning this award would not have been possible without your support and loyalty. Upon receiving the award, The STAR Group expressed its gratitude for the recognition and thanked the judges for their impartial assessment. The company also praised its team of experts who work hard to ensure that clients receive the best possible service and support. Jim Higginbotham, CEO of the STAR Group said “Winning the Asset Finance Broker of the Year award is a tremendous honour for us, and we are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to providing exceptional financial solutions to our clients. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that we deliver the best possible service, and this award is a testament to their hard work and dedication.” Lewis Buckley, Head of Sales at Credo added, “We are grateful to our clients for their continued support and trust in us. We will continue to work hard to provide them with the best possible financial solutions that meet their specific needs.” And secondly, our CEO Jim Higginbotham won a National Leadership Award! Jim’s honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and strong work ethics have been highlighted through the shortlisting, values that we believe are cornerstones of any successful business, and certainly reflect the way we want to work with our customers, so we are delighted to see this recognised. We are incredibly proud that the STAR Group have won three National Awards within the last 6 months, including ‘Asset Finance Broker of The Year’ at the Leasing World Gold Awards in November 22. We are proud of our achievements, and we take pride in serving our customers with excellence and exceeding your expectations.
Norfolk-based BLS Safety and Training has extended its product offering to include a three-tier range of health and safety consultancy retainer packages. It is a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 that all businesses and the self-employed must have access to competent health and safety advice. Health and safety consultancy has long been a core service offered by BLS Safety and Training, and Managing Director Justin Cowles is now pleased to offer a number of consultancy retainer packages to help local Norfolk businesses meet these requirements. The business has launched Bronze, Silver and Gold level retainer packages, each providing varying levels of support and advice. The packages are designed to meet different business needs, for a range of business sizes and budgets in the current difficult economic climate. “By grouping our services into varying packages, we are helping small and large business meet the obligations of health and safety legislation,” explains Justin Cowles, BLS Safety and Training managing director. “This is not only simplifying what can be a very daunting part of a running a business, but also provides good value for money at a difficult time for business owners, providing 12 months of cover and all-year-round advice and support.” Even at the most basic level, the Bronze package enables businesses to name BLS Safety and Training as their retained ‘Competent Persons’, which will assist businesses to fulfil their statutory duties under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Alongside this, all packages provide a full audit of health and safety documentation, on-hand advice, and regular updates on legislation and guidelines, as well as access to health and safety documentation. The packages provide business owners with 12 months of cover, and when the 12 months is coming to an end, BLS Safety and Training will make contact before the renewal date to ensure businesses are covered. The Silver and Gold packages also include bespoke documentation and SSIP accreditation assistance, as well as varying levels of workplace visits and support with RAMS documentation. A long-time member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), business owner and manager Justin has a wealth of experience in an array of industry sectors, including equestrian, agriculture, healthcare, leisure, hospitality and events. Alongside health and safety consultancy, the BLS Safety and Training team provides fire risk assessments, face fit testing, and training courses for businesses and organisations throughout Norwich and Norfolk. For more information on the services offered by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce member BLS Safety and Training, please visit the website: https://www.blstraining.co.uk/ Images provided by BLS Safety and Training of the Retainer Packages and Managing Director, Justin Cowles
Above: Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Train operator, Greater Anglia, has upgraded its website to enable visitors to access online content and services more easily, in a way that best suits their needs. As part of the company’s accessibility strategy, website visitors are now able to access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customise their digital experience through Recite Me assistive technology. Being able to offer an inclusive experience is essential to support over 20% of the population who may encounter barriers online due to having a disability, learning difficulty, visual impartment or if they speak English as a second language. The new Recite Me assistive toolbar on Greater Anglia’s website includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customisable styling options, and an on-demand live translation feature that offers over 100 languages, including 65 text to speech and styling options. James Bonehill, Greater Anglia’s Accessibility & Inclusion Manager commented, “Accessibility is extremely important to us and we are committed to ensuring that all of our customers can access information and services in a way that best meets their individual needs. “Therefore, we are incredibly proud to be able to provide Recite Me’s innovative assistive technology across our website.” The internet can be an incredibly intimidating place for those with access barriers, and those lacking the tools they need to adequately understand or communicate are at a significant disadvantage, hence the importance of trying to make online information more user-friendly. Ross Linnett Recite Me’s Founder and CEO, commented, “It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way in which best suits their needs. As more organisations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all.” To explore using the Recite Me accessibility support tool, anyone can visit the Greater Anglia website and click the ‘Accessibility Tools’ link at the top right corner of the website.
Leading East Anglian accountancy firm, Larking Gowen, has released the results of its Tourism Business Survey 2023 at an event attended by sector leaders, at Applewood Hall in Norfolk. Guests at the event were presented with the survey results, and heard from a number of speakers, including Andy Wood, Chief Executive of Adnams, Claudia Roberts, CEO of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, Valerie Watson Brown, from the VENI Partnership, and Hilary Horton, Director of Enspirita. There were also presentations from a team of experts at Larking Gowen, as well as a panel discussion, which included Mary Sparrow, from Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles. The survey, which has been running since 2006, with a three-year break during the pandemic, canvassed opinions from 140 firms. It showed that 59% of businesses in the region reported that turnover was more or substantially more in 2022 than in 2021. 24% said it was the same. Profits were less robust, with only 50% saying they were greater in 2022 than in 2021, and just over a third saying profits had fallen. There is a real belief that the sector in the East of England will perform well despite the cost of living crisis affecting them, their staff and most importantly their customers. For 2023, 41% of respondents said turnover would be more or substantially more than in 2022, with 35% predicting it would remain the same. However, the bottom line would be affected, with only 27% saying profits would increase in 2023 but with, a not insignificant, 45% saying they would fall. The survey also asked about the levels of support businesses felt they were getting from national and local government and Destination Management Organisations (DMOs). 64% of respondents said central government was not providing enough support, while 59% said local government was not providing enough support. 64% of all the businesses questioned said they were engaged with a DMO and/or tourism group. Chris Scargill, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Partner at Larking Gowen, said: “Destination Management Organisations and the bodies that support them have helped many businesses during this tough period. I would call on these organisations to be given the support of our tourism businesses and local authorities in return, for the benefit of all.” During his presentation, Andy Wood called on local authorities in Suffolk and Norfolk to get behind a government initiative to boost tourism in the region. He said that the two counties should seize the opportunity on offer to be part of a Local Visitor Economic Partnership, with the potential to help attract central government funding and other support into the region. The LVEP would work closely with Destination Management Organisations which already offer a wide range of support to local tourism businesses. Earlier this month, 12 new LVEPs were announced throughout England, following a pilot scheme launched last year which saw 3 LVEPs created as part of the North East of England Destination Development Partnership. Norfolk and Suffolk were not included in this latest round. “Pre-pandemic figures for the tourism, leisure and hospitality industry in Norfolk and Suffolk showed it to be worth around £5.6bn and employing more than 10,000 people. It is one of the things that keeps the economy moving in the region. We’ve got it all in terms of places to visit, attractions, festivals, world class exhibitions, food and drink,” Andy Wood said. A Norfolk and Suffolk LVEP would help grow the visitor economy by giving businesses access to expert advice and training programmes in areas ranging from distribution, accessibility and sustainability, business support and marketing. It would also provide support to highlight government funding streams and help with bids. Mr Wood said in recent years the tourism sector had been hit by “the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: austerity, Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.” Larking Gowen has produced a brochure summary of this year’s survey results with special focus articles on sustainability, investment and growth, marketing, consumer trends and staffing. Chris Scargill said: “We’re grateful to all our speakers and everyone else who attended to help make this such a successful event. Despite the many challenges, the tourism sector in East Anglia is robust, confident and as full of ideas as ever. We look forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength.”
Photo: Millie Davis (Norwich City Women FC captain) and Adam Drury (Football & Education Manager at the Community Sports Foundation, Club Ambassador and ex-Norwich City captain) outside Carrow Park with Konectbus. This April, Konectbus launch Route 35 to provide better accessibility and more sustainable transport links between The Nest and Carrow Road. Known as Canary Konect, Route 35 will introduce a direct link between The Nest and Carrow Road stadium, serving Norwich Airport and Norwich Rail Station on the way. It has been funded by money secured by Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Canary Konect will run hourly, 7 days a week, beginning on Sunday 16th April, which coincides with Norwich City Women FC’s match against Ashford Town at Carrow Road (KO 2pm). Buses will leave The Nest at 08.15 stopping at Norwich Airport, Cromer Road, Aylsham Road, Anglia Square, Norwich Railway Station, and Carrow Park/Riverside on the way, with the last bus departing Carrow Road at 18.05. The route will also provide sustainable travel options to families wishing to visit the Challenge Woods or residents wishing to take part in many of the community engagement programmes held at The Nest. Gavin Smith, Managing Director for Go East Anglia/Konectbus, commented:
“We are delighted to launch Canary Konect which will enable so many more people to get around the city, connecting many popular sporting venues and transport hubs without having to rely on cars. The Nest and Carrow Park attract visitors of all ages to their facilities, and we hope that our buses will not only make it possible for more people to access them but also encourage people to consider other sustainable ways to travel there, as accessibility has been improved for all.”
Ian Thornton OBE, Chief Executive Officer at the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, said:
“Last year, over 15,000 participants and visitors enjoyed our inclusive facilities at The Nest. “As the base for so many of the Foundation’s programmes, every day we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, ranging from pre-school groups enjoying our Challenge Woods, students using our state-of-the-art facilities as part of their education programme, right through to participants at Duncan’s Club, our weekly dementia group.” “Until now, The Nest has not been accessible through public transport. Adding the 35 route, on which we’ve been working closely with the team at Go East Anglia/Konectbus, will mean so many more people can benefit from our services every year. He added: “It’s particularly great news for supporters of Norwich City Women, who will now be able to use Konectbus’s services to attend their home games, which are usually played at The Nest.”
Jackie Thornton (Head of Development at the Community Sports Foundation), Summer Ward (Norwich City Women FC) and students at The Nest look forward to the arrival of Canary Konect View Canary Konect here Images provided by Konectbus
Download the timetableCanary Konect (Route 35) provides the only direct link between The Nest and Carrow Road Stadium, serving Norwich Airport and Norwich Rail Station on the way. Canary Konect runs up to every 60 minutes, 7 days a week. Ideal for:
Get there with quicker and easier with Canary Konect. Timetable & Fares – click to download the timetable Make the most of the £2 fare! Available until the 30th June 2023, on any single journey on Canary Konect. Canary Konect has been funded by money secured by Norfolk County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). View New bus service helps to make sport accessible for all here Images provided by Konectbus
A Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Train operator Greater Anglia has issued advice for rail passengers travelling over the King’s Coronation weekend. There is no planned engineering work on Saturday 6 May, so all services will run as normal, and trains on routes into London will run with the maximum number of carriages available. Jamie Burles, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, said: “We will be strengthening trains wherever possible to ensure they run with the maximum number of carriages available. Our new trains are longer and have more seats, meaning even more people can travel to the capital to enjoy this historic event. “We would encourage customers to check before they travel on Sunday and Monday. There is some engineering work taking place, on the Great Eastern Main Line and on the West Anglia route, but the majority of our network is open, so people can explore the network and enjoy the long weekend. “We have a range of good value fares available, and people should book via the Greater Anglia website or app for the cheapest fares. Groups of three or more people can save money with GroupSave.” As Network Rail will be carrying out engineering work on some routes on Sunday 7 May and Bank Holiday Monday 8 May, customers are advised to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey, particularly if they are travelling to any of the larger sporting events in the region including Newmarket Races, and football matches at West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. On Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May, buses will replace trains between Ely and Cambridge. Trains remain in operation between Norwich and Ely and between Cambridge and Stansted Airport/London. On Sunday 7 May and Monday 8 May, buses will replace trains between Marks Tey and Billericay, and between Braintree and Witham. Trains will operate between Norwich and Marks Tey, between Clacton/Colchester Town and Colchester, between Sudbury and Marks Tey, and between Southend Victoria and London (via Billericay). All other Greater Anglia routes are unaffected by engineering work on 7 and 8 May.
The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, is thrilled to be one of three local charities that will showcase a show garden at this year’s prestigious Sandringham in Bloom. With the help of Dean Price Horticulture, they plan to create an emotive concept design that represents the support offered to people with terminal illnesses. To maximise the impact of their garden, The Norfolk Hospice is seeking sponsorship from local businesses to purchase water features, oak pergolas, and ornamental screening. In return for their generous sponsorship, the businesses will receive publicity for their brand as their name will be displayed on a plaque within the garden. In addition, the show garden and sponsor plaques will be transported to The Norfolk Hospice in Hillington after the event, where they will become a permanent feature in their gardens. Victoria Rush, Community Fundraiser at Norfolk Hospice, said, “Sandringham in Bloom is a wonderful opportunity for The Norfolk Hospice to showcase the love and support we offer to our patients. We rely on the local community and businesses in order to provide our vital services and we would love to hear from any businesses who could support our show garden and be part of this prestigious event.” From June 3rd to June 11th, Sandringham in Bloom will celebrate the beauty of the Royal Estate’s flora and fauna with its vibrant displays of flowers and foliage. Visitors can expect to receive expert advice, enjoy live music on weekends, and relax with a drink at the gin bar in the gardens. This year, the event will be even more special as Queen Elizabeth II’s Floral Coronation Robe from Salisbury Cathedral will be part of the displays inside Sandringham House. This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to showcase their commitment to the community while increasing their brand’s visibility at a highly anticipated event. Interested parties can contact Norfolk Hospice’s fundraising team at 01485 601701 or email fundraisingteam@norfolkhospice.org.uk for more information on how to sponsor the show garden. Image provided by The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House
A popular miniature railway fundraiser is back on track and hoping to prove just the ticket for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The special charity day is taking place at Eaton Park, in Norwich, on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st May. Miniature trains will be running throughout the day, from 11.30am until 4.30pm, and the revenue from all fares is being donated to EACH. Regular steam, electric and internal combustion locomotives will be present and it will be Eaton Park Miniature Railway’s sixth fundraiser for the charity, which supports families and cares for children with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. Railway spokesman Steve Adams said: “It’s our privilege to restart these successful EACH days, having held the first in 2015. “We’ve had to cancel the last few because of the pandemic but now they’re returning as a regular fixture in our calendar.” The railway runs a number of special fundraising days each year and the trains will operate every few minutes, weather-permitting. Park visitors are invited to bring a picnic, have a ride and watch them go by. Anyone can turn up on the day and there is no need to book in advance. The cost is £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. EACH Community Fundraising Assistant Megan-Louise Kemp said: “It’s great that this fundraiser is returning as it’s something we always appreciated pre-Covid and our thanks go to everyone at Eaton Park Miniature Railway. “Hopefully the sun shines and it’s another successful and popular day, with lots of people turning out to enjoy some Bank Holiday fun. “The funds raised will help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.” Eaton Park Miniature Railway is operated by the Norwich and District Society of Model Engineers (N&DSME). A not-for-profit organisation, it exists to promote model engineering in all forms, including road and stationary engines, model boats, clock making and railways. New members are always welcome and further information can be found on the society website or via its Facebook page. The day is being supported by The Nook Friends group, who will be sharing information about EACH from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Volunteers Marianne Betts, Gill Gooderham, Lynn Gooderham and their respective husbands will be running a stand with a competition to name and win a “Royal” bear, a matchbox game, a surprise bag game and – weather-permitting – a tombola. Images provided by EACH