Member News

Leading law firm Howes Percival has confirmed it has achieved Investors in People accreditation for another three years. The prestigious global benchmark for people management was originally founded in 1991 as a government project to make work better. Investors in People assesses how an organisation is performing against its ‘we invest in people’ framework and advises businesses on how to improve workplace culture in areas such as employee engagement, communication, organisational culture and work practices. The firm has been accredited for 20 years and the process of reaccreditation involves organisations being assessed every three years across nine key indicator areas including leadership, values and behaviours, managing performance and continuous improvement. The process also includes a staff survey and interviews with employees. Howes Percival’s Chairperson, Geraint Davies, commented, “We are absolutely delighted to have renewed our ‘Investors in People’ accreditation. At Howes Percival, we understand that our people are our most valuable asset, and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to grow and develop. The accreditation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to investing in our people and ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to excel in their roles. “This is also recognition for the investment we’ve made in our People team and the hard work they have been doing for a number of years now.  Working through the Investors in People framework has had a positive impact on the quality of our people practices, helped us achieve higher levels of staff engagement and will help us recruit and retain the very best people going forward.” The latest Investors in People report cited that people at Howes Percival have a high level of trust in the leaders, are encouraged to use initiative and are well supported through the performance development and review process. The report also said the extent and range of investment in people activity was ‘impressive’ including the career development frameworks, the learning platform and the mentoring programme. While those with career ambitions have a strong belief that aspirations can be met within the organisation. Howes Percival’s Natalie Clarke, Head of People, commented, “We are very proud of achieving reaccreditation and believe it highlights our continued dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. We will keep investing in our people and working together to build an environment where people want to work and enjoy working. I would like to thank everyone at Howes Percival for their contribution to this achievement and look forward to continuing to work together to reach new heights.” In addition to the Investors in People accreditation, Howes Percival has also been ranked in the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list, three years running and ranked 8^th best large law firm to work for. For more information on working at Howes Percival click here

Monday 24 April: East Anglia’s Complete Commercial Finance, an independent business finance brokerage based in King’s Lynn, has launched its third annual Business Survey. The survey, which was first launched in 2021, invites companies across the region to share their views on business confidence and trading conditions. In this year’s survey, participants are asked to rank the challenges currently affecting them, including rising costs, taxation, staffing and finance. In previous years, the survey has shown how the pandemic, Brexit and spiralling fuel costs affected trading. While the pandemic prompted many to use a business loan for the first time, in the form of government-backed schemes such as the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), previous surveys revealed low level usage of other finance products. This year’s study will map changes in borrowing over the three-year period. “We are interested to see whether attitudes to commercial finance have changed during this time,” says Complete Commercial Finance director Karl Lanham. “There are always challenges for businesses to contend with, but the current cost of living crisis and labour shortages have peaked pressure on cashflow. This is leading more companies to look at finance solutions to bridge the gap and it will be interesting to see how this shapes views this year.” Businesses can participate in the survey here by Monday 31 July.

Football fanatic Andy Cranch is lacing up his boots for the ultimate charity challenge – completing 1,000 keepie-uppies at all 92 League clubs. The 58-year-old is plotting a whistle-stop tour of the country – starting at Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium on 9^th May – and hopes to raise £7,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). His fortnight-long challenge will see him head South, before dipping into Wales and then travelling North before finishing at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road on 20^th May. At every club he will complete 1,000 keepie-uppies – a feat he expects to complete in 15 minutes. He will then jump back in his car and move onto his next port of call. “I’m excited and looking forward to it,” said Andy, who lives in Cambridge. “I’ve always wanted to visit all 92 clubs and couldn’t think of a better way to do it, meeting football friends along the way while at the same time supporting the wonderful EACH. “I just hope the public get behind me, because I’m hoping to raise as much as possible. “It’s a local charity and a very special cause – one everyone is aware of and feels strongly about. It’s an institution in this part of the world. “EACH has touched, helped and supported so many people and if I can do anything to help, then I most definitely will. “The keepie-uppies are the easy bit – it’s like riding a bike to me. “The hardest part will be the travelling around and undoubtedly there will be a few logistical issues along the way, but nothing we can’t sort out.” Andy, who will be joined by wife Ali, was on the books at Exeter City as a youngster before drifting into non-league football and playing for Histon, Cambridge City, Shelford and Ely City. He is player-manager of the Over-55 England Veterans and represented England’s Seniors at the 2022 World Cup, in Thailand. He is no stranger to football-themed challenges and completed a special one during lockdown, after being inspired by schoolgirl Imogen Papworth-Heidel. The 12-year-old wanted to do a keepie-uppie for every key worker in the country. Her dad calculated there were 7.1 million key workers so it would take 96 years. Instead, she asked others to join her and do their own keepie-uppies. Andy completed more than a million! He has set himself a target of £7,000 for this challenge – the amount it costs to run each of the three hospices, per day – and has a special connection as sister-in-law Jules Gibson-Cranch is Locality Wellbeing Lead at The Treehouse, in Ipswich. Andy, who owns Banquet Inn mobile bar and Crofters ice cream and coffee shop at Lammas Land, in Newnham Park, recently paid a visit to the EACH hospice at Milton, where he was shown around by Community Fundraiser Helena Davis. “Going to the hospice was a real experience and underlined the reasons why I want to take on this challenge,” he said. “It’s a special place and it was also a real privilege to meet so many great people who work there. “Everyone is so passionate and dedicated to the charity and that shines through in all the conversations I’ve had. “It’s spurred me on and I feel completely motivated. It’s going to be an amazing experience and I dearly hope everyone gets behind me and offers their support. “I’m grateful for all donations and sponsorship, no matter how big and small. Every contribution is vital and appreciated.” Andy plans to post daily updates and photos on his Twitter feed (@cranch_andy), using the hashtag #EACK 92. To sponsor him, head here. Andy’s schedule is as follows: Tuesday, 9th May: Cambridge United, Norwich City, Colchester United, Gillingham and Crawley Town. Wednesday, 10th May: Brighton and Hove Albion, Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City. Thursday, 11th May: Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Swansea City, Cardiff City, Newport County, Forest Green Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Swindon Town. Friday, 12th May: Oxford United, Reading, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Luton Town, MK Dons, Northampton Town and Coventry City Saturday, 13^th May: Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Shrewsbury Town, Stoke City, Port Vale, Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Everton and Liverpool. Sunday, 14^th May: Stockport County, Manchester City, Manchester United, Salford City, Rochdale, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Fleetwood Town. Monday, 15^th May: Morecambe, Barrow, Carlisle United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Hartlepool United and Harrogate Town. Tuesday, 16th May: Bradford City, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, Hull City, Grimsby Town and Doncaster Rovers. Wednesday, 17^th May: Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Mansfield Town, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Burton Albion, Leicester City, Lincoln City and Peterborough United. Thursday, 18^th May: Tottenham Hotspur, Leyton Orient, West Ham United, Charlton Athletic, Millwall, Crystal Palace, Sutton United and AFC Wimbledon. Friday, 19^th May: Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, QPR, Arsenal and Watford. Saturday, 20th May: Ipswich Town. Images provided by EACH

A couple whose son has a rare chromosomal disorder and requires round-the-clock care have spoken of the life-changing support they receive from a children’s charity. Six-year-old Stanley Harrold was born with Pallister-Killian syndrome and is a regular visitor to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) base at The Nook. He has severe hearing and sight impairments, respiratory issues and drug resistant epilepsy. Dad Joe and wife Stef Partington are supported by EACH and especially grateful for the charity’s Help at Home service. Volunteers are matched with a family so they can provide vital practical support with chores like cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, dog-walking and DIY. In Joe and Stef’s case, they get regular help tending to the garden at their Norwich home. “Stanley is our number one priority and all our time is dedicated to him,” said Joe. “We both juggle our work commitments with caring for him but it means other things, like gardening, get forgotten about. “We simply don’t have time and it would look like a jungle out there, were it not for our volunteer, Julia. “Something like weeding and pruning, for instance, is the last thing on our minds but, thanks to her, our garden looks brilliant. “She helps so much and is a brilliant, lovely, compassionate and empathetic lady. I don’t think there are many people like her in life. “Julia’s a great listener. She’s never intrusive and we’ve got a lot of shared interests. “She’s full of ideas for our garden and makes such a massive difference. “She’s a lovely person to have in our lives and we both feel strongly about her and what she brings to our family. I can’t stress enough how thankful we are.” Stanley, who will be seven in June, enjoyed a very proud moment when being chosen to hand a bouquet of flowers to EACH Royal Patron The Princess of Wales when she officially opened The Nook in November 2019. He and his family have received regular care and support at the hospice since 2016, including music therapy and hydrotherapy sessions. “Life can be very difficult but EACH has been a great support to us,” said Joe. “Stef and I are a team and, although things can be tough and the future uncertain, we deal with everything together. “Stanley’s a lovely boy. He’s so resilient, considering how much he’s had to go through in his short life, and an absolute inspiration to us both.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, it has two other hospices – The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. To read more about Help at Home, click here. For more information about the service, head to the EACH website, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four). Images provided by EACH  

This week’s episode is based around a quote from the business icon that is, Dolly Parton “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose”. Becky makes the argument that attaching your personal values to your work, makes for clearer messaging within your business, from your reputation through to recruitment. Her and Mark debate the idea of not leaving business to chance, and how living and working consciously is important, and not having your core values as part of your business plan can be detrimental to its success. 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 now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Simon Sinek – Start with Why Listen here! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

What does giving 100% really mean? For most of us, we go straight to working more, but is that really the best way forward? High performance coach Ben Coomber talks to Mark & Becky about what the reality of working ‘smarter not harder’ really involves, and addresses what leaders need to do to change and adapt to new behaviours to improve their personal and professional lives. They discuss Ben’s entrepreneurial journey; from owning more than one business, writing his bestselling book How to Live an Awesome Life, to the epiphany he had which led to his passion for helping others achieve their goals. They discuss the cultural badges of honour associated with work and careers, the impact of burnout, the phases of life and their impact on your career path, and ‘state changes’. Ben’s insights will help you get on your feet, and give you the prompt you might need to make positive improvements in your work-life balance. 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 now watch us on YouTube! Click here Show notes Find Ben on Instagram @bencoomber and on LinkedIn The Knowledge Project podcast Books How to Live an Awesome Life Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink and Leaf Babin Listen here! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk © Larking Gowen LLP

It’s been another busy month for local businesses, and staffing and wages are still high on the list of challenges facing employers. April saw the introduction of the largest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage – at 9.7 per cent, the highest in percentage terms since its introduction in 2016. The hourly rate paid to adult workers has leapt from £9.50 to £10.42 and retail, hospitality, cleaning and maintenance workers are chief among those who will benefit. For someone working full-time, this represents a rise of more than £1,600 per year. The importance of ensuring that staff are paid correctly, particularly for companies which use seasonal workers or operate on a shift basis, shouldn’t be underestimated, as those who fail to address payroll changes run the risk of HMRC fines. While we all want a society where people are paid fairly and able to support themselves, the National Living Wage increase has created something of a ripple effect for many employers. As pay has risen for this group, the knock-on effect is that other workers are reasonably asking whether their wages will benefit from a similar percentage increase? The challenge for many companies is whether a blanket increase is affordable, particularly at a time when energy and material costs have spiralled. Some firms are being forced to look again at efficiencies and to examine staff costs against other aspects of their business. Areas such as bookkeeping and marketing can often be outsourced for less than the cost of a full-time employee, and asset finance-backed investment in machinery or equipment can often enable a company to automate production lines and reduce manpower. These are tough decisions for any company, but there are several finance products which may help to ease the current pressures on businesses. As the leisure and tourism sector gears up for what is anticipated to be a busy season, as consumers spend more cautiously and staycation once again, a merchant cash advance can provide a cash boost and is only repaid as card payments are taken. For manufacturing and processing firms, invoice discounting – now a highly flexible product – can enable a company to receive early payment and keep production and cashflow moving. It’s a truism that tackling things early, before financial problems escalate, is always the best approach and we are here to help any companies which need to grapple with rising staffing costs. Finance should be a tool to help your company grow, so take time this month to review your operations and explore new ways to navigate the changes ahead. (CTA) For more information, contact Michael Moore at Complete Commercial Finance on 01553 611619 or visit ccf.finance Image of Michael Moore provided by Complete Commercial Finance

Potential volunteers are being encouraged to spare some time and make a contribution to their community as a way of marking the King’s Coronation. The Big Help Out is a national day of volunteering and anyone interested has the chance to join the team at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. There are various ways people can help, including lending a hand in one of the charity’s 46 shops – most of which are open on the Bank Holiday Monday of the King’s Coronation weekend (8^th May). They have a chance to book a ‘taster’ session – in the hope it whets their appetite and leads to them becoming a fully-fledged volunteer. Other ways people can get involved include donating four hours to help the fundraising team – perhaps helping at an event or with a bucket collection – or four hours to sign-up as a gardener, to help a family tidy their garden as part of EACH’s Help at Home service. These two will be in the future rather than on the Monday. Instead, people can sign-up in the build-up to the Bank Holiday. Hannah Milbourne, EACH Volunteer Services and Development Manager, said: “Volunteering features heavily as part of the King’s upcoming celebrations and what better time to get involved than over the Coronation weekend. “As an organisation, we’re thrilled to be participating in The Big Help Out. “It’s an exciting opportunity for individuals to get involved and celebrate this very special day through volunteering. “People can book a ‘taster’ session and we’d welcome anyone who’d like to join us and get involved. “We hope they feel inspired to try it for the first time and the aim is to encourage everyone to make a difference in their community.   “I’d encourage anyone to come along and help out, even if to contribute and have fun for one day. However, of course, we also hope they’ll love it and it leads to them taking the next step and joining us on a long-term basis. “We look forward to welcoming some new faces and hopefully some of them will want to stay on and join our existing team of over 1,700 fabulous volunteers.” All help is greatly appreciated and there are various roles available, to suit individual skills and interests. To find out more about any of the opportunities available, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. To book a taster session in one of the shops on 8^th May, pop in and set something up. The campaign – hopefully set to be “one of the biggest mobilisations of volunteers the country has ever seen” – launched nationally on 20^th March, with tens of thousands of people having already downloaded The Big Help Out app. Image provided by EACH

Mum Georgia Williams says she will be channelling her son’s strength when she takes part in an epic fundraising walk for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Son Miles, three, was unexpectedly diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure when he was just two weeks old, in October 2019. The left side of his heart is oversized, meaning it doesn’t effectively pump blood and oxygen around his body. Miles’ condition has led to complications throughout his short life but he remains a happy, bubbly little boy. As a way of saying thank you for the support she receives from EACH, Georgia, who works in recruitment, has signed up for the charity’s 32-mile Pier 2 Pier walk, along the Norfolk coast, on 10^th June. “I want to give something back,” said the 34-year-old, who is married to Brandon and lives in Old Catton. “The pandemic dramatically impacted fundraising for most charities and I want to raise as much money as I can so families going through incredibly tough times can continue to benefit from the wonderful work EACH does. “The Pier 2 Pier challenge is going to be tough; I’ve never done a challenge like this before and I’m hoping that by choosing such a difficult challenge people might be more encouraged to donate! “I’ll be walking with my brother and godmother and I’m sure we’ll be channelling Miles’ strength throughout the tougher moments of the 32 miles.” Georgia and Brandon, 36, had no idea anything was wrong during the first fortnight of Miles’ life. However, things moved quickly after a night of poor feeding and drowsiness led to them taking him to the doctors. They then had to make an emergency dash to the A&E department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, before being blue-lighted to the intensive care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London. During their time at GOSH, the family were introduced to EACH and they continue to receive support at The Nook. “Although not much can ease the journey we’ve been on as a family, EACH has been a huge support during some of the toughest times we’ve faced,” said Georgia. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has been incredibly supportive and so willing to help in any way they can.” To sponsor Georgia, head here. EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walk is a 32-mile challenge from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, following a fully-marked route along the popular Norfolk Coastal Path. The cost is £60 – £70 including a morning coach journey from Yarmouth to Cromer, so cars can be left near the finish – and sign-up closes on 14^th May. Entry includes lunch and hot food at the finish and regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks. Walkers, who are asked to commit to raising £250, will also receive a finishers’ medal and an EACH technical T-shirt. Image credit EACH For more details, head here.

• Mid-sized businesses in East Anglia (27%) see workforce issues, such as recruitment and retention costs, skills gaps and a shortage of workers, as a big challenge in the next six months
• More than a third of regional businesses (37%) say it’s too expensive to hire staff.

East Anglia businesses face a squeeze on their workforce in the next six months, as skills and labour shortages rival rising interest rates and business costs in the list of top concerns. More than a quarter of mid-sized businesses in the region (27%) have ranked workforce challenges, such as recruitment and retention costs, skills gaps and a shortage of workers, as one of the biggest issues facing their business – with supply chain challenges coming out on top. According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-market businesses, more than a third of Midlands businesses (37%) say it’s too expensive to hire staff – pointing the finger at the cost of immigration bureaucracy, National Insurance contributions, and the expectation of higher pay and more benefits during the cost of living crisis. The survey also found that 40% of regional businesses cannot hire people with the right skills, with 37% admitting that immigration restrictions are preventing them from recruiting enough people. Currently, the biggest areas of concern for East Anglia businesses is recruitment of entry (70%) and lower managerial levels (70%). As a result, business leaders are taking significant steps to address workforce challenges over the next six months. Peter Harrup, partner and Head of East Anglia at BDO LLP, commented: “Time and again over the last three years, we have seen regional businesses thinking outside the box when faced with growing pressures. Workforce challenges are no different, with businesses offering specific incentives targeted at attracting more diverse talent, opportunities for existing staff to upskill and retain, as well as recruiting more staff through trainee schemes or apprenticeships. The landscape has changed considerably, and a significant number of businesses have flexed to adapt to it.” The Rethinking the Economy survey also showed that over the next five years, East Anglia businesses intend to invest in upskilling their existing workforce (30%), with the same number making a concerted effort to reverse the slide in the number of over 50s workers. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a mass exodus of over-50s from the labour market between March 2020 and November 2021, following record high employment rates of 50-64-year-olds in 2019. Similarly, nearly a quarter of East Anglia businesses (21%) intend to launch new products or services to support business growth in the face of labour shortages. As workforce challenges add to mounting economic pressures, additionally businesses are turning to technology and automation in order to address operational and productivity shortfalls. The survey found that over the next three years, nearly a third of East Anglia businesses (30%) intend to invest in technology to improve data-driven decision making, with 37% increasing the use of AI or adaptive AI systems. Harrup added: “The pressures and knock-on effect of workforce challenges is a worrying concern and one that could significantly impact on business confidence in the coming months if recruitment initiatives and investment in technology don’t begin to bear fruit. “What is clear from our latest survey is the need for greater support from the Government, to help East Anglia businesses address long-term challenges. Without more targeted intervention from Whitehall, mid-market businesses will continue to struggle in the face of ongoing adversity.” Topping the list of requests for Government support include incentives for consumers to encourage them to purchase from businesses, such as voucher schemes similar to Eat Out to Help Out, together with immigration policy changes to plug skills gaps and labour shortages.  

Fundraisers looked the part as they took to the catwalk for a charity fashion show. The event, held at The Red Lion pub in Eaton, raised more than £800 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Over 50 guests bought tickets and watched on as volunteer models Sian Farrow-Blance, Jo O’Sullivan, Deborah Vine and Ellie Dwyer strutted their stuff, mostly wearing preloved designer stock from Woven Anew and Resoleresale, in addition to new dresses designed by Veronika Guardi. Another supporter, Annie Lloyd, made a necklace for one of the models to wear with her orange dress. It featured orange, to tie in with EACH’s branding. Organiser Jenny McGreal said: “Our show was a great success and we raised £802. “Following on from it I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to The Nook, to meet Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller. “What an incredible facility it is and so wonderful to absorb first-hand the passion and dedication of the team and volunteers.” Jenny organised the event with Laura Wilson, who owns The Red Lion. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Nook, in Framingham Earl, it has two other hospices in Ipswich and near Cambridge. Image credits EACH

Children enjoyed a fun-filled day of Easter activities at The Nook. The event was organised for siblings who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The group featured a range of ages and highlights included decorating chocolate eggs. EACH Family Support Practitioner Katie Chapman said: “All the siblings had a fun day and enjoyed getting to know each other. “They loved decorating their chocolate eggs, making wreaths and completing an egg hunt together. “They also made their own pizzas, which they got to have for lunch.” The event was supported by volunteers Sarah Dixon and Jackie Creighton. EACH runs sibling days during the school holidays, for children aged five upwards. “They allow siblings to come together, have fun and make friends in a safe environment,” added Katie. “It’s a time for them to get together and meet others in similar situations to themselves.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. In addition to The Nook, it also has hospices in Milton, near Cambridge, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich. Image credits EACH