Member News

• 793 manufacturing deals in 2022, up from 779 in 2021
• Buy-outs account for 19% of deals in 2022
• Top 5 sectors: Engineering Services, Manufactured Materials, Building Products, Food & Drink and Life Sciences
• Outward investment from the UK increased by 14% in 2022
• Strong market themes continue to underpin M&A strategies

UK Manufacturing M&A activity has been resilient despite considerable headwinds, according to research published today by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. UK manufacturers are continuing to progress M&A strategies, despite the volatile macro-economic landscape. In 2022, there were 793 transactions involving a UK manufacturer, compared with a similar number of 779 in 2021, up from 595 in 2020. The impressive levels of deal activity is notable given the market headwinds, reflecting both resilience and optimism in the UK manufacturing sector. Private equity maintained strong interest in the market, with buy-outs accounting for 1 in 5 deals. Proportions of deals across subsectors remained largely unchanged from 2021, with Engineering Services accounting for the largest portion. There was a substantial increase in Manufactured Materials, which saw its share of deal activity increase from 9% to 13%. The share of deals in Food & Drink declined from 13% in 2021 to 10% in 2022, while Building Products and Life Sciences remained among the top five sectors with the highest deals activity. In a story of contrasts, inward investment to the UK declined by 14%, with 184 UK businesses sold to overseas acquirers in 2022, while outward investment from the UK increased by 14% with 115 overseas businesses acquired. Investment from North America declined by 34%, but still accounted for 29% of all overseas buyers. John Gethen, Corporate Finance Director, M&A at BDO LLP, said: “The UK Manufacturing M&A market has been surprisingly resilient despite considerable headwinds. Investors, corporates and entrepreneurs are still active, making the most of strategic M&A opportunities to safeguard the future and position for growth. Major themes facing the market include cost pressures, supply chain resilience, the drive to Net Zero, innovation, and sustainability, alongside a wide range of political and economic macro factors. “There is high scrutiny by investors across the board, but we see plenty of opportunities in the M&A mid-market, attracting high levels of interest, investment and value, particularly where there is a technology or sustainability play adding value. “M&A strategies aligned with the major market themes of the moment can be a key driver to help businesses position for the future, access funding, attain greater resilience and competitive advantage.” BDO’s full Manufacturing Deals Review is available to read on the BDO website: https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/manufacturing-deal-review Image of John Gethen, provided by BDO LLP

Visiting Dutch students have been praised for their work ethos and people skills after sparing time to volunteer in two leading charity shops. Thirsa Voets, Emma Klijn, Joanna Bel, Emma Van Willigen and Anna Mourik helped at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) stores in Plumstead Road and Aylsham Road, both in Norwich. The 14 and 15-year-olds, from the Gomarus Scholengemeenschap School, in Gorinchem, visited as part of a student internship and spent a week serving customers, sorting donations and making displays, including helping dress the shop windows. It is the third time students from their school volunteered as part of the exchange programme and, having made such a positive impression, they have already been given the chance to return next Spring. Sally Rix, EACH’s North East Relief and Cluster Manager, said: “I first got involved after being asked to accommodate some Dutch youngsters before Covid, when I was manager of our shop in Unthank Road. “It went fantastically well and I found their work ethos and people skills amazing, so agreed to a second year. “The girls were even more amazing this time around and their respect for each other and their teacher shone through. “They worked hard and were very adaptable to different tasks. “It was a pleasure to work with them and I’ve already agreed to having more next year, and possibly another school later in the year.” Image provided by EACH

Families being supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) are set to benefit from a four-year partnership extension between leading children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives and Center Parcs. Together for Short Lives supports the UK’s 54 children’s hospices, including EACH, and its relationship with the leading short break provider began in 2016. In that time, the partnership has raised over £1.7m for the 99,000 children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families in the UK. As well as match-funding donations made by guests when making bookings, Center Parcs colleagues have taken on their own fundraising challenges across its five villages in England, including Elveden Forest, in Norfolk. Each village is partnered with its local children’s hospice for fundraising and volunteering, ensuring colleagues can make a difference in their own communities. This has included using their specialist skills to help maintain the hydrotherapy pool at The Nook, as well as treating children and parents to spa treatments. Staff have also given their time to run pottery sessions, enjoy some karaoke fun, volunteer at themed days for teenagers and help at Christmas parties. Center Parcs has also helped bereaved families and those caring for a seriously ill child have the chance to get away and make memories together. Working with Together for Short Lives’ Family Support Hub, which offers practical, emotional, and financial support to families, Center Parcs has gifted over 100 breaks at its villages to families across the UK. EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager, Caroline Allen said: “This is wonderful news and we’re extremely thankful for the continued support of Center Parcs. “This relationship has a lasting impact and directly helps the children, young people and families in our care and support. “It’s resulted in some wonderful fundraising and meant some of our families have had the opportunity to take a break and enjoy special, quality time together. “They’ve had a chance to create lasting memories and it’s impossible to put a price on something as powerful as that.” Nicky Richardson, Village Director at the Center Parcs in Elveden Forest, added: “Our colleagues are so enthusiastic about fundraising for Together for Short Lives and EACH, so I’m thrilled we’re extending our partnership for another four years. “It’s amazing to see the impact our fundraising has on families in the local area and I’m so excited to see what the next four years brings for our partnership.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and North and West Essex. It has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. Image provided by EACH

A children’s hospice shop is teaming up with renowned artist Lucy Loveheart. The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) ambassador is based in Norfolk and now a selection of her exclusive, hand-decorated prints are being sold in the charity’s Unthank Road store, in Norwich. They range from images of enchanted, make-believe lands to others that depict nature and the wilderness, many adorned with glitter, stickers, hearts and flowers. Proceeds from the prints will be going to the charity and Lucy said: “As I’ve said before, one of the greatest honours in my working life is being an ambassador for EACH. “It gives me the chance to use my art to help raise much-needed funds and I’m excited to have been given this wonderful opportunity at Unthank Road. “I’m honoured to be involved and will always do what I can to help, especially if it shines a light on the incredible work being done to help so many families in our region.” Unthank Road Shop Manager Sarah McPherson said she was delighted to be working with Lucy. The artist has been involved with the charity for many years, donating artwork and designs for stationary, giftware and Bags for Life that are sold exclusively in EACH shops. “Lucy’s prints are of such a high quality and we’re thrilled to be selling them in our shop,” she said. “We hope they prove popular and raise vital funds to help us continue our work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.” Lucy (centre) is pictured alongside her assistant, Lauren Hulme (left), and Shop Manager Sarah (right).

A bereaved mum says signing up for a charity fundraiser is a fitting way to keep her baby son’s memory alive. Rebekah Howlett, husband Philip and sons Ben, ten, and James, six, are taking part in this year’s Norwich Bubble Rush, being organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). They are raising funds for the charity as it supported them following the death of Rebekah and Philip’s second son, Josh, in April 2015. He was just four days old. The couple made memory items and received help with funeral arrangements. Rebekah had counselling for over a year and they attended a monthly bereavement support group together. Now, eight years on, the couple are keen to give something back by signing up for a day of fundraising fun. EACH’s foam-filled Norwich Bubble Rush is taking place at the Norfolk Showground on 16^th July. “Josh was only four days old when he died and all his life was spent in hospital,” said Rebekah, who first became aware of a problem when she was 30 weeks and four days pregnant, in April 2015. “I realised Josh’s movements were different to usual and went to King’s Lynn hospital to be assessed. “However, before I saw the doctor, I had a massive bleed and was rushed into theatre for an emergency C-section. “It was several hours before I recovered from the anaesthetic and was able to go into the neonatal intensive care unit and see Josh. “We were told he was doing well and that we’d be able to hold him soon, which we looked forward to. “However, at less than two days old, Josh’s lung collapsed. Although doctors tried to get him breathing, he had Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). “It meant oxygen was not getting around his body.” Rebekah and Philip were told their baby needed to be transferred to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. However, the next day, scans revealed devastating news. Josh had bleeds on both sides of his brain and his organs were starting to fail, so the couple were asked for permission to turn off his life-support machine. “The doctor mentioned that EACH may be able to help,” said Rebekah, an accountant at Larking Gowen. “We didn’t understand how at the time, but agreed for them to come and see us. “The following day, we were able to hold Josh for the first time as he died in our arms. “Together with two of the team from EACH, we spent time with him making memory items. I felt numb and struggled to take in what had happened. “EACH then supported us with arranging Josh’s funeral, giving us ideas of songs, poems and music other families had used. “I had counselling for over a year and we both attended a monthly bereavement support group. “Ben also used to attend the children’s group, which he enjoyed. “We were able to make more memory items and meeting other bereaved parents and hearing their experiences helped us enormously. “We’ll always wonder what Josh would have been like. “I remember looking forward to him joining our family and talking to Ben about having a little brother. He was only two at the time. “We didn’t really get much time together which is why the memory items – hand and foot casts and handprints of Ben and Josh together on a plate – are so important. “We all appreciate the support from EACH.” Together with other families, Rebekah and Philip, a farmer on his family farm at Pentney, have organised coffee mornings and other events, as well as taking part in previous Bubble Rushes. Now they are looking forward to more foam-filled fun in July. The course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath. “We’ve also been to memory days and Christmas carol services organised by EACH,” said Rebekah, who lives in Holme Hale, near Swaffham. “Both are a lovely way for families to remember their children – a place to be able to let the tears fall. “Ben and James enjoy the Bubble Rushes the most, though. They’re another way of continuing to include Josh in our family.” To sponsor the Howlett family, head here. Click here for more details of EACH’s fun-filled 2023 Events calendar

Determined colleagues are putting their best foot forward in the hope of raising thousands of pounds for charity. Twenty-seven employees from Norwich-based First Home Improvements have signed up for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Pier 2 Pier walk. The 32-mile trek takes hardy participants from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, following a fully-marked route along the popular Norfolk Coastal Path. Installations Manager Eddie Thompson is one of those lacing up his walking boots and he has a special connection to EACH as wife Becky is a nurse at The Nook. He said: “For the last couple of years we’ve been pulling together, as a company, to take on a special charity challenge. “We did the Trek 24 challenge for East Anglian Air Ambulance and then last year walked 57 miles along the Broads, raising money to support a young lad called Tommy Monument. “On a personal note, I said that between the ages of 40 and 50 I’d like to try and help raise £50,000. “That might be me organising the challenge, or just taking part. “I’m 41 now and this Pier 2 Pier walk is a perfect event for 2023. “I know what a difference EACH makes and see and hear things for myself, through Becky. “Special people work in special places and the care and support families receive is second to none. “Often they’re going through the worst time in their lives and in terms of respite care, it must be amazing to know their child is so incredibly well looked after. It’s an amazing charity.” Eddie is being joined on the day by colleagues from different departments, including Directors and the company’s Managing Director. “I can’t wait and love these challenges,” he said. “Some will cope well while others will be out of their comfort zone, but we’ll all pull together to get everyone over the line. “It’s so beneficial from a physical point of view but also mentally, too. “Our business is fast-paced and work can be stressful, so it’s going to be great spending time together, raising money and sharing a sense of achievement. “It gives colleagues from different departments an opportunity to have a chat and forge new contacts and friendships. “We’re also looking forward to meeting lots of others on the day itself, as well as the team from EACH.” The group is setting a fundraising target of £5,000 but have already raised more than £3,200. To sponsor the First Home Improvements team, click here. EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walk is taking place on 10^th June. 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. For more details, head here.

Back in 2016, renowned entrepreneur and New York Times Best Seller, Kevin Kruse, published a popular blog that piqued Mark’s interest, and here we are seven years later, digging through the best bits of ’15 Surprising Things Productive People Do Differently’. His points are still as relevant now as they were then. There’s so much good stuff in Kevin’s work, that this is the second of two episodes, click here to listen to PART 1. Kevin interviewed over 200 people who were considered highly productive, including billionaires, Olympians and straight-A students, and published his 15 secrets to productivity based on his findings. Success can’t happen without productivity, so Mark and Becky break down their favourite secrets from the blog, and how they can be applied to our everyday lives. In this episode they discuss everything from the R.A.F.T method, to why you should only check emails 3 times a day! 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 Listen to PART 1 here Read Kevin’s article, originally published by Forbes magazine here Book – 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management Blog – 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Productivity   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

Don’t let the slumbering puppies fool you, we are back and in full swing this Spring!

In our first newsletter of the year, hear about the amazing things we achieved in 2022, meet some of our current residents and find out about the exciting events we have planned for you in 2023!

Last year, our staff and volunteers achieved some incredible things for animals and the environment including: – Finding homes for 627 animals including goats, dogs, cats, guinea fowl and peacocks! – Saving three double deckers worth of clothing, shoes and bric a brac from going to landfill through our charity shops -Taking 5,400 enquiries from members of the public, providing advice and support – Donating nearly 6 tonnes of pet food to local food banks! We are only a local, small charity but are passionate about achieving big things for animals and pet owners in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Now let’s see what 2023 brings!

Puppy Pandemonium!

Our 2023 went off with a bang this year after we unexpectedly welcomed eight puppies from two separate litters! These little ones needed a lot of love and care from the team as they ensured that they grew up big and strong and were socialized properly. They were also very unusual pups in that one litter was a Chinese Crested Hairless/Pekinese so had furless bodies and hairy faces!

These little ones have now all found their forever homes and we are so delighted to see them meet their new families after watching their journey with us. #AdoptDontShop We have lots of animals in our care looking for their forever homes, these are just a few! Click on their photos to meet them or see who else we have available for adoption here. Mice Tigger African Land Snails Make a Smile Rollover The Make A Smile rollover this week is an incredible £7500 – that’s a lot of Easter Eggs! It only costs £1 per ticket and you can choose to play a single game, sign up to be a regular player or increase your odds by buying multiple tickets! Every ticket helps us to help an animal in need and also gives you the chance to win big!

It’s a win win!

Get your tickets Urgent Stock Appeal Our Charity Shops urgently need new stock including ladies and mens clothing, books, bric a brac and electrical items. Your unwanted items provide a vital source of income and raise the money that lets us do our amazing work! By donating your items, you can help us to help animals and pet owners in need. Find your nearest Shop Sponsor our Golf Day on 21st April We have sixteen tee boxes available to sponsor for just £50 per tee. In exchange, you’ll receive advertising on the day including within the programme, a digital display, on the tee and throughout the golf club. This is a great opportunity to get recognition for your brand whilst supporting a local, innovative animal welfare charity. What are you ewe doing here?! Ewe might have been chilly in the snow but spare a thought for our Head of Animal Welfare and Animal Welfare Manager who spent a couple of hours in the freezing cold to rescue a sheep! This young Soay sheep had been spotted wandering alone at a grain storage facility near Kings Lynn for a couple of weeks and given the harsh weather, we knew it was important to get him to safety. After a little planning, thanks to our team and the Inspectorate from the National RSPCA this handsome fella is now safe and sound in his new home. Become a Junior Animal Champion! How Cupid found love This sleeping beauty is Cupid, a lovely black cat that didn’t have the best start in life.

Cupid and her family were dumped in a field in Norfolk in a tiny cage at the end of 2022. The poor things were underweight, covered in fleas and even had glitter glue on their fur. Due to it being the festive season, our team named them after Santa’s reindeer and got to work getting them care, treatment and ready for their forever homes. Cupid found her home last month and as you can see, she’s made herself very comfortable!

Did you know… That several of our favourite springtime plants can be deadly to our pets? Hyacinths, Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Tulips and Crocuses are all toxic to cats and dogs so be sure to avoid them outside and in any bouquets you bring into the house. Sign up to the RSPCA newsletter here

Image Copyright Norfolk Heritage Open Days England’s largest festival of history and culture is open for registrations: so local people, organisations, charities, venues, and sites can open their doors and share their stories. Festival Dates: 8-17 September 2023 Norfolk Heritage Open Days (HODs) 2023 celebrates the unique history and culture of Norfolk. Now, people from across the county are encouraged to get involved and register to hold their own event in this free festival, which takes place 8-17 September 2023. Coordinated by The Forum, Norfolk Heritage Open Days 2022 was once again the largest participating county across England. For 2023, the Norfolk Heritage Open Days producers are looking forward to welcoming new organisers, and firm favourites, as well as showcasing the county’s hidden gems. The theme for 2023 is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’, celebrating England’s amazing history of imagination and artistic achievements. The Creativity Unwrapped theme gives organisers the chance to create an event inspired by creativity; from photography to art to fashion to craft to writing to architecture! Katie Ellis, Norfolk Heritage Open Days Event Producer, says “Norfolk Heritage Open Days gives people from across the county the chance to explore and celebrate Norfolk’s rich history, and is always hugely popular with visitors. “The Creativity Unwrapped theme is a fantastic opportunity for organisers to take advantage of Norwich and Norfolk’s rich history of creativity, from Norwich’s status as UNESCO City of Literature to the wonderful tradition of art and craft across the region. “This year, we have already begun collaborating with heritage organisations, businesses and voluntary groups to create the programme. We would be thrilled to see new venues and community groups take part this year, so they can reach new audiences and promote their work.” Heritage Open Days gives organisers the chance to tell the stories they’re passionate about, reveal hidden gems, and open their doors to new visitors. 91% of 2022’s Norfolk organisers would recommend other organisations take part in HODs. Venues and organisers interested in taking part can register their interest by emailing hods@theforumnorwich.co.uk or visiting norfolkheritageopendays.co.uk/get-involved The registration deadline for inclusion in the Norfolk Heritage Open Days Brochure is 26 May 2023. The Norfolk Heritage Open Days programme is coordinated and promoted by The Forum Trust with support from Norwich City Council, Broadland District Council,  Thetford Town Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, South Norfolk Council, North Norfolk District Council, Visit North Norfolk and many local organisations and individuals. Images can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fl-7rtDRhXgLBPE5lPhlsY4aJIwl_8gK/view?usp=share_link

Charity shop donors and customers are being urged to download a free app that could help generate tens of thousands of pounds for their chosen cause. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is launching on the My Charity Shop app, which allows supporters to carry a scannable Gift Aid card. It means information will be stored on their smartphone, rather than having to remember their number when donating items to any of EACH’s 46 shops. The app also gives the option to print off barcodes to attach to donation bags, has links to the charity’s shops and online stores and information about volunteering. Gift Aid is a scheme enabling registered charities to reclaim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers. It effectively increases the amount of the donation because charities like EACH can claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated. “With the new app, customers never need remember their Gift Aid number again,” said Retail Central Support Manager Genine Woodcock. “Instead, they can have their donor card on their phone and that, in turn, will increase the value of their donations. “We estimate that £60,000 goes unclaimed every year – equivalent to 3,000 hours of expert nursing care at our hospices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. “This is another fantastic, useful development for our Retail operation. “It’s brilliant and great to make use of this superb technology, while making things considerably easier for our supporters.” To sign up for Gift Aid, call into any of EACH’s 46 shops across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Alternatively, visit www.each.org.uk/giftaid EACH, which also has a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford, relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and this year alone, in terms of shop income, needs to raise £6.5 million. Genine added: “I’d like to say thanks to all the donors who continue to support us with their amazing donations of clothes and hard goods. “They really are making the difference to the lives of the children and families who receive our care and support.” Meanwhile, the team are also keen to hear from volunteers willing to spare some time and help in any of EACH’s shop. All help is greatly appreciated and there are various roles available, to suit individual skills and interests. For more information, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183.  

Elizabeth Ward, Driver Manager, in a train cab (Credit: Greater Anglia) Greater Anglia is encouraging women to apply for its latest train driver vacancies as they go live across its network. A total of 14 positions are available at the company, which runs trains between London and Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Four trainee depot driver roles are being advertised at Clacton, Colchester, Norwich Crown Point and Southend Victoria depots, which involves moving empty trains around so they can be cleaned and maintained effectively and, at certain locations, moving them from the depot to the station ready for service. A further ten trainee mainline driver positions, based at Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge, Clacton, Colchester, Ilford, Ipswich, London Liverpool Street, Norwich and Southend Victoria are also being advertised and involve driving safely all around the Greater Anglia network. Driver Manager Elizabeth Ward said: “The role isn’t something that a woman would necessarily think about – I never thought I would be a driver. It wasn’t until I became a conductor in 2012 and saw a woman driving that I thought I would want to do it. “It can be a very rewarding career and this job is for anyone. It would be lovely to see more women in the role. “A safety mindset is the main thing you need. You don’t need to be technically minded, but you need to be able to problem solve and come up with solutions and be methodical too as we do basic fault-finding whenever there’s an issue with a train. “People think you’re going to get mucky and dirty all the time, but it isn’t the case. We’re interacting with passengers, but you need to like your own company as you’re primarily working alone in the cab. You’re part of a wider team too, though. “It’s a really rewarding job to know that you’ve got to keep people safe. You work many shifts and get to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets to boot. “The moment you’re in the cab at the front of the train, you think ‘wow, I’m driving this.’” The application process involves undertaking initial assessments at Greater Anglia’s Academy in Stratford, interviews and, if successful, you’ll then spend time in the classroom learning about all the rules and regulations, as well as the intimate detail needed of each train you’ll be driving. Practical train driving lessons and learning the various routes that are driven then follow under the guide of an experienced mentor for around six months before a final assessment. Dawn Robinson, Greater Anglia’s Head of Talent, Resourcing and Development, said: “Our drivers work all hours to ensure that customers across the East of England can get to their destination safely at all times of the year and in all weathers. The railway is a great place to work, with many benefits. “Could you be part of the next crop of drivers? We’d love to see more women apply for the role: these applications are open to everyone.” The vacancies, closing on 31 March, come as Greater Anglia held three recruitment roadshows at shopping centres in Bishop’s Stortford, Hackney and Southend as well as internal ‘female driver taster sessions’ and ‘Aspire to Lead’ events, aimed at attracting more women within the company to apply for under-represented positions. All jobs available at Greater Anglia can be found on the greateranglia.co.uk website, under the careers section on the ‘about us’ page.

Chatsbrook Charity Golf Day