Member News

• Emira praised for high level of interior quality, dynamic performance and value for money
• Judges drawn from across the automotive media landscape
• Emira now goes forward for the overall UK Car of the Year title

The Lotus Emira has been named Best Performance Car at the ‘UK Car of the Year’ awards 2023. Now into its sixth year, the UKCOTY is wholly independent and designed to advise UK customers about the best new cars on the market. It is judged by almost 30 professional journalists who cover the whole automotive industry, including some of the most respected names from national newspapers, magazines, TV and online. Comments from the judges included:

• “It’s great to have Lotus back producing cars that put a big smile on your face – and with a huge step-up in interior quality.” – Paul Barker, Carwow
• “As Lotus’ last-ever petrol car, the Emira two-seater sports car had to visually ‘go out with a bang’. Inside, the Emira’s cabin is one of its most well-appointed and comfortable ever to wear a Lotus badge. All in all, big bang achieved.” – Guy Bird, freelance journalist
• “What a return to form! Rapid yet enjoyable at lower speeds, a ride/handling balance that defies belief and exotica looks despite being cheaper than its Italian rivals.” – Keith Jones, CAR magazine and Parkers Car Guide

Russell Carr, Director of Design, Lotus Cars, led the Emira design team and said: “It is a great honour for the whole team at Lotus to receive this award for the Emira, and from such respected and knowledgeable judges.” He added: “This award is also an appreciation and acknowledgement for all at Lotus Cars, from the engineering and development teams, those in manufacturing and quality and in sales and marketing, who have worked to take this now multi-award-winning sports car from concept to production and record sales.” The Emira now goes forward for the overall UK Car of the Year title, to be announced next month. Powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine through a manual, automatic or Dual Clutch Transmission, the Emira delivers breath-taking performance and class-leading ride and handling. It is a junior supercar with everyday usability, beautifully balanced with excellent steering weight. Delivering a shift in practicality, comfort, functionality and technology, it is a true Lotus – nimble, mid-engined, exotic looking and competitively priced. It is the most accomplished Lotus road car ever to come out of the Hethel factory gates.

With more teacher’s strikes in the UK planned for March (national strikes are planned for 15 March and 16 March, in addition to various regional strikes), with over 23,000 schools affected across England and Wales, we take a look at how businesses can manage the impact of these strikes both on the organisation and their employees. As we have seen in recent times, with Covid-19 lockdowns, “snow days”, and travel disruption due to rail strikes, employers need to adopt a flexible approach to managing absence, and in many ways, this is no different. Having an effective business continuity plan is vital to help protect your business from disruption on the days when strike action is taking place. While in some cases it can be difficult to prepare for the teacher’s strikes, as unions members are not obliged to inform the school that they are going on strike, as a starting point, employers should be communicating with their staff to understand who will be affected by strike action and agreeing arrangements in advance. Put simply, it is an employee’s responsibility to arrange their childcare, however, disruption to normal childcare arrangements doesn’t necessarily mean the employee cannot work. Whilst employers are not required to pay their employees if they cannot work due to teacher strikes, there are some (paid and unpaid) options employers may want to consider to minimise the impact on their business and at the same time support their staff who are affected by strike action: Teachers Strike – some solutions to consider Working from Home The hybrid working model has changed how organisations operate since the Covid-19 lockdowns, allowing more flexible working arrangements. For staff that can effectively complete their jobs from home and wish to continue working, employers may consider working from home as an option. Considerations could be given to their working hours on the days affected by the strikes, for example, allowing the employee to work early morning/late evening to help juggle the demands of their job and childcare. Although, recognising that this may not be possible for all. Paid Annual Leave For staff that cannot find alternative childcare arrangements but wish to continue getting paid, the employee could use their annual leave entitlement. In these circumstances, employers may need to be flexible in their holiday booking procedure and consider shortening their usual notice requirements. All annual leave requests (whether they are due to childcare issues or other reasons) should be considered fairly, and employers should act consistently to avoid complaints of unfair treatment or discrimination. Time off in Lieu If an employee has accrued TOIL (time off in lieu), the employee may wish to agree with their employer to use this time to take off during the Teacher’s strikes. TOIL is an option for taking time off instead of being paid extra for working additional hours. The employee should check their organisation’s TOIL policy for details, as there is no legal requirement for employers to offer time off in lieu. Time off for Dependents Employees are entitled to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency for their dependents, for example, when a child’s school unexpectedly closes. Although sufficient notice should be given to parents on whether teachers are striking at their child’s school, and therefore it may not be classed as an unexpected emergency, this type of leave can still be relied upon for childcare purposes. The statutory entitlement to time off for dependants’ leave is usually unpaid unless the employment contract or organisation’s policy specifies otherwise and is intended to be a short-term solution to make childcare arrangements. Employees have the right not to suffer any detriment for exercising their right to take emergency time off for dependants. Unpaid Leave With the employer’s agreement, employees may be able to take unpaid leave, should they be unable to work during the Teacher’s strike. If you need any advice or guidance on this subject or any other people-related topic, please call us today, and a member of our experienced team would be happy to help. This text was originally written by MAD-HR Ltd. Copyright © 2023 MAD-HR Ltd. All rights reserved: https://www.mad-hr.co.uk/blog/teachers-strike-how-employers-can-plan-for-staff-shortages Image Credit: MAD-HR Ltd

Visitors, shoppers and traders alike are set to benefit from a new scheme aiming to reduce Norwich waste going to landfill, thanks to a new partnership between the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) and the regional waste management division of Anglian Group.

Anglian is one of East Anglia’s fastest-growing waste management companies and recycling facilities. Based in Attleborough, the organisation beat off stiff competition from a range of national suppliers to become the new waste and recycling partner for the Norwich BID over the next five years.

(Stefan Gurney, Managing Director of Norwich BID (left) with Ryan Marshall of Anglian Waste Recycling have partnered to help businesses in the BID area tackle their waste sustainably)

Martin Blackwell, Joint Head of Operations for Norwich BID said: “We were looking for a new partner to help us recycle as much of the waste collected in the BID area in the most responsible way possible. It was absolutely vital that this service was delivered in the most cost-effective and efficient way for local business owners. Anglian clearly demonstrated a methodology and operational plan to help us achieve our goals and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them for this exciting part of our sustainability chapter.”

Businesses that are based in the BID area will have the option of using the waste management services provided by Anglian, which include free waste management audits and waste collections that will be processed at Anglian’s licensed 10-acre site in Norfolk.

Stefan Gurney, Managing Director of Norwich BID added: “We have been actively trying to reduce the environmental footprint the BID area by providing support plans, advice and resources to businesses and running initiatives such as our Net Zero Waste Champions and Upcycle Your Waste scheme. Having a local provider that cares about sustainable waste management as much as we do on side, with all the experience they bring is a huge asset to our city. We are delighted to partner with Anglian for this initiative.”

For the first time, Anglian and Norwich BID will also be recording data on how much waste is being collected and recycled in the BID area, which will enable the team to benchmark significant reductions in future years. Ryan Marshall, Senior Environmental & Waste Manager at Anglian’s waste recycling division, who has previously worked in waste management for Chantry Place and Don’t Waste, is spearheading the work with Norwich BID.

(The Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) team celebrate its new partnership with Anglian Waste Recycling)

He said: “I am particularly passionate about the waste data we are set to capture from our partnership over the next five years. This will allow us to reduce waste across the city, increase recycling performances and provide detailed reports on the progress. Our mission is to responsibly dispose of waste collected from customers and help them reach a zero-to-landfill goal, so to see that happen as we benchmark will be fantastic. We offer regular environmental audits to clients, where we can analyse their waste data against their waste targets and identify areas to help them achieve goals to combat environmental change. This is a huge benefit for BID members, and one we hope they will take full advantage of.”

Established in 2007, Anglian initially started life as a demolition and asbestos company but has grown rapidly over the last few years to include multiple divisions including sustainable waste management.

Lee Storer, Managing Director of Anglian, added: “Anglian has been associated with the waste sector for over 14 years due to the nature of our industry and services. Over the last four years we have developed a standalone waste division to provide a full waste management service to our customers. Environmental sustainability is a crucial element of any good waste management programme. As well as being able to make a real difference to the environment in the county in which we live and work, winning the contract will also ensure employment opportunities in this sector stay in Norfolk. It is a great opportunity for all involved.”

For more information about the scheme and to request a free waste audit from Anglian, please visit https://www.norwichbid.co.uk/bid-resources/waste-and-recycling-scheme/

This year, Norwich-based digital marketing agency – 101 – celebrates the 20^th anniversary of its email marketing platform, Smart Messenger. To mark the anniversary, 101’s MD, Holly Stibbon, has written an insightful blog revealing what it was like to be one of the first to market with an email marketing system and reflecting on the brand’s achievements and growth in the following two decades. How it all began Twenty years ago, 101 launched one of the UK’s first ever email marketing systems: Smart Messenger. Back then, email marketing was in its infancy. The use of email systems in business was also still relatively new, having only become commonplace in the 1990s. In 2003, 101 was already five years old, with an established client base and a reputation for high-quality web design and development. A website client approached the team for help with an email project. They wanted a solution that would allow them to know how many emails had been sent and opened. 101 accepted the challenge and built a standalone product that delivered what the customer required. It was basic, but revolutionary at the time! 101 recognised the commercial potential of the system, and Smart Messenger was born.  Over the next twenty years, Smart Messenger has been enhanced and improved with countless new features and upgrades to become the powerful, intuitive system that it is now. Today, the Smart Messenger platform handles the creation, delivery and reporting of millions of emails each month for hundreds of clients of all sizes. Smart Messenger ethos Throughout this time, 101 has remained faithful to its original ethos when starting out with Smart Messenger, which is to provide a first-class, UK-based email marketing solution and an unrivalled level of customer service. Today’s Smart Messenger clients benefit from:

• An intuitive, fully-featured email marketing solution with powerful functionality
• A choice of three cost-effective subscription plans (Lite, Standard and Pro), to cater for businesses of all types and sizes, from start-ups to SMEs and corporates
• Full training and unlimited, ongoing phone support from 101’s friendly, expert team in Norwich
• An entirely UK-based platform supported by 101’s in-house data protection specialists and a guarantee that clients’ data is safe with 101.

What is the secret of Smart Messenger’s success? 101’s MD, Holly Stibbon, is clear on the reasons for Smart Messenger’s success: “It’s simple. We deliver all the top email marketing functionality our clients require combined with a level of tailored, personal service that huge global email marketing companies like Mailchimp simply cannot begin to rival. “We get to know our clients so we can provide support and guidance based on their individual requirements. We also provide free training for new subscribers and our renowned  ‘Just Call Us’ support service. This unlimited, ongoing phone and email support is available to all our clients for no extra charge. It is often a key reason why marketers switch to Smart Messenger from faceless online services where support is limited to chatbots or help forums. “We are also entirely UK based and clients often choose Smart Messenger as an alternative to Mailchimp because of concerns about where their data is being held and processed. Our servers are based in the UK, we’re stringent about data protection and clients can be assured that their data is safe with us.” Top tips for email marketers Drawing on two decades of email marketing experience, Holly’s three top tips for email marketers are:

1. Know where your data is being held and processed – handling your contacts’ data responsibly and in line with data protection regulations is a major responsibility.
2. Ensure your email content is relevant  – the goal is for recipients to click on your calls to action, not hunt for the unsubscribe link!
3. Test, test and test again. Make sure your emails look the best they can when they reach their recipients so they align with your organisation’s professional image.

101 has produced a useful blog containing more simple tips on how to get better results from email marketing. What does the future hold? According to Holly, the company will continue to build upon the strong brand reputation that Smart Messenger has gained over the last 20 years: “After 20 fantastic years for Smart Messenger, we have no intention of resting on our laurels! The platform will continue to improve and evolve over the coming years – as it always has – to include even greater functionality and features in response to customer demand and technological advances. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to focus on providing unrivalled customer support and helping clients to benefit from the advanced features already included in this powerful system.” About Smart Messenger Launched in 2003 by 101, Smart Messenger is a professional, easy-to-use, UK-based email marketing solution for businesses of all sizes. The system includes powerful features such as landing page and form builders and automated workflow capabilities. Clients choose from three subscription plans, depending on the functionality they require and the volume of emails they intend to send. Plans start from £10 per month. 101’s expert team of designers, account managers and technical specialists in Norwich provide all the training, unlimited ongoing support and advice that clients need to get the most from their campaigns. The platform is trusted by hundreds of UK organisations to help them drive business and achieve their goals. If you’re looking for a digital marketing agency to help you shape a really successful future for your email campaigns, give 101 a call. We would love to hear from you. www.smartmessenger.co.uk

Children put their ‘spare’ time to good use after enjoying a fun-filled day of tenpin bowling. The trip to Superbowl UK, in Castle Quarter, Norwich, was organised for siblings who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at The Nook. The group featured a range of ages. They played games either side of lunch and also took part in other activities, using paper squares to make towers and completing crosswords based around Valentine’s Day. EACH Play Specialist Clare Oakley said: “Everyone had such a fun day and our thanks go to Superbowl. “They gave us their party room for free so we had a base and somewhere to rest in between getting all those strikes! “There were lots of laughs, smiling faces and ‘ohs and ahs’ as the games were played. “Two lucky staff members had a great day supporting the trip, in addition to some of our wonderful volunteers. There was lots of fun and friendly competition.” The trip took place on Monday, 13^th February. 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 Clare. “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

• Lotus-developed track bike will be used by Great Britain Cycling Team athletes in summer 2024
• Core Lotus values at the heart of project – pioneering spirit, optimised aerodynamics, advanced lightweight materials and world-class manufacturing
• Builds on hugely successful Lotus-developed bike from Tokyo 2020
• Watch the announcement film on YouTube

Lotus and British Cycling have confirmed they will continue their hugely successful collaboration in the world of elite track cycling, and are developing the bike that home-nation athletes will use at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It will be based on the innovative Hope / Lotus track bike created for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. A global audience of billions of sports fans watched riders from the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) win seven medals at the Games on the bike. The haul – which included three gold medals – put Great Britain at the top of the Games’ track cycling medal table. Jess Roberts, GBCT women’s podium endurance rider Lotus and British Cycling have released a short film to celebrate the announcement they are continuing to work together on a track bike for the Paris Olympic Games, which start on 26 July 2024. Development work – which is overseen by Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business – is already well-advanced, though remains confidential until closer to the Games. As with the Tokyo bike, its successor will focus on the core values of all Lotus products, including a pioneering spirit, optimised aerodynamics, high performance, advanced lightweight materials and world-class manufacturing. Joe Truman, GBCT men’s podium sprinter Matt Windle, Group Vice-President and Managing Director, Lotus Cars, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing this unique and successful partnership with British Cycling. Being involved in the development of such a high-performance machine, and having GBCT athletes win so many medals riding it on a global sporting stage like the Olympics, is fantastic as we transform the Lotus brand.” Lotus is transforming from a UK sports car company to a global performance business and brand. The journey is guided by Vision80, a comprehensive strategy which defines what Lotus will be in 2028, when it celebrates its 80th anniversary. Stephen Park CBE, Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, said: “Over the last Olympic cycle we have developed a fantastic relationship with Lotus, combining their expertise with our in-house team, constantly striving to find the most innovative solutions to give our track riders the best possible chance when the get to the start line. He added: “Having brought back seven track medals from Tokyo, we are excited to see what we can go on to achieve together as we work towards further refining our bike, which is just one part of the world-class support we are able to offer our riders as we set our sights on Paris 2024.” The new film features a number of GBCT athletes and coaches explaining why they #lovemybike. It is part of British Cycling’s ongoing #cyclinglove campaign to celebrate all the things to enjoy about life on two wheels. Featured riders include Joe Truman, GBCT men’s podium sprinter, who said: “When I first saw the bike, I knew it was something special. Since I’ve been riding it, it has helped me win a silver medal at both the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 UEC European Championships, and is now helping me qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.” Jess Roberts, GBCT women’s podium endurance rider, added: “I love my bike because it makes me feel strong and empowered. Every training session it gives me a little extra boost that I get to ride such a special bike. I’m chasing my dreams on a bike that rides like a dream.” Lotus has a highly successful history in cycling through its Lotus Engineering division. In the Nineties, Lotus was instrumental in the design and development of LotusSport bikes, including for cycling legend Chris Boardman at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Riding the iconic Lotus Type 108, he won gold in the Men’s Pursuit and followed it up in the 1994 Tour de France – riding the Type 110 – winning the Prologue time trial to take the famous yellow jersey. Images provided by Lotus

East of England mergers and acquisitions (M&A) volume continued to flourish during 2022, reaching a peak of 683 deals. This was the highest the region has seen over the last decade, despite challenging economic conditions; up on the 663 transactions recorded in 2021.* In the latest report from Experian, record-breaking mergers and acquisitions deal volume were reported across several parts of the country last year, with ten-year highs in activity recorded, according to the latest MarketIQ report. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the UK slowed slightly last year amid challenging conditions, yet Experian has witnessed robust year-on-year growth in several industries, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. Larking Gowen Corporate Transactions were pleased to be awarded ninth place, for the number of deals they advised on, in the East of England in 2022. Corporate Transactions Partner, James Lay, said, “We’re delighted to have helped so many clients in 2022 with the sale of their businesses. Despite challenging economic and political conditions at a UK level, we’ve continued to generate high levels of interest in the regionally based SME businesses we’re representing. I’ve been advising business sellers for over 20 years and our current workflows and future pipeline have never been stronger. “With a growing team of full-time specialists, our success is due to our extensive knowledge of credible buyers in the marketplace combined with our in-house accounting and tax advice, thus offering a complete package of services to clients under one roof. This gives us a critical edge over many brokers who are often unable to advise on such comprehensive matters arising on a deal.” Click here for more information and to download Experian MarketIQ’s full report, including regional advisor league tables. If you’d like to know how we can help you buy, sell or value your business, please get in touch with our Corporate Transactions team. Call 0330 024 0888 or email enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk. *United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland – M&A Review.  Experian MarketIQ:22 experian-miq-ma-report-uk-roi-q1-2022.pdf

The Voluntary Norfolk Communities Team are running a series of Cost-of-Living themed workshops for our Network of voluntary, community & social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, to address some of the varied issues they are struggling with in the wake of rising costs. One of our events is a virtual “marketplace” of offers for VCSEs- these could be cost-saving offers, or perhaps wellbeing-focused offers with a financial saving attached. Some examples of organisations we have attending so far:

• In Kind Direct, who offer discounts on products like hygiene or food items for charities to distribute
• Beryl Bikes, who run the bike/scooter hire scheme in Norwich, who give away vouchers for free bike rides to voluntary orgs
• The National Trust, who have a new scheme for community groups to access Felbrigg & Sheringham Park at reduced rates

We would love to hear from Norfolk businesses who have something to offer local VCSEs, to help them through these challenging times. We are particularly looking for offers or schemes that can be extended to staff or volunteers of these groups, although offers that will help their beneficiaries too are of course very welcome. Please contact Tasha and Amelia: network@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk if you would like to be involved. Thank you for your help!

Leading regional accountancy firm Larking Gowen has announced that one of its partners is to retire at the end of March. Richard Proctor, who joined the firm over eight years ago to head up the Tax Advisory Group, qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985. He started his career in tax with KPMG at their Norwich, London and Cambridge offices, and then moved to Grant Thornton in Norwich where he became a partner in 2000. Richard said he had enjoyed his years at Larking Gowen, both for the positive working culture and the professionalism of the firm. “When I arrived, I found a very professional but friendly working environment. Although I was a relative outsider, I was immediately welcomed into the ‘family’. From day one I felt my personal values were closely aligned with those of the firm,” he said. “One of the first things I discovered at Larking Gowen was that no one has a monopoly on good ideas; everybody gets a chance to contribute. We all acknowledge that every day is a school day, and we’re all continually learning.” During his time here, he said he’d seen the firm grow and develop. “The way we’ve managed our business hasn’t changed a great deal, but we’re seeing better use of technology, which is a work in progress, and perhaps we’re dealing with some more interesting clients,” he said. “The quality of the Tax Advisory Group is as good as it’s ever been. We’re a very strong team and well set up to take advantage of the opportunities into the future. Dominic Carter will be taking over as head of the Tax Advisory Group, and says Richard has been something of a mentor to him over the years. “He’s regarded as quite an authority on taxation, and has brought in a number of us to work with him reshaping the team. In the last 12 months, we’ve all been working hard, making sure we get a smooth transition with our clients,” he said. “Richard’s dry sense of humour has been a real asset. In the last couple of years’ COVID-related difficulties, challenges and frustrations, it’s been very helpful to have him at the helm.” Charlie Savory, Head of Corporate Audit and Advisory at Larking Gowen, who oversees the Tax Advisory Team, said: “Richard is hugely respected with a very long-established and admired career, both in Norwich and throughout East Anglia. “He’s built a strong tax practice which he leaves in the very capable hands of Dominic Carter, who’s one of the best operators in the region. With a talented team that includes our VAT Director Gillian McGill and Ben Greves, a Senior Manager and Corporate Tax Specialist, our clients can be assured it will be business as usual”. Image provided by Larking Gowen

We’re back, and avid listeners to the pod will know that Mark loves a challenge, especially when it comes to following rules, and in the first episode of series 3 he discusses the relevance of workplace dress codes and workplace etiquette with our fabulous new co-host Becky Ames. The lockdowns of 2020 brought about many changes in how we work, least of all what we wear whilst we’re doing it, but has it changed the meaning of ‘dress for success’? Becky and Mark discuss if dress codes even matter anymore, and if they’re in place, what they represent and the expectations, restrictions and pitfalls that can come with them. Should we advocate for more individuality and personality at work? What does ‘dress for success’ really mean? And are you really what you wear… 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 You can listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcast, or click below to listen now!  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

Carole, Charlotte and the whole team at MAD-HR are delighted to share the news that we have been recognised with a prestigious Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. The accolade is an independent seal of excellence, which is awarded to businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience. It comes just months after we received the Suffolk Business Award for ‘Customer Excellence’, which again acknowledged our high level of client service. Carole said: “We’re delighted to receive a Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo. “Ensuring our customers are happy with our service is very much a priority in all we do at MAD-HR. We live up to our name in wanting to ‘Make a Difference’. “The fact this award is based on feedback from real customers gives us confidence we are providing an exceptional level of service, and this has of course been recently highlighted in a different way – by us winning the Suffolk award for Customer Excellence.” She added: “The award also recognises just how hard our entire team have worked under fresh challenges, with both rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis affecting both consumers and businesses alike. We will continue to be working very closely with our clients throughout 2023 and listening carefully to how the landscape is changing for them, and what adaptations they may need to ensure our service is as perfect a fit as it can be, for their unique needs.” Congratulating MAD-HR, Tony Wheble, CEO at Feefo, said: “This year has been a difficult one for so many businesses. I’m delighted to recognise thousands of our clients that have overcome various challenges to provide such high levels of customer service and satisfaction. “The Trusted Service Awards have always been about recognising companies that go way beyond the norm in customer service and in turn receive great feedback from delighted customers. “A particular congratulations to MAD-HR for winning a Platinum Trusted Service Award by providing great customer service consistently over a number of years. I look forward to seeing them continue to achieve next year and beyond.” Feefo established the Trusted Service Awards in 2014 to recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive exceptional feedback from their customers. The awards are unique because they truly reflect a business’s dedication to providing outstanding customer service by analysing feedback from real customers. Working with over 6,000 brands, Feefo is the world’s largest provider of verified reviews, helping brands understand customers by analysing verified reviews and providing insight into trends, needs and habits. If you’d like to know more about our team, and what it is which ensures our stand-out level of customer service, please visit our website or drop us an email. This text was originally written by MAD-HR Ltd. Copyright © 2023 MAD-HR Ltd. All rights reserved: https://www.mad-hr.co.uk/blog/celebrating-a-prestigious-accolade-to-start-2023-feefo-platinum-status Image provided by MAD-HR

Maintaining a positive cashflow within your company can be a challenge – it is something most financial leaders are managing regularly, always looking for ways to help ensure consistency. A negative cashflow situation can be caused by a variety of factors, particularly in the current economic environment. Overdue payments, higher overheads and fewer clients can all affect cashflow. Forecasting Planning and budgeting are the best ways to ensure your cashflow stays healthy. Of course, unforeseen circumstances occur, but budgets can be updated to keep control. Make sure cashflow is monitored and tightly controlled, as this will provide a better outcome. Keep accounts up to date, including bank reconciliations and prepare monthly or quarterly management accounts to ensure you always have meaningful up to date figures to work with. Payment terms Many companies often have generous payment terms, but there is nothing to stop these from being amended. Your business could encourage faster payment terms if longer ones are beginning to cause a problem. Online invoicing also helps with cashflow as it encourages faster online settlement and issues automated reminders. Adjust accounts payable If your company needs more time to settle its supplier accounts, you could request extended payment terms. This isn’t ideal for the other suppliers’ cash flow of course, but generally if your cashflow is under extreme pressure, they would rather be paid slower than see you go out of business. It’s worth making contact to try to establish more flexible payment terms. Conserve company cash One of the biggest expenditures for a business is its staff bill. Regarding salaries and pay incentives, consider non-cash benefits for employees. Offering additional holiday entitlement and flexible working arrangements doesn’t add to the wage bill but might be highly valued by employees and will therefore help reduce costs. Increase expenditure controls  It’s perfectly reasonable and in fact, necessary to review expenditure controls to maintain cashflow. Consider increasing expenditure control procedures and reducing limits. Ensure there are clear budgets set while maintaining some flexibility. Often, just the introduction of a process will usually reduce unnecessary expenditure. Build up reserves It might sound like a cliché, but there is a lot of value in ‘fixing the roof whilst the sun is shining’ and ensuring that you do not overspend when cash is flowing well. Try to retain cash within the business to ensure there is a rainy-day fund, because there will always be hurdles to overcome in the future. Remember, a regular customer could go out of business, another pandemic could occur, or an inflation hike might happen. Retaining funds can limit the risks to your business overall. If you do have a rainy-day fund, make sure you are receiving the best rate of interest available. If you need help managing cashflow in your business, please contact a member of the Beatons Group by calling 01473 659777 or by visiting the Beatons website. This text was originally written by MAD-HR Ltd. Copyright © 2023 MAD-HR Ltd. All rights reserved: https://www.mad-hr.co.uk/blog/how-to-keep-a-healthy-company-cashflow Image provided by MAD-HR