Member News

• 2022 was another standout year for BDO M&A activity in East Anglia and the Midlands, as the firm led on more than 50 deals across the regions
• Nationally, BDO LLP advised on 362 deals in 2022 with a total value of £31.2 billion
• Factset has ranked BDO, globally and in the UK, as number one for deals by volume in 2022, with BDO also taking top spot for financial due diligence in the Mergermarket accounting league tables.

Accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP, advised on in excess of 50 deals in 2022 across East Anglia and the Midlands. Among these deals, a significant proportion of transactions involved private equity, with cross-border deals also featuring strongly. Deals spanned a range of sectors, including consumer, technology, manufacturing, financial services, transport and logistics, healthcare and life sciences, as well as automotive and support services. John Gethen, Corporate Finance Director, M&A, said: “When you consider the economic headwinds that have been blowing strongly against businesses in 2022, the regional deals market over the last 12 months has been extraordinarily resilient. “Deals are still getting done across all sectors, particularly those where long-term macro-economic and social tailwinds are supporting long-term growth. Specifically, deal volumes in manufacturing, TMT and healthcare remain strong, as the adoption of technology continues at pace.” Highlights of transactions in East Anglia and the Midlands include: advising on the acquisition of Norwich-based Lifeline 24 by Appello; acting for Ipswich-based Woodward Markwell Insurance Brokers on its sale to insurance broking giants GRP; advising on the sale of Dorsey Construction Material to Röko; acting as reporting accountant on one of only a handful of IPOs in the region in 2022 – the AIM listing of Aurrigo International plc; advising on the sale of LTC Trading Holdings Limited and its subsidiary Lodge Tyre Company to Halfords Group plc; as we well as acting for Nottingham-based Albumedix Limited on its sale to Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH. Vinny Patel, Partner, Transaction Services, commented: “Consistently, we see fantastic management teams in great businesses, and business owners who have faced the most enormous struggles in recent years, who have taken everything in their stride and thrived. When you also consider the quality of businesses we have in the region, then there are so many reasons to be optimistic for 2023. “The good news is that many corporates continue to see M&A as a core part of their growth strategy and investors have abundant capital. M&A drivers remain strong, as acquirers pursue cost efficiencies, digital transformation, green transition, new technologies, new growth markets and scaling up to become more competitive. As valuations have also softened from the giddy days of 2021, companies and investors understand there will be opportunities to seize.” Nationally, BDO advised on 362 deals in 2022 with a total value of £31.2 billion. Among these deals, transactions involving private equity accounted for two thirds of deals completed, with BDO outperforming the global M&A market. Factset has ranked BDO, globally and in the UK, as number one for deals by volume in 2022, with BDO also taking top spot for financial due diligence in the Merger Market accounting league tables.  

Pictured: Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, addresses attendees at the East of England Energy Group’s House of Commons Reception on 25th January 2023. Photo credit: East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) “There is nowhere like the East of England – we’ve got it all” – region rallies at Westminster to champion collaboration between industry and government 25th January 2023: The region’s energy sector headed to London to join the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR)’s hotly anticipated House of Commons Reception at the Terrace Pavilion. In addition to key players representing major developers in the region (including ScottishPower Renewables, Sizewell C, Ørsted, Vattenfall, Equinor, and the National Grid), several Members of Parliament attended the event, including Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, and Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth. Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, opened the reception stating, “there is nowhere like the East of England for doing energy, and being in the forefront of the drive towards zero carbon. We’ve got it all.” Mr Aldous went on to discuss the successes of the region in the last few years, including the Sizewell C project, offshore wind developments, the exciting prospect of hydrogen, and the unique opportunity the Bacton Gas Terminal presents: “The East of England can be a global exemplar of how to do zero carbon.” The MP also highlighted challenges facing the region, urging government to look at how valuable time lost during the planning process can be mitigated and made a plea to local communities to “work together” with industry to elevate the region as a “global leader”. Mr Aldous concluded with a clear message: “Partnership working is vital. We need to be coming together and working via a clear policy framework.” Following the MP’s speech, Gillian Noble, Managing Director Offshore Development and Operations at ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), took to the podium to discuss what their East Anglia Hub project would do for not only the region but also the UK: “It will generate enough renewable electricity for up to 2.5 million homes, creating over 7,000 jobs. From now until 2030, SPR will invest £6 billion across the region.” Tom McGarry, Head of Regional External Affairs and Development for EDF’s Sizewell C (SZC) project followed, and heralded 2022 as a year of, “progress, achievement, and acceleration” for Britain’s new nuclear power station. Mr McGarry discussed the initiatives being put in place to reduce the impact of the core construction on the local community. This included the placement of apprenticeships from Suffolk into roles at Hinkley Point C in anticipation of targeting 1,500 apprenticeships for the SZC project. With over £10 million worth of contracts already committed to East of England companies – £2 million in Suffolk alone – he echoed his peers’ earlier calls for collaboration with EEEGR and government to elevate the East of England as an “international example that will deliver a just transition to a cleaner and better future for all”. Luke Bridgman, Senior EPC Project Director at Ørsted: “The East of England is an exciting place for Ørsted. It’s home to our Hornsea 3 project and will become the world’s single biggest offshore wind farm when finished in 2027. With a capacity of 2.8 GW, it will power up to 2.3 million UK homes. Hornsea 3 will contribute significantly to Ørsted’s 30 GW by 2020 vision, and government’s ambition of having 50 GW of offshore wind installed by 2030 as part of the British Security Strategy.” Rob Anderson, Project Director for Vattenfall’s Norfolk Vanguard and Boreas Offshore Wind Farms: “The good news is, [the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone is] all based in East Anglia. That’s over 10 GW of power that’s right there. It will bring lots of opportunities across the region, and we are engaging early with young people across the region as well as engaging actively through EEEGR and East Wind. […] There are head winds – we’ve seen cost increases, increased interest rates, and volatile supply chains. These need to be addressed early.” Matei Negrescu, Vice President for Renewables at Equinor: “The East of England is where it all started for us in the offshore wind industry. It’s here that we developed our first wind farm, Sheringham Shoal, in 2011, followed by Dudgeon in 2017. Great Yarmouth is the home of our O&M base. […] We look to continue to collaborate with the Department for Business, Energy, and Industry, OFGEM, and more to futureproof the UK to deliver net zero targets.” Chris Bennett, Director for UK Regulation at National Grid: “We recognise the critical role we play in facilitating the transition to a cleaner, greener, and more affordable energy system. […] The move to renewables has never been more important, and the East of England is the heart of that. […] We shouldn’t underestimate the scale of the task ahead of us […] This will take all of us working together, and we are keen to work with everyone to support delivery of clean, affordable, and sustainable energy transition.” Attendees also heard from David Dukes from GENERATE and Jenny Morgan from Seaway7 throughout the event. Overall, the event had a running theme of the East of England being a hub for investment, skills, apprenticeships, and benefits to the supply chain. The impact of projects will be huge. The East of England is a unique place, with the opportunity to become the energy exemplar of the UK, and EEEGR is spearheading work with developers, operators, the supply chain, and government to champion this within the region. Pictured: Full house: attendees at the East of England Energy Group’s House of Commons Reception on 25th January 2023. Photo credit: East of England Energy Group (EEEGR)

The TaxAssist Group, whose headquarters have been based in Norwich for 28 years, has launched a financial services company to extend its range of services beyond accounting, payroll and tax. The company, which won the Business of the Year at the Norfolk Business Awards in 2020, has introduced TaxAssist Financial Services to offer clients independent, qualified and bespoke advice on mortgages, personal protection and business protection. The services will expand next month to include wealth planning and pensions advice. TaxAssist Financial Services was launched to complement the accounting, payroll, bookkeeping and tax services already being delivered by TaxAssist Accountants, a nationwide network of accountants across the UK. The financial services operation is delivered by a team of qualified financial advisers based at TaxAssist’s Norwich based Support Centre on the Broadland Business Park. Headed up by Managing Director, Matthew Tyerman DipPFS. Matthew says: “TaxAssist Financial Services helps clients with all aspects of financial planning from cradle to grave, taking into account individual circumstances and any business a client may operate.  We have a full suite of services enabling us to help clients buy their home or buy-to-let investment, help them financially protect their business and their loved ones in the event of illness or death and to build wealth for a happy stress-free retirement, all with the ultimate goal of leaving as much as possible to future generations through careful tax planning and inheritance tax solutions, in conjunction with our inhouse expert tax consulting team.” As an independent broker, the Financial Services team have full access to the market to provide clients with the right financial solution for their situation. As a collective, their dedicated team of expert advisers have over 100 years of experience in supporting clients with their financial needs. Daren Moore, TaxAssist Group’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “Extending the TaxAssist portfolio offers enormous potential for growth and has enabled us to recruit talented staff locally, to deliver these new services. With such a significant history in the local area, we are delighted that our team of financial advisers are based at our support centre, with technology enabling them to provide financial advice to clients across the UK.” Local TaxAssist Accountant Jeremy Gilks, who has a high street shop in Ber Street, Norwich said: “We are very excited to be able to extend our tax and accountancy services to now support our clients with their financial affairs, all under the TaxAssist brand. Our clients can walk into the shop and gain advice for their personal or business circumstances all under one roof. It also gives us the ability to grow our business, whilst continuing our focus on delivering friendly, local, and expert advice that can be trusted.” To find out more about TaxAssist Financial Services, please visit https://www.taxassistfinancialservices.co.uk Image Credit: Tax Assist

A Greater Anglia train. Credit: Greater Anglia Train operator, Greater Anglia, is launching special Winter ‘Hare Fares’ from just £10 return for a limited time. The new ‘Hare Fares’ offer passengers off-peak returns across the Greater Anglia network with three zones and three simple return prices: £10, £15 and £20, with children travelling for just £2 return each. There is no limit on the number of tickets, but they must be booked between 24 January and 12 February for travel between 24 January and 26 March. Customers are advised not to travel on 1 and 3 February, as services are due to be affected by industrial action. Example Hare Fare ticket prices: £10 return: Cambridge to London, Chelmsford to London, Norwich to Cambridge £15 return: Chelmsford to Ipswich, Colchester to London, Southend to Colchester £20 return: Chelmsford to Norwich, Norwich to London, Shenfield to Norwich Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial and  Customer Services Director, said: “Travelling by train is cheaper than you think, and our new bargain Hare Fares mean people can travel for less. “Our region has so much to offer and whether it’s a trip to the city or coast, shopping or sightseeing, we’re giving people more money to spend on having a great time by helping them save money on their train fare. “Hare Fares can be purchased throughout half term too, so families can enjoy great days out. Greater Anglia has a range of great value fares and up to four children can travel for just £2 each way with any adult.” Hare Fares are available as standard off-peak day return tickets only and can only be booked online exclusively at greateranglia.co.uk or via the Greater Anglia app, where customers can purchase tickets without booking fees. Hare Fares are not valid on journeys wholly within the Oyster zone. Standard refund rules apply. Greater Anglia also offers a range of Advance fares that offer customers savings of between 60-70% on the standard walk up prices, plus 2FOR1 on entry to many top attractions in London and East Anglia. The train operator also has a range of great value fares which are available all year round, including GroupSave for people travelling in a group of three or more, a special London evening out fare for those staying overnight in the capital and a Club 50 discount for those aged 50 over. For the best value fares, passengers should book in advance and the earlier customers book, the more they can save.

Pictured: NUNCATS’ ‘electric sky jeep’ takes off at Old Buckenham Airfield for its maiden flight Photo credit: NUNCATS   A pioneering Norfolk aviation project aimed at improving healthcare and saving lives in some of the most remote parts of the world is a step closer to take-off after taking its maiden flight. Old Buckenham-based firm NUNCATS is in the process of developing the ‘electric sky jeep’, to provide cheap and sustainable transport to deliver doctors, teachers and medical supplies to remote communities across Africa and other remote parts of the world. It plans to work with charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) to set up a network of solar powered energy grids on buildings in remote towns and villages so that the aircraft can fly between them delivering vital medical aid and attention. The ‘electric sky jeep’, based on a Zenith CH750, has been under construction for the past three years but on Friday, January 20 successfully took to the air at Old Buckenham Airfield, in south Norfolk. The test flight is a significant step forward for the project and means any tweaks can now be made to speed up the production process, step up the trials and eventually see the plane take to the skies in life-saving missions. The Community Interest Company (CIC), which has partnered with US Zenith Aircraft Company and several start-up investors, is the brainchild of Shipdham-based husband and wife Tim and Helen Bridge, who founded the company in 2019 and began the work during the covid lockdowns three years ago. They have taken a light-aircraft (available in kit form), and replaced the petrol engine and fuel tanks with an electric one with batteries, supported by solar charging stations on the ground. Both the aircraft and the solar system are based at Old Buckenham. Mr Bridge said: “Nobody else is building electric aircraft in this way. Our aim is to provide a low-cost, rugged and practical aircraft for use in rural and hard to reach communities, such as medics in Uganda and doctors in rural India. “We knew it would work, the aircraft is a reliable one, but it’s great to actually see it in action. Now we have done that our next stage is to find the money to fund another plane and replicate this so we can get this out into the testing environment and go from there. “As soon as funding allows, we hope to move towards getting this into communities, where it can make a real difference. There are currently a billion people in the world with no access to healthcare, 20,000 people will die because of that just today. This can be a genuine life-saver.” The test flight was piloted by Captain Tim Kingsley, a pilot at Norwich-based air charter company SaxonAir, which is backing the project. Captain Kingsley said afterwards: “I’m very happy with how today went. It was cold out there, there was a bit of crosswind, but everything went really well. “I’m delighted to be involved in this project and although it is still at its very early stages the vision is a really exciting one. There’s nothing like this anywhere else in the world. “I’ve seen first-hand the challenges some of these communities face and harnessing natural energy in such a way could make a real difference to so many people’s lives.” Last year NUNCATS teamed-up with SaxonAir, the International Aviation Academy Norwich, Action Community Enterprises (ACE), East Coast College and Vattenfall to give young people aged 14 to 25 the opportunity to start building one of the aircraft at a free aviation summer school. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has committed to further funding of the summer school and it is hoped the aircraft being constructed will become the second flight-ready ‘sky jeep’. NUNCATS is still looking for backers and sponsors to help fund the project. The ‘sky jeep’ can also be purchased as a greener option for sports flyers. To find out more visit nuncats.org or crowdfunder.co.uk/p/nuncats for the project crowdfunder.

Best Employers 2023 is now open for registrations. Based around a confidential and customisable employee engagement survey, this programme helps organisations find out what their people really think of the way they operate. The goal is support organisations in the eastern region and develop productive workplaces where employees can flourish and thrive. We created Best Employers in 2012 with psychometrics experts eras Ltd, and sponsors Birketts who joined us in 2018. Organisations that take part receive a tailored report showing their survey findings, a plan with suggestions for what to do next, and valuable benchmarking data they can use to compare results with other employers. More than a survey The survey is just the beginning. Best Employers has created a community of forward-thinking businesses and leaders that believe success can only be achieved by powering up their people. One that changes workplace cultures and environments for the better. It’s also a not-for-profit programme, with extra funds going straight to local charities. In fact, so far we’ve raised over £40,000. Transforming organisations from the inside out Almost 400 organisations have taken part in Best Employers since 2012, and they’re using the results to transform their workplaces in positive and inspiring ways. Like the Holkham Estate in North Norfolk. ‘We’ve used our results to shape our whole HR strategy,’ says Alex Triplow, their head of HR. ‘Not only does Best Employers give you great insights into things you can celebrate, it also shines a light on ways to become an even better place to work.’ Becketts Investment Management Group are another company with only good things to report. ‘Best Employers allowed us to formulate our overall wellbeing strategy based on feedback received from the team, rather than one-off, anecdotal comments,’ says managing director Ian White. ‘And the benchmarking data enabled us to put those results into context.’ Lynn Walters, Pure co-founder and director, is really proud of Best Employers. ‘As the leading recruiter in the eastern region, we understand the importance of workplaces that are stimulating and motivating, and bring out the best in their employees. Best Employers helps organisations understand their most important resource – their people. That ultimately leads to more effective leadership, stronger brand loyalty and increased productivity.’ Recognising the best of the best We invite organisations with the top survey scores to apply for platinum, gold or silver accreditation – and they also get the chance to win an award. This year, every organisation that takes part in the programme will get a Best Employers’ kitemark. This shows employees that they’re valued, and that employers are willing to invest in creating diverse, inclusive and sustainable workplaces. That’s vital in a competitive market. Find out more at www.best-employers.co.uk. For more media information please contact Judith Pugh on 01223 209886 or email judith.pugh@prs.uk.com.

Vattenfall has issued a call for tenders for framework agreements for cable testing and fault-finding at its offshore wind farms in the UK and also off mainland Europe. All contracts, which are subject to renewal, will have a duration of five years with an option to extend for one year. The contracts are expected to start in mid-2023. The tender is divided into three lots and Vattenfall is seeking up to five contractors per lot. The first lot is related to offshore wind farms off of the UK, while the second lot is for sites in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark and the third covers sites off Germany. The deadline for requests to participate is 20 February 2023. Vattenfall has several operational offshore wind farms, as well as projects in development, across the regions it has launched the tenders for. These include the operational 604MW Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm, in Denmark, as well as operational Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, featuring 11 8.8MW turbines, off Scotland, and the Norfolk Vanguard and Norfolk Boreas projects, off the east coast of the UK. Vattenfall is also developing the 1.5GW Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm off the Netherlands. Image credit: Vattenfall

Howes Percival’s Norwich office has raised over £9,000 for its Charity of the Year 2022, Nelson’s Journey. Nelson’s Journey supports children and young people in Norfolk who have experienced the death of a significant person and provides a range of resources and services for those who may need their support. They have helped thousands of bereaved children and young people across the region. The money was raised through a series of fundraising activities including bake sales, sweepstakes, and raffles and the final amount raised by staff was matched by the firm. During the year, the office hosted a range of networking events including a live screening of the Ladies’ Wimbledon semi-finals, a Summer Classic Cycling event and a “Footie and Food” World Cup event. Money was also raised through various competitions and participation in the Tour de Broads whose charity partner this year was Nelson’s Journey, while a group took part in a sponsored 26-mile walk along the Marriott’s Way. The firm rounded off the year-long fundraising effort with the annual festive quiz and Christmas jumper competition. Gary Stevens, Funding and Marketing Manager, of Nelson’s Journey commented,

“The support that Howes Percival have given us in 2022 has been fantastic. From the team completing a 26-mile fundraising walk to helping us put on our annual Easter Egg Hunt by collecting chocolate eggs on our behalf. Everyone has gone over and above in supporting our work with bereaved children and young people in Norfolk.”

Howes Percival partner, Stuart Maggs commented,

“We’ve had a fantastic year supporting Nelson’s Journey and we’re extremely pleased to have raised such a significant amount. Our team has really enjoyed getting involved in a number of fundraising activities and we are proud to have helped raise awareness for the incredible work that Nelson’s Journey do. “I am delighted to announce that in 2023 our team has decided to support Norfolk and Waveney Mind. The charity plays a crucial role in ensuring that no one has to face poor mental health alone and helps people with their mental health and wellbeing through their wide range of services and support programmes.”

Howes Percival is committed to making a difference in the communities in which they work. For more information, visit the website here.

KLIC and Connect is a chance for businesses in west Norfolk to find new opportunities, meet other businesses and get information, advice and support from the New Anglia Growth Hub and Innovate UK EDGE. Two drop-in events are planned at KLIC in King’s Lynn, from 9am-6pm on 31 January and 23 February. Deputy Leader of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, and Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Heritage, Cllr Graham Middleton, said: “I hope businesses across west Norfolk will see what a great opportunity this is and come to meet us to find out more. “Supporting businesses in the borough to succeed, grow and diversify is key to the success of the borough as a whole and we’re here to help and support them do that, every step of the way.” The events are free and businesses can gain additional benefits by getting advice on the business support that is available in west Norfolk and how innovation can help businesses grow. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about exciting developments in King’s Lynn, including plans for the Nar Ouse Business Park, proposals for an Innovation and Collaboration Incubator and how KLIC can help businesses by offering meeting spaces, hotdesking, co-working and more. The events will be open to current KLIC tenants, as well as all local businesses in the borough of west Norfolk and the general catchment area of the KLIC centre. For more information email economic.development@west-norfolk.gov.uk. KLIC is located at Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn, PE30 5BY. This event is part of the Connected Innovation programme from New Anglia LEP. It is made possible by the Norfolk Strategic Fund and the Suffolk Inclusive Growth Investment Fund and Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and supported by Nar Ouse Business Park Enterprise Zone and the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.  

Councillors have agreed to progress a £612.9m County Deal, to transfer more powers and funding from the Government to Norfolk. Following a two hour debate at full council this morning, the council’s cabinet agreed to progress the deal at a meeting this afternoon. County Council leader Councillor Andrew Proctor, who signed the in-principle deal with the Government last month, said: “We have a generational opportunity to unlock significant long-term funding, gain greater freedom to decide how best to meet local needs and create new opportunities for the people who live and work in Norfolk. “Moving decisions and funding previously controlled in Westminster to Norfolk, for Norfolk; to take control of our own destiny and shape our future; a catalyst for change to build on our strengths, address challenges, deliver infrastructure and grow the economy. “For too long has Norfolk as a rural county been left behind, which is why devolution is a prize, and one worth fighting for.” A six week public consultation on the deal will be launched on 6 February. The full council will decide whether to support the change to an elected leader, in December. If approved, an election will be held in May 2024. For further details on the County Deal, including the full text, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolkcountydeal . You can register for updates at countydeal@norfolk.gov.uk . Background: According to the report to cabinet, the deal would mean that, from 2024 onwards, the County Council could:

• target funding and resources to Norfolk’s own priorities, with a new investment fund of £20m per year for 30 years
• unlock housing and employment sites with an injection of £12.9m capital funding in this Spending Review period and new powers to drive regeneration, housing and development priorities
• invest in the skills we know we need, with devolution of the adult education budget and input into the new Local Skills Improvement Plans
• invest in local transport planning and consolidate transport budgets to direct funding to better meet our local needs and priorities
• strengthen the local business voice to inform local decision making and strategic economic planning through the future integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership
• have a council leader who is directly elected by the public, with the first election in May 2024
• raise our influence regionally and nationally, enabling our voice to be better heard by Government to shape future policies and funding decisions for the benefit of our County

As part of the impressive line-up for this year’s Norwich Science Festival (11^th to 18^th February 2023), Big C Cancer Charity will be hosting a special preview of Sheer Height Production’s new film, Rose, which explores the emotional issues and challenges of life after cancer. The event will be presented by BBC Radio Norfolk’s Chris Goreham, with a Q&A panel discussion with the director, Charlotte Couture and producer, Tom Scurr, who will explore the film’s themes, how cancer is portrayed in film and the reality of life after cancer. Big C Director of Charitable Operations, Dr Melanie Pascale will lead a conversation around the patient experience with people who have benefitted from Big C’s support and will explain the benefits of a holistic approach to cancer care. Dr Melanie Pascale said, “We are delighted that Sheer Height Production invited us to be involved with this film and we’re proud to collaborate and give our full support to its important message. Mental and physical recovery after a cancer diagnosis can be very difficult and a time when people often feel lost and benefit from support both professionally and from loved ones. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Rose in this special preview before it joins the film festival circuit. Many thanks to Norwich University of the Arts for providing us with a fantastic venue for the occasion.” Director at Sheer Height Production, Charlotte Couture, said, “I am extremely proud to be presenting a special preview of our film Rose at the Norwich Science Festival in partnership with Big C. I hope our film and the following discussion exploring life after cancer will bring much needed awareness to this subject.” Book tickets here for the Rose screening and panel discussion which takes place on Monday 13^th February 6.30-8.30pm at Norwich University of the Arts, Riverside Lecture Theatre, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 3AJ. During the Norwich Science Festival, Big C will be exhibiting at The Forum with their inflatable large bowel ‘Big C’s Big Bum’ with interactive quizzes and guided tours. There will information and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how to optimise nutrition, with poster presentations from Big C funded PhD cancer research students and the Big C team. Members of the endoscopy team from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital will also be visiting to demonstrate their equipment.

Businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk are being urged to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 to invest in production, equipment and expansion before the Small Grant Scheme managed by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) comes to an end. Ringing in the new year, the final call coincides with the approval of the scheme’s 500th award. Since 2014, the LEP has awarded £5 million to firms supporting local development and growth and this has been matched with £21 million private investments. The grants can now cover up to 40% of a business’s total project costs. “We’re inviting small to medium-sized businesses to contact New Anglia Growth Hub if they have a project in the pipeline to grow their company,” says the LEP’s Programmes Manager Jason Middleton. “We’ve had a huge variety of applications over the years and recent grants were for production equipment, an online platform, vans, an industrial printer and office, a dance studio and factory refurbishments. “We’ve just awarded our 500th grant through the scheme and are delighted to have been able to support so many small and medium-sized businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk. This funding runs out soon, so I would urge any company, including those which have benefitted from the scheme before, to apply today.” Based in Stoke by Nayland, one of the successful applicants was Suffolk Distillery which scaled up its craft sprits production from 25 to 500 bottles a week using a new still and ancillary equipment bought with grant support. Master distiller and chemist Gary Wilkinson pursued his passion of having his own distillery after a long career as operations manager driving thousands of miles a year for a large distillery. Asked where the business would be today without the LEP grant, Gary says: “We would still be in my garage. But also, without the help of my wife Melanie, who is a director, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this.” Holiday operator One Traveller, based in Swaffham, Norfolk, upgraded to first-class offices preparing for growth and diversification with an £11,000 grant. Looking back on the application process, owner Ian Darkin says New Anglia Growth Hub’s business advisers provided step-by-step guidance on what was needed. Gathering information can take time, but he adds: “It’s all worthwhile because it will help expand or improve your business in some way.” The office was originally open-plan over two levels. The upper level has been totally transformed by adding three large and spacious offices and a kitchenette. One Traveller is now once again in a position where growth is happening, and with that comes new job opportunities. “The grant has helped us achieve our goal of enhancing the work environment for the team and provided departments the privacy that they now enjoy,” says Ian. The Small Grant Scheme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, with support for interested businesses provided by New Anglia Growth Hub. A team of Business Advisers can help develop your application so you can access grants between £1,000 and £25,000, covering up to 40% of your project costs. For further information, contact New Anglia Growth Hub direct on 0300 333 6536 or email info@newangliagrowthhub.co.uk.