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Can we celebrate together – BUILD Charity is 60 years old in 2027 and seeking a partner with another significant birthday.

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The BUILD Charity provides social, leisure and learning opportunities for anyone, with any disability aged 18 or over in Norfolk and in 2027 will celebrate its 60th anniversary.  As part of it’s celebration planning it is looking to partner with a Norfolk business that is also celebrating a significant birthday in 2027 to explore opportunities for sharing a profile raising event for mutual benefit.

There are a whole load of ideas and opportubnities where our organisations could work together so let’s meet up, over a coffee and explore how together we might party and profit in 2027.

Contact our CEO, James Kearns via [email protected] for an informal chat to start exploring.

Why ‘Common Sense’ Isn’t Enough for Workplace Safety

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If you run a business or manage a team, chances are you’ve said (or at least thought), “We’ve got common sense, we’ll be fine.”

  • And on the surface, that feels fair. Most people don’t want accidents to happen. You look out for your team, you fix things when they go wrong, and you try to keep everything ticking along safely.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: common sense isn’t a safety system.

What feels obvious to one person might not even register for someone else.

Take things like:

  • Manual handling – “it’s just lifting a box”
  • Slips and trips – “we’ll mop it up later”
  • Equipment use – “they’ve done it loads of times before”

Individually, they seem small. But these are exactly the kinds of things that lead to injuries, time off work, and bigger issues down the line.

The real challenge is that without structure, training, or a clear understanding of risk, safety becomes reactive. You deal with problems after they happen instead of preventing them in the first place.

And that’s where many businesses get caught out, not because they don’t care, but because they don’t realise what they’re missing.

Health & safety done properly isn’t about overcomplicating things or drowning in paperwork. It’s about having the confidence to spot risks early, understand what actually matters, and put simple, effective controls in place.

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing whether you’re “doing enough,” you’re not alone.

And if you’re ready to move beyond guesswork and feel confident you’ve got the right foundations in place, gaining a recognised qualification like the NEBOSH National General Certificate and NEBOSH Health & Safety at Work Award can give you the knowledge and clarity to do exactly that.

If you’re looking for Norfolk health and safety training that’s practical, supportive and easy to follow, explore our upcoming NEBOSH course dates and take the first step towards getting it right.

Lease Accounting Changes for Charities

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Updated Charities SORP requirements are now in force for accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2026, changing how charities account for leases.

While the changes are technical, they could have a noticeable impact – particularly for charities with property leases or longer-term arrangements.

What is changing?

The distinction between finance and operating leases has been removed.

Instead, most leases now appear on the balance sheet as:

  • A right-of-use asset
  • A lease liability

This replaces the previous approach, where many leases were treated as straightforward expenses through the statement of financial activities.

Are there any exemptions?

Two key exemptions in place:

  • Short-term leases (12 months or less); and
  • Low-value assets (e.g. laptops, small office equipment).

Where these apply, payments can still be expensed. However, commitments must continue to be disclosed.

Key considerations:

Social donation leases

Where assets are leased at below market value, there may be a donated element that needs to be reflected in the accounts.

The donation component is the difference between the market rent and the actual rent paid and is treated as a non-exchange income transaction.

Impact on reporting

You may see:

  • Higher assets and liabilities on the balance sheet;
  • Lease costs split into depreciation and interest rather than a single expense; and
  • Changes to reported reserves, KPIs, or covenants.

What should charities be doing now?

With the new rules now in effect and likely to apply to your next set of financial statements, charities should:

  • Review lease and rental arrangements;
  • Identify which fall within the new requirements;
  • Assess whether exemptions apply; and
  • Understand the impact on reported figures.

How M+A Partners can help

These changes represent a shift in how lease arrangements are reflected in charity accounts and may require careful judgement in practice.

Our team support charities in assessing lease arrangements, understanding the impact on financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with the latest SORP requirements. If you would like to discuss how these changes affect your organisation, please get in touch.

Sales Coaching for Norfolk Tech SMEs

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Independent In-field Sales Upskilling, supporting Norfolk’s Growing Tech Sector SMEs.

Personal, tailored, practical sales coaching without the ‘corporate’ price tag.

I can help your business to assess your sales process, hiring profile and sales performance. 

I can help to upskill salespeople , including account managers, business development specialists and sales managers, to increase their success with pitches, client engagement, procurement cycles and funding business cases – and more. 

 

A record 1000 runners expected at Banham Zoo Charity Run This Weekend

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This weekend, 1,000 runners are set to lace up their trainers and take part in one of the
most unique running events in the region: Banham Zoo’s annual Run for Wildlife 5km race.

On Saturday 9th May, the run will see participants race through the zoo, passing by some of the world’s most iconic and endangered animals. From majestic towering giraffes to curious primates, runners will experience a course unlike any other — all while supporting the protection of wildlife, both in Norfolk and around the world.

With just a handful of final places remaining, organisers are encouraging anyone interested to sign up quickly and be part of an event that combines fitness, fun, and fundraising.

“This is more than just a run,” said Joshua Hunter-Harl, Sales and Marketing Director at the Zoo. “It’s a chance for people to connect with wildlife in a completely different way. Race day at Banham Zoo has a fantastic atmosphere, and we can’t wait to see runners take to the course again – coming together from across the region to support conservation efforts and help protect species around the globe.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward the zoo’s wildlife charity, supporting projects ranging from breeding programmes for endangered species to habitat updates within the zoo.

The forecast for the weekend is bright and sunny, promising ideal running conditions and a fantastic atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.

Participants of all abilities are welcome, from seasoned runners aiming for a personal best to fun runners and first-timers looking for a memorable day out. Prizes will be awarded for winning male and female in adult and child categories, and all runners will receive the first half of a unique medal, with the second half available to those who take part in the companion run at Africa Alive!

Runners and spectators will also receive a full day’s access to the zoo.

Key Event Details:
• Event: Run for Wildlife 5km
• Date: Saturday 9th May, 9:45am
• Location: Banham Zoo

For more information or to secure one of the last remaining places,
visit www.banhamzoo.co.uk/run-for-wildlife

Angina, Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?

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Heart emergencies can be confusing; many people use the terms angina, heart attack, and cardiac arrest interchangeably, but knowing the difference could save a life. In my latest blog, I break down the key signs and symptoms of each condition, with a particular focus on recognising heart attacks and cardiac arrest, including how symptoms can present differently in women. I also explain exactly what action to take in an emergency, from helping someone experiencing angina to performing CPR and using a defibrillator. A practical, easy-to-read guide designed to help individuals and businesses feel more confident when it matters most.

Head this way to read the blog: Angina, Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference? | First Class First Aid

Regional Partnership Formed to Strengthen SME Succession Planning

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A new initiative has been launched to help strengthen long‑term economic resilience across our region. The ‘Three‑Year Runway for a Premium Exit’ programme, delivered in partnership with Chadwicks and Norwich Business School’s Executive Education, provides SME owners with a structured, practical framework to prepare for succession, exit or ownership transition at a time when the region faces significant demographic and fiscal pressures.

East Anglia is entering a period of unprecedented leadership turnover, with a high concentration of owner‑managers aged 55+. Many lead firms where substantial value is tied up in the business itself, making continuity planning essential. This challenge has been intensified by the 2026 Tax Shift, which capped 100% Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). For high‑asset manufacturing, engineering and agritech firms, an unplanned exit can now trigger an effective 20% tax burden, often forcing the sale of assets to meet liabilities.

The new two‑day programme moves owners from the “day‑to‑day” into a strategic exit mindset. Its core pillars focus on building a stronger leadership team, improving business performance, and choosing the right exit route. Together, these help owners reduce founder‑dependence, remove operational bottlenecks and understand the most suitable transition pathway for their business.

Julian Campbell, Director of Executive Education at Norwich Business School, said: “This partnership brings together two established organisations with a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s SME community. Chadwicks has a long track record of trusted, independent advice, and with Richard Ross, an NBS MBA alumnus, there is a natural alignment in how we both approach leadership development and long‑term planning”.

Richard Ross, Chadwicks, Director and succession specialist, added: “With thousands of East Anglian businesses approaching a generational transition, we have reacted with a timely solution. Too many owners are forced into rushed decisions that erode value, weaken continuity, and put local jobs at risk. Building value, not just profit, is the work every business owner should be doing. For those thinking about succession or a future sale, it becomes essential. This strategic course provides the insight and tools to navigate that transition with purpose and confidence. By helping owners prepare early, this initiative reduces the likelihood of distressed sales, strengthens leadership resilience and ensures more businesses remain rooted in the region.”

Business owners can register their interest to learn more. Contact Angela Brett: [email protected]

NARS Netwalking Event

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Join us for our first ever Netwalking event!

Start the day with a spring in your step, connecting with your local business community with a gentle walk around beautiful Whitlingham Lake.

This will be followed by breakfast and coffee at Flint Barn Cafe for anyone who would like to stay on (not included in ticket price).

All proceeds from the event will go towards our lifesaving work. We hope to see you there!

Important info:

  • Please arrive for 8am – there will be a short intro from NARS before the walk begins
  • We will be meeting at the Flint Barn car park
  • The walk will take around 45minutes to an hour
  • Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome
  • Your tickets price includes a NARS goodie bag which will be given to you at the end of the event
  • We will be hosting a raffle post-walk for anyone who would like to buy tickets
  • There are multiple ticketed car parks available for those who are driving