UFS Ltd has been recognised by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce for it’s long standing membership going back to 1980
Based in Thetford(IP24) the company operates European Road Freight Services to / from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France to name a few
The company also currently has storage / warehousing / office let options at it’s premises
For further information / quotations please contact the Sales Manager, David Cowell by phone on +44 (0)1842 751751 or e-mail [email protected]
For three years now we have participated in the Smith & Henderson Franchise Benchmark Surveys – an independent survey of our network that tells us just how they feel about the business model and us as Franchisors!
We are then benchmarked against all other franchisors who participate in the survey to see how we rank as a Franchisor and I’m pleased to say very well having won the following awards:
2011 Best Training and Support
2012 Best Training and Support
2012 Best Large Franchisor
2013 Best Training and Support
In 2013 they also launched the 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction recognition and we were amongst the first Franchisors to receive this great recognition.
How is 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction awarded?
In order to qualify a franchisor must meet a strict criteria including:
Having a network of 20 plus franchisees in the UK
Participate in the full franchise Benchmark Survey
A minimum of 50% of franchisees completing the survey
Based on the feedback of all franchisees surveyed the 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction is awarded to those franchisors that score above average in all of the key areas which are:
Training & Support
Franchise System
Culture & Relationship
Stewardship & Leadership
General Satisfaction
75 franchisors took part in the Benchmark Survey during 2013 and less than 15 franchisors qualified as having 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction putting us right up there with the best of the best of UK franchising.
Steve Frost, Founder of Smith & Henderson comments:
“With hundreds of different franchisor opportunities, it’s difficult for prospective franchisees to identify the very best franchisors that really deliver on their promises and recruitment advertising. That’s why we’ve launched 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction. We’re delighted to be able to recognise an outstanding franchisor like TaxAssist Accountants this way.
As 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction is only awarded to franchisors that received better than average feedback in all key areas that franchisees provide feedback on, TaxAssist Accountants joins an elite group of the UK’s best franchisors.”
About us
All TaxAssist Accountants are franchised operations providing a full range of accountancy services to local businesses whilst being backed up by a Support Centre of 27 employees plus 3 Executive Directors dedicated to supporting franchisees in all areas including Technical, Practice Management, Marketing and Business Development to ensure mutual growth.
The support systems we have in place have ensured that our franchisees continue to grow and succeed, even during a difficult trading climate. We don’t plan to stop there – we are constantly evolving and will build on our success by capitalising on the significant growth opportunities both domestically and internationally.
We are looking to further expand our UK network through awarding our franchise to individuals who have the drive and ambition to build their own Accountancy Practice but can see the value in our brand and the support services we deliver to our franchisees.
Franchisees do not need any formal accountancy qualifications as full training is given, but you do need to have a relevant career background, be self motivated, disciplined, ambitious, hardworking and keen to build a substantial successful business.
Metalfrog Studios Limited, of Norwich, Norfolk is delighted to announce it has won a contract to deliver strategic digital marketing services to Kings Lynn-based Golf Wear Anywhere Limited. Golf Where Anywhere is located within the club shop of Kings Lynn Golf Club.
The business website has been floundering online for some time, but is long established offline. Offering items such as Powakaddy golf trolleys, Titleist golf clubs, and ping clothing. It is an exclusive online stockist for popular golf clothing brand, Oscar Jacobson. The site, https://www.golfwearanywhere.co.uk offers a one-stop shop for the beginner, the keen golfer or even juniors who want value for money online.
Metalfrog Studios Limited has signed a 2-year contract to provide services including: Web design, web development, search engine marketing, branding and digital email marketing. The objective is to bring more business through the website, and to deliver results for it.
When asked why he chose Metalfrog Studios Limited to partner in this activity, the company commented: “Why would we at www.golfwearanywhere.co.uk choose Metalfrog Studios Limited to help us move our business to the next level? Easy answer – Like-minded people do business together!” “At Golf Wear Anywhere Ltd, we know it is possible to stand out from the crowd in the online golfing world. The team at Metalfrog Studios Limited stood out to us as the people to help us make it happen. They understood our industry and identified exciting current e-commerce strategies. This gives us confidence to up our game online. Teamwork is key and already we are working closely together. “
Golf Wear Anywhere Ltd is also lead by a very knowledgeable team – Head Golf Professional Mike Timson. He is based at King’s Lynn Golf Club, Norfolk and Norfolk PGA Captain 2013. All online customers can order with ease, expect personal service and they are just a phone call away from his wealth of knowledge and advice on the right golf club, trolley, ball or anything else ‘golf’ for you Two highly experienced organisations have teamed up to offer online Golf Wear -ANYWHERE!
For more information about Golf Wear Anywhere, please contact Michele Hammond on 01553 631911. For more information about Metalfrog Studios Limited, and its services, please visit its website – https://www.metalfrog.co.uk or contact via phone on 01603 816830 or email to [email protected].
Karl Sandall, Chief Executive, said a firm focus on its core small business market has helped propel its success nationally, and now they are fostering global ambitions after successfully taking the business into the Canadian market.
Common sense and hard work have been hailed as the key to the success of a Norfolk-based accountancy business which is harbouring global ambitions.
Started in 1995 the TaxAssist Accountants network has more than 195 franchised practices across the UK servicing almost 50,000 small business clients with collective gross annual recurring fees at the end of 2013 of £31.5m.
It recently opened its 160th shop in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire, and it is now the 26th largest accountancy practice in the UK.
Karl Sandall, Chief Executive, said a firm focus on its core small business market has helped propel its success nationally, and now they are fostering global ambitions after successfully taking the business into the Canadian market.
“The expansion globally has started,” he said. “We have nearly 50,000 small business clients, we have 35 staff in Norwich and another 600 across the UK working across franchises.”
TaxAssist Accountants, an EDP Business Awards winner in 2011, launched its first international operation in Ireland in 2009, which has since grown to 24 franchisees supported by a master franchisee in Dublin.
The business has now signed the master franchise agreement for the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada with further overseas operations planned for Canada, Australia and New Zealand with the US to follow.
It is also looking at entering new EU markets via its Ireland operation.
“We look at one shop per 100,000 people,” Mr Sandall added. “In the States that could be enormous and there are not many franchises that have successfully taken a UK franchise to these countries.”
The firm has won industry accolades for its work, including an Accountancy Firm of the Year award from the Association of International Accountants, beating global groups and industry giants, and it is bringing in three new recruits to join its technical support team in Norwich.
To read the full article on the EPD website click here.
If you employ apprentices, then National Apprenticeship Week is your chance to celebrate all that is wonderful about your own young professionals! Or if you’re considering of taking on apprentices, the week can be a great source of information and inspiration.
This week the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is calling on businesses around the country to help promote the positive impact apprentices have on individuals, businesses and the country.
For example, Cambridge Regional College, Lowestoft College, West Suffolk College and Essex County Council are all getting involved with a variety of activities. From an exhibition to a dinner cooked by professional cookery apprentices, it’s all happening!
With vacancies across the East of England listed on the NAS website increasing by 23% between August and October last year, it seems that more and more of our fellow employers are seeing just what a fantastic addition to their teams an apprentice really is.
Also according to NAS, 96% of employers working with apprentices see benefits to their business. And we at Pure can vouch for these advantages – we employ five hard-working young professionals who took on apprenticeships after joining us. And we are very proud to be helping them take their first steps in a career in recruitment at our offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.
We’ve rustled together some examples of the kind of positives an apprentice can bring to your own organisation. By the time you’ve read them, you could well find yourself wondering why you haven’t already signed up some of your staff to an apprenticeship scheme!
1. Fresh ideas, new perspectives
Apprentices can bring with them a fresh perspective- from the latest digital trends to new suggestions on expanding your offering. Their enthusiasm to learn on the job can help generate ideas among your workforce that otherwise may not have cropped up. This can lead to enhanced and improved products and services, and a rise in income and renewed customer interest.
2. Helping you keep talent
The expectation that there will be an increase in people moving jobs as we enter economic recovery has been well documented. As apprentices receive work-based training, their skills and drive to complete nationally recognised qualifications such as NVQs, means they may prefer to stay with you and continue to build on what they’ve learned. As they train and develop, and share ideas with others, your longer term employees may feel more engaged, as well as motivated to sign up to more training themselves. All of this can contribute to low staff turnover.
3. Solving skill shortages
With the country’s ageing population, valuable industry skills could be lost. Apprentices learn these skills right from the beginning of their careers, and continue to develop their expertise as your organisation evolves. By investing in these young workers you are likely to also be investing in your own business. It’s good business sense!
4. Boost in productivity
The average employee completing an apprenticeship programme increases productivity by a whopping £214 week- while giving their businesses an injection of fresh talent.
5. Great for your reputation
As you invest in apprentices and give them opportunities to learn, and eventually move up through the company, you are showing a serious commitment to your staff’s professional development. You want to keep them on board and give them skills, and it’s excellent for existing staff and potential new recruits to see this too.
Whether you’re quietly congratulating yourself on making the brilliant decision to employ apprentices, or whether you’re currently building a case to recruit them, it’s certainly worth visiting the National Apprenticeship Week website.
To talk to us about our experiences of the apprenticeship scheme, please get in touch with Anna Hill, Marketing Manage, [email protected]
Running a business which has a sub brand called ‘Branded.Photo’ I thought I had better listen to Robert Jones, the speaker at Jarrold’s Business Club on Wednesday.
He spoke about Ikea and their brand – which wasn’t about making flat pack shelves, but: “a better everyday life for the many people”
I figured that I had better work out what my brand value was – and who better to ask than ChatGPT… now I use Chat a lot, so it has a lot of my history.. This is what it came up with:
Your brand is not photo booths. It is social proof on tap.
You stand for removing friction from shared moments.
No queues.
No limits.
No awkward tech moments.
No “we’ll send it later”.
Your belief shows up everywhere.
Unlimited prints.
Staffed booths.
AI used for delight, not gimmicks.
Multiple formats so guests join in their own way.
Weddings. Corporate. Community. Same behaviour.
You obsess over outcomes, not equipment.
Did people engage.
Did they laugh.
Did they share.
Did the host look good.
Your competitors rent boxes.
You engineer participation.
A tight brand message, stripped of fluff.
“We make it easy for people to show up, join in, and take something home.”
Or shorter.
“We remove the awkward from shared moments.”
If you dislike those, good. That means you are close.
Volunteering with PACT offers individuals an
opportunity to give back to the community while developing valuable skills.
PACT’s charity shops are a cornerstone of the organisation’s fundraising
efforts, providing essential income to support animal rescue, rehabilitation,
and rehoming across Norfolk and beyond. Every sale directly contributes to
improving the lives of animals in need.
Why It Matters
Retail volunteers are at the heart of PACT’s operations,
ensuring shops run efficiently and customers receive a warm, welcoming
experience. Their dedication transforms generous public donations into vital
funds that sustain the charity’s animal welfare work. The contribution of
volunteers has a direct and lasting impact on hundreds of animals each
year.
Hear from our Head of Retail, Gareth Austin Mills,” Volunteers are the heartbeat of our charity retail operation. They bring energy, commitment, and community spirit into every corner of our shops. Without them, we simply couldn’t function they’re essential to keeping our doors open, our shops full, our standards high, and our mission moving forward.”
Opportunities Available
We have a range of volunteer roles available to suit
different interests and skill levels, including:
Front
of House: Greeting customers, operating the till, and providing
friendly, helpful service.
Back
of House: Sorting and preparing donations, organising stock, and
keeping the shop running smoothly behind the scenes.
Driver’s
Mate: Assisting with collections and deliveries, helping move
donations between locations.
Visual
Merchandising: Creating attractive displays and layouts to showcase
our donations and inspire customers.
Online
Sales: Supporting our digital retail operations through photographing,
listing, and managing online shop items.
Interested in
Getting Involved?
Take the first step and complete our volunteer application form: Volunteer
with us
Norfolk County Council (NCC) has issued formal communication to adult social care providers outlining its proposed fee uplift for 2026/27. Alongside this, NCC has opened a short feedback window ahead of Cabinet decision-making later this month.
This is an important opportunity for providers to ensure their views and evidence are fully considered. Responses received will be summarised in the Cabinet paper, enabling elected Members to take account of the collective position of the sector before a final decision is made.
As the sector’s representative body, we have already fed into NCC’s fee review on behalf of providers. Our full response is available to view here.
What providers need to do
All providers are strongly encouraged to complete NCC’s survey to share feedback on the proposed uplift.
Deadline: 9:00am on Monday the 12th of January 2026
Even if you have previously engaged through surveys or sector meetings, this is the final opportunity at this stage to ensure your organisation’s views are formally captured.
Key points from the proposal
NCC is proposing a 3.2% uplift across all adult social care markets for 2026/27.
This is below the fully weighted cost pressure uplift, which NCC estimates as 3.53% for most providers and 3.63% for home care providers. This difference is based on an updated weighting of: staff and none staff costs of 70% staff, 30% non staff for most providers, and 75% staff, 25% non-staff for home care providers.
The proposed uplift reflects a range of national pressures, including:
A 4.1% increase in the National Living Wage
Forecasted inflation of 2.2%, as set out by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility
NCC has acknowledged that the consultation timetable is tight. This is due to the timing of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the need to finalise papers for Cabinet consideration.
Why your feedback matters
While provider engagement has already taken place throughout 2025 via surveys and sector meetings, NCC has confirmed that this survey represents the final formal feedback opportunity before Cabinet decision-making.
The volume and quality of responses will be critical in demonstrating the strength and breadth of sector concerns, particularly in the context of ongoing workforce, cost and sustainability pressures.
Key dates for your diary
Survey closes: 9:00am, 12th January 2026
Cabinet paper published: 16th January 2026
Cabinet decision: 26th January 2026
Outcome communicated to providers: February 2026
Need support?
If you experience any issues accessing the survey, NCC has advised providers to contact:
We urge all providers to take a few minutes to respond to the survey and ensure that the realities facing adult social care services in Norfolk are clearly evidenced at this critical stage.
Same-sex couples in England and Wales who want to get married on the day that gay marriage becomes legal – 29 March 2014 – can register to do so from today.
Couples have to give 15 days’ notice of their intention to marry at a register office, and need to do so today if they want to be among the first to benefit from the passing of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
The Act received Royal Assent in July 2013 and media reports suggest that many gay couples are planning to celebrate their new right by tying the knot just after midnight on 29 March 2014.
The Government is also hopeful that couples who want to convert their civil partnerships into marriages and married people who want to change their legal gender, whilst remaining married, will be able to do so before the end of the 2014.
Same sex couples who married abroad under foreign law are currently treated as civil partners in England and Wales, but they will be recognised as being married from today.
Emma Alfieri, family practitioner, commented that today marks an important step forward for gay couples up and down the country. Further news about when existing civil partnerships may be converted into marriage is eagerly awaited from the Government.
For further information please contact Steeles Law’s family team.
Norwich digital marketing agency, Bigfork, have completed the new website for the Norwich based charity, Asperger East Anglia.
The charity does a huge amount of work in the region to help people with Asperger syndrome and their friends and family. As with all small charities they need your support so please visit the new website at www.asperger.org.uk/
The new website has an improved navigation system making it easier for visitors to find their way around a content rich website. The design follows their branding guidelines and has a SilverStripe content management system to allow them to manage content inhouse.
A Consent Order is the legal document recording the financial division upon, or following, divorce. A Consent Order is made by the Court and must be adhered to by both parties. However, occasionally the situation arises where one party attempts to try and avoid implementation of the Consent Order.
Until recently there was not a great deal of case law on this topic, however, two recent law reports have dealt with this issue. Both cases involved applications for breach of financial orders:
The case of Hope v Krejci [2014] EWHC B5 (Fam) was an application by the wife against the husband for breach of a consent order made in July 2012, requiring him to transfer to her two cars and a motorbike. By the time the wife’s committal application was heard in January 2014, the husband had failed to transfer the vehicles to the wife. The Judge was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the husband was in contempt of court for failing to transfer the vehicles to the wife, as required by the order of the Court. To ensure the money was paid, the Judge made an order committing the husband to prison for two months, suspended so long as the husband pay the sum of £16,000 to the wife’s solicitors by 15 March 2014. If the money is paid, then the committal order will be discharged but if it is not paid by that date, the husband will be sent to prison.
The case of Pocock v Pocock [2013] EW Misc 26 (CC) concerned a consent order reached between the parties on 22 August 2011, under which the husband had agreed to transfer the former matrimonial home to the wife, to pay the mortgage repayments and to redeem the mortgage on or before 9 September 2011. The redemption of the mortgage had not happened and the mortgage payments had only been made sporadically. This caused considerable stress to the wife, who had to return to the Court repeatedly. The wife applied for the husband’s committal to prison for breach of the order. The Judge made a fourteen day order of imprisonment against the husband. The order was suspended, so long as the husband paid the mortgage (he had brought it up to date just prior to the hearing) but the Judge warned him that it would be activated if there was any further breach of the consent order.
Emma Alfieri, from Steeles Law’s family team, commented: “These cases provide a stern warning of the possible consequences of failure to comply with court orders and the importance of ensuring they are efficiently implemented”. For further information contact the family team at Steeles Law.
NORWICH, Monday 17th March 2014 – AIRPORT SECOND IN TOP 30 UK AIRPORTS FOR ANNUAL TRAFFIC GROWTH The positive trend for passenger traffic at Norwich International is confirmed in the latest CAA UK official UK airport annual traffic results released on 13th March 2014.
The report lists Norwich International as seventh in the UK for annual traffic growth 2013 compared to 2012 (for airport with annual traffic of twenty thousand passengers or more). Total passengers are listed at 463,401 versus 396,676 being a 17% increase in people from the region using the city’s airport year on year.
However, of the top 30 UK airports Norwich International growth is second overall for the percentage increase year on year.
The passenger boost was in a number of different sectors with the biggest increase being in the holidaymaker category which increased by 45% on 2012, with over 107,000 people enjoying the benefits of starting their holiday from their local airport.
Offshore helicopter traffic enjoyed yet another year of record growth with over 98,000 passengers travelling offshore, an increase of 18% on the previous year with Norwich now the UK’s second busiest offshore heliport after Aberdeen.
KLM’s hub feeder service to Amsterdam Schiphol had another strong year as a result of the addition of the fourth daily flight throughout the summer months. This service continues to play a key role in connecting the region’s economy to the rest of the world and the popularity of the service continues to grow with the region’s business and leisure travellers alike.
Andrew Bell, the airport’s Chief Executive commented, “Posting strong passenger growth is good news for the airport and the region, as ultimately the flights that are operated from the airport must be used by the travelling public if they are to remain on offer. We recognise that we still have a great deal to do in order to satisfy the demands of the region’s business and leisure travelers alike and we are working hard to bring back routes that proved popular in the past, and to identify new route opportunities. However, the CAA result, with Norwich second out of the top 30 UK airports, is testament to the hard work the airport has undertaken over the past few years and confirmation that Norwich Airport is moving in the right direction”.