Please click onto the document to read this week’s Market Summary.

Judges praise “well deserved” win in competitive category.

TaxAssist Accountants has won ‘Best Franchisee Marketing Support’ at the Franchise Marketing Awards 2020, beating 11 other well-known, leading brands to the top spot.

The winning award entry emphasised the substantial financial investment the franchisor made to the brand awareness budget and the increased marketing support measures which have been put in place during the pandemic. These enhanced support features included a COVID-19 Business Support Hub on the website to share news, articles, Q&As, videos and webinars. It also included timely and increased social media posts and client guidance covering key Government announcements, with over a million emails in total sent to clients on behalf of the franchise network.

The entry also highlighted how it sets its network up for success by providing a suite of marketing initiatives including a national lead generation service, a centralised email service, national and local social media activity, local marketing advice and planning, TV and digital advertising and guides for pricing and profitability among many other initiatives.

The judging panel were very impressed with the levels of support, with Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the British Franchise Association, and one of the judges, describing the win as “well deserved”.

James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this prestigious award in a highly competitive category against other well-known and successful brands. This is a real reward for all of the fantastic teams at the Support Centre who have pulled out all the stops to maintain truly outstanding levels of marketing support through these unprecedented times.

“Our franchisees and their clients always come first in all that we do. We wanted to ensure our clients could access grants, funding and furloughing support quickly and have one less thing to worry about. Our franchisees were in huge demand by their clients and we stepped in to help with some of the support, with responsive and regular communications.  Being part of a franchise network really offered a layer of protection during these times and now we’ve enhanced our brand and reputation on the back of this hard work.  The award win is the icing on the cake.

“A key decision we made, as franchisor, was to reduce our franchisees’ marketing costs, but replace this with our own investment of over £100,000 from management service fees back into the brand awareness budgets.  This is likely to increase between now and the end of the year to continue driving new business to the network”.

The high level of marketing support was also reflected in TaxAssist Accountants’ recent National Client Satisfaction Survey, in which clients praised still being able to easily contact their accountants for help and guidance about how to access Government support and funding during the lockdown, whether it was using video meetings or calls.

If you are interested in finding out more about joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, we are holding regular Virtual Discovery Days were you can learn more about the business development and technical support on offer to help you build a substantial practice. Call 0800 018829 to find out more.

Uptech Ltd are dedicated to providing their clients with business solutions that meet their clients needs. They are also dedicated to providing their clients with the very best Cyber protection available.

To book your self in for a FREE Cyber Security Risk Assessment, normally valued at £149, Please contact [email protected], or call 01553 612212 and ask for James.

There is no obligation to purchase anything, however will provide advice on what, if anything needs to be changed. 

There is still time to book your place, and join MHA Larking Gowen and Howes Percival, as they collaborate to launch Norfolk Chamber of Commerce’s brand-new recovery programme of virtual events which support businesses to restart, rebuild and renew.

What options are available for businesses when the furlough scheme comes to an end? – Seminar – Recovery Programme

Thursday, 15 October, 2020 – 14:30 to 15:45

Matthew Potter, partner at Howes Percival and employment law expert, will discuss the end of furlough and taking employers through the options available, including the Job Support Scheme; agreeing on changes to terms and conditions of employment and redundancy.

Andrew Kelsall, partner at MHA Larking Gowen and an Insolvency Practitioner, will discuss the options available when facing financial difficulties and the implications of redundancies. Acting sooner rather than later can make the difference between recover and insolvency. 

Following the presentation, there will be a 20-minute live Q&A where Matthew and Andrew will answer your questions. Feel free to pre-submit any when registering.

Content / Takeaway

A first aid kit and guide for employers and businesses, looking at what their next steps should be on the road to recovery.

Book your place here

Hillington Square Football Club scores Norfolk FA Community Award The Hillington Square Football Club, based out of Freebridge’s Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre in King’s Lynn, was awarded Best Inclusive Project at the Norfolk Football Association Community Volunteer Awards.

The awards were judged by a national panel of experts which included World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst. The ceremony was held at Sprowston Manor Hotel on Friday 25 August 2017 and winners received various prizes including match tickets, coaching bursaries, kit or equipment.

The sessions remain free of charge and the 15 to 20 children who regularly attend each session range between 8-14 years old, and come to the club from a variety of cultural backgrounds to take part in games and training drills.

The Norfolk FA put Freebridge employee Alice Henderson and one of the clubs members, Andris Vasilevskis, through their level 1 coaching qualification so that they could continue to develop the footballing skills of those involved.

Alice Henderson, team coach and Freebridge employee, said: “I am delighted that the volunteers and young people that attend these football sessions have been recognised for their commitment to the club.

“A lot of the young people are the same children I met when I first began coaching them, and seeing them develop their skills, both on the pitch and socially has been great.”

Through their close links to Freebridge and Providence Street the Football Club have also been able to get involved in a number other activities and community events in and around the area, including the Hillington Square Summer Fete.

Robert Clarke, Director of Housing at Freebridge, said: “It’s great to see that one of the groups that we are supporting through our Providence Street Placeshaping Community Centre has received such a clear endorsement.

“To receive recognition from a judging panel made up of such iconic names is testament to the hard work that all those involved have put in to make the club a success.”

Hatch Brenner Solicitors in Norwich is aiming to raise vital funds for nine of the UK’s best loved charities, after signing up once again for Will Aid, the annual charity will writing campaign.

Hatch Brenner has signed up to the scheme, which runs throughout November, for the sixth year.

The firm has raised £22,703 for the nine charities involved since it joined the scheme. It raised £4,000 in the 2019 campaign.

Alexandria Martin from the firm said: “We are very excited to be involved in the Will Aid campaign again this year.

“It gives us an excellent opportunity to reach people in our community who do not have a will and help them to protect their loved ones for the future.

“It also means we can raise funds for nine incredible charities which make a huge difference to people in need both here in the UK and around the world.”

The Will Aid scheme takes place across the country during November and supports ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland).

Thanks to the generosity of solicitors like Hatch Brenner, the campaign has raised more than £21 million for these charities since it launched 31 years ago.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, charities are in need of donations now more than ever.

Campaign director Peter de Vena Franks said: “One in three people die in the UK without making a will, often leaving confusion and chaos behind along with the sadness of losing a loved one.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly made people reflect on the fragility of life and reinforced the importance of having a professionally-written will in place.

“Will Aid encourages people to prepare this vital piece of paperwork at the same time as making a difference by raising money for charity.

“We are thrilled that Hatch Brenner has joined this year’s campaign. They have contributed a great deal to our fundraising efforts in the past and I know they will continue to work with us in future.”

Law firms across the country are being asked to sign up and pledge a portion of their time to write basic wills, putting duty before profit and instead asking clients to make a voluntary donation.

The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills. Donations support the vital work of the nine partner charities.

Any additional work to the will can be charged separately and is paid to the law firm.

Will Aid solicitors will be following the most up-to-date government health advice to ensure that face-to-face meetings remain safe. Many firms will be able to write wills at a distance via a phone or online consultations. Some firms will only be offering their services remotely. Participating firms can be contacted directly for more information.

For more information about how to sign up or how to make an appointment to write a will visit www.willaid.org.uk/solicitors.

Hatch Brenner will be opening up their Will Aid appointments at the beginning of October. Contact [email protected] or call 01603 660 811.

After a wild
summer roaming the streets of Norwich and Norfolk, the GoGoSafari sculptures
have found their forever homes at a spectacular one-night-only charity art
auction held at Saxon Air, Norwich. Hosted by ITV’s Becky Jago and Chris Page
alongside celebrity auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp, the event saw around 200
guests in attendance with over 70 bidding online.

The evening
began with a vibrant opening dance performance by the City College Norwich
Dance Group, setting the scene for an exciting night of bidding. Guests enjoyed
a sparkling reception, food served by Norfolk’s Edge surrounded by all 56
sculptures up grabs – each a one-of-a-kind creation by the UK’s most talented
artists.

Bidding got
off to a flying start with the vibrant Prideoscope, sponsored by Norwich BID,
selling for an impressive £8,500. The excitement continued as Andy, a touching
tribute to beloved local businessman and Mr Plastics MD, Andy Cole, raised
£10,000. The stunning Gia La Giraffa Lampada, a giraffe transformed into a glamourous
working lamp by the talented Sally Adams, illuminated the room as it fetched
£10,500. Another of Sally Adams’ remarkable creations, circus elephant BoBo,
achieved a fantastic £12,000, thanks in part to match funding from Wild in Art.
Adding to the total, the MINI Collection, a unique set of five miniature
sculptures representing each animal in the trail which were auctioned
individually, collectively raised over £24,000 and ultimately ended up
together!

The auction
raised a total of £290,200 and all proceeds will go to Break, supporting their
work with young people in, around and leaving care across East Anglia. This
brings the total of money raised through the trail to over £380,000 all
of which will go towards offering young people in care lifelong support and
opportunities to build confidence and independence.

“The incredible
generosity shown tonight will make a real difference for young people in and
leaving care across East Anglia,” comments Break CEO Rached Cowdry.  “This money will enable us to provide the
stability, love and opportunities that every young person deserves.  With the love and support that we give the
young people as we walk alongside them, they are able to heal some of the hurt
and grow into the best adults they can be. Thanks to everyone who took part
tonight we can continue to ensure they feel safe, valued, and empowered to
build bright futures.”

Ellie Edge,
Break Partnerships Manager added: “It was an absolutely fantastic evening, and we’re
so grateful to everyone who dug deep and helped us raise such a phenomenal
amount. We’d like to thank everyone who played a part in making the evening a
success including auction partners Mander Auctioneers and Production bureau,
our auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp, and of course trail partners Wild in Art,
Zoological Society of East Anglia, Norwich BID and Chantry Place; our talented
artists, sculpture sponsors and volunteers, for making the night such a success.”

Hatch Brenner Solicitors on Theatre Street is supporting their long-term community partner Headway Norfolk and Waveney the brain injury association, to help raise awareness of the devastating impact of Memory Loss through ABI Week 2020.

Their ‘Campaign to Remember’ during ABI Week is running from 28 September – 4 October. Headway has launched an emotional animated video as part of the campaign highlighting both the complex effects of memory loss but also the UK-wide support available to those affected and their families.

Focusing on the story of Tony, who lost his memory after suffering a car accident aged 27, the video aims to increase understanding and raise awareness of the hidden impact of memory loss following a brain injury. It was produced in response to survey findings by Headway that 72% of brain injury survivors felt the people in their life did not understand their memory problems.

Colin Cook, Hatch Brenner Partner and brain injury legal specialist commented: “Having acted for clients with a range of brain injuries, we know that memory loss is an all too familiar and predominant feature of brain injury. From being used as an early diagnostic tool to determine the period of post traumatic amnesia (and retrograde amnesia) to learning coping strategies to deal with issues arising from memory loss, early access to focussed rehabilitation is key to better long term outcomes. The memory loss campaign during ABI Week is an important opportunity to spread the message and promote understanding in the wider public. We are proud to continue to support Headway Norfolk and Waveney in their work.”

Laura Jones, Chief Executive of Headway Norfolk & Waveney added: “Many thanks to the brain injury legal team at Hatch Brenner Solicitors for their continued support. The impact of memory problems on an acquired brain injury survivors’ life and relationships is one of the most common concerns we come across with those contacting us for support. We are here for anyone affected by brain injury in the local community and work to promote independence, provide rehabilitation support and increase understanding of brain injury.”

View the Headway ‘Campaign to Remember’ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=nalhhZhYYY0&feature=emb_logo

Read the full Headway Memory Loss survey results: The impact of memory loss on people with brain injury

Hatch Brenner is approved as a specialist brain injury solicitor in the Headway Head Injury Solicitor Directory. Colin Cook is also sits on the board of trustees for Headway Norfolk and Waveney. If you or a loved one has suffered an acquired brain injury and are looking for legal advice, please contact our experienced team via 01603 660 811 or [email protected].

Please click onto the document to read this week’s market summary.

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully secured Cultural Recovery Funding to support the ongoing work of Norwich Puppet Theatre – at its home base, in the community and online. The £84,750 will help us through the difficult Covid crisis period ahead, in which we have limited opportunities for live performance – but there will be some – and creative learning with schools and other bodies working with children is extremely difficult.  This grant will help us cope with the financial constraints of operating as a socially-distanced venue, exploring new work, making more material for on line working.

We have already built up a following for our on-line puppetry channel, and our films of Roald Dahl’s Revolting arhymes and Dirty Beasts have been made through this period of theatre darkness by a variety of puppeteers and artists. Do please have a look: there is so much to enjoy for all the family!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC90yGyJLmL04mep1vCnKm7w

This grant will help us follow through with more such work, like our development of a Pinocchio show in both live and on-line formats, for delivery sometime next year.

We feel this is terrific endorsement of our charity, our work and the art of puppetry!  Our venue is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced on Monday 12th October as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. “These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.” Chair of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, added: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”  #HereForCulture, #CulturalRecoveryFund, #WeMakeEvents, #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #KeepTheatreAlive Photo Credit for Norwich Puppet Theatre Andi Sapey Keep in touch with our work at https://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on

At M+A Partners, our team of private client tax specialists has developed a reputation for providing expert services when it comes to tax planning and compliance. We are therefore delighted to welcome Caroline Mills-Cooke to the team, as M+A Partners’ new Personal Tax Manager.

Caroline will be working with Senior Tax Manager, Emma Hunt, to continue to deliver tax services for high-net-worth individuals, large land estates and those clients with wide-ranging tax affairs.

Emma noted that “For private clients, there is a real need for professional tax advice, particularly within the current economic climate and with the increasing amount of complex and ever-changing legislation. Caroline brings with her a great deal of experience within the sector, having previously specialised in tax at a prominent Chartered Accountancy firm, followed by a senior position at a global tax and advisory firm.”

Caroline commented “M+A Partners is a well-established, highly regarded firm within the region and I am very much looking forward to working within such a friendly and knowledgeable team. This is a role in which I can put my previous experience into practice, providing a personal service that is tailored to each client’s priorities.”

THE most prestigious annual celebration of business excellence in the Great Yarmouth borough, the Spirit of Enterprise Awards, will culminate with a virtual awards ceremony on Friday, October 16.

Organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the popular awards aim to recognise and raise the profile of the area’s top-performing businesses, while boosting investor confidence in the strength of the local economy.

After weeks of anticipation, businesses shortlisted for the various awards (please see below) will find out who the winners are, including the overall 2020 Business of the Year, chosen from among the category winners.

While it is not possible this year to hold the usual gala dinner at the Town Hall’s prestigious Assembly Room, guests will be able to enjoy a virtual ceremony hosted by Lee Derbyshire, an award-winning presenter who has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years.

The main sponsor is last year’s Business of the Year, API Microelectronics Ltd, who has chosen the 2020 Business of the Year. The other award sponsors are P&S Personnel, Norse Group, Barclays PLC, Itron (UK) Ltd, ASCO World, Potters Friends Foundation, GYTABIA, Equinox Enterprises Ltd, and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, plus multi-media sponsor Shaun Lawson Video.

Cllr Carl Smith, the council leader, said: “Many businesses have adapted and innovated well to continue their great work and support their workforce. As a council, we’ve done everything we can to support our local economy through response and into recovery, including handing out more than £30m in business grants.

“Despite the additional challenges this year, the Spirit of Enterprise Awards is a chance to celebrate success, to showcase the many innovative, entrepreneurial and determined companies from across the borough’s business community, who are helping to support the local economy.

“Huge congratulations to all the finalists, who should be proud to be shortlisted in our prestigious and competitive awards scheme. We’ve seen another batch of strong entries this year, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors.”

The categories, sponsors and finalists are:

2020 Business of the Year – sponsored by API Microelectronics Ltd

• Chosen from among the category winners.

Employer of the Year – sponsored by P&S Personnel

• East Coast College
• Haven Seashore Holiday Park
• John G. Plummer & Associates

Great Customer Service – sponsored by Norse Group

• Branford’s Limited
• The Imperial Hotel
• King’s Arms, Fleggburgh

Director/Business Owner of the Year – sponsored by Barclays PLC

• Emma Jarvis of The Hair Base
• Mark Dixon of King’s Arms, Fleggburgh
• Mark O’Mahony of P+S Personnel

Investing in Future Growth – sponsored by Itron (U.K.) Limited

• En-Gen Diesel Products Limited
• The Hair Base
• Nemesis Consultants Ltd

SME (Small or Medium Enterprise) of the Year – sponsored by Equinox Enterprises Ltd

• En-Gen Diesel Products Limited
• King’s Arms, Fleggburgh
• Sam Race – Venue Decoration

Large Business of the Year – sponsored by ASCO World

• Hammond Cars
• Haven Seashore Holiday Park
• P&S Personnel

Great Community Contribution – Sponsored by Potters Friends Foundation

• Darling Darlings Cat Lounge
• Smart Radio
• The Island Cafe & Boating Lake (Access Community Trust)

Great Family Owned – sponsored by Great Yarmouth Borough Council

• Branford’s Limited
• King’s Arms, Fleggburgh
• The Imperial Hotel

Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year – sponsored by GYTABIA

• The Imperial Hotel
• Haven Seashore Holiday Park
• King’s Arms, Fleggburgh