member

We’re delighted to introduce you to the newest member of the BDH Tullford team, Accounts Manager Sam Chisnall. Working four days a week, she is responsible for the financial aspects of the business now that long-standing Accounts Manager, Pamela Powell, has retired. “I’ve worked in finance for most of my career, so I’m looking forward to the new challenges that this role will bring,” says Sam. “The whole team, especially Pamela and Becks on Reception, have been generous with their knowledge and have helped me to settle in quickly.” Sam has held finance positions with a variety of organisations in Norfolk, most notably Hughes Electrical, where she worked alongside her husband, Trade Director Paul Chisnall, for a number of years. 

Family Business

While Sam may be a new starter, she’s certainly not a new face at Europa Way. In fact, her father was one of the original founders of the company back in the 1960s. Chester Fox and his brothers started BD Studios, which joined forces with current Director David Hutchins creating business that evolved into BDH Tullford. “My cousin [BDH Tullford Director James Fox] approached me when Pamela announced her decision to retire and asked if I would be interested in joining the business,” she continues. “I wasn’t looking to leave my previous employer, but James offered me an opportunity to support a business close to my heart. “I hadn’t considered joining the business when I left school. There wasn’t a position for me at that time either, because Pamela was managing the accounts. But this feels like the right time; I feel like I’ve come home. There are pictures of my dad on the wall beside me, which is lovely. I’m really comfortable here.” Adds Director David Hutchins: “We’re thrilled to have Sam on board with us. Her skills and experience, along with her passion for BDH Tullford, are real assets to the business and we look forward to many happy years working together.”    Call 01603 620780 to speak to Sam Chisnall about invoices and accounts at BDH Tullford.

Ed, a Caterham road car enthusiast, has taken his passion for driving and motorsport to the next level by joining Alpha 7 for personalised driver training. His journey began a few months ago when he decided to explore the thrill of a track day in a Caterham race car. After his first exhilarating experience at the Snetterton Circuit, Ed was hooked! He completed several more track days, including a day at the challenging Cadwell Park in mixed weather conditions.

Last week, Ed returned to Snetterton with a new goal, to earn his racing license through the Association of Racing Drivers Schools (ARDS) test. The ARDS test is a critical stepping stone for aspiring racing drivers, consisting of both a theory and a practical examination. It ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe and competitive participation in motor racing events.

The theory portion of the ARDS test covers essential topics such as flag signals, racing etiquette, and the fundamental principles of racing safety. After successfully passing this portion, Ed proceeded to the practical test. This involved a session in an MSV pace car with a professional race instructor who assessed his driving skills. Key areas of focus included mastering racing lines, cornering techniques, and demonstrating an awareness of safety protocols on the track.

Ed’s performance impressed the instructor, who was thoroughly satisfied that he had gained the required competence and confidence. With the successful completion of both the theory and practical components of the ARDS test, Ed officially earned his racing license.

Now, Ed is eagerly preparing for his first competitive race, scheduled for August at Snetterton with the Alpha 7 racing team. This marks a significant milestone in his journey from a road car enthusiast to a budding racing driver.

For those inspired by Ed’s story and interested in pursuing motorsport, Alpha 7 offers a range of tailored programmes to help newcomers experience the thrill of driving on a track. Whether you’re looking to test the waters or aim for a racing career, Alpha 7 provides personalised driver training programmes, including race car hire for those without their own vehicle.

Congratulations to Ed on his achievements and best of luck as he embarks on his racing journey!

If you’re interested in joining the world of motorsport or simply want to enjoy a track day experience, Alpha 7 can help. Get in touch to learn more about our personalised training programmes and services.

 

Regional rail travel transformed with more comfortable journeys and industry-leading performance

Greater Anglia (GA) has marked the 5^th anniversary of its first new train entering passenger service today.

Monday 29th July 2019 saw the first of GA’s brand new, Stadler-built, bi-mode trains in operation on the 07.47 from Lowestoft to Norwich. It marked the start of a new era for rail travel in East Anglia and the beginning of a positive transformation in the service provided for customers and communities across the GA network, which now sees all GA services in the region operated by new trains.

Passengers are benefitting from greater comfort, increased seating capacity, better accessibility, and other features, such as plug/USB points and fast, free wi-fi. They’ve also helped GA deliver record-breaking punctuality and reliability, with Greater Anglia consistently the best-performing train operator in the UK, and timetable improvements on a number of its routes.

5th Anniversary Event Attendees at Lowestoft Station. Credit: Greater Anglia

To celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of this major upgrade for train services in the region, GA invited stakeholders and media representatives to an event which started at Norwich station and included a special trip to Lowestoft and back on one of its high-quality bi-mode trains (in fact the specific train that operated the first service – 4 carriage Class 755 bi-mode train, number 755410).

At Lowestoft there were speeches from representatives from Greater Anglia, Stadler, who built and maintain the bi-mode trains, and Rock Rail who own them, along with refreshments and photographs. The special trip then returned from Lowestoft to Norwich.

Key achievements linked to the introduction of new trains on Greater Anglia services across East Anglia include:

• All Greater Anglia services now operated by new trains
• Greater Anglia consistently the best-performing train operator in the UK with annual performance over 94.3% on both the Public Performance Measure (arrival at destination within 5 minutes of time) and the Time to 3 (arrival at every station served within 3 minutes of time) and 86% on the On Time measure – the best results of any UK operator in each case.
• A number of regional routes – specifically the lines from Norwich to Sheringham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and Marks Tey to Sudbury – have annual punctuality of over 96.5%
• Customer numbers recovering well across the region, as passengers see the benefits of new trains
• Major accessibility improvements – especially on regional, Intercity and Stansted Express routes, where the “level boarding” option provided by Stadler-built trains with low floors and retractable steps have set a new benchmark for accessible rail travel in the UK
• More comfortable journeys with nice seats, bright, air-conditioned interiors, plug/USB points and fast free wi-fi
• Increased seating capacity on all routes, including on 3 and 4 carriage trains on regional routes which were mostly operated with 1 or 2 carriage trains before
• Journey times on some routes reduced – especially intercity services which are now mostly 6 or 7 minutes quicker
• Timetable improvements, such as Norwich to Stansted Airport direct services, more frequent Sunday services on many regional routes and some later last evening trains
• Greater Anglia’s fleet of bi-mode, intercity and Stansted Express trains have now collectively travelled over 33 million miles

Jamie Burles, Managing Director, Greater Anglia said:

“Five years on from our first bi-mode train entering passenger service, train services in East Anglia have been successfully and positively transformed, with state-of-the-art, comfortable trains, excellent performance, better services, and new journey opportunities. Passengers and stakeholders alike have welcomed the step change in service quality and customer numbers are rising as a result.

“Looking ahead, we can reassure customers and communities across our network that our plans are not just to maintain the high standards of rail travel and performance we have now set, but to keep on improving services in line with local needs, as rail plays an ever more crucial role in the region’s sustainable development.”

Urs Bikle, Business Development Director at Stadler, added:

“The fifth anniversary of the first bi-mode entering commercial service is a highly significant landmark and cause for celebration. Designed with the 21^st century passenger in mind, these trains have taken rail travel in East Anglia to a new level. They have transformed the customer experience, improved performance, increased seating capacity, delivered ground-breaking accessibility benefits and enabled the delivery of other service improvements. Industry surveys and performance measures show Greater Anglia excelling in a range of measures, including reliability and punctuality as well as passenger satisfaction. We are thrilled to have been part of this journey with partners Greater Anglia and Rock Rail and look forward to working with them in future, as we continue to enhance the services we provide.”

Matthew Allen, Chief Investment Officer at Rock Rail, added:

“We are delighted to see first-hand the transformation of rail services in East Anglia which has been achieved as a direct result of the Stadler FLIRT trains introduced by Greater Anglia and Rock Rail.  We look forward to working with Stadler and Greater Anglia to build on the successful introduction of these trains, continuing to grow the industry leading performance, and further enhancing the customer experience throughout the life of the fleet.

“These fantastic state-of-the-art trains for Greater Anglia are financed through public sector and private sector pension funds and insurance companies. This long term investment has already delivered significant benefits for passengers and the environment over the first 5 years of the trains being in operation.”

Lowestoft Station. Credit: Greater Anglia

Enjoy fun-filled family days out and exciting adventures in Norfolk this summer with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.

With different activities at each location, there’s something new to discover and enjoy at every National Trust place you visit throughout the school holidays.

Try your hand at archery, badminton, sports day races, and croquet. Put your skills to the test with fun outdoor games of hoola hoops, giant Jenga, and noughts and crosses. Explore the great outdoors, go bug-hunting, and see what other wildlife you can spot. Or relax with cloud spotting and wild nature art. Step onto the stage to have a go at performance play and dress-up games, make music, or let your imagination run wild with storytelling sessions.

All of the Summer of Play activities have been specifically designed with families in mind to make each visit special. There’ll be plenty of space to enjoy games and activities, as well as picnic spots, shady rest areas and of course, toilets, cafes and pop-up kiosks offering refreshing food and drink.

Here are some of the National Trust places in Norfolk where you can get stuck into activities and exciting adventures for the whole family this summer.  

Blickling Estate  

Summer of Play, Saturday 20 July – 3 September, 10am – 4.30pm  

Blickling Estate is the perfect setting for action-packed days out full of fun and adventure. Explore, move, play games, get crafty and create lasting memories. Head into the house to see games from the collection on display, including a chess set, backgammon and mahjong. Head outside to discover stacks of possibilities to play all day – who can’t resist a family badminton match or a traditional game of croquet? Dress up and perform on the parade stage and test your balancing skills playing giant Jenga. Take a pause to watch the Living History team bring stories from Blickling’s past to life on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and check the website for details of when balance bikes, archery, craft activities and storytelling sessions will be available – all included within standard admission prices, no booking required. Free entry for National Trust members.  

With cycle hire options and walk routes throughout the wider estate, there’s plenty to entertain all ages over multiple days this summer.  

After oodles of play and adventure, enjoy a picnic under the shaded canopy of the stretch tent or head to The Stables or Muddy Boots cafés for ice-creams, refreshing drinks and light meals. For all of this and more, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate. 

Horsey Windpump 

Summer of Play | 20 July to 3 September | 10am – 4pm 

Enjoy summer games[1] against the backdrop of a Norfolk Broads landmark. Try your hand at badminton or challenge each other to a hoola hoop competition. Feeling competitive? Take part in an egg-and-spoon race or test your skills with a game of giant Jenga. Don’t forget to explore the wildlife garden and see what adventures await. Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing wildlife in the area. If you are lucky, you might even see a swallowtail butterfly. Refuel your energy levels with a tasty ice cream or a delicious snack from the café, take a moment to relax on a deck chair, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of The Broads. 

For all this and more, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/horsey-windpump   

Morston Quay 

Summer of Play | 20 July to 3 September | 10am – 4pm 

Meet the Ranger | Wed 24 July & Wed 21 Aug | 9.30am-11.30am 

Head to Morston Quay for a summer packed full of games and activities [2]. Which member of your family has the most accurate aim, the steadiest hand, and the best balance?  Find out with throwing games, giant Jenga and balancing beams. Challenge each other to a hoola hoop competition or have a go at more traditional games like hopscotch and noughts and crosses. Work together in harmony and make music with woodland instruments. Round off all that play with an ice cream or a delicious snack from the café, take a moment to relax, and immerse yourself in the beautiful coastal landscape. There’s lots of wildlife to see too, which you can learn more about at one of our Meet the Ranger events.   

For all this and more, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morston-quay   

Oxburgh Estate  

Summer of Play | 20 July to 3 September | 10am – 4:30pm  

Garden games, picnic hotspots and Hidden Treasures!  

 Explore Oxburgh Estate this summer! You’ll find an action-packed day of fun for the whole family including kick croquet, sports day races, traditional lawn games, badminton, an obstacle course and a ‘hook-a-swan’ game too! Activities are spread across the gardens and into the parkland so there’s lots of ways to experience the great outdoors.   

When you are done exploring, there are lots of fabulous picnic spots with plenty of picnic blankets available to borrow and the Servants Hall tearoom and Pantry Cafe will be open serving a mixture of hot and cold food, drinks, and ice-creams. Inside the Hall visitors can see the items featured in the recent BBC series ‘Hidden Treasures’ and children can also take part in the Hidden Rat trail too.  

Find out more about events this summer here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-estate    

Sheringham Park   

Summer of Play | 20 July to 3 September | 10am – 4:30pm  

Games galore, ice cream parlour and tower views   

 Summer of Play returns to Sheringham Park with free activities and equipment galore. Have fun as a family among nature and find a range of sporting-inspired games and challenges, from sack races to swingball, filling the events field opposite the visitor barn. Bring a picnic, visit the Courtyard Cafè, or choose a scoop or two at the ice cream parlour before delving further into the park.  
 

The dog-free Bower Garden is a’buzz with life at this time of year, as the wildflower meadow, pond and insect hotel teem with tiny creatures. Guided soft archery sessions take place here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-3pm. Intrepid explorers can climb two viewing towers nestled in the Wild Garden or venture further along the Repton Route and tackle the 115 hillside steps and 60 steps up the Gazebo tower. Breathtaking views await of the oak tree canopy, Poppy Line steam trains chuntering through the landscape, and to the coast beyond.   
  

Find out more about events at Sheringham Park this summer, including sunset bat-spotting walks: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park  

Summer is the perfect time for lazy strolls and gentle walks in National Trust gardens that are bursting with colourful planting. 

Spend sunny days meandering along tree-lined paths, through formal gardens and historic parterres to admire fragrant displays of roses alongside impressive herbaceous borders filled to the brim with vibrant flowers. 

Discover weird and wonderful tropical plants being cared for in greenhouses and orangeries. Explore shady orchards, home to heritage varieties of fruit trees, and stroll through informal wildflower meadows buzzing with insect life and supporting wildlife habitats. 

Espalier trees bask in the warmth of walled kitchen gardens, which are bursting with seasonal produce. Everything from salads to squashes are often harvested and used in the on-site cafes, where you can also find refreshments from ice creams to tea and scones!

Soak up the tranquillity of summer gardens as you relax on grassy lawns and reflect by ponds and lakes with a picnic or a good book. Each garden is looked after by a team of National Trust staff and volunteers and is planted to not only add colour and interest for visitors, but to support wildlife. The conservation charity is also doing more in these green spaces to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

To celebrate the quiet, relaxing days of early summer, the National Trust has pulled together a list of the best places for a serene stroll in some of the most beautiful gardens in Norfolk:

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

The gardens at Blickling are stunning over the summer months. The Parterre was redesigned in the 1930s by Norah Lindsay, a renowned gardener and socialite, and the look and feel she created is still visible today.

Norah was attentive to colour, using it as a painter uses a palette. She established a magnificent display of herbaceous plants in graduated colours in the four large beds – from pink, blue, mauve and white nearer the house, to a concentration of yellows and oranges towards the east. Norah loved roses, and each of the main beds is encircled with colourful scented roses, a real seasonal highlight. In the shelter of the Parterre’s southern wall, the long border features more subtlety-coloured plants, providing a quieter backdrop to the main beds from June to September.

If you’re looking for welcome shade on sunny days, head up into the wilderness. This area of the garden is more structured than its name suggests, with a geometric layout of trees, wild grasses and sheltered pathways to wander through.

Look out for the garden team as they begin the annual task of trimming the ancient yew hedges, starting on the main drive in August before moving on to trim the acorns on the Parterre in September

The Walled Garden, as featured on ITV’s Ainsley’s National Trust Cook Off, really comes to life in July and August. A huge range of soft fruits and vegetables can be seen growing using the ‘no dig’ method of gardening – from strawberries and raspberries to onions, peas, beans, tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers, chillies, squashes, kale and potatoes. Flowers such as cat mint, sunflowers, oregano and verbena attract a range of pollinators, including bees from the hives in the orchard. With their bright, bold blooms in a range of colours, sizes and shapes, the dramatic collection of dahlias lights up the Walled Garden borders from August into the autumn.

After a walk around the gardens, head to the Stables café for refreshing drinks and light bites or to the shop, where plants inspired by Norah Lindsay can be purchased.
nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

Step into the Walled Garden at Felbrigg this summer and be transported to an oasis, bursting at the seams with heady colour, fragrance and textures. As well as the double borders and trained fruit trees that it is renowned for, there are surprises around every corner, from resident animals to sculptures of all sizes.

Arranged in three parts, it is the Bacchus Garden that greets you with its climate resilient plantings including fan palms and jewel-toned flowers edging the gravel paths. Step through elegant brick arches into another slice of gardener’s paradise, with a lily pad studded pond at its centre. The Octagonal Dovecote is one of the few working dovecotes in the country, dating from the early 1750s and still sheltering a flight of cooing doves.

The Kitchen Garden bulges with produce as vibrant vegetables including kale, leeks and rhubarb grow in neat rows, alongside abundant tangles of squashes and gourds. Fluffy-legged bantam chickens happily scratch about on pest control duty while bees buzz from their hives in The Nuttery beyond, with its winding paths mown through tall grasses among the nut trees.

Beavering away in both the Walled Garden and the West Garden surrounding the hall, you’ll find the garden team weeding, dead-heading, tidying borders, grass cutting, cropping, re-sowing, planting and hedge trimming – but always happy to answer a question or offer a green fingered-tip.

Experience Felbrigg’s Walled Garden in a new light this summer with a series of after-hours Bio-sonification Live events, featuring real-time collaborations between musician and gardener Martin Noble-James and plants from the garden.
nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg

Oxburgh Estate

Come and connect with the great outdoors and get up close to nature as you explore the gardens at Oxburgh Estate this summer.

Full to the brim with pollinator friendly perennials including scented heritage roses, and beautiful delphiniums, the Herbaceous Border is the perfect space for a quiet moment of contemplation whilst you indulge the senses in the sounds and smells of the season.

This year, the Kitchen Garden has been planted with seasonal produce mirroring its Victorian heyday as well as demonstrating the wonder of vertical growing in smaller spaces – chat to one of the garden team whilst you are visiting, and they will be delighted to share more about the ongoing restoration of this beautiful space. The heritage fruit trees in the Orchard also mirror those grown at Oxburgh in Tudor and Victorian times and provide a perfect spot for relaxation as the breeze ripples through the branches.

The project to restore the ancient French inspired Parterre is ongoing and it provides the perfect settling to take in the views of the swans and their cygnets swimming across the moat. 

Picnic blankets are available to borrow, deck chairs adorn the lawns, and both the Pantry Café and Servants Hall tearoom are open so you can grab an icy cold drink or an ice-cream to enjoy too!
nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh

Photo credit: Simply C Photography
Joanna Burton, Larking Gowen

Joanna Burton joins the leading East Anglian firm as a Director, working from its Norfolk offices, bringing with her a wealth of commercial and industry experience.

Accountancy and business advisory firm, Larking Gowen, has announced a new appointment to its North Norfolk team. Joanna Burton joins the leading East Anglian firm as a Director, working from its Norfolk offices, bringing with her a wealth of commercial and industry experience.

She first joined Larking Gowen as a trainee in 1998, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant before deciding to pursue the next stage of her career, in industry. Working in a number of sectors including manufacturing and engineering, and most recently as Finance Director for a wholesale, retail and ecommerce business. Joanna said she was looking forward to supporting the wide variety of individuals and business owners in the region.

“My industry experience should be of value to our clients because I’ve seen it from the other side and know what good service looks like, and what it’s like to be a client. Sometimes you are up against it and having the right level of support from a trusted advisor, and in practical accountancy terms, is invaluable,” she said She continued, “I see building trusting relationships with clients as an important part of my role, getting to understand their needs and requirements. “Larking Gowen is a respected and reputable business in the region, and I’m very pleased to be back with them.”

John Atkins, Lead Partner in the Business team in North Norfolk, said: “We’re delighted to see Joanna re-joining the firm, bringing with her a great depth of experience in our core services and beyond. “We’re committed to continuing to strengthen our offering across Norfolk, and Joanna is a very welcome addition to our team.” Managing Partner, Julie Grimmer, added: “I’m really pleased to welcome Joanna back to the firm. Client satisfaction is at the core of our values, and I am sure Joanna’s insight from her time in industry will enhance our service proposition to the business community.”

Jay Gosal has opened her first shop at 4 Quinton Parade, Coventry.

Experienced accountant Jay Gosal has opened her shop in Coventry – six months after joining the TaxAssist Accountants network.

CIMA-qualified Jay used the lockdown period to refit her shop and speak to her increasing number of clients online and on the phone.

“I am really pleased to finally have the shop open,” said Jay, “I have been able to work from home for the past six months, but it will make a huge difference to clients to see where I’m based and to be able to pop in and meet me in my premises.

“The shop provides me with a warm and welcoming environment in which to hold client meetings, although I’d like to reassure clients they can, of course, continue to call me or hold meetings online if they prefer.”

Jay is passionate about customer service and making a real difference to her clients’ businesses during these challenging times.

“Being a small business owner myself, I know and understand what clients are going through right now.

“As well as accountancy, I have valuable experience in retail and financial services and I spend time with clients supporting them to interpret financial and market insights to help them to deliver strategic and financial objectives. I want to help my clients to focus on ways to grow their business and make the most of any commercial opportunities available to them.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know my fellow business owners in my area and I’d encourage anyone interested in finding out more about our services to get in touch for a free initial consultation. We provide a comprehensive tax, accountancy and advisory service and can talk clients through a range of software solutions to help them select the right package for their needs.”

For more information about Jay’s services, please visit her website https://www.taxassist.co.uk/coventry-east or call on 0800 05 23 555.

Jay’s shop joins a network of 425 TaxAssist Accountants shops and offices right across the UK.

We are proud to announce our milestone achievement as the first Armed Forces charity to join the Institute of Employability Professionals (IEP) as a Corporate Affiliate Partner.

The IEP is an esteemed international membership body for employment professionals, recognised as the ‘Gold Standard’ of employment across the UK and globally.

Since its establishment in 2011, the IEP has grown to represent over 11,000 members worldwide, dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals facing societal disadvantages, such as ill health, disability, financial struggles, homelessness, and ex-offenders. By providing essential skills, knowledge, and resources, the IEP empowers these individuals to improve their employment prospects and secure fulfilling jobs.

All WWTW Employment Advisors (EAs) have joined as Members and Associates, showcasing their competencies by earning MOEP (Member of the Institute of Employability Professionals) and AIEP (Associate of the Institute of Employability Professionals) designations. Additionally, WWTW EAs now have access to a Career Professional Development (CPD) Learning and Development platform, ensuring they stay current with UK legislation and best practices.

This corporate membership significantly expands WWTW’s network, connecting the charity with business owners and employers of veterans across various sectors. Moreover, WWTW will spearhead veteran employment initiatives through the IEP.

Victoria Wales, Regional Operations Manager at WWTW, Fellow of the IEP, and IEP accredited GOLD AI in Employment holder, commented,“The IEP sets the gold standard for employment professionals. WWTW’s new partnership highlights our Employment team’s exceptional outcomes for veterans and their families, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality support services through comprehensive learning and development.”

Back row (l to r): David Hall, Ben Common, Adrian Fennell, Sam Freakley and James Allen; front row (seated) Sam Kingston, Hiedi Collis and Graham Jones.

East Anglian commercial property specialists, Roche Chartered Surveyors have announced a series of promotions at the Norwich-based firm.

Previously salaried Partners, Graham Jones, and David Hall have now taken the position as equity partners. Ben Common, part of Roche’s Agency team, and Sam Freakley from their Project and Building Consultancy team have been promoted to Senior Surveyors and Hiedi Collis takes on the role of Agency Surveyor.

The firm’s former Senior Partner and longest serving Partner, James Allen, has stepped down to become a consultant and will continue to act for his existing clients and deal with on-going instructions.

Roche’s Managing Partner, Sam Kingston, says: “These are very well deserved promotions which underline the strength of the Roche team across the whole firm. I am very pleased to welcome Graham and David as equity partners and Sam, Ben and Hiedi to their new roles and, in so doing, thank James for his outstanding contribution as partner, and welcome his on-going involvement as a consultant.”

For more information on Roche’s services and available properties please visit: https://www.rochesurveyors.co.uk/

A little over a year ago, in summer 2023, the Howden Norwich office opened its doors for the first time. Directors, James Monkhouse and Katherine Campbell, began the process of building their team and client base in this new and unique insurance broking service for the Norfolk area.

The experienced and enthusiastic insurance brokers couldn’t wait to start connecting with customers – both established and new­ – offering up a host of commercial and risk management services and insight to the local East Anglia community in and around Norfolk. So, now’s a great time to reflect on what’s happened for both the staff and the wide range of businesses partnering with Howden.

In this small window of time partnerships have thrived. Casual pop-ins from the curious have often developed into in-depth discussions on what we can do to help, which in turn have resulted in a host of happy, returning customers.  One of whom, The Thursford Collection, provided this welcome feedback.

“From the moment we engaged with James, Samantha, and the team, we were impressed by their dedication to understanding the unique needs of our business, ensuring that we received the best coverage at the most competitive rates. The team are responsive, approachable, and always ready to assist with any queries or concerns.

Thanks to Howden, Norwich, we feel confident that our business is comprehensively protected. We would recommend their services to any business seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and transparent insurance broker, with access to global markets combined with local and personable service.”

When I reflect on how we’ve become so much a part of the local community so quickly, I remind myself of all the ways in which Howden does insurance differently. The fact that we’re employee-owned means that customers are by no means simply a name on a file. We’re as invested in their success as much as our own. Clients can be assured our staff are here for the long-term, committed to the mutual success of our partnerships with them, and that their trusted advisors are genuine business stakeholders and decision makers.

Another great source of pride and something that I, never take for granted, is the next-level expertise and authentic friendliness of my team. They not only understand our best-in-class products and solutions inside-out but take the time to know the needs of the local enterprises who work with us. Whether that’s a bakery on a high street or a large factory unit on an industrial park, I know we can find insurance cover suitable for all. Our people all hold chartered qualifications or are in the process of working towards them, which reflects that they’re invested in a long-term future for Howden in Norfolk.

What does all of the above mean for our clients? On top of site visits so the team can get a real sense of the business environment and day-to-day operations, you also get to know the person at the end of a phone or email in a real-world sense. So, if a client has to make a claim, it’s not to a faceless voice – it’s to someone they know, and someone who cares.

Looking ahead to the coming year, there’s something that we as a team cannot wait to develop further, and that’s getting involved with the local community on a more granular level and exploring more ways to support charities in the area.  On the first point, we’re already working closely with the Chamber of Commerce, and on the charity side, this is very much team-led, with many suggestions for ways in which we can volunteer our time.

There have been so many achievements since opening, and what we at Howden Norwich sensed then is still so true – Norfolk is a wonderful and thriving community and a great place not just to “do business”, but tangibly contribute to the success and future of all the other businesses we’re so lucky to partner with.

If you’d like to find out more about Howden Norwich, visit howdenbroking.com/norwich

By James Monkhouse, Howden Norwich – Branch Director

A cancer diagnosis can be very hard to explain to a child. Whether it is the child going through treatment, a sibling or the parents themselves. Big C Cancer Charity has therefore launched a groundbreaking new programme of holistic care and support to offer children with a cancer diagnosis and their families.

Working in collaboration with the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), the local cancer charity has developed a support package, which can be accessed by anyone in the region. Whether the child is receiving treatment at NNUH, Addenbrookes or further afield, or they are affected by a family member going through a diagnosis, a new dedicated family support team is on hand to offer guidance and work with the family in whatever way is needed, including psychological support, counselling and play therapy. This complements the Teen and Young Adult (TYA) Group, which already enables young people affected by cancer to gain peer, emotional and practical support.

Thanks to the generous support of the Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC), a voluntary fundraising group which raises funds to support the work of Big C, a newly adapted area has been created at the Big C Centre in the grounds of the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. Offering a calm, child friendly space with sensory lighting, bean bags, a play station, toys, games, arts and crafts, it is an area for families to enjoy, away from the hospital environment in between treatment and appointments.

LILAC have also funded the role of an educational psychologist which is vital in helping children cope and in ensuring positive long-term adjustment to a cancer diagnosis. The educational psychologist has the expertise in engaging in holistic assessments of children and young people, creating a detailed profile of their strengths and needs both in terms of their learning and cognitive abilities as well as their emotional wellbeing.

Dr Melanie Pascale, director of charitable operations at Big C said “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer this unique service to families in Norfolk and surrounding counties. Cancer affects not just the patient, but the entire family, and through this new initiative at Big C, with the assistance and expertise of a dedicated educational psychologist, we will be able to offer emotional and practical support, to help navigate that difficult path.”

NNUH consultant Jo Ponnampalam said “The Paediatric Oncology team at the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital are delighted to hear that Big C Cancer Charity has extended its services to children with a cancer diagnosis and their families/carers. The family support programme will offer a great opportunity to further enhance the holistic support these children and families currently receive. They will be able to access other therapies like reflexology, massage etc that are currently not offered by the NHS; The Big C building offers a comfortable space away from where they receive their treatments, within the grounds of the hospital thereby making it convenient for children/families to visit as it is only steps away. We look forward to working with the Big C team to continue to provide a high-quality holistic service to our patient population.”

Sammy Adcock and her family are most complimentary about the new service now available to them “I am so grateful for this space that has opened at Big C, Norwich. The family support room is so welcoming with a variety of activities for children of all ages to be engaged with. This enabled me to have a lovely open conversation with support worker Emma without having to worry about the children. The ambience is so calming. Every aspect has been so well planned, from the complementing colours to the sound of the water feature coming through from the garden. It’s amazing and I can’t wait to come back!”

Service user, Ali Howell said “It’s been three years since my diagnosis, and Big C has been an incredible support for myself and my family. I’ve benefited from complementary therapy and counselling services, as well as access to a nurse for advice and to ask questions. This new family support service is so very needed in the county. The impact of a diagnosis has a profound impact on the whole family, and especially the children. The new service will provide a much-needed space for the children to gain the additional emotional support and processing space they need, as well as being a bridge to support their schools. And a place for families to be held and to access the support they need to navigate life with a cancer diagnosis.”

To find out more about the support Big C can offer families, please visit www.big-c.co.uk and search family support, call 0800 092 7640 or email [email protected].

Alex Sellers, founder and managing director of Blue Heron said: “We are super excited to be supporting Norwich City Women. We’re all great fans of football and in love with our fine city, so what better way to get involved! You will see us cheering from the sidelines and we can’t wait to meet everyone who is a part of this great football club.”

Eleanor Watson, commercial development manager at Norwich City, added: “From the moment I met with Alex, it was evident that there was an excellent match in principles between Blue Heron Training and Norwich City. Their lively enthusiasm for making an impact and assisting businesses reach their goals was unparalleled.

“As a newer entity in the area, their resolve to make a significant impact in their field has only grown stronger. We are thrilled to support them in reaching these goals moving forward and forging a long-lasting relationship.”

To find out more about Blue Heron, click HERE.