The first week back after the Christmas break is always eventful. People need to blow the cobwebs from possibly an extended break and get back into the rhythm of things. The New Year is often when people make their resolutions that this year I AM going to learn French.
The focus this week has been on French language lessons and the introduction of today’s modern technology means that I can work with people all over the world. My clients are not just restricted to Norwich, Norfolk or even the UK. I have a client base as far away as China or, as in the case this week, Switzerland and Singapore.
The variety my work brings me means that my clients are also not just your typical GCSE or A-level students looking to bump up a grade but they include adults from all walks of life. I work with CEOs, working professionals, I have had senior clergy members, security specialists working in the middle east, people setting up their own business abroad and more. I have even coached a well know TV Presenter to help with their work abroad.
This week I have supported clients with:
Focus on the future and conditional tenses
Translation and writing skills
Vocabulary and grammar
Conversational approach to grammar by switching between English and French when needed
Pronunciation
A further 2 clients who are already almost fluent, benefit from the conversational style and this week we chose all manner of topics to cover from the festive period through to the geopolitical issues across the world.
If you are interested in support with the French language, whether that is language lessons, translations, support moving home in country, guidance for a business trip or anything else then contact me now for a no obligation, informal chat on 07930-444-078 or [email protected].
Managed cyber security services are often talked about as if everyone already knows what they are. Spoiler: most businesses don’t.
Firewalls, monitoring, alerts, response plans…it can all start to blur together very quickly.
In this article, we break down what managed cyber security services actually involve, what problems they’re designed to solve, and when they make sense for SMEs, including:
✅ What’s included (and what isn’t)
✅ The risks of “we’ve got antivirus, we’re fine”
✅ How managed services help without constant panic or complexity
Switching IT provider can feel a bit like changing a mechanic.
You know something isn’t quite right, but you’re not sure how painful the process will be.
You’re not alone. Many businesses stick with IT support that isn’t really working because they worry about disruption, downtime, or things breaking mid-switch.
In this article, we walk through what switching IT provider actually involves, including:
✅ Signs it might be time to move on
✅ What a good transition should look like
✅ How to switch without chaos, downtime, or awkward conversations
Choosing a business phone system can feel deceptively simple… right up until costs creep in, call quality drops, and everyone starts blaming “the phones”.
You’re not alone. Many SMEs pick a system that works for now, only to outgrow it fast, or discover it doesn’t quite play nicely with remote working, mobiles, or reality.
In this article, we share five practical tips to help you choose a business phone system that actually fits your business, covering things like:
✅ What to look for beyond price
✅ Common mistakes businesses make
✅ How to future-proof your setup without overcomplicating it
Cyber Essentials feeling a bit like one of those things you should understand… but don’t quite want to Google at 11pm?
You’re not alone. Many SMEs hear it mentioned in tenders, supplier checks, or insurance forms, without a clear idea of what it actually involves or whether it’s worth the effort.
In this article, we break down Cyber Essentials in plain English, covering things like:
✅ What Cyber Essentials actually protects
✅ Why more businesses are being asked for it
✅ How it helps reduce everyday cyber risks (without turning IT into a second job)
No scare tactics. No jargon. Just a practical guide to deciding whether Cyber Essentials makes sense for your business.
Did you know that wolves don’t actually howl at the moon? Despite countless images and stories linking their howling to the lunar cycle, this enduring myth has no scientific basis.
Wolves howl to communicate – assembling the pack, signaling territory, locating members, or coordinating hunts – and they do this during both day and night, regardlesss of the moon’s phase.
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
When Tim launched Voller Surveying Services Ltd, he was stepping into self-employment for the first time and with that came a steep learning curve.
“I had no experience of being self-employed as a limited company,” says Tim. “The complexities around self-assessment, taxation, dividends, invoicing, GDPR, and just generally running the financial side were a huge challenge.”
Like many business owners, Tim wanted to spend his time doing what he does best: growing his business and supporting clients, rather than getting bogged down in the admin and tax side of things.
The Solution
“Claire and her team handle all the accounting side of my business,” Tim explains. “Claire, Ruth and Danny are always friendly, professional and offer helpful advice or remind me when I need to do something!”
From managing accounts to providing ongoing guidance, the team’s proactive and approachable support has made it easier for Tim to stay on top of his finances while keeping his focus on the day-to-day running of his business.
The Experience
What stood out most to Tim was the team’s personal touch.
“They’re always approachable. They take the time to reply to all my many questions and respond promptly in a way that makes sense. I feel they genuinely care about my business and its success,” he says.
That genuine care and clear communication have given Tim the reassurance that his finances are in safe hands.
The Results
Since partnering with Jennison Accounting, Tim has seen a real difference:
Greater confidence in his business finances
More time to focus on surveying, quoting, and building client relationships
Tangible improvements in cash flow, time management, and clarity on finances
“All of the above, without question,” he says.
The Recommendation
Tim first came to Jennison Accounting on a friend’s recommendation, and he’s now more than happy to pass that advice on to others.
“I would highly recommend working with Jennison Accounting. They’ve been so valuable in helping my business over the last two years. I have confidence in their ability, which allows me to focus on the areas where I’m skilled to do so.”
At Brancaster House, we believe that financial planning isn’t just about securing your future – it’s also about helping build a stronger, more supportive community today. That’s why we’re so proud to sponsor Hethersett Athletic Juniors Football Team this season.
This one’s extra special for us because it’s close to home: our very own Shane Julian’s nephew plays for the team! Seeing young players grow in confidence, teamwork and resilience reminds us why community support matters so much…both on and off the pitch.
Why We Support Local Sport
Grassroots football is the heartbeat of so many Norfolk communities. It teaches kids teamwork, discipline, and confidence – values that mirror what we believe in as a business. Supporting local clubs helps keep that spirit alive, ensuring young players have the facilities, kits and opportunities they need to thrive.
We know that behind every match are the parents, coaches and volunteers who give up their weekends to make it happen, and we’re delighted to play a small part in helping those efforts continue.
Giving Back Across Norfolk
Our support doesn’t stop with football. Brancaster House is proud to stand behind other incredible local causes, including:
Old Catton Tigers – another fantastic youth football team we’ve proudly supported.
Priscilla Bacon Hospice – an organisation close to many hearts in our community, providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for Norfolk families.
We see these partnerships as more than just sponsorships. They’re investments in people, purpose and place – the same values that drive everything we do for our clients.
A Message to the Team
To the players, coaches, and families at Hethersett Athletic Juniors – we’re behind you every step of the way! Play hard, have fun, and remember that every pass, tackle and goal helps shape your future far beyond football.
Here’s to a great season ahead and to the power of community spirit in Norfolk!
As the nights draw in and the festive lights begin to twinkle across Norfolk, one thing’s for sure — Christmas is on its way! But if you’re thinking,“It’s already October… have we left it too late to plan our company Christmas party?”— don’t worry. The answer isno!
There’s still plenty of time to create a memorable, morale-boosting event for your team, and with a little help fromHuxley Events, your Christmas event can be smooth, stress-free, and one to remember!
Whether you’re envisioning afun-filled festive lunch with an afternoon of team building (think immersive CSI experiences or high energy Game Show), or anelegant evening party that sparkles with unique performers and vibrant musicians, Norwich and Norfolk has the perfect setting to make your end-of-year celebration one to remember.
? Daytime Festivities: Lunch and Team Building Fun
If your team would love to escape the office for a bit of festive cheer, aChristmas lunch followed by an interactive team activitycan be the perfect combination. Picture this: a hearty roast with all the trimmings, followed by a friendly competition that gets everyone laughing and working together.
Huxley Events can help you choose the perfectteam-building experience— from crime themed experiences and escape-style challenges to cocktail-making workshops or christmas themed gameshows!
Here are a few fantastic venues in Norfolk that are ideal for this kind of daytime celebration:
Barnham Broom– A sophisticated countryside hotel and golf resort, perfect for a relaxing lunch followed by team activities in the gorgeous Barford Suite
Norwich City Football Club (Carrow Road)– A brilliant option for everyone (whether you’re a sports fan or not), offering excellent event spaces and catering!
The Cosy Club– central located to Norwich and with a range of cosy spaces, this is the idea location for smaller groups, or those wanting an informal space.
The Norfolk Showground– With its expansive space, this is the go-to choice forlarge-scale corporate gatheringsor creative days that need plenty of room.
We are spoilt for choice with great venues and locations in Norwich, Norfolk and beyond! With Huxley Events managing the logistics — from venue coordination and entertainment to transport and décor — you can simply turn up and enjoy the day with your team.
✨ Evening Magic: Add a Touch of Sparkle to Your Christmas Party
Christmas evening event is the perfect way to celebrate the year’s achievements in style. And with the right theme and entertainment, it can be a truly unforgettable night.
Whether you fancy aWinter Wonderland party, aVegas style bash, or even a“Greatest Show”style celebration, Huxley Events can bring your ideas to life — complete with festive décor, live entertainment, DJs, magicians, musicians, catering and more.
? Why Choose Huxley Events?
Planning a Christmas event can feel daunting, especially as the year’s end approaches (plus we know how hard it can be to organise alongside your day job!) That’s whereHuxley Eventssteps in. With years of experience curating corporate celebrations across Norfolk and beyond, we take care of everything — fromvenue sourcing and creative designtocatering, entertainment, and on-the-day coordination and team to ensure the smooth running.
Whether you want a relaxed lunch and activity, or an all-out evening extravaganza, we’ll ensure every detail is perfect — so you can focus on enjoying the festivities with your team.
? Don’t Wait — Let’s Make It Happen!
So, if you’ve been putting off planning your company Christmas event, don’t panic — it’snot too late!With venues still available and Huxley Events ready to bring the festive flair, now’s the perfect time to get started.