Member News

The Brancaster House team temporarily traded tax efficiency for turbo slides as we took on the Inflatable 5K at the Norfolk Showground, raising money for Priscilla Bacon Hospice.

As independent financial advisers in Norfolk, we’re used to helping people navigate long-term plans, but nothing prepared us for the short-term shock of being launched headfirst into an oversized bouncy tunnel at 8.30am on a Saturday. Still, whether you’re managing market volatility or unexpected air-filled obstacles, resilience (and teamwork) always pays off.

Why We Did It And Why Priscilla Bacon Hospice Matters to Us

We’ve long been proud supporters of Priscilla Bacon Hospice. If you haven’t seen it yet, we wrote about exactly why here:

? 5 Reasons We Love Supporting Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity

Taking part in the Inflatable 5K brought those reasons to life:

• Team unity: Much like pension planning, inflatable obstacle courses require strategy, encouragement and sometimes pushing someone (gently) in the right direction.

• Community spirit: As a financial planning firm in Norwich, we’re committed to supporting the people and causes that make Norfolk special.

• Real impact: Every bounce, wobble and dramatic fall contributed to raising funds for vital end-of-life care.

What the Day Reminded Us

Whether you’re facing financial uncertainty or an inflatable slide that’s far steeper than it looked online, having the right support makes all the difference.

At Brancaster House Financial Planning, that’s what we’re here for; helping individuals and families across Norfolk feel more confident, more secure and more prepared for the future.

Want Help Getting Your Finances in Shape?

If you’re looking for:

• Financial advice in Norwich

• An independent financial adviser / advisor in Norfolk

• Or simply someone to help you understand your pensions, investments or retirement options…

We’d love to help…and no bouncy castle required.

? Book your financial healthcheck today

“We have been so impressed with Smash Marketing since we joined them less than 3 months ago! They’re professional, friendly, and very efficient—excited to see how they can help us grow in another year!” – Tara, Bright Beginnings Learning UK

From Page 8 to Page 1 in Just 3 Months! ?

Bright Beginnings Learning UK came to us with low website traffic and enquiries. With our strategic SEO approach, we helped them climb from page 8 to page 1 on Google—and now, they’re seeing real results!

Want to boost your rankings and get more leads? Smash Marketing has you covered. ??

The team at E-Screen are running two exclusive Digital Signage Demo Weeks, taking place 20-24 October and 24-28 November and we would love for you to join us!

Come along to our Great Yarmouth showroom and experience next-level communication, collaboration and engagement. 

Get hands-on with the latest:

  Digital Signage Displays: Discover how stunning visuals can grab attention, share updates instantly and make a lasting impression on customers and visitors.

  Interactive Touchscreens: Explore dynamic touchscreens that engage audiences, simplify communication and enhance experiences across any setting -from offices and events to hospitality and public spaces

  Video Conferencing Solutions: Experience seamless hybrid meetings that connect teams anywhere, with crystal-clear audio and lifelike 4K visuals.

It’s the perfect chance to explore, ask questions, and find the right digital solution for your business – all in one place, no pressure, just great technology, great people and great coffee at the ready!

Book your visit: 

Call us: 01493 543989

Email us: [email protected]

Visit Us: Unit 9, Brinell Way, Harfreys Industrial Estate, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0LU

Whether you want to wow customers, boost collaboration or power up your workspace, this is your chance to find the perfect digital solution for your business.

We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom!

We’re thrilled to congratulate Claire from East Cambridgeshire District Council on successfully passing her Transport Manager CPC!

Claire joined us this summer for our CILT-accredited Transport Manager CPC Course, and here’s what she had to say about the course:

“All CTS staff were very accommodating and friendly; I was made to feel very welcome. The high pass rate achieved by CTS learners gave me confidence, and the instructor Steve was engaging and supportive. It really felt like he wanted us to pass and that teaching is more than just a job for him.

Although there was a lot to take in, the small class size was advantageous because we could work at everyone’s pace and no one got left behind. The offer of extra tuition on weaker points was a valuable back up, but one that I did not have to take advantage of.

I am very proud of my achievement.”

Thanks for your kind words Claire, and congratulations again! We look forward to welcoming you back for your Transport Manager Refresher training in the future.

If you’re based in Wisbech or the surrounding areas and looking to advance your career in transport, logistics, or road haulage, our Transport Manager CPC course is designed for you.

✅ CILT accredited training course; an industry-recognised certification that opens career doors
✅ Expert instructors, like Steve, who bring real passion and support to the classroom
✅ Small group learning which encourages plenty of discussion and ensures no one gets left behind
✅ High pass rates and a proven track record of learner success
✅ Extra support when you need it with one-to-one help available for tricky topics

✅ Classroom based training at our training centre in Terrington St John, just outside Wisbech

Our CILT accredited Transport Manager CPC course in Wisbech is ideal for:

• Aspiring transport managers in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk
• Owner-operators looking to meet legal compliance requirements
• Logistics professionals who want to gain formal CPC qualification

Whether you’re stepping into a new role, boosting your compliance knowledge, or aiming to take your transport career to the next level – CTS is here to help you succeed.

Ready to become our next success story?

Our next Transport Manager CPC course is running on 11 days between the 20^th January and the 9^th February 2026, with exams on the 10^th February 2026. 

Find out more or book on 01945 880155 or email [email protected]

? Big news from the Smash Marketing team! Beks was recognised at the BNI Norfolk Awards Gala 2024/2025, winning the Director Consultant Award for the City Chapter. This award celebrates connection, collaboration, and helping businesses like yours grow through strong networks and shared success.

At Smash Marketing, it’s all about people, building relationships that make a real difference. So here’s to Beks, to the community, and to every business owner who shows up, supports others, and makes things happen.

? Congratulations, Beks!

Last Thursday, our team enjoyed a fantastic day at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce B2B event at the Norfolk Showground.

The day brought together a wide range of local businesses, all keen to connect, collaborate, and share ideas, and it was great to be part of such a vibrant community.

Meeting the Local Business Community

Our Partnership Manager Liam and Business Manager Claire were both there representing the firm and spoke with many business owners, advisers, and professionals from across Norfolk.

The event provided a brilliant opportunity to talk about how we support businesses facing financial challenges, as well as the positive impact of early advice when it comes to business recovery and restructuring.

Conversations throughout the day highlighted how valuable it is for local businesses to access practical, professional advice during uncertain times, whether for themselves or their clients.

A Touch of Friendly Competition

Our stand attracted plenty of visitors keen to enter our prize draw for a luxury Jarrolds hamper!

Everyone who stopped by and dropped their business card into the bowl was in with a chance to win, and the lucky winner will soon be announced on our socials.

A Great Day for Local Connections

The event was a reminder of the importance of community within Norfolk’s business landscape.

We’re proud to support and collaborate with local organisations through the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, helping to keep our business network strong, resilient, and ready for the future.

We’d like to thank everyone who came to see us, and we will soon be in touch with those we chatted to. You can also drop Liam an email at [email protected], if you’d like to continue any conversations!

Join us for our Christmas Jingle & Mingle Speed Networking Experience at The English Distillery in Roudham.

Get ready to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections at our Jingle & Mingle event, where holiday cheer meets professional networking!  Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, spark new collaborations, or just enjoy some seasonal fun, this BLN networking event is the perfect place to do it.

What to Expect:

Some fast-paced fun festive networking:  Rotate through quick, engaging conversations with fellow professionals.  Think speed dating, but for making meaningful business connections, all with a festive laugh!

Holiday-themed icebreakers:  From “Elf Yourself” intros to “Naughty or Nice” industry trends, we’re keeping it light, fun, and memorable.

Dress code:  Festive flair encouraged!  Ugly sweaters, sparkly accessories, or Santa hats – bring your holiday spirit!

The English Distillery have kindly offered to supply a complimentary tea or coffee to everyone attending, so come along, grab a cuppa, and enjoy a Christmassy catch-up with other Norfolk business owners.

Members are free, and non-members are £10 plus Eventbrite fees.

Places are limited, so to book your place head over to our Eventbrite page:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bln-december-2025-jingle-mingle-speed-networking-event-tickets-1795773620239?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

We had an amazing time in the Smash Marketing office on Friday, getting into the Do Blue spirit for World Mental Health Day! A big shout out to Mind Norfolk and Waveney and all the local companies participating.

By wearing blue, raising donations, and joining in the conversation, you’re helping shine a light on mental health and making sure no one faces it alone. Every bit of support counts, and seeing so many people get involved reminded us just how much we can do together.

Larking Gowen is pleased to announce its role as sell-side advisor to Dynamic Fluid Solutions Limited (DFS) in its successful acquisition by Vestum AB (publ), a Swedish-based group specialising in infrastructure services and products.

DFS, headquartered in Suffolk, is a leading UK supplier of industrial pump and pipework systems, primarily serving the water and wastewater sectors. DFS will now form part of Vestum’s Flow Technology segment.

With a strong reputation for bespoke pumping solutions and a high proportion of recurring rental revenue, DFS has become a trusted partner across a wide range of industries requiring water movement solutions.

The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Vestum into the UK market, positioning the group to benefit from significant upcoming infrastructure investments, including the UK’s AMP8 water investment programme and the development of Sizewell C nuclear power station.

Larking Gowen prepared the confidential sales documentation, financial model and acted as lead advisor on negotiations as well as supporting throughout the due diligence process.

“We are delighted to have advised the shareholders of DFS on this landmark transaction” said Jack Minns, Corporate Transactions Partner at Larking Gowen “The deal reflects the strength of DFS’s market position and the strategic value it brings to Vestum’s Flow Technology segment. It has been a pleasure working with the team at DFS and we wish them continued success as part of the Vestum group.”

Larking Gowen worked closely with Prettys Solicitors, based in Ipswich, who provided legal advisory services to the shareholders of DFS throughout the transaction.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside Larking Gowen on this transaction, supporting the shareholders of DFS through the legal aspects of the sale” remarked Daniel Bilson, a Partner at Prettys Solicitors “The collaborative approach between our teams ensured a smooth and efficient process, and we’re delighted to have played a part in helping DFS take this exciting next step.”

Ben Buckmaster and Luke Steward from Dynamic Fluid Solutions Limited added, “We’d like to express our sincere thanks to the Prettys team, led by Dan, and Larking Gowen’s Corporate Finance team, led by Jack, for their outstanding support throughout the sale of our business. Both teams were not only highly professional and knowledgeable, but also a real pleasure to work with.

They guided us through the process with clarity and calm, while helping to build a positive and constructive relationship with the buyer. The teams dovetailed extremely well, working seamlessly together to make the transaction as smooth and efficient as possible. Their dedication, responsiveness, and commitment to achieving the best outcome for us were evident throughout.

 We would absolutely work with them again in the future, and couldn’t recommend them more highly to any business going through the sale process.”

This deal underscores Larking Gowen’s continued commitment to supporting ambitious businesses in the industrial and infrastructure sectors, delivering expert advisory services across the full lifecycle of corporate transactions.

Minor head bumps are usually nothing to worry about and can be treated at home. However, sometimes we do need to seek medical help… I’ve written a blog which looks at this in more detail: Head Bumps – When to Worry and What to Do. Follow the link if you’d like to read https://www.firstclassfirstaidltd.co.uk/blog/head-bumps-when-to-worry-and-what-to-do/

Leeway is taking part in Big Give’s Women and Girls match fund campaign, and we need your support!

From the 8^th-15^th October, we are taking part in Big Give’s annual crowdfunding campaign to raise money to support the important work of Leeway’s Healthy Relationship service.

During this time, all money raised by supporters will be doubled by Big Give, helping participating organisations to have an even greater impact across their local communities.

We are raising money to support our Healthy Relationship service, which works with children and young people across Norfolk, raising awareness around domestic abuse and healthy relationships so they can flourish.

Your support will help us to reach more young people across Norfolk, as well as expanding the resources that we are able to provide to young people and professionals that work with them.

Why is this important?

We believe education around healthy relationships is important as it helps to break the cycle of domestic abuse, supporting young people to understand what they should expect as they start to form new relationships, as well as identifying trusted adults they can reach out to for support, when they are worried or concerned about their partners behaviour.

Our service also works with young people to challenge some of the attitudes and views that they may see on social media, which can shape their opinions on what constitutes a healthy relationship.

Research conducted by the Independent found that 8 in 10 teenage boys had watched content by the influencer Andrew Tate, who has described himself as “absolutely a misogynist.”

Further studies have shown that young people – particularly boys – have been heavily influenced by Tate’s content. Without being challenged, these views can become normalised or deemed acceptable.

GirlGuiding UK also shone a light on this issue, with their recent study showing that 1 in 10 girls aged 11-16 have missed school to avoid sexual harassment.

We believe that educating young people and challenging misogynistic views can help them to have a better understanding around healthy relationships and why they are important.

Supporting Our Campaign

When the campaign goes live at midday on Wednesday 8^th October, you can donate to support us on our Big Give page. This is then live until midday on Wednesday 15^th October, when all funds raised are doubled by Big Give.

Businesses and organisations can also support the campaign by donating to our Big Give page.

Leeway will be sharing social media posts about the campaign throughout the week and any shares or reposts are hugely appreciated, helping us to get as much support as possible!

What our service users said…

“My leeway worker was absolutely amazing from the first time I met her. She has helped me through the no doubt toughest time of my life and was by my side through out all of it, she is the kindest person I know thank you Leeway I would not be where I am today without you.”

“My Leeway worker was extremely understanding and helped me through my issues in relationships and learning how to be more healthy.”

“My leeway worker was excellent, she tailored the sessions to my needs and together we managed to find all of the keys problems I was having and why I was having them. She was also very engaging and helped me to understand why the problems were present too.” 

Banham Zoo is proud to announce a truly historic conservation milestone – the first-ever birth of a Linne’s two-toed sloth at the zoo, which took place on Sunday, 7th September 2025.

Our much-loved female sloth, Rowan, has welcomed her very first youngster with partner Arlo, marking an unforgettable moment for the pair as new parents and a landmark event for Banham Zoo.

Both mother and pup are thriving, with our expert animal care team carefully monitoring their progress while ensuring they enjoy the quiet space they need to bond. Visitors may be lucky enough to see the newborn clinging tightly to Rowan’s belly, a tender behaviour that showcases the remarkable bond between sloth mothers and their young.

This birth is more than just a heartwarming moment; it’s a conservation success story, underlining the crucial role modern zoos play in protecting species, inspiring visitors, and supporting global conservation efforts.

Adding to the excitement, the sloth pup isn’t the only new arrival at Banham Zoo. Recently, our red panda twins have begun venturing out of their nest, delighting visitors with their first playful explorations.

With both a historic sloth birth and red panda cubs to see, now is a truly special time to visit Banham Zoo and witness the wonders of new life in the animal kingdom.

Deborah Harris, Animal Manager at Banham Zoo, said, ‘It’s such an achievement to have our first baby sloth here at the zoo! The youngster is absolutely adorable and has stolen the hearts of keepers and visitors alike. So far, Rowan has proven to be a fantastic first-time mum, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.’

For more updates on Rowan, Arlo, their youngster, and the red panda twins, follow Banham Zoo on social media or visit our website.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to see the new arrival over the October half term!

www.banhamzoo.co.uk