Member News

At Jennison Accounting, we know that most business owners don’t get excited about spreadsheets and financial reports (and honestly, who can blame you?). You want to understand how your business is performing, not get lost in a maze of numbers.

That’s exactly why we’ve started using Syft, a clever analytics tool that turns your financial data into easy-to-understand visuals, dashboards, and reports.

What is Syft?

Syft connects directly to your accounting software (like Xero or QuickBooks) and transforms your financial data into clear, interactive visuals. Think charts, graphs, and reports that actually make sense.

Instead of sifting through endless rows of figures, you can see what’s really happening in your business at a glance; what’s working, what’s not, and where your attention should be.

Why We Love It (and You Will Too)

1. It brings your numbers to life.
No more guessing what your profit margin really means. With Syft, you can instantly spot trends and patterns in your income, expenses, and cash flow.

2. It helps you make smarter decisions.
When you can see where your money’s coming from and where it’s going, you’re in a much stronger position to plan ahead, invest wisely, and grow with confidence.

3. It saves you time.
Syft automatically pulls and updates your financial data, so you’re always working with real-time information. That means less manual number crunching and more time running your business.

4. It makes collaboration easier.
We can use Syft during meetings to show you the bigger picture, visually. It’s a great way to make sure you understand your accounts, not just receive them.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

At Jennison Accounting, our goal isn’t just to handle your numbers; it’s to help you use them. With Syft, we can provide even clearer insights and help you make decisions that move your business forward.

So whether you’re curious about your profitability, want to spot upcoming cash flow gaps, or simply want to understand your finances without the jargon, Syft gives you the clarity and confidence to do it.

Syft is leading the way in AI reporting

One of the most exciting recent developments from Syft is its “AI-first” approach to financial reporting, powered by Syft Assist AI. Rather than simply turning your numbers into charts, Syft now uses AI to interpret the data – highlighting trends, drawing insights, and even recommending actions you might take. 

As the only AI-first financial reporting platform, you can ask Syft Assist to explain any graph or report in seconds, generate commentary across divisions or consolidated entities, and surface insights you might otherwise miss. As a bonus, there’s even a voice option: Syft can verbalise reports in over 50 languages through multiple narrator voices, making financial insight more accessible, whether you prefer reading or listening. 

Ready to See Your Business Differently?

If you’d like to find out how Syft can give you a clearer view of your business, get in touch with the team today.

As October rolls in and Halloween decorations start to appear, it’s a good time for businesses to reflect, not on ghosts in the attic, but on the “ghosts” of financial mistakes from the year so far.

Every business, no matter how successful, will encounter challenges. The key is learning from them before they haunt your next year’s performance.

Common Business Errors That Haunt Companies

Some of the most frequent missteps we see include:

Cashflow neglect: Waiting too long to monitor inflows and outflows can leave a business vulnerable.

Delayed financial planning: Ignoring forecasts or budgeting can turn minor issues into major problems.

Over-reliance on a single client or market: This can create risk when circumstances change.

Ignoring compliance or filing deadlines: Late accounts, tax filings, or statutory obligations can trigger fines and legal trouble.

How to Exorcise Your Financial Demons

Review and analyse: Take a candid look at what went wrong this year and why.

Plan ahead: Implement robust budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring systems.

Seek expert guidance: Insolvency and restructuring specialists can help identify early warning signs and strategies to prevent repeat mistakes.

Diversify and mitigate risk: Spread exposure across clients, products, or suppliers.

Turning Mistakes into Strengths

The mistakes of the past don’t have to haunt the future. By learning from them, directors can:

Improve financial resilience

Protect jobs and reputation

Build stronger, more adaptable businesses ready to face next year’s challenges

At Leading Business Services, we help businesses dig up the skeletons in their financial closet, plan for the future, and implement practical solutions. This Halloween, don’t let last year’s money ghosts haunt your business – exorcise them, learn from them, and rise stronger than a financial Frankenstein!

We’re Here When You’re Ready

At Leading, an experienced insolvency and business restructuring firm, we believe in having early, honest conversations, because the sooner we talk, the more options we can explore together.

If your business is experiencing financial stress, or you’re supporting a client who is, we’re here to help. We offer confidential, no-obligation guidance tailored to each situation.

We’re happy to speak directly with business owners, or work in partnership with accountants, HR professionals, or other advisers.

Let’s take the first step together, while there are still options on the table.

You can contact our friendly and experienced team on 01603 552028 or email us at [email protected].

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.”

We’re hosting a charity quiz night on Friday 24 October at the New Bury Community Centre in Bury St Edmunds.

You can enter a team of up to 6 people and it costs £30 per team. There will also be a raffle on the night.

The event will raise money for Just George, which is a special name fund at the Children’s Cancer Group (CCLG) raising money for research into rhabdomyosarcoma in memory of George.

Doors will open at 7pm, with the quiz starting at 7:30pm.

To take part in the fun, simply email [email protected].

Just last week we had confirmation from the Norfolk Trusted Trader scheme that we had been accepted after their in-depth audit of our company. It is a great pleasure to have been awarded this accreditation as it highlights to future clients that we stand up to Trading Standards strict guidelines.

So, feel free to get in touch with our small family-run business for all your garage door needs.

Nu Image takes on a 26.2 mile challenge across the Norfolk Broads in support of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation. Raising nearly £3,000 in the process.

On Friday 19th September, a team of nine from Norwich-based digital marketing agency, Nu Image, completed a 26.2 mile rowing challenge along the Norfolk Broads. Raising over £2,800 for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (NCCSF). The charity supports vulnerable groups in Norfolk’s community through a range of sport and social based programmes.

Nu Image chose this charity because the cause was especially close to the hearts of the team, with Nu Image’s Head of Digital, Emily, having a personal connection to the Realising Potential programme. The programme itself works to develop confidence, social skills, and career opportunities for young people and adults with physical or learning disabilities. The fundraiser, dubbed the Ma’ROW’thon, was inspired by NCCSF’s goal to bring the community together and help people achieve things they didn’t think possible. Somewhat similar to our mission here for SME businesses.

The Day Itself:

Setting off from Brundall Bay Marina at 8am, the team rowed in a Katakanu for more than nine hours, reaching their marathon goal just before sunset. Along the way, they battled sore arms, dehydration, and blazing sunshine but were cheered on by family, friends, and colleagues at various checkpoints.

“We weren’t sure we’d make it, even on the day,” said Ian Howes, the Director of Nu Image. “But the support and team spirit carried us through.”

The Impact:

The team exceeded their goal, rowing 26.45 miles in total and smashing their fundraising target. All proceeds go directly to NCCSF, which is self-funded and relies on events like this to continue its vital work across Norfolk.

All funds raised will go towards the NCCSF base, The Nest. This is a purpose-built community facility that delivers ongoing support through programmes, such as:

• Duncan’s Club, for people living with dementia

• Pan-Disability Football, inclusive training for players of all abilities

• Coffee and Comrades, bringing together veterans and serving personnel

Nu Image is now aiming to push donations over the £3,000 mark. Donations can be made via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nu-image-row-a-marathon

Why This Challenge Mattered:

“Teamwork, growth, and doing things people didn’t think they could do, that’s what this challenge was all about, and it aligns perfectly with how we work as a business,” said Emily, Director & Head of Digital at Nu Image “That made it even more meaningful for us.”

A special thanks to:
Local businesses Whitlingham Adventure and Norfolk Yacht Agency, who provided both the Katakanu vessel and support boat for the Ma’ROW’thon event. 

About Nu Image:

Nu Image is a Norwich-based agency known for their creative digital campaigns and community values. They offer web design, branding, and digital marketing services. Each year Nu Image puts on a big fundraiser to support local causes and this year’s event rowed straight into the heart of one of Norwich’s most vital charities. The team uses their creativity and collaboration to drive real world impact.

About Norwich City Community Sports Foundation:

The Norwich City Community Sports Foundation is the official charity of Norwich City Football Club. It provides inclusive sports, education, and personal development opportunities to people of all ages and abilities across Norfolk. Find out more here.

To learn more about the Ma’row’thon challenge, visit the Nu Image blog: https://www.nuimage.co.uk/an-oarsome-day-on-the-broads-for-a-brilliant-cause/

There is still time to donate to the cause. To donate, visit the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nu-image-row-a-marathon

We’re delighted to share that Pop Connect Norfolk successfully launched two new business networking groups in Norwich this September.

And our brand new Great Yarmouth group launches on 22nd October.

If you’re looking to grow your network and connect with like-minded business owners and consultants, we’d love to welcome you as a visitor to one of our groups.  

Visitors tickets are £30 and include tea/coffee and lunch.

To book your place, please contact me at [email protected] or call 07486 073844.

As summer draws to a close, many business leaders turn their attention to the final quarter of the year. Q4 can make or break annual results – particularly in sectors reliant on seasonal peaks, like retail, hospitality and professional services. But before the year-end push begins, it’s worth taking stock. A Q3 “reality check” can highlight both opportunities and risks, giving you the clarity needed to finish the year strong.

End-of-Summer Business Health Assessment

September is the ideal time to step back and review your company’s financial position:

·        Cashflow: Do you have the liquidity to handle upcoming seasonal costs such as stock, staffing or energy bills?

·        Debts and liabilities: Are loan repayments or tax deadlines looming?

·        Performance vs forecast: How close are you to hitting your annual targets?

Preparing for the Crucial Q4 Trading Period

The final quarter is often the busiest. Strong planning now can prevent stress later. Consider:

·        Stock and supply chain resilience

·        Workforce planning and overtime management

·        Marketing and sales campaigns to capture peak demand

·        Contingency plans for unexpected disruptions

Warning Signs to Watch

Certain red flags suggest a business may struggle to cope with year-end pressures:

·        Persistent cashflow shortages

·        Rising creditor pressure or overdue payments

·        Reliance on short-term loans to cover everyday costs

·        Falling margins despite stable or rising sales

At Leading Business Services, we advise directors to act early. A timely financial health check and professional guidance can help you address issues before they escalate, leaving you ready to tackle Q4 with confidence.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

At Leading, an experienced insolvency and business restructuring firm, we believe in having early, honest conversations — because the sooner we talk, the more options we can explore together.

If your business is experiencing financial stress, or you’re supporting a client who is, we’re here to help. We offer confidential, no-obligation guidance tailored to each situation.

We’re happy to speak directly with business owners, or work in partnership with accountants and advisers.

Let’s take the first step together — while there are still options on the table.

You can contact our friendly and experienced team on 01603 552028 or email us at [email protected].

Christmas comes around fast, and your customers will already be thinking about gifts, plans, and celebrations. If you want to stay front of mind, now’s the time to get your festive emails ready. Whether it’s a simple Merry Christmas message or a November campaign showcasing your products and services, the right newsletter keeps you connected with past and current customers. Done well, it feels personal, builds loyalty, and can even drive sales without adding to your to-do list.

In a sector where technical know-how often takes centre stage, the real differentiator for high-performance organisations is strong leadership and culture.

Energy Ignite is a structured, modular leadership and management development programme designed specifically for the energy sector (and its supply chains).

What is Energy Ignite?

Energy Ignite is an open course leadership and management training framework from Blue Heron Training. It’s tailored to meet the unique challenges of the energy industry, where processes, change, and safety are foundational but where employee engagement, communication, and leadership are equally critical.

There are two key programme tracks:

●      Management Spark — a 3-day programme for team leaders, supervisors, line managers, or those stepping into leadership for the first time.

●      Leadership Boost — a more advanced 3-day programme aimed at senior and middle managers who are tasked with driving change, culture, and performance.

Each course includes coaching, peer support, action planning, feedback, and follow-through elements.

Why It Matters for the Energy Sector

●      Subsidised pricing for the energy sector: Energy Ignite is offered at a reduced rate compared to standard leadership programmes, making it more accessible for energy businesses.

●      Bridging the skills gap: Many companies struggle to find, or develop, leaders who can combine technical excellence with people management. This training helps close that gap.

●      Transformative impact: Participants have credited the programmes with boosting confidence, motivation, and practical capability, leading to positive changes in team structure, communication, and workplace culture.

●      Scalable for growth: By building leadership capacity internally, organisations become better positioned for sustainable growth and change.

Dates

Management Spark

●      Wednesday 22nd October 2025

●      Wednesday 12th November 2025

●      Wednesday 03rd December 2025

Leadership Boost

●      Tuesday 21st October 2025

●      Tuesday 11th November 2025

●      Tuesday 02nd December 2025

Find out more

https://www.blueherontraining.com/ignite

Username: energy

Password: ignite

Enquire now https://www.blueherontraining.com/ignite/form

We’re excited to announce the upcoming Aviva Charity Gala, a special event dedicated to raising funds for Dementia UK . As part of this initiative, we’re inviting local businesses across Norfolk to contribute products, services, or experiences to our charity auction or raffle. In return, your business will receive: ✅ Promotion and recognition at the gala ✅ Exposure in event materials throughout the night ✅ A chance to align with a meaningful cause and connect with the local community   Whether it’s a luxury hamper, a weekend getaway, a unique experience, or a voucher for your services – your contribution will help us make a real impact.    Interested in getting involved or want to know more ? Please reach out to Disha Rai at [email protected] to discuss how your business can be part of this exciting event. Let’s come together to support a great cause and celebrate the power of community 

A new generation of aspiring accountants has joined Larking Gowen, one of East Anglia’s leading accountancy firms, to begin their professional training. On Monday, 1 September 2025, a group of enthusiastic new starters will begin their journey with the firm, marking another milestone in Larking Gowen’s long-standing commitment to developing future talent.

This year’s intake includes school leavers, university graduates, and placement year students, who will be based across the firm’s offices in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. They will be working towards qualifications in accountancy and taxation, alongside other specialist certifications.

Julie Grimmer, Managing Partner at Larking Gowen, commented, “It’s always a proud moment to welcome our new trainees. The profession continues to evolve, and we’re proud to offer a training environment that reflects both our long-standing values and innovation. Our programmes are designed to support long-term career development as well as professional qualifications and examinations.”

Julie added: “Our trainees benefit from hands-on experience, coaching and support from experienced professionals, and exposure to a wide range of sectors. We’re committed to helping them grow into confident, capable professionals who will shape the future of our firm and the wider industry.”

As Larking Gowen celebrates over 135 years of service, the arrival of this new cohort reinforces the firm’s dedication to investing in people and building careers that last.