Member News

Associated British Ports (‘ABP’) has seen timber volumes double this year at the Port of King’s Lynn, as the demand in the U.K. has increased for timber for  use in  construction, manufacturing and DIY, such as home offices, decking, home and garden improvements. Typically imported from Sweden, Finland and Latvia, over 88,800 tonnes of timber have been handled by ABP’s Port of King’s Lynn, which is more than twice the quantity that was handled in the first half of 2020.

The port handles a diverse mix of imports and exports, including forest products, minerals, aggregates, fertilisers, scrap metal and various types of grain. Grain is both imported and exported, depending on the quality of both the UK and European harvests, but the trend in rising timber volumes is estimated to continue with demand.

ABP is investing circa £1.25 million in new undercover storage provisions for forest products, a Dutch Barn storage facility, which will be finished later this year. Over the last few years, ABP has regularly made large investments in the infrastructure of the port, completing the installation of new lock gates this year, and investing over £3 million in a new crane and other equipment in 2017. ABP has also recently invested in surfacing improvements for timber, demolished redundant and time-expired warehousing, and replaced a number of pieces of handling equipment, as well as introducing new access control arrangements.

Kim Kennedy, Port Manager for King’s Lynn, Associated British Ports, said:

“We are delighted to be having the busiest year that we’ve had for some years. Everyone has been brilliant in their attitude of coming to work and adapting to the challenges and conditions of the last 15 months, completing the safe and ‘Covid-secure’ loading and discharging of approximately 200 ships during this period.”

Not only are timber volumes likely to continue, but if the predictions for warmer weather are correct, then the wheat harvest in the UK should mean that the port will far exceed the estimate of handling 450,000 tonnes of cargo for the year. Working tirelessly towards ABP’s mission of “Keeping Britain Trading”, the Port of King’s Lynn continues its commitment to support the recovery of the UK economy, and the variety of industries in which ABP’s customers are involved.

Newcastle Falcons professional rugby player Sam Lockwood has been appointed Head of Rugby at Langley School in Norfolk.

Sam currently plays at Premiership side Newcastle Falcons and has been with the top flight club for five years. His career includes a coveted England Students cap, which he gained when playing for Yorkshire Carnegie while at Leeds Met University.

As of September 2021, Sam will be Head of Rugby and Head of Boys’ Boarding at Langley’s Senior School campus in Loddon, while his wife Charlotte will be teaching in the Pre-Prep at the Langley Prep campus in Taverham.

Langley Headmaster Jon Perriss comments, “Rugby is one of our major sports and we know that Sam will bring an incredible amount of experience and expertise to the school. We have no doubt that he will also be a role model and true leader in our boarding community. It’s an exciting time and we very much look forward to welcoming Sam and Charlotte into the Langley family.”

Langley is a partner school for Leicester Tigers.

That’s right, BDH Tullford is giving your business the chance to win 10 TM85 foil pavement signs, plus artwork and delivery – a package worth more than £500.*   Robust and hard-wearing, our pavement signs are designed to attract attention on busy streets and in store. Plus, our expert graphics team can help you create eye-catching designs that are guaranteed to stop your customers in their tracks!   Want to be in with a chance of winning?   Simply head on over to our website, where you’ll be able to find all the details.   Enter now!     *Terms apply

A multidisciplinary team from Ashtons Legal have recently assisted leading Suffolk insurance broker, Ryan Insurance (Ryan’s), and their Chairman Tim Ryan in the sale of the business to London-based insurance and risk management business, Seventeen Group.

Ryan Insurance was formed in 1975 and as a UK top 100 broker handles over £12m of both personal and business insurance premiums. They employ over 50 staff at Crane House on Ipswich’s main route into the town, London Road.

Ryan’s will form part of James Hallam, Seventeen Group’s broking subsidiary and will continue to trade under the Ryan’s brand. Tim Ryan will now focus on his other interests with Directors Robin Belsom and Tim Larke remaining to lead the business.

Advising on the sale was Paul Whittingham, Craig Fiddaman and Faye Power from Ashtons’ Corporate and Commercial Team. They were ably assisted by Simon Burnip in Commercial Property and Colin Makin and Emily Dixon from the firm’s Employment Law Team.

Paul Whittingham said: “Ryan Insurance is a well respected Suffolk business which has just moved into its next phase with the sale to Seventeen Group. We really enjoyed working with Tim and his team to help bring this about and wish the business every success in the future.”

Tim Ryan adds: “From the beginning of the sales process, it was important for the shareholders to have good quality advice that helped us understand the contractual elements of the deal. Ashtons put a team together that managed our expectations well and simplified the language so we could make key decisions. All in all, they made the sale a more pleasant and manageable experience.”

The gift of time, flexibility, and balance are some of the benefits people have enjoyed during the last year.

In contrast, childcare, communication, and IT were the biggest challenges as we adapted to a world of work that looked very different.

The Engaging People Company wanted to find out what it was like for people working during a pandemic – what was good, and less good, and what could be taken forward into a post-Covid world.

As well as hearing about benefits and challenges, there were some great examples of employee engagement shared too. Around communications, appreciation, social engagement, and wellbeing. For example, one employer offered unexpected incentives like free takeaways.

Looking ahead, people want continued flexibility, from their organisation, along with technical tools and engagement and communications. From managers, things such as mental health support, communications and trust are important.

Some people decided to change their career aspirations as a result of the pandemic – for reasons such as pursuing a new purpose or spending more time with family.

Director Michelle Gant said: “Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts so openly. The survey offered some great ideas but it’s just a toe dip in the water.

“What matters is that employers ask their people: find out what matters to them, what they need, then listen, and respond accordingly. And keep asking. Because people’s views change – especially as society starts opening up more. Keep listening. Keep responding. Employee engagement, it’s not a one-off thing. It’s an ongoing journey. 

“Rather like the last year.”

Read the full report here.

Process Instruments have launched a brand new website!

After over a year in the making our new website has launched. Our priority when building & designing this site was to keep the customer in mind.  On the new site you will find a completely new structure that optimizes the user experience and journey. Ensuring that relevant content is accessed in as few clicks as possible.  Streamlined navigation provides easy access to site pages & search, contact information, social media links & our new PI Toolbox feature. 

Visit our website & check out all the new features. 

Process instruments are delighted to work with British Sugar on a recent application to upgrade their Chemical clean-in-place (CIP) system. This allows the heaters to be cleaned automatically with the press of a button, using the latest technology to increase efficiencies across site.

Process instruments provided flow meters, pressure transmitters & temperature transmitters for this project.

We have provided onsite commissioning assistance via our service team and all data and programming has been managed by Siemens Process Device Manager (PDM).

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED BY PROCESS INSTRUMENTS

• Siemens SITRANS FM 3100 Magnetic flowmeter with MAG 5000 transmitters with HART
• Siemens SITRANS P300 & P320 pressure and differential pressure transmitters with HART
• Siemens SITRANS TS500 temperature sensors with flanged thermowells and SITRANS TH320 in head HART temperature transmitters

2020 programme supported more than 160 local businesses and reported a 90% satisfaction rate.

A peer networks scheme which has already supported more than 160 local businesses and proved hugely popular is to continue into its second year, New Anglia Growth Hub has announced.

The national initiative is designed for SME leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success and is funded by Government through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

New Anglia Growth Hub is now to offer the programme to more than 200 eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis between Summer 2021 and Spring 2022.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be in the process of recruiting again for a second year of the Peer Networks Programme,” says New Anglia Growth Hub Manager Samantha Vinyard-Jones. “It has been wonderful to watch the programme progress over the past year and to the impact the sessions have had on this year’s participants”.  

Businesses who are eligible to apply must have operated for at least a year, have at least five employees, a turnover of at least £100,000.00 and an aspiration to improve.

Former participant Patrick Baker of E J Baker & Sons said: “I would wholeheartedly recommend this programme to anyone who just has an interest in bettering themselves and improving their business.”

Christopher Melsa of School’s Out Activities Ltd added: “I would recommend the Peer Networks Programme to anyone who is in their business, has got day-to-day challenges, wants some guidance and someone to speak to.

“It gives you a chance to step back, re-evaluate, see where you are and where you are going. As shown with the past year, things can change so drastically quickly. So, this programme does not only help you but makes you a better businessperson for sure.”

Enrolling in a programme led by New Anglia Growth Hub is also a great way to stay up to date with hundreds of free business support services. Throughout the programme, participants are frequently provided with updated information around new grants, finance assistance, upcoming events and other specialist advice.

“We are delighted to be supporting more SME business leaders across Norfolk and Suffolk and excited to see the power of the Peer Support once more,” said Senior Programme Coordinator Grace Harrison. “For business leaders to say that they ‘no longer feel alone’ after joining the programme was an incredible testament to the programme itself and the calibre of the business consultants leading the sessions.”

“This is an incredible initiative and growth opportunity for local businesses, and I strongly advise any SMEs who are eligible to express an interest through our online form before spaces fill up.”

To find out how your business can sign up, go to https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/peer-network-programme/ or call 0300 333 6536.

A leading independent East Anglian insurance broker has been acquired by Ethos Broking via its regional hub, the Norwich and Bury St Edmunds based Hugh J Boswell Group.   Drayton Insurance Services was established in 1997 by Susan Howard and Darren Walsgrove.    It grew through expansions and acquisitions to become one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the region, with offices in Drayton, Aylsham, Poringland and Ipswich.   The sale was handled by accountancy and advisory firm Larking Gowen alongside legal firm Howes Percival.   James Lay, Corporate Transactions and Business Advisory Partner at Larking Gowen who led the sale, said: “Drayton is a well-established and reputable insurance firm. Sue and Darren have done a fantastic job in building a highly successful business which has become one of the largest independent insurance brokers in the region.   “It was a pleasure to support them through the process to a successful sale. This deal illustrates the demand we are seeing first-hand in the eastern region for quality businesses and the highly active marketplace for private business sales.”   Will Gibbs, Corporate Transactions Senior Executive at Larking Gowen, added: “Acting as the main transaction adviser, it was great to support Susan and Darren throughout the entire process. Having prepared the business for sale, we reviewed the potential tax implications.   “We then approached a select shortlist of prospective buyers, negotiated the best deal, and assisted through due diligence to completion.”   The Howes Percival team, led by Oliver Pritchard with support from Richard Turner and Helaina Mann, advised the shareholders on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company. Howes Percival’s role encompassed the entire legal transaction including helping to negotiate the heads of terms, due diligence support from specialists within the firm’s property, tax and employment teams, negotiating the detailed legal terms of the sale and overseeing completion.     Oliver Pritchard commented: “Following on from an incredibly busy first quarter in 2021, in which our corporate, commercial, and banking team completed 32 deals, with a combined value of £263 million, we continue to see an extremely high volume of transactions.     “There is strong demand from trade and institutional buyers for profitable, well-managed businesses.  Drayton Insurance Services ticks all the boxes, with a great management team, a strong brand reputation and sustained profitable growth. We are delighted to have worked with the founders Sue and Darren, to help them achieve a successful sale of the business.  Both intend to remain in the business following the sale, and I am sure it will go from strength to strength as part of the Hugh J Boswell Group.”

Plain Speaking PR is looking for an experienced PR account manager who is ready for the next step in their career and wants to join an ambitious, quality-driven and enthusiastic team.

Plain Speaking PR is well-established, award-winning, specialist PR and communications agency, working with clients across the UK.  With a home-based, flexible working model the company prides itself on its nimble and uncluttered approach. 

“We are passionate about the power of ‘proper’ professional public relations and we always aim to deliver outstanding results and value for money for our clients,” says Pippa Lain-Smith, founder and managing director of Plain Speaking PR. “The person who joins us will be responsible for developing, managing and evaluating integrated PR campaigns across traditional, digital and social platforms.   From copywriting to event planning; media relations to social media management; community relations to influencer engagement: they’ll be committed to delivering excellence across all areas of the PR mix.”

“We work across a wide range of sectors, including: retail and leisure; tourism and hospitality; arts and entertainment; manufacturing and business services; charity and non-profit; financial planning and property development.  No two days are the same and our creative juices are always flowing. We strongly believe PR has the power to make a positive difference to businesses, individuals and communities and we love bringing great people together to make fantastic things happen.”

Due to recent client wins, there is now the opportunity for the right person to join the Plain Speaking PR team and help grow the agency.

Plain Speaking PR moved away from a traditional office more than five years ago: all team members now work from home offices.  “Whilst we may not be in the same place every day, we believe remote working makes us stronger as a team,” continues Pippa Lain-Smith.  “We make time to talk and to socialise and support each other both professionally and personally.”

To read the full job description and find out how to apply, visit Plain Speaking PR is recruiting – Plain Speaking PR (plainspeakingagency.co.uk)

First Intuition, the award-winning accountancy training provider, has launched a new package of resources aimed at young people looking for work and entering the workplace for the first time. The FREE ‘Employability Skills‘ consist of a combination of original content and links to external resources. These are aimed at filling some of the skills gaps in young adults caused by the reduction in work experience, part-time jobs, and opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities since the start of the pandemic.

Despite feedback that employers are seeing both a higher volume and calibre of applicants than ever before in entry level recruitment for Autumn 2021. There are concerning indications that whilst academic ability seems as strong as ever, there is evidence of ‘COVID skills gaps’ in areas that have impacted young adult’s preparedness for the workplace. These skills gaps have come as a result of schools having had to squeeze their curriculum and cut careers resources during the pandemic. They include minimal experience taking formal exams, loss of social and interpersonal skills, trouble articulating and evidencing transferable skills, and lack of interview preparation.

With first-class attention to student care through its accountancy courses, apprenticeship programmes, and skills development training, First Intuition is well placed to provide its expertise on employability skills to help young adults into the workplace. The Employability Skills resources have been curated using a combination of links to external information and original content created by First Intuition. Including helpful tips for CV writing, interview preparation, what to wear on a first day, and ensuring optimal online presence.

From finding the right career to making a good impression on a first day, the resources can help in all aspects of finding a job and are relevant to anyone starting or applying to most roles, not just in finance. They even cover topics that are often not included in careers workshops, including what to look out for in your contract of employment, salary negotiations, and office etiquette and professional behaviour.

Find the Employability Skills resources here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/finding-a-job-employability-skills/

Read more information about COVID skills gaps and recruiting the ‘COVID generation here: https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/recruitment-of-the-covid-generation-fitt-forum-2/,

Steeles Law is delighted to announce staff promotions to partnership level effective as of 1st June 2021.

In welcoming Karen, Damian and Sally as partners within the firm, Steeles Law celebrates the largest promotions of new partners in the company since 2015.

Karen Bacon, Wills, Trusts and Probate Chartered Legal Executive has been with the firm for over 20 years, is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Ranked in the Legal 500 as an elite individual, Karen is praised as ‘always available, very professional and approachable.

Damian Pitts, Dispute Litigation Solicitor joined the firm in 2018 and is recommended in the Legal 500 as being “bright and thorough”.

Sally joined Steeles Law in 2019, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in the family law legal sector. Sally is a member of Resolution and a Law Society Accredited Family Law specialist. She is a trained collaborative lawyer and a member of The Good Divorce Group. A recommended lawyer in the Legal 500, Sally is praised for being ‘sharp and highly experienced, and a pleasure to work with’.

Oliver Brabbins, Managing Partner commented on the promotions ‘I am delighted to welcome Karen, Damian and Sally to the senior management team, as senior lawyers they are proving to be crucial players in the business development of Steeles Law.

To establish a clear pathway to becoming a partner, we will also be introducing the positions of Associate and Senior Associate which will allow us to clearly articulate the “pathway to progression” within Steeles. Even in these uncertain times, the business has experienced growth this year and we continue to drive forward with our ambitious plans for team development and expansion of our legal services’ . 

On the announcement, Damian Pitts said, ‘I am delighted to join the partnership and look forward to being involved in the business development of the firm’.

For more information about services provided by Steeles Law please visit steeleslaw.co.uk.