Member News

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully secured Cultural Recovery Funding to support the ongoing work of Norwich Puppet Theatre – at its home base, in the community and online. The £84,750 will help us through the difficult Covid crisis period ahead, in which we have limited opportunities for live performance – but there will be some – and creative learning with schools and other bodies working with children is extremely difficult.  This grant will help us cope with the financial constraints of operating as a socially-distanced venue, exploring new work, making more material for on line working.

We have already built up a following for our on-line puppetry channel, and our films of Roald Dahl’s Revolting arhymes and Dirty Beasts have been made through this period of theatre darkness by a variety of puppeteers and artists. Do please have a look: there is so much to enjoy for all the family!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC90yGyJLmL04mep1vCnKm7w

This grant will help us follow through with more such work, like our development of a Pinocchio show in both live and on-line formats, for delivery sometime next year.

We feel this is terrific endorsement of our charity, our work and the art of puppetry!  Our venue is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced on Monday 12th October as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. “These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.” Chair of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, added: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”  #HereForCulture, #CulturalRecoveryFund, #WeMakeEvents, #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #KeepTheatreAlive Photo Credit for Norwich Puppet Theatre Andi Sapey Keep in touch with our work at https://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on

At M+A Partners, our team of private client tax specialists has developed a reputation for providing expert services when it comes to tax planning and compliance. We are therefore delighted to welcome Caroline Mills-Cooke to the team, as M+A Partners’ new Personal Tax Manager.

Caroline will be working with Senior Tax Manager, Emma Hunt, to continue to deliver tax services for high-net-worth individuals, large land estates and those clients with wide-ranging tax affairs.

Emma noted that “For private clients, there is a real need for professional tax advice, particularly within the current economic climate and with the increasing amount of complex and ever-changing legislation. Caroline brings with her a great deal of experience within the sector, having previously specialised in tax at a prominent Chartered Accountancy firm, followed by a senior position at a global tax and advisory firm.”

Caroline commented “M+A Partners is a well-established, highly regarded firm within the region and I am very much looking forward to working within such a friendly and knowledgeable team. This is a role in which I can put my previous experience into practice, providing a personal service that is tailored to each client’s priorities.”

Please click onto the document to read this week’s market summary.

Plans for the future of trade in Northern Ireland (NI) continue to emerge. Here’s the latest Import Export Support update, along with links to pages of particular interest to any business that trades through NI.

Trader support service The Institute for Export have introduced a Trader Support Service (TSS) to support businesses through the changes to Northern Ireland trade which take effect on 1 January 2021. The free-to-use service will provide guidance and training, a digital service to support declarations, and support from customs experts, delivered by the brand new Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy (NICTA) and funded by the Government. The service is open to traders, intermediaries and carriers moving goods into and out of Northern Ireland. To access the programme, you need to register your business. Register your business To apply you’ll need the usual business information to hand, including:

• VAT Number
• EORI Number

Once registered you can access free training either as a downloadable guide or a webinar. Currently there’s one webinar available ‘Introduction to Customs’. The first session was fully booked but there are more scheduled. Training info here More support in the form of guides and webinars is promised, so it could be worth bookmarking the page. How-to guides here There’s also a useful jargon buster to help you get a grip on all those awful terms and acronyms. Jargon buster here If you need any help or advice on imports or exports, please call me. Click here for our website

There is still time to book your place, and join MHA Larking Gowen and Howes Percival, as they collaborate to launch Norfolk Chamber of Commerce’s brand-new recovery programme of virtual events which support businesses to restart, rebuild and renew.

What options are available for businesses when the furlough scheme comes to an end? – Seminar – Recovery Programme

Thursday, 15 October, 2020 – 14:30 to 15:45

Matthew Potter, partner at Howes Percival and employment law expert, will discuss the end of furlough and taking employers through the options available, including the Job Support Scheme; agreeing on changes to terms and conditions of employment and redundancy.

Andrew Kelsall, partner at MHA Larking Gowen and an Insolvency Practitioner, will discuss the options available when facing financial difficulties and the implications of redundancies. Acting sooner rather than later can make the difference between recover and insolvency. 

Following the presentation, there will be a 20-minute live Q&A where Matthew and Andrew will answer your questions. Feel free to pre-submit any when registering.

Content / Takeaway

A first aid kit and guide for employers and businesses, looking at what their next steps should be on the road to recovery.

Book your place here

Judges praise “well deserved” win in competitive category.

TaxAssist Accountants has won ‘Best Franchisee Marketing Support’ at the Franchise Marketing Awards 2020, beating 11 other well-known, leading brands to the top spot.

The winning award entry emphasised the substantial financial investment the franchisor made to the brand awareness budget and the increased marketing support measures which have been put in place during the pandemic. These enhanced support features included a COVID-19 Business Support Hub on the website to share news, articles, Q&As, videos and webinars. It also included timely and increased social media posts and client guidance covering key Government announcements, with over a million emails in total sent to clients on behalf of the franchise network.

The entry also highlighted how it sets its network up for success by providing a suite of marketing initiatives including a national lead generation service, a centralised email service, national and local social media activity, local marketing advice and planning, TV and digital advertising and guides for pricing and profitability among many other initiatives.

The judging panel were very impressed with the levels of support, with Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the British Franchise Association, and one of the judges, describing the win as “well deserved”.

James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this prestigious award in a highly competitive category against other well-known and successful brands. This is a real reward for all of the fantastic teams at the Support Centre who have pulled out all the stops to maintain truly outstanding levels of marketing support through these unprecedented times.

“Our franchisees and their clients always come first in all that we do. We wanted to ensure our clients could access grants, funding and furloughing support quickly and have one less thing to worry about. Our franchisees were in huge demand by their clients and we stepped in to help with some of the support, with responsive and regular communications.  Being part of a franchise network really offered a layer of protection during these times and now we’ve enhanced our brand and reputation on the back of this hard work.  The award win is the icing on the cake.

“A key decision we made, as franchisor, was to reduce our franchisees’ marketing costs, but replace this with our own investment of over £100,000 from management service fees back into the brand awareness budgets.  This is likely to increase between now and the end of the year to continue driving new business to the network”.

The high level of marketing support was also reflected in TaxAssist Accountants’ recent National Client Satisfaction Survey, in which clients praised still being able to easily contact their accountants for help and guidance about how to access Government support and funding during the lockdown, whether it was using video meetings or calls.

If you are interested in finding out more about joining the TaxAssist Accountants network, we are holding regular Virtual Discovery Days were you can learn more about the business development and technical support on offer to help you build a substantial practice. Call 0800 018829 to find out more.

Uptech Ltd are dedicated to providing their clients with business solutions that meet their clients needs. They are also dedicated to providing their clients with the very best Cyber protection available.

To book your self in for a FREE Cyber Security Risk Assessment, normally valued at £149, Please contact [email protected], or call 01553 612212 and ask for James.

There is no obligation to purchase anything, however will provide advice on what, if anything needs to be changed. 

Please click onto the document to read this week’s Market Summary.

Adnan Tahir has recently opened a new walk-in tax and accountancy shop servicing the small business community in the Tradeston area of Glasgow.

Adnan had only just commenced trading when lockdown began, but is now looking forward to reaching out to those in his local area who are in need of expert business advice and support.

“The shop looks great, I’m so pleased with the final result which provides a warm, welcoming environment for me to meet with clients” said Adnan. “I’d encourage anyone interested in finding out more about our services to contact us for a free initial consultation – either face-to-face, by telephone or online.

“We provide a comprehensive tax, accountancy and advisory service to small businesses and can talk clients through a range of software solutions, to help them select the right package for their needs.”

A COVID-19 hub has been created on the TaxAssist website with all of the latest news and guidance, and clients are kept up-to-date via text messages, emails and webinars, explaining the latest government announcements and how it affects them.

For more information about Adnan’s services, please visit his website www.taxassist.co.uk/glasgow-tradeston

Adnan’s shop joins an established network of 387 TaxAssist Accountants shops and offices across the UK.

Lewis Wardale, an undergraduate in Natural Sciences at the UEA, has run 125 miles and a virtual marathon to raise over £2,700 by way of gratitude to a local cancer charity and fundraising group which awarded him a student bursary placement this summer.

Lewis was the recipient of the Lilac Ladies bursary via local cancer charity, Big C, which enabled him to spend eight weeks working with the cancer genetics team at Norwich Medical School under Daniel Brewer and with Sergio Llaneza-Lago, a Big C funded PhD student.

A passionate advocate of fitness, Lewis enjoys exercising at the gym, playing football and Parkrun. At the end of summer, Lewis decided to challenge himself and ran 125 miles, or an estimated 190 miles including the distance covered at football games, to raise vital funds for Big C as a thank for funding his summer placement. Last week, Lewis also ran the virtual London Marathon. Through these activities, he has raised an amazing £2743.00

Lewis said, “My experience with the cancer genetics team was so good, that I wanted to somehow repay the cost of my bursary as I wanted someone else to experience what I have. I am very grateful to those who have donated and helped me raise this and more. I would like to express a massive thank you to the LILAC Ladies and to Big C for the support they have given me. This experience has opened my eyes to what a career in cancer bioinformatics would look like. I absolutely loved it. I was really intrigued by the research that not only I was doing, but also the rest of the team. It has cemented by decision to do this for a career.”

Lewis was inspired into a career in cancer research after his grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma in 2017. Lewis said, “At first, I was devastated by this diagnosis, but we were soon reassured by the medical professionals that this type of cancer was one that stood the greatest probability of being cured. I was perplexed because by previous preconceptions told me there was no coming back from a stage 4 cancer. Sure enough, modern medicine helped my Grandma into remission. I couldn’t believe this miraculous recovery that she made from such an aggressive type of cancer. With a basic understanding of cancer biology at the time from Biology A-Level, I was eager to learn more about the specific mechanisms and mutations that constitute these stages and subtypes of cancer. I then knew that cancer research was a career pathway I wanted to pursue.”

Gaye Youngman from LILAC said “LILAC were delighted that through our fundraising we were able to give Lewis the opportunity to further his experience via this student bursary. As well as assisting with the work of the cancer genetics team it helped pave the way for his future career choices.”

To visit Lewis’s fundraising page, please go to

https://fundraise.big-c.co.uk/fundraising/fundraising-pages/run-125-miles-in-august/  

A man who adapted his Norwich-based family signage business to adapt to conditions under Covid-19 lockdown, has donated protective materials and directional signage for the retail shops of the local charity which supported his father before his death five years ago. Justin Watts, managing director of Signforce, which has its premises in Burton Close, Norwich, was forced to furlough all his staff and rapidly adapt the production of his signage company due to the coronavirus outbreak. Justin said, “We manufacture wholesale branded sign and display products for the sign, display and exhibition industry and experiential agencies, but when lockdown was announced, the events industry ground to a halt and this business disappeared overnight. To ensure continuity of the company, we needed to pivot our usual output and turn to producing PPE and protective equipment, graphics and Covid related signage for retail premises. Thankfully I have managed to now bring all my staff back into the business following furlough. “When my father was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and undergoing treatment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, he received fantastic support from the team at the Big C centre. It was a very difficult time, we ran the business together for 20 years before my father became ill and we were very close. The support and help Big C gave to us as a family before he sadly died, really made a difference and so when I heard that the charity was starting to reopen some of its shops, I wanted to take the opportunity to give-back and help by donating some of the protective equipment they required to make the stores Covid-safe.” Signforce has donated till screens and floor stickers worth £1,500 which will be used in Big C’s Fakenham, Beccles, Norwich Timberhill and Swaffham stores. Retail Team Manager, Danielle Day, said, “We are very grateful to Justin and Signforce for this very kind donation. Conditions are tough for charities currently and to receive this help towards opening our shops and generating income for the charity is welcomed and appreciated.” To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk  

Do you actively bid or tender for public contracts?  Could you improve your chances of success?  Are you confident across the various complex procurement procedures?  Would you like someone to ask?  Do you wish you knew how your Tender would be scored?  How valuable to you would this insight be before you submitted your Tender?

Specialist procurement support is available

Chris Cliffe, of CJC Procurement Ltd in Norwich, has 18 years’ experience of public sector procurement.  He has written and signed-off hundreds of procurement procedures and ITTs and has scored and evaluated thousands of Tenders.  Chris applies this experience in helping businesses beat their competition and to ensure their Tenders get a fair assessment.  Chris can help you improve your Tenders and improve your chances of winning public sector contracts!

How it Works

Whilst Chris can support you throughout the end to end bidding process, there are three specific points where external bid review services add most value. 

1. On receipt of the opportunity, Chris can support you by reviewing the procurement documentation and helping you interpret the questions and response requirements.  Chris can help you with clarification questions or even suggest response structures for questions.
2. Prior to the deadline for submission of your Tender, Chris can evaluate your draft Tender and indicatively score it and provide you with feedback, comments and suggestions on how to improve your Tender in the final days before submission.  This is the most popular service.
3. In the event of an unsuccessful bid, Chris can support you in assessing the feedback from the customer to determine whether your Tender has been fairly and objectively assessed, suggesting where improvements are required in future, or whether you have grounds for complaint or challenge.

Flexible Approach

As an independent procurement consultant, these services can be delivered flexibly to work with you and your bid writing processes and/or team.

Reviews can often be scheduled overnight, or over weekends to add maximum value whilst dovetailing with your business hours.

The services are charged at a fixed hourly rate, which can either be on a pay-as-you-use basis or on a retainer basis as appropriate, particularly where clients are keen to ensure their competitive edge over their competition and the service is exclusive for a single client on any given tender opportunity.

A Satisfied Customer

“I engaged Chris with some support as a “Critical Friend” on a large tender. Chris reviewed each stage of our tender submission and provided excellent feedback. His review included ensuring requirements were met, suggestions on how the customer could read or interpret answers and because of his experience & real understanding of public sector procurement he was able to provide exceptional direction for improvements. Chris always delivered on time and his report/feedback was presented to a high standard. Chris takes pride in his work and I found he went over and above what was asked of him on many occasions, he becomes part of your team and acts as one team with you. I would be happy to recommend Chris to any organisation.” Ciara McMillan, Account Director.

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Member Offer

CJC Procurement Ltd is happy to offer a 25% discount for all new customers who are members of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce!

Click here to schedule an Introduction Meeting directly or contact Chris via email at [email protected].

About Chris and CJC Procurement Ltd

Chris is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and is a Chartered Procurement Professional.  Chris is a Highly Commended Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors (IoD), East of England region and is the Procurement Ambassador for the IoD Norfolk branch.  CJC Procurement Ltd is a member of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce and has been appointed three years in succession to the Crown Commercial Service G-Cloud framework agreement.