Mrs J and her partner wanted to buy their council property under the Right to Buy scheme.
The adviser they went to last year realised that the second applicant had a couple of CCJs (County Court Judgements) so approached a specialist lender.
Their application was declined due to perceived rent arrears.
Jayne explained our approach: “Due to the low amount they wanted to borrow in relation to the property value, and their income, and the fact the rent was up-to-date along with all CCJs being satisfied, I researched options with mainstream lenders.
“I submitted a decision in principle with a lender, which although declined, I appealed as it was only just outside their advertised lending criteria. The appeal was successful!
“Getting their mortgage with a mainstream lender has meant an interest rate of 4.30% fixed for 2 years. When they were originally looking it was 7.14% fixed for 2 years!
Let’s just say the client are very happy with the outcome.”
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KLM UK Engineering were delighted to support Catton Grove Primary who entered the Region event for the Greenpower goblin racing at Scottow Park, Coltishall. After a gruelling morning of sprint and time trials the Catton Grove cars (called Killa KLM and Catton Groove) began heats for the big final. The first heat ended in controversy with a car bumping Catton Groove off the track taking one of our cars out of the race. However, in another heat Killa KLM took first place and progressed to the semi finals. The semi final was very close but yet again Killa KLM raced its way into the final with an excellent drive from Kye, 9 year old. The final was over 4 laps of the course – Killa KLM had a great start and took the lead early on – Milan, a year 5 student from Catton Grove Primary as well as the team captain led the race from then on and won the final comfortably! The Catton Grove team have learnt everything from the expertise of Glenn Wilkin from KLM UK Engineering who has become a superstar at Catton Grove. Glenn has taught the children about the mechanics and upkeep of the car as well as aerodynamics, friction and all other race winning elements. A great engineering working partnership!
Boadicea®, the brand new, excitingly unique gin is set to make its official launch this coming June.
Hand crafted in East Anglia, Boadicea Gin is distilled from Royal Norfolk barley. The unique finish comes from a sumptuous recipe of ancient botanicals.
East Anglia is the land of the Iceni, the ancient British tribe led by Warrior Queen Boadicea, famed for her uprising against Roman rule in the first century.
Official launch dates and venues Fittingly, the soft launch of the new gin will take place at Caistor Hall Hotel in Norwich on June 22nd (by invitation). Built in 1797, the hotel is situated in the village of Caistor St Edmund, previously known as Venta Icenorum and founded during the AD 60s during Queen Boadicea’s reign. The official launch will be held at the Royal Norfolk Show which opens to the public from 27th to 28th June. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and buy Boadicea Gin as well as sample a taste of a delectable Boadicea® Sapphire Martini, a refreshing cocktail.Sapphire blue in colour, the cocktail perfectly complements the dashing blue of the Boadicea® bottle.
Boadicea Gin is the creation of husband and wife team Matt and Steph Brown, the people behind Wild Knight® English Vodka and Nelson’s Gold®, two successful premium spirit brands that, like Boadicea Gin, have close connections with the East Anglia region. “The blue bottle is a fitting tribute to Queen Boadicea” Speaking for both of them, Steph says: “Boadicea Gin came about as we saw an opportunity to create something really special which ties in perfectly with our part of the country. We are distilling it using Norfolk barley as a base and infusing it with delicious botanicals like nettle, which dates back to Iceni times.”
On the subject of the dynamic blue bottle, Steph is keen to elaborate on the story behind Boadicea Gin. “In Iceni times, Caesar the Roman invader, wrote that the Britons ‘dye their bodies with woad which produces a blue colour’. So we decided to colour our bottles blue in a fitting tribute to Boadicea, head of the Iceni tribe.” Boadicea Gin is perfect sipped at room temperature, blended with the finest tonic and served over ice, or mixed into a fittingly sophisticated cocktail.
Attleborough based renewable heating expert Finn Geotherm, has met Mid-Norfolk MP, George Freeman to discuss the enormous opportunities for heating homes across the county and beyond using low carbon renewable energy, which can also substantially reduce energy bills.
The meeting took place at Orchard Close in Watton, an affordable housing scheme built by Flagship Group, where Finn Geotherm has installed an award-winning district heating scheme using ground source heat pump technology. The scheme has cut energy bills for tenants by two-thirds and carbon emissions from heating and hot water by three-quarters.
Guy Ransom, commercial director at Finn Geotherm, said: “It was very useful to be able to show George Freeman what can be achieved using heat pump technology. Heat pumps could not only go a long way towards helping the government achieve its Clean Growth Strategy, but also in saving consumers money on their heating bills, particularly in rural areas such as Norfolk where ‘conventional’ heating choices are limited.”
George Freeman MP, said: “Can we reduce household heating costs, reduce carbon and grow our local economy? Yes, and the answer is here in Norfolk. Finn Geotherm is providing a heat exchange system that dramatically reduces household costs. That’s world class innovation, pioneered in Norfolk, creating jobs in Norfolk, and improving the quality of life for all of us here in Norfolk.”
Guy Ransom added: “The dual ogres of fuel poverty and high carbon emissions caused by outdated heating systems remain a huge problem throughout the UK, and particularly for the social housing stock of rural areas such as East Anglia. These problems can however be solved via the use of ground source heat pumps, a tried and tested, highly efficient technology.
“We are calling on the government to grasp the extent to which heat pump systems are a huge part of the solution to solving our fuel poverty and carbon emission problems.”
For information on ground and air source heat pumps and Finn Geotherm, visit www.finn-geotherm.co.uk.
One week to go! In less than a week, the Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition kicks off – and we’re so excited to be part of it!
What to expect?
– Expert marketing insights
– Networking with top local businesses
– Fresh strategies to grow your brand
Where? Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition
When? 26th March 2025
Grab your tickets now!
If you’re attending, make sure to pop by and say hello – we’d love to meet you! Let’s talk all things marketing, growth, and smashing success together.
Entrepreneurs in the county are now able to realise their business dream, thanks to ‘Enterprise Norfolk’, an exciting new support project for business start-ups. The programmeoffers practical help and support to anyone wanting to start new businesses in the county.
Enterprise Norfolk is led by Norfolk County Council with an investment of £400K over 2 years, working with Norfolk’s district, borough and city council partners. The aim is to help local residents realise their business potential and to create 150 new sustainable businesses in each year.
Local councils will be delivering services to residents in their areas. Service and activities available will include: – enterprise awareness events, one-to-one support sessions, enterprise workshops and business surgeries and clubs.
Delivered at a local level, Enterprise Norfolk allows greater coverage and access to individuals living in rural areas. The money will address the ‘full enterprise journey’, with support for existing businesses in the county and well as new ones.
Liz Young from Dereham has previously been supported by Norfolk County Council when she was trying to start up her two businesses Sparrow’s Rest and Steaming ahead which are a respite care business and an ironing company respectively. She said: “Getting business advice and help from the county council was invaluable at the time when I was considering what to do and how I could turn my ideas into reality. It gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to start out on my own and I haven’t looked back.
“The Enterprise Norfolk scheme is a fantastic idea and I would urge anyone who’s thinking about starting up a business to get in touch with the County Council as it certainly worked for me.”
While most people were making their mark in polling stations today (Thursday May 5, 2016), members of the claims department at Alan Boswell Group used the date to make a statement of their own.
They were launching the first in the company’s year of fund-raising events to raise more than £25,000 to benefit the county’s cancer patients, with a “beard-off”.
Mark Davenport, claims manager and Paul Cole, senior claims adviser, bid farewell to their beloved beards in gentlemen’s grooming barbershop Swagger and Jacks where the traditional method of cut throat shaving took about 75 minutes. Claims handler Anthony Lehman also had his head shaved at the St Benedict’s Street shop, with all tonsorial services donated by owner Mark Young.
For Mr Davenport, the loss of his distinctive carefully groomed beard is quite a talking point around the office. One sponsorship is conditional on his being clean shaven for at least six months; while at home, his 12 year old daughter is in for a surprise, when he returns home tonight …she has not seen his chin since she was two years’ old!
The idea for the event came from Anthony whose mum Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. He saw a leaflet challenging men to shave off their hair and thought this would inspire his colleagues. Asked if his mum approved of the challenge, he said she loved fun and laughter so definitely. The family is awaiting the outcome of the early diagnosis, which comes months after her retirement from Leeway Women’s Refuge, and is optimistic for her recovery.
For Mr Cole, he is thinking winter might be a bit chilly!
Every one of the 220 employees across Boswells’ six Norfolk and Suffolk offices, has been challenged by the directors to raise at least £100 to support Big C, Norfolk’s cancer charity, who staff voted to be it’s charity of the year.
Marketing manager Lee Boswell said: “The company is a big supporter of Big C having sponsored both its ladies and gent’s golf days for the past 20 years.
“We’ll also look to raise funds though our annual 7-a-side corporate football tournament at Carrow Road, dress down days and other fund-raising challenges for the charity. This year it is slightly different. We will all be taking part. Each member of staff can chose his or her challenge and already the initiative has become a talking point in the office. The entire staff is linked by a team page on JustGiving which totals the efforts as we go and is stimulating ideas. This way we can all see how much we have made and how far off we are from the target.
“Some of the directors and staff will be participating in the Bullards Tour De Norfolk at the Norfolk showground in September, taking up the challenge of the new 35mile circuit whilst a couple of hardy souls are going the full distance and have pledged to ride 100 miles!” he said.
Recent research by leading independent insurance broker and financial planner Alan Boswell Group has found that fewer than 30% of over-50s in the UK understand key Inheritance Tax terminology.
The findings showed that only 27% of respondents were able to correctly identify that ‘nil-rate band’ referred to the threshold at which an estate became liable to inheritance tax and that this threshold is set at £325,000.
This is in addition to only 44% being aware that the current rate of IHT was 40%.
The data comes following a survey into public awareness of IHT, which was launched when the Government announced record IHT receipts of £5.2bn in the year to May 2017.
The Norwich-based company has growing concerns because increasing property prices are pushing many more estates over the £325,000 threshold (a figure that has been frozen since 2010, although UK house prices have increased by 33% on average in that time) incurring tax at a rate of 40% on sums that exceed the threshold.
Says John Whitehead, Managing Director at Alan Boswell Financial Planning: “Inheritance Tax is affecting more people than ever before, and it is concerning to find that the majority of over-50s, who will be most affected by the trend, are unaware of the key facts. As a result, they are likely to pass on less to their heirs than they were expecting.”
In addition, the research also found that only 30% were aware of Business Relief (also known as Business Property Relief), whereby an individual can invest in qualifying businesses and pass the shares on tax-free if they have been held for more than two years at the time of death. Of the respondents that had heard of it, only 31% were correct in stating that the IHT benefits only apply after two years.
John continues: “There is a real need for financial education, not just about the basics, but how families can pass on their estates in a tax-efficient way. Without an understanding of the terminology, it’s difficult to know how it affects you and your family. Although it’s a subject that may be difficult to discuss, there are professionals available to help you to understand your risks and how to minimise their impact.”
Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in future.
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About the research
Alan Boswell Group anonymously surveyed 450 clients aged over 50, across both its personal insurance and financial planning databases in order to ascertain awareness of estate planning. The group’s clients are based across the UK.
Average house prices based on data from HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land and Property Services Northern Ireland and Office for National Statistics. House prices in March 2010 were £167,878, while average house prices in March 2018 were £224,000.
About Alan Boswell Group
Alan Boswell Group is a leading independent insurance broker and one of East Anglia’s largest independent financial planners. The company was established by CEO Alan Boswell in Norfolk in 1982 and has grown in size and financial strength ever since.
With 10 offices and more than 300 members of staff, Alan Boswell Group is ideally placed to ensure businesses and individuals receive expert advice whenever they need it.
As well as arranging both personal and commercial insurance, the group has an ever-evolving portfolio of added-value services, including underwriting, delegated claims handling, loss assessment, risk management, specialist equipment inspection and health and safety consultation.
Its financial planning teams can also provide ongoing advice and support on a range of employee benefits for businesses – while personal finance experts can give guidance on your savings and investments, retirement plans or market updates.
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!
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.
The countdown has begun to one of the county’s most anticipated annual events; the Norfolk Show Ball which takes place on June 22nd and is this year hosted by Norfolk cancer charity, Big C. The event will raise vital funds towards a new Big C Support and Information centre which will be located in central Norwich and provide support those in our community affected by cancer. The new facility will complement the charity’s three existing Big C centres at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and the Gorleston hub at the Louise Hamilton centre. On the evening of the ball, the Norfolk Showground will be transformed into a nightspot of the glamourous and decadent 1920s jazz age, as the Big C team transports guests back to the opulent ‘Roaring Twenties’ for an evening to remember. Norfolk businesses have demonstrated their generosity in supporting the event. Norfolk financial planners, Loveday & Partners are headline sponsors for the ball, with medical device manufacturer, Bespak, on-board as gold sponsors. Grateful thanks also go to Interprint, Sonkai, EDP, TCT Security Services, Hoseasons, Solar Signs and Graphics, Heat Norfolk, Richardsons Kubota, Softley Events, Production Bureau and to the many Norfolk businesses and individuals that have donated prizes and items to support the evening.
Mark Loveday, Director said, “We are absolutely thrilled to partner local cancer charity Big C which provides an invaluable service to those affected by cancer across the region. Very few families in our community are untouched by this dreadful disease and we are delighted to support Big C in all they do to provide families with support and care at vital times.”
Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive at Big C says, “We never cease to be amazed by the generosity of our local corporate supporters and we are extremely grateful to Loveday & Partners, Bespak and our other sponsors for joining forces with us to help stage this year’s Norfolk Show Ball and the many other local businesses that are supporting the event. Because of them, we’ll be able to raise even more funds for a cause that sadly many of us can closely relate to. Big C is a local charity and every penny we raise benefits those in our community affected by cancer. It promises to be a great night.”
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
Eliott Betts and Lili Huang, celebrated their first anniversary of their TaxAssist Accountants office on 70 Northgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, on Thursday, 14th June, with a party for the local business community.
Eliott and Lili set up TaxAssist Accountants in Bury St Edmunds in May 2017 and they have enjoyed steady growth in their first year of business.
“We have enjoyed a very successful first year and the response we have received from the local business community has been fantastic,” said Eliott. “With demand for our services continuing to grow, our shop is in a great location with high visibility making it convenient and accessible for small business owners in and around Bury St Edmunds.”
Lili added: “The opening event gave us an excellent opportunity to thank our clients, as well as meet other local businesses and our neighbours so they can see what TaxAssist Accountants can do for them, while enjoying a glass of fizz and bite to eat. St Edmundsbury Deputy Mayor, Councillor Patrick Chung, attended the opening ceremony and I’m pleased to say that everyone had a great time.”
Four Norfolk directors scooped highly commended prizes at The Institute of Director’s annual East of England Director of the Year Awards, held on Friday 15th June at The Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket.
The awards celebrate the exemplary leaders who are doing great work across the East of England, rewarding individuals who display professionalism, diligence and creativity to inspire employees.
The Norfolk directors recognised were:
Ian Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Start-Rite (Norwich), won Highly Commended Innovation Director of the Year
Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing (Norwich), won New Director of the Year
Chris Cliffe, Director of CJC Procurement Limited (Norwich) won Highly Commended New Director of the Year
Andrew Brammer, Managing Director of PSS (Norfolk) won Global Director of the Year.
Ian, Sarah, Chris and Andrew were presented with their awards by Stephen Martin (IoD Director General) and David Sales (Chairman, IoD East of England).
Stephen Martin, this year’s guest of honour, is an authoritative voice of UK business in the media and engages with senior figures from across government, politics and Whitehall, to represent business interests. He commented: “Today has been a fantastic event celebrating the best in British business here in the East of England and it was amazing to see so many inspirational stories of directors and the great impact they have not just in their own company but in the communities in which they are operating. It was a very successful event with many worthy winners and I wish them all continued success in their businesses.”
David Sales, regional IoD Chairman for East of England and host of the awards commented: “Every year these awards get more competitive, meaning the judging process is ever more challenging and exciting! The East of England is home to many of the UK’s most innovative, vibrant and successful organisations – led by some of our best directors. This year’s winners are exceptional role models for our fabulous region.”
Simone Robinson, Head of Regional Relationships, IoD East of England commented on the winners: “All of the winners are singularly tenacious, driven, innovative and successful, and all of them share the desire to promote good governance, deliver strong and collaborative leadership, a consideration for corporate social responsibility, and a recognition of the role the team plays in the businesses achievements.”