Member News

Up-Connect, a leading provider of wayleave and property services, is celebrating its five-year anniversary with impressive milestones that underscore its rapid expansion and industry influence. 

Founded in 2020 by directors Scott Curtis and Charles Thomas, and with roots in Norfolk, the company has grown from a two-person team to an ever-growing team of wayleave surveyors and property specialists operating across multiple locations throughout the UK. With a growing client base and an expanding footprint, Up-Connect has firmly established itself as a trusted partner in the broadband and utilities sectors. 

“Seeing how far we’ve come in just five years is incredibly rewarding. We’ve built a business that not only excels in prioritising strong relationships with clients, industry partners and local landowners, but also in our deep knowledge of the technical aspects of the property services which we provide.  “ said Scott Curtis. 

Last year, the company was recognised at the UK Fibre Awards, winning the prestigious Best Business Services category—a testament to its dedication to quality and efficiency, and this year were triple finalists across categories including Best in Services, Best Vendor/Supplier, and Rollout Challenge Buster. Up-Connect’s wayleave support services now span 16 counties, covering areas such as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and East Sussex, enabling the rollout of full-fibre broadband to hard-to-reach premises. 

Within the broadband industry, Up-Connect has secured its reputation as a trusted partner, working with the UK’s leading fibre providers, actively contributing to the UK’s digital infrastructure growth. Over the past 12 months alone, Up-Connect has secured well over 1,000 wayleaves ensuring seamless coordination with landowners. 

 “Our ability to consistently deliver is what sets us apart. Completing wayleave agreements in an average of just 32 calendar days speaks to the efficiency and expertise of our team, and our willingness to build relationships with landowners and public sector bodies,” noted Charles Thomas. 

 As Up-Connect marks this milestone, its continued commitment to excellence and industry leadership remains clear. With operations spanning multiple sectors—including fibre broadband, utilities, leisure, and sport—the company is poised for sustained growth in the years ahead. 

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales shares a personal and heartfelt message for Children’s Hospice Week 

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has written a heartfelt message, inviting members of the public to join her in celebrating the life-changing work children’s hospices do, this Children’s Hospice Week. 

Led across the UK by Together for Short Lives, the charity for children’s palliative care, Children’s Hospice Week is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness of children’s hospice services. The special week runs until Sunday, 22nd June.

Her Royal Highness is Royal Patron of two children’s hospices, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales. In her personal message, she speaks of the difference hospice care and support makes to families at unimaginably difficult times.

She wrote: “No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. 

“Being able to access the support of one of the UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.

“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices. 

“Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.

“This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”

The Princess became EACH’s Royal Patron in January 2012 and Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in January 2025.

Through Children’s Hospice Week, Together for Short Lives unites these vital services to celebrate the incredible work they do for seriously ill children and their families.

Kevin Clements, Chief Executive of EACH, said: “We’re so incredibly grateful for The Princess’ invaluable contribution as our dedicated Royal Patron.

“Her ongoing support and vast profile have projected our charity onto the global stage and this latest message is a perfect way to mark Children’s Hospice Week.

“It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the work of children’s hospices generally, as well as giving us an opportunity to raise awareness and remind everyone of the need for public support, given we rely on donations for the majority of our income.”

Nick Carroll, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Princess of Wales for celebrating Children’s Hospice Week, and the amazing work of children’s hospices, with her personal message of support this year. 

“Her ongoing support for Children’s Hospice Week over many years has helped to raise much-needed awareness of the life-changing work children’s hospices do, every day of the year. Their extraordinary lifeline care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses enables families to make the most of their lives together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours.

“Together with all of our children’s hospices, we thank The Princess of Wales for her invaluable contribution.” 

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, said: “We are deeply grateful to The Princess of Wales, Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, for her incredible support. 

“Her Royal Highness is clearly profoundly committed to the needs of children and young people, and in January, during her first visit to our hospice as our Patron, her kindness and empathy were evident.  

“Having HRH’s support during Children’s Hospice Week means that not only can we take time to celebrate the difference that children’s hospices, including Tŷ Hafan, have made to the lives of so many families, but that we can also remind people of the importance of supporting their local children’s hospice so that no family has to live their child’s short life alone.” 

To see and read the Princess’ signed letter, head here.

This is just a reminder to anyone still on the fence about coming or wondering if it will be worth it. It really is! 

As a business professional, you will enjoy the Business Zone run by the Norfolk Chambers where there will be a lot of business talk and networking going on.  It is always very comfortably laid out with a central working and networking area where people can grab a coffee together, meet new contacts and collaborate.  Or, if you are out for the day from work but aware that you still have a bit of work to do, you can bring your laptop and settle in a quiet booth to get something done.  You can bring your team or your family for a day out and there is plenty to do all day long around the show.

We’ll be in the Business Zone talking about how we can help with training and staff development needs to help businesses fill skills gaps which will then enable them to grow.  We have so many solutions to common business problems which we have been privileged to work on with so many of our clients and which we can talk to you about if you need some guidance.  We’ll be answering questions and giving as much advice as you need to help you with any challenges and sticking points.  We can talk about apprenticeships, professional certificates and recruitment to provide a holistic view and solution to any people development needs.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Huge congratulations to John Edwards on successfully completing his Level 3 Financial Services Apprenticeship with a distinction at Norfolk Wealth Management, delivered through Simply Academy Ltd.

Throughout his apprenticeship, John has demonstrated outstanding commitment, gaining in-depth knowledge, building valuable skills, and fully embracing every step of the journey.

John’s ambition is to become a fully qualified Financial Advisor. We look forward to helping him make this a reality. 
Well done, John, a fantastic achievement and an exciting future ahead!

We’ll be in the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Zone!
? Business Zone | 25–26 June

We’ll be there talking social media, website content, and more!
Swing by, grab a free audit, and let’s have a proper chat.

The upcoming exhibition, “80 Years in the Making,” celebrates eight decades of dedicated service to the over 50s community in Norwich. A cornerstone of this enduring commitment has been the charity’s beloved lunch clubs, which have been a vital source of warmth, nourishment, and companionship for over 50 years. 

The first Age UK Norwich lunch club was launched in 1972, born out of an emergency need for food and warmth during a time of national fuel crisis. What began as a critical response to immediate hardship has since blossomed into a cherished service, providing a welcoming space for older people to connect, share a meal, and combat the persistent problem of loneliness and isolation. 

“Our lunch clubs have evolved over the years but the core benefit has stayed the same, offering the opportunity to be with people; they are a lifeline for many, fostering connections and building a strong sense of community,” says Dan Skipper, CEO of Age UK Norwich, who celebrates 10 years with the charity this year. “It’s remarkable to see how a service initiated over five decades ago continues to be incredibly relevant and impactful today, directly addressing challenges that have plagued older generations for over 80 years.” 

The fight against loneliness and isolation has been at the heart of Age UK Norwich’s mission since its inception. Founded on in April 1945, in the wake of the Second World War, the charity was established to tackle the many issues facing older residents, a problem highlighted by reports such as the Beveridge Report of 1942. From establishing a visiting service for the housebound in 1968 to evolving initiatives like the current befriending service, Age UK Norwich has consistently innovated to ensure older people not only live longer but live well for longer. 

The charity’s extensive history showcases a relentless pursuit of this goal, adapting to changing societal needs while remaining steadfast in its core values. From pioneering welfare rights advice in the 1990s, securing £2.87 million in welfare benefits for older residents in 2024, to leading the Dementia Friendly Norwich initiative in the 2010s, Age UK Norwich has been a constant advocate and provider of essential services. Their work continues to be recognized, with two services featured in Professor Chris Whitty’s ‘Health in an Ageing Society’ Report in 2023, and their falls prevention video in partnership with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital nominated for an HSJ Award. 

Experience “80 Years in the Making” 

To delve deeper into the charity’s rich history and witness how Age UK Norwich continues to tackle current issues around ageing, the public is invited to a free and interactive exhibition: 

“80 Years in the Making” Dates: August 4th – 7th Location: The Forum, Norwich 

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to gain historical insight, explore the evolution of services, and understand the ongoing efforts to support older people in Norwich. It’s a chance to see how community spirit and dedication have persisted across generations to create a more age-friendly city, a status Norwich proudly achieved in 2024. 

Join Age UK Norwich in celebrating its past, understanding its present, and contributing to a future where older people can truly live well for longer. 

Want more leads, better visibility, and increased sales? It all starts with SEO.

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Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby
Norwich Theatre Royal | Tue 17 to Sat 21 Jun | £50 – £55 £35 with offer code SEEPEAKY (see restrictions below)

In post-war industrial Birmingham, the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate whilst Tommy is intoxicated by mysterious newcomer, Grace. As the story unfolds, hearts are broken, and revenge is sought.

This evocative production written by Steven Knight, creator of the global hit television series, weaves a powerful narrative with breathtaking dance and live music, creating a theatrical experience like no other.

Complementing the drama is a live on-stage band, performing an extraordinary soundtrack blending original compositions with iconic tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi, The Last Shadow Puppets and more.

Band A or B tickets for the Tuesday and Wednesday evening are priced at £50-£55. However, we are offering these tickets for the price of £35.  To access this discount, click the link below, logon to the Norwich theatre website and up to two seats for Peaky Blinders. Use the code SEEPEAKY at checkout and your discount will be applied.*

Find out more and book now at https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/peaky-blinders-the-redemption-of-thomas-shelby/

More than half of tourism businesses in the east of England are anticipating turnover growth this year, according to Larking Gowen’s Tourism Business Survey 2025 published on 12 June.The survey outlines a sector where 55% of businesses projected income growth for 2025, compared to 25% anticipating a downturn.The sense of optimism is tempered by worries about a backdrop of financial pressures including the state of the economy, inflation, rising employee costs and the loss of business rate relief.With challenges in the economy, respondents were asked about plans for investment. 52% said they would be investing in site improvements (compared to 59% last year) and 53% said they would put additional investment into marketing and PR (36% last year).Responding to increased costs in the sector, 56% said they would increase prices, 40% would reduce operating costs, while 26% said they would spend more to increase their offering.Jo Burton, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Director at Larking Gowen, said: “As we entered 2025, a sense of cautious optimism seemed to return. But behind this optimism lies a shared reality, with many businesses having to raise prices to manage rising costs.”“While 37% of participants enjoyed a rise in profitability – up from 23% in 2023 – an equal number saw a decline. Still, confidence shone through, with 43% expecting profits to rise, 31% predicting a fall, and the remainder expecting no change,” she said.Changes to the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance have hit hard. UK Hospitality has calculated that the average cost per full-time employee will increase by £2,500 per annum with increases of 18% for employing under-18s and 16% for 18-20-year-olds.25% of businesses are considering staff reductions, and 25% said they had no plans to increase salaries for employees above the statutory minimums.Wellbeing came through strongly in the survey, not just for staff but also for business owners and visitors, with 45% saying they had made changes to improve visitor wellbeing, and 48% saying demand for these changes is growing.Chris Scargill, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Partner at Larking Gowen, said: “The sector continues to operate in a period of instability and uncertainty caused by factors beyond its control.“While there clearly are challenges, there remains an underlying resilience and a hard-core work ethic which means there is still optimism and a focus on investment.”

Regional business leaders in the tourism sector attended a seminar yesterday at Prospect House, Norwich, to discuss the findings of the survey.

The Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey 2025 can be found here

The survey results are presented in a brochure which includes interviews with business leaders and heads of Destination Marketing Organisations, covering a range of subjects including optimism, staffing, investment, marketing, collaboration, AI and the impact of Sizewell C.

The survey was sponsored by SwissCamplings and Birketts. 

To compliment our range of freshly made sandwiches and salad boxes we have introduced this week our Potato Salad Tub and our Russian Salad Tub.  Freshly made daily on our premises a perfect little extra to go with your lunch or a cheeky snack

Marketing can feel like a minefield when you’re not sure what works and what’s just fluff.

That’s why we offer a totally free website audit — no strings attached.

We’ll look at things like:
? Keyword use
? Design & layout
? Mobile experience
? How findable you are on Google

You’ll get a simple report with real feedback you can actually use — or we can sort it all for you.

Get in touch to learn more. https://smashmarketing.co.uk/services/free-website-seo-analysis/

When it comes to standing out at busy events like the Suffolk Show, you need more than a pop-up banner and a bowl of sweets. That’s exactly why accountancy firm Larking Gowen brought us in – and why Phoebe, our interactive robot photo booth, became the unexpected star of the show.

Phoebe was booked for just the first day, but she caused such a stir that Larking Gowen asked her back for day two as well. And honestly, we weren’t surprised.

She’s no ordinary robot. Phoebe greets guests, gets people smiling, and offers something genuinely different – a fun, branded photo experience right there on the spot. Visitors could take a selfie with Phoebe and walk away with a printed photo featuring the Larking Gowen logo. It was a conversation starter, a souvenir, and a subtle bit of marketing all rolled into one.

While other stands were handing out flyers, Larking Gowen had queues of people excited to meet the robot. Phoebe didn’t just entertain – she helped turn footfall into meaningful engagement.

Whether you’re an accountancy firm, a hotel group, or launching a new product, events are all about getting noticed – and remembered. Our robot photo booth helps you do both.

So, if you’re planning your next exhibition or event and want to make sure your stand is the one people are talking about… you know where to find us.