The Eastern Landlords Association (ELA) has formed a strategic partnership with Abate Pest Management to support its members with pest control services. The ELA has 1,400 members located throughout the Eastern region and Abate is perfectly located to support them on a proactive contract basis, making regular visits to properties or on an ad-hoc emergency call out service. Abate is already responsible for servicing more than 25,000 residential properties for private landlords, letting agents and housing associations.
ELA members will receive qualified discounts from Abate Pest management for work carried out by quoting their membership number.
Abate Pest Management are experts in domestic and commercial pest control and have been controlling and eliminating pests throughout the Eastern region for over 19 years. They are accredited with ISO 9001, 18001, 14001, CHAS, Safecontractor and are full servicing members of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association).
From their operations centre near Wymondham in Norfolk they manage a team of Technicians and Field Surveyors covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
In this weeks episode of Impromptu Business Chat James and Mark share their professional experiences on the key traits of successful family businesses. They reflect on the recent Meghan and Harry “debacle” and end with 3 top tips whilst drawing inspiration from industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, thrash metal band Anthrax and US comedy smash Modern Family.
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Whilst you are there, please like us, and leave a comment. We would love to hear what you are enjoying about the podcast, and it helps others to find us!
TaxAssist Accountants has announced a strategic partnership with Receipt Bank, the award-winning bookkeeping automation platform. The software and services provided by Receipt Bank will ensure that TaxAssist franchisees and their clients are prepared for the latest advances in technology and legislative developments. The partnership comes as TaxAssist Accountants seeks to equip its franchisees with best-in-class software to ensure their services remain valuable, profitable and scalable. Receipt Bank offers a quick and easy way for clients to send their transaction data directly to their accountant’s operating system, via app or email, with no paper and no data entry required.
Alex Smith, from TaxAssist Accountants Plymouth, describes the effect Receipt Bank has had on his business: “The service we offer enables clients to submit expenses using the phone app and/or email-in. “With this high use of automation, I envisage my team being able to serve a much higher number of bookkeeping clients than our previous approach permitted, and without additional software costs, this means additional work at a high margin. “In six weeks, we have rolled ‘Real Time Bookkeeping’ out to around 10 clients who were not previously buying bookkeeping from us. Clients also value this service more than much of our routine compliance for them, presumably as it’s a way of taking away what has been a pain point for them.” This partnership will allow other TaxAssist franchisees to focus more on their clients’ business needs, instead of manual processing, explains Group Operations Director Sarah Robertson. “Our members are embracing new technologies at all levels in order to pass on the benefits of their experience and expertise to their clients,” she explained. “As practices prepare for the arrival of Making Tax Digital, tools like Receipt Bank will be essential for implementing digital processes and improving efficiency.” Receipt Bank CEO Alexis Prenn, added: “The role of an accountant in a business has never been more important, helping them understand new technology and processes. We’re excited to combine our best-in-class technology with TaxAssist Accountants expertise.”
Series one of the Tourism Business Chat podcast is now wrapped up. In the spirit of the podcast itself, we’re taking time to look back on the themes and key points that have come from this first batch of fascinating conversations.
2020 was a tough year on the sector, and each of our guests had a unique insight into the last 12 months, and how to succeed in the sector. The series launched with guest Andrew Hird, from Woodland Holiday Park, who chose the path of optimism throughout. The park was financially secure, so he focused on staff wellbeing and planning for the future. Phillip Turner, MD of Chestnut, spoke about leaders’ frustrations with the Government handling of restrictions; Richard Hughes, from The Assembly House, hoped that the perception of jobs in the sector would change, and he also questioned whether Eat Out to Help Out was the right thing to do.
Ruth Knight, from Norfolk Broads Direct, has an infectious love for the sector and the Broads, which demonstrated how success comes from having a passion for what you do; and Richard Turvill, Managing Director of Camplings, spoke openly about Brexit and how it continues to provide obstacles, and how, alongside dealing with lockdown restrictions, there’s been a focus on staff.
Each guest opened up about how they coped personally and professionally at the start of the first lockdown. Andrew Hird spoke of the worry that came with not being able to honor promises, how they had to ‘lick their wounds’ and write a new plan; Philip talked about his fear of the ‘long-term sick note’, the aftermath for furloughed staff, many of whom he fears may struggle to come back full time; Richard talked about retaining staff into the future, and how having confidence in the business was key for coming out the other side; Ruth spoke about how the worry was in the ‘not-knowing’, and the technology changes that were needed in order to operate; and Richard Turvill described how tourism essentially crashed, and having to tell people there might not be any work for them to come back to, was one of the worst things he’s ever had to do.
There were other hot topics discussed including the reduction of VAT; importance of planning; engaging with Destination Marketing Organisations; wellbeing of teams; the lifeline that was the furlough scheme; and interestingly, the opportunity that leaders in the sector have seen in the downturn of retail and how they can recruit from the job losses. Each episode finishes with their top-tip in business, and their message to those looking to get into the sector ̶ invaluable to all, from budding entrepreneurs to managers and future maître d’s!
The aim of this series of discussions was to help others in the sector know that they weren’t alone in how they were feeling, and to inspire them in the battle for survival. All our guests predicted a boom in ‘staycations’, all are positive that the sector will recover, and that the public will look at the industry through new eyes, appreciating the businesses on their doorstep more than ever before. We all know now what it’s like to live without the opportunity to enjoy a day out, someone else cooking for us, weekends away or a quick pint after work. This series has highlighted that business leaders are working hard to make sure that jobs are secure, offerings better than ever, and that they are ready to welcome us all back. “You can always do more,” says Richard Turvill, “but we’ve tried hard.”
Tourism Business Chat will return in April 2021, with another exciting group of guests; including the team behind the hugely popular Thursford Christmas Spectacular; the breakout vegan stars Hanks Deli; and many more!
You can catch up with all episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you find your podcasts, or you can listen through our website at www.larking-gowen.co.uk/tourism
We at Breakwater IT are excited to to be bringing cloud-based CCTV management to our service offering through our new partnership with CamCloud.
Who are CamCloud? CamCloud was founded on the idea that video surveillance solutions are complicated, expensive, and difficult to manage. They’ve made it their mission to deliver a solution that is easy-to-use, reliable and completely cloud-driven. Therefore, it requires no specialised on-premise systems. A direct connection is set up between the camera to the cloud with 24/7 recording. In addition, all footage recorded is encrypted. The CamCloud portal then allows you to access your CCTV footage at any time, wherever you are. This can be done via desktop or mobile app. Our new partnership As a CamCloud partner, you can gain access to their solutions and support directly through us, your local IT provider. We can therefore deliver cost-effective CCTV solutions to suit your needs and budget. We’ll be offering a range of packages based on how long you would like the footage to be stored for. Additionally, we will also be offering packages that include CCTV camera. If you choose to purchase a camera through us, we’ll spread the cost over 36-months with no upfront cost. Here are the key points: By choosing cloud CCTV, you’ll experience a range of benefits including:
Cost-effective CCTV to keep your premises safe
Expected uptime of 99.9% via Amazon Web Services
24/7 access to footage via a desktop or mobile app
24/7 encrypted recording
Software is always up to date and secure
No on-premise hardware needed
Choose a package to suit your budget, including cameras
Special Offer Until Friday 28th May, if you purchase a CamCloud package with us, we’ll cover the setup fees! This includes setup of the portal and installation of the cameras*. Our packages start from as little as £9.95 per month for the CamCloud management portal. For further details on pricing and specification, download our product brochure below or get in touch for a chat today! Download Product Brochure01603 709300 | [email protected] | Visit our website *Camera installation is included in the offer where cabling is already in place. Any additional cabling will be charged at an hourly rate.
Series 2 launches with a real treat – a behind the curtains look at Thursford, famous for its Christmas Spectacular show, weddings and more. A favourite of locals, tourists, and celebrities alike!
Looking back on March 2020, brothers Charlie (General Manager) and George (Project and Marketing Manager) Cushing were positive and thinking, “Thank goodness the pandemic isn’t happening at Christmas!” Cut to December 2020, and they’ve had to plan and orchestrate a completely new, and equally thrilling, theatre-esque experience for their loyal fan-base.
They have a fascinating story to tell. They set out on a journey where they could continue to support other local businesses by minimising the knock-on effect that cancelling their annual event would have on the local economy, and the team of professional performers they hire. The arts have been hit massively by lockdown, and they were determined to provide much needed opportunities where they could.
They also reflect on the history of Thursford, and how it started with steam engines and broken down fairground rides; what life on furlough was like, whilst keeping future plans in mind; the lessons they have learned about communication, keeping the ‘family feel’ to the business, playing to peoples strengths; and how to diversify quickly! Whilst they are planning for the worst, and hoping for the best for 2021, their youthful energy and fresh ideas are infectious, providing a much-needed jolt of hope for the future of the arts, and tourism in Norfolk.
If you are enjoying Tourism Business Chat, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts, so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes! Series 2 is shaping up to be a game changer, with Hanks Deli, Adnams, Wivenhoe House Hotel and more, coming soon!
Proeon are pleased and proud to receive a Highly Commended Award in the closely contested Business Growth category. Cllr Lisa Neal presented the award to Proeon’s Directors at our Hethel Engineering Centre facilities. Thank you to South Norfolk Council for running another very successful cohort of their Business Awards in 2020 despite the current pandemic situation.
“Proeon is delighted to have received this award as recognition of the hard work and dedication that the team here have given in what has so far been a challenging year. Focusing on our clients and projects we have maintained our plan for the business and we are so far succeeding in moving the company onto the next chapter where we will continue to develop our team and broaden our skills here in South Norfolk”
Proeon were commended for demonstrated an excellent performance, providing engineering solutions for a variety of business sectors including Utility, Gas Turbines, Oil & Gas #BSNBizAwards.
Sarah West, managing director of Full Mix Marketing, delivered an insightful keynote address to Friday’s packed Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) East of England Conference on Business-to-Business Marketing.
The popular day-long event, held at Norwich Cathedral’s Hostry on 27th April, is now in its third year. It attracted over 70 delegates from as far away as London and Nottingham, all keen to gather and share hints and tips on successfully marketing their businesses to other companies.
The day was led by the keynote address from Sarah, a CIM Chartered Marketer and founder of the growing Norwich-based agency. Sarah’s presentation focused on the different considerations when marketing to businesses and the lessons she has learnt delivering powerful promotions for her B2B clients.
“It was such an honour to be asked to present” says Sarah. “With a changing economy, evolving forms of media and ever more savvy businesses, it’s important the marketing community come together to share information. We’re making a real name for the East as a hub for B2B expertise.”
The event featured a packed agenda of talks and workshops from experts from across the East and South East, including Norfolk’s 101 Smart Media, Luminous PR and Armstrong Design. Sarah was chosen to share her experience working both within businesses and as the founder of a successful marketing agency.
Sarah has just celebrated ten years as a CIM Chartered Marketer. “Achieving my Chartered status was an important milestone. Clients rightly expect strong skills and results, so they need assurance we know what we’re talking about” says Sarah. “There’s always new developments, so it’s vital that marketers demonstrate professional leadership and keep learning.”
Leading independent insurance brokers and financial planners, Alan Boswell Group has given £50,000 towards a Big C funded cancer research project being undertaken at the Norwich Research Park in Norfolk. This is in addition to the group raising £15,000, in 2017, for the Norfolk and Waveney based charity.
Dr Dan Brewer will work with Professor Colin Cooper to research and discover new sub-types of cancer. Understanding these sub-types of the disease is important to help predict survival, inform treatment options and suggest new drug treatment strategies to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive at Big C, said “We are extremely grateful to the board of directors at Alan Boswell Group for their commitment and partnership in this significant cancer research project, which will benefit those affected by cancer locally and far beyond. It is a fantastic example of a corporate organisation pledging their involvement and financial backing to help accelerate the progress of cancer research and enhance our understanding to better prevent and treat the disease. We would welcome approaches from any other organisations interested in this area of support.”
Group Executive Chairman Alan Boswell, comments: “Everyone has a story about somebody close to them who has been affected by this disease. We’re extremely proud to help support the amazing research undertaken right here in East Anglia.”
Big C has a long-standing partnership with Alan Boswell Group, which has seen the company raise nearly £100,000 over the past 20 years for those locally affected by cancer.
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
Paul Whittingham from Ashtons Legal has helped PBD Biotech to secure £2.3m in funding for World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) validation of its rapid, accurate TB test.
Actiphage®, is a rapid, accurate test for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) that would enable farmers to effectively remove this devastating disease from their herds. PBD Biotech has secured a £2.3m investment to take Actiphage through to validation by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Full validation will enable international adoption of this novel, patented, diagnostic for mycobacterial diseases, which include human tuberculosis and Johne’s Disease.
Actiphage, has been described as “having the potential to be a game changer in tackling bTB,” by Professor the Lord Trees, head judge for the British Veterinary Association Innovation Award 2021. “Actiphage was a worthy winner,” he said.
The funding has come from a consortium led by fund managers Mercia and the Foresight Group, which were both investing from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund; the University of Nottingham; the government’s Future Fund; and private investors including farmers and veterinary practices.
Mark Hammond, CEO of PBD Biotech, says: “It has been shown on-farm that when Actiphage is used within a disease management strategy it is possible to eliminate bTB from a herd and maintain a disease-free status. There is a significant international unmet need for a diagnostic for bTB and Johne’s Disease; with this funding we will be able to commission the trials needed to fully validate the test and capture this market.”
Actiphage’s use in England and Wales is currently approved by APHA as an unvalidated test for use only in a chronic bTB breakdown. OIE validation would enable Actiphage to be used in parallel with the existing skin test, offering farmers and their vets a method of managing and eliminating the disease for the first time, therefore allowing a OneHealth approach to the eradication of bTB
Ashtons Legal, partner Paul Whittingham said: “I am delighted to have been supporting Mark and the team at PBD Biotech in securing investor funds to progress their TB testing programme. This is an exciting time for all involved and I really look forward to seeing their product come to market after all the hard work which they have done.”
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
We’re switching to Plain Not Speaking for two days this week as we go silent for Mind.
Being a PR agency, speaking is a massive part of our day to day lives. But for two days this week, silence will descend at Plain Speaking PR.
Plain Speaking PR is all about communication: building relationships, reputations and helping businesses, individuals, organisations and charities to succeed. But this week we will be taking part in a sponsored silence and it is for a very good cause.
Our managing director Pippa and our senior account director Hannah are taking part in a 24 hour sponsored silence for Norfolk and Waveney Mind because access to mental health support is vital. Without charities such as Norfolk & Waveney Mind, so many people would not make it; or have to live with a truly unbearable amount of anxiety, fear, depression and unhappiness. We think that’s simply not on.
So, on Tuesday 20th April Pippa will be completely quiet and on Thursday 22nd April Hannah will take a turn to zip it.
If you know us, you will already know how much we like to talk. This will be no easy task. But we hope that that by challenging ourselves to stay silent for 24 hours (and that means keeping quiet on all forms of communication, social media, text messages, WhatsApp, emails, the lot!), it will help others struggling with mental health to find their voice and seek help.
Remember, it is ok to not be ok. It is ok to seek help. It is ok to speak out.
Please do not suffer in silence. Organisations just like Norfolk and Waveney Mind are here for you.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind are busier than ever. 60% of adults and young people who did not experience poor mental health before the pandemic are now experiencing mental health issues. We want to help Norfolk and Waveney Mind to be there for as many people as they can.