AF Group Limited – the largest agricultural buying group in the UK and independent provider of advice, insight, and services to the farming community – have confirmed that David Horton-Fawkes will join them as their new CEO this winter.
Commenting on the appointment, AF chairman Nigel Savory said, “David is a proven leader with an enviable track record of business growth. Having someone at the helm of our business who not only understands farming but can also help navigate the headwinds the industry is about to face was hugely important to the board. Therefore, we are incredibly excited about the future of AF and the value we can offer to farm businesses across the UK under David’s leadership.
David is currently the chief executive of Gascoyne Estates and his previous roles include Estate Director at Holkham Estate and Lowther Estate, giving him a strong understanding of both large and small farming businesses as well as the increasingly diversified rural economy.
David says, “I am grateful to the Chairman and the Board for giving me the opportunity to lead AF at a time when farming is facing a turbulent future and when all businesses must be alert to change driven by technology, climate and social attitudes. The role is a huge and exciting challenge and I am determined to make a positive difference for AF, its employees and its Members”.
A steely fundraiser is pulling on his walking boots for a mammoth 135-mile trek along the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline.
Ricky Clarke, from Ipswich, is starting his energy-sapping challenge on 29th April, in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The 46-year-old will be setting off from Hunstanton and plans to walk the coastlines of both counties before finishing in Felixstowe.
He will be wild camping along the way and expects his trek to take around a week, with his daily target between 25 and 30 miles.
“I’m buzzing for it and can’t wait to get started,” said Ricky, a machine operator for Ipswich printing business Fuller Davies.
“I walk and hike a lot of miles throughout the year, but have never attempted anything so strenuous and continuous.
“I’ve wild camped a few times in random places and hiked many miles, so now it’s a case of putting both together.
“It’s going to be an adventure and I love being at one with nature. I find it so uplifting and that’s one of the reasons I love hiking. Those highs will hopefully spur me on and see me over the finish line.
“One of my heroes is Ed Stafford, who’s the only man to walk the length of the Amazon.
“It took 860 days to complete but if he can do that, I’d love to think I can do the Norfolk and Suffolk coastline!”
Ricky, who has two daughters, Poppy, 14, and Luna, 11, first approached EACH about taking on the challenge in October.
“I wanted to give myself something to look forward to and now it’s full steam ahead,” he said.
“It’s great to give your mind a focus and your soul a boost. Speaking to the team there amplified those feelings.
“I’m taking this very seriously and it’s ingrained in my mind.
“After a final blow-out at Christmas, I’m now watching what I eat, have cut out alcohol completely and am training hard to build up more upper-body strength, in readiness for carrying my backpack.
“Between now and then I also plan to get many more miles of training under my belt.”
To sponsor Ricky, head here. He can also be followed on Instagram via footslog_farmer
Ali Butler, EACH Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “This is an amazing, exciting challenge and we really appreciate Ricky’s support.
“He’s clearly very focused and determined and I’m sure that resilience will keep him going during the tough miles.
“We wish him well and can’t wait to hear about his walking adventure.”
A new community shop is being set up in Norwich to help people who are struggling financially or at risk of food or fuel poverty.
The shop in Earlham is being established as part of the Nourishing Norfolk Project, with funding from Norfolk Community Foundation, and has been set up as a community interest company with the help of regional accountancy firm, Larking Gowen.
One of the founders, Carole Jacques, who is Head Teacher at Earlham Nursery School, said the NR5 postcode the shop will serve is an area of very high deprivation, and there’s a pressing need to help local residents with food security.
“When lockdown came, there was a big focus on access to food from a number of groups, including students, families, working people and retired residents. Since the cost of living crisis, food poverty has just escalated,” Carole said.
“When we started looking into setting up the shop, we realised that to get funding we’d have to become a community interest company. Fortunately, we were able to get help from Larking Gowen, and without that support we wouldn’t have been able to get set up.
“They helped us with the paperwork and gave us clear guidance about our roles and responsibilities,” she continued.
The community shop will be in a room at the nursery school which is currently used as a staff common room and has separate access. People in need of support will join as members. They’ll have access to cheaper food and professional help in a number of areas including employment, health and budgeting.
“We see the impact of food and fuel poverty every day from our children at the nursery, even though they’re very young. This has been our motivation to set this up,” Carole said.
Giles Kerkham, head of the Not for Profit Team at Larking Gowen, said: “This project is about getting food and support to people in Norwich who need it. We were delighted to help by setting up the community interest company.
“It’s been about discussing the intended benefits for the community and how they achieve them, while keeping the wording of their documentation simple, usable and effective. Having the community interest company will protect the committee members and give confidence to supporters and funders.
“As an independent regional practice, our role in supporting the wider community is extremely important to us. As part of this wider commitment, we’re proud to be one of the founder members of Norfolk ProHelp, the network of professional firms who commit to providing free, quality advice to the not for profit sector. We were very pleased to be able to accept this project to make sure that the community shop is set up in the best way to ensure its sustainability.”
In December 2022, the Charity Commission published details of the new charity Annual Return that will apply for financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2023. For most charities, that means it will apply for the first time to December 2023 year end onwards.
Most of the information collected in the Annual Return is not made public, but is used by the Charity Commission to fulfil its oversight responsibilities, and to support charities. The content is therefore interesting, as it provides insight into the areas that the Commission considers current issues, and higher risk.
Highlights of the new return
Donations – charities with income over £100,000 will need to disclose the value of the highest value donation received from a corporate donor, and an individual, and to confirm whether this was from a related party.
Grants making – the value of grants made will need to be split between individuals, other charities and other. There’s also a requirement to confirm whether any charity grants were made to related parties.
Trustee payments – there’s a new question asking what, if any, payments to trustees were made for, and whether any trustees resigned to take up employment with the charity in the year.
Overseas activities – income from overseas must be split per country and source, to the nearest £100. How this income was received must also be confirmed, although the requirement is only to tick from a selection of options. There’s a similar approach for overseas expenditure, with the need to split the expenditure between countries, and to confirm how the funds were remitted. There’s also a need to identify the countries where the charity delivers activities.
Governance – there’s a new question that asks a charity to identify which, from a list of 14 policies and procedures, it has in place.
Area of interest to the Commission, and therefore perceived higher risk
Interactions with related parties, including trustees
Overseas activities and influence
Governance
Details of the new Annual Return can be found here.
Need help?
If you have any concerns regarding the information discussed in this article, or have any other questions, please get in touch with your usual Larking Gowen contact or look for contact details in the Our People section of the our website. Alternatively, call 0330 024 0888 or email [email protected].
Love West Norfolk Day returns on 14 February and people are being asked to highlight why they’re proud to live, work or visit here. Also, what their favourite spot is and why.
The sixth Love West Norfolk Day will provide an opportunity to highlight online the natural beauty of West Norfolk as the theme remains celebrating and protecting our beautiful west Norfolk environment.
Cllr Sam Sandell, Cabinet member for People and Communities, said:
“We’re giving residents and the many people who visit here the opportunity to put a spotlight on what they love about our beautiful part of the world by keeping the green Love West Norfolk theme this year.
“I hope to see people, organisations and businesses get involved online on 14 February by showcasing the best of our area, the need to protect it and what makes it so special. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #LoveWestNorfolk.”
What’s your favourite spot in West Norfolk and why do you love it?
It could be a green space, garden, walk, sunrise or more. This Love West Norfolk Day, people are being invited to share their images of beautiful west Norfolk scenery and to tell us about it through social media channels. It is your chance to showcase our area to the rest of the world.
King’s Lynn Park Run participants will show their support with their #lovewestnorfolk park run on Saturday 12 February. Judith Berry, one of the Park Run Directors, said:
“Over 200 people come to the Walks to take part in the weekly event, we certainly appreciate the green space we have here in town.”
Pictures of the runners will be included on Love West Norfolk social channels.
People can also join in by taking ‘one step’ towards protecting their local environment, such as by picking up one piece of litter. And, anyone wishing to organise a community litter pick on Love West Norfolk day can – subject to availability – access Love West Norfolk litter pick kits from the borough council.
It is be hoped that once again social media will be filled with the #lovewestnorfolk hashtag on Love West Norfolk day as people join in the celebration and share pictures and comments. Organisers are keen to hear from both individuals and organisations who also may wish to highlight why where we live is so special.
Follow and get involved via the social media channels. Tell us what you love about west Norfolk using the hashtag #lovewestnorfolk
You can also share your pictures and what you love about west Norfolk across our social media channels using the hashtag #lovewestnorfolk
Get involved in Love West Norfolk day on 14 February, an opportunity to celebrate west Norfolk across social media. During the day, we want you to share your views, your pictures and your stories about west Norfolk using the hashtag #lovewestnorfolk
We are also looking for good news stories and case studies which we can share. If you would like to get involved, please contact us via one of our social media channels
A new community shop is being set up in Norwich to help people who are struggling financially or at risk of food or fuel poverty.
The shop in Earlham is being established as part of the Nourishing Norfolk Project, with funding from Norfolk Community Foundation, and has been set up as a community interest company with the help of regional accountancy firm, Larking Gowen.
One of the founders, Carole Jacques, who is Head Teacher at Earlham Nursery School, said the NR5 postcode the shop will serve is an area of very high deprivation, and there’s a pressing need to help local residents with food security.
“When lockdown came, there was a big focus on access to food from a number of groups, including students, families, working people and retired residents. Since the cost of living crisis, food poverty has just escalated,” Carole said.
“When we started looking into setting up the shop, we realised that to get funding we’d have to become a community interest company. Fortunately, we were able to get help from Larking Gowen, and without that support we wouldn’t have been able to get set up.
“They helped us with the paperwork and gave us clear guidance about our roles and responsibilities,” she continued.
The community shop will be in a room at the nursery school which is currently used as a staff common room and has separate access. People in need of support will join as members. They’ll have access to cheaper food and professional help in a number of areas including employment, health and budgeting.
“We see the impact of food and fuel poverty every day from our children at the nursery, even though they’re very young. This has been our motivation to set this up,” Carole said.
Giles Kerkham, head of the Not for Profit Team at Larking Gowen, said: “This project is about getting food and support to people in Norwich who need it. We were delighted to help by setting up the community interest company.
“It’s been about discussing the intended benefits for the community and how they achieve them, while keeping the wording of their documentation simple, usable and effective. Having the community interest company will protect the committee members and give confidence to supporters and funders.
“As an independent regional practice, our role in supporting the wider community is extremely important to us. As part of this wider commitment, we’re proud to be one of the founder members of Norfolk ProHelp, the network of professional firms who commit to providing free, quality advice to the not for profit sector. We were very pleased to be able to accept this project to make sure that the community shop is set up in the best way to ensure its sustainability.”
Most of the time our focus is on the current environment – what is happening in the economy, in politics and in the markets in the short-term. At Chadwicks we’re equally interested in the long-term ‘mega-trends’ that will shape our future regardless of what is happening in the short term. This session takes a step back to look at the bigger picture and consider how we might meet the challenges presented by the long-term mega-trends.
5 years ago we deep-dived into the long-term demographic, environmental and technological trends driving change in the world. A pandemic, war, Brexit, and few other events later, we’re diving again to see how they’ve changed (if at all).
In this session, Radostina Dencheva reflects of the findings from her 2018 paper and brings us up to date before handing the baton to Dr Saul Humphrey who will look at ways the effects of these long-term trends are being addressed in the built environment.
While these are important issues for investors, they are, arguably, existential issues for all of us.
Date: Wednesday 22nd February
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: The Enterprise Centre, UEA, Norwich. NR4 7TJ
We’re Celebrating Women in Business this International Women’s Day4th – 11th March | The Place
Discover King’s Lynn, the town centre’s Business Improvement District, is acknowledging International Women’s Day this March with a short programme of events designed to recognise,
celebrate and empower women in business in King’s Lynn.
Vicky, BID Manager, says:
We have a huge pool of talented and experienced women in business in King’s Lynn and we want to celebrate them and learn from their career experiences. All too often we look outside for advice and inspiration, yet we have a wealth of expertise and knowledge right here in King’s Lynn. Many of our independent businesses are led by women, several or our large national retailers have women at the helm, and there are a host of female directors and partners in our law and accountancy firms, not to mention a female CEO of the Borough Council and our largest housing association, Freebridge. International Women’s Day provides a great opportunity to pause and applaud their achievements and draw on their experiences to inspire and encourage younger women.
An event being held on the 8th March – IWD itself – will bring together a panel of these talented women and allow attendees insight into their experiences of the workplace. Hear their stories, ask for their advice, and together discuss how workplaces are doing – or can do – right by their female employees.
The IWD panel event will be held in The Place from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. The Panel will commence shortly after 12:00pm followed by a light lunch and networking at 1:00 pm. If you’d like to join in and celebrate our town centre’s female talent, please RSVP: [email protected].
In addition to the event on 8th, we will be hosting a celebration of local, female entrepreneurs and micro-business owners. On the 4th March, inside The Place, you’ll find a range of businesses showcasing their handmade wares, including local, female beekeepers, chocolatiers and crafters. Pop in between 10am and 4pm to browse a lovely selection of food and craft items and chat to these women about their unique business stories and experiences.
Another IWD event falls on the 7th March at 12:30pm, and will again be hosted in The Place. This short breathwork session being led by local mental health nurse-cum-yoga teach, Toni Markham, has been organised with town centre workers in mind, and offers participants a window of relaxation in their otherwise hectic schedules. The easy-to-practice breathing techniques shared by Toni will help attendees to calm their minds and nervous systems, setting them up for a more focused and productive workday! Come alone or bring a colleague, please RSVP to:[email protected].
International Women’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to not only celebrate women’s achievements in the workplace, but to showcase exemplary employer initiatives and support too. In
the build up to Discover King’s Lynn’s events, and over the course IWD week, the BID will be asking local women about their experience of work. They’ll collect responses anonymously via a digital form with the hopes of collating a short report on what King’s Lynn business do well in supporting their female colleagues, and feasible areas of improvement.
Vicky says: As a BID, our role includes supporting Town Centre businesses to be the best that they can be, so we’re keen to hear what our businesses do well to support women in the workplace and hear if there is scope to do things differently and maybe better. We will collate responses and share good practice examples. If you would like to contribute, keep an eye on our social platforms!
The International Women’s Day celebrations will end with a pop-up event hosted in The Place by Soroptimist International on the 11th March, from 10am – 4pm. Along with a display of inspirational women from King’s Lynn History, the Soroptimists will be joined by a range of other businesses and community teams.
If you would like more information about any of the events mentioned in this press release, please visit our website www.discoverkingslynn.com, or email us at [email protected].
SOUL Church will now be streaming its Sunday services on Facebook and YouTube. In line with the latest health advice, the church is temporarily moving online and invites all those who are social distancing or self isolating to tune in for worship and Biblical teaching.
Pastor Jon explains, “In times of uncertainty and fear, the church has an opportunity to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to share hope with those around us. We won’t be gathering in person for Sunday services for a while, but we will stream two live services online each Sunday so that people can tune in for an uplifting message of hope.”
From 25 March, Pastor Jon will also be sharing weekday ‘Good News at Noon’ updates and a weekly chapel session every Tuesday at 10:30am until the church can open its doors once more. It’s hoped that offering services online means those who may not be able to get to their own church can still share in a Bible-based service each week.
This Sunday, for Mother’s Day, the church will stream live at 10:30am. After that, services will stream at both 10:30am and 5pm each Sunday.
Chick out Chantry Place Norwichthis Easter, from Saturday 1st April to Sunday 16th April 2023, for its free family Easter trail around the Centre and meet the RSPB team on select days throughout the school holidays when they give out free sunflower packs and let little ones get hands on with nature.
Families can pick up a free trail map for the Chantry Place Easter Eggstravaganza trail from Langleys and then follow the posters to collect letters which will spell out an Easter themed word. A competition prize is on offer too for one lucky winner worth around £150, including Easter eggs, Jellycat toys and an H&M voucher, with some bird houses too up for grabs for runners up. Everyone who completes the trail can also pick up a sticker too from Langleys at the end.
Chantry Place will also be welcoming the RSPBto Chantry Place on Tuesday 4th, Friday 7th, Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th and Thursday 13th April for more free family fun. Visitors will be able to pick up some free sunflower seed packs for a fun competition, meet the RSPB team and visit its nature display table featuring owl pellets, snake skins and bones and more. They can be found on the lower ground floor near Langleys.
Paul McCarthy, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “This year we are planning free events in the school holidays for families to enjoy and this self-led chick trail will be enjoyed by little ones as they search for all the letters, then get some help to unscramble them into an Easter-themed word. We are looking forward to being visited by the RSPB too so that visitors can have fun learning and discovering more about nature and the work the charity does in protecting habitats and saving species.”
Freya Stuart,Membership Venues Officer at the RSPB, commented: “The RSPB is thrilled to be visiting Chantry Place on selected dates over Easter when we will be sharing an exciting, family-friendly grow challenge. Drop by to pick up your free Sunflower Race Pack (subject to availability) and take part in your very own Sunflower Race at home! April is the perfect time to plant sunflowers! Whose sunflower will be the tallest? Who will have the biggest flower? And who will produce the most sunflower seeds to feed hungry garden birds? Visit our ‘nature pod’ next to Langleys toy shop on the lower ground floor opposite Boots to pick up your pack, learn some amazing nature facts and discover more about the RSPB. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it!”
At Chantry Place, visitors can discover a range of Easter gifts and treats, including delicious Easter eggs from Hotel Chocolat and décor from Flying Tiger. The shopping centre is also home to numerous restaurants including Wagamamas, The Real Greek, YO! Sushi and Ask Italian, making them a perfect place to grab a bite to eat before or after the Easter fun.
I know it’s concerning for most people at the moment in these rather surreal times of uncertainty. It’s no different for me either. I’m seeing first hand what’s happening to the job market and in the local business community.
I’m speaking to employers and job seekers every hour of the day and I can feel the frustration and concern from all areas, but I can also feel a positive ‘carrying on’ vibe out there too, which is great to hear! We all need reassuring positive news in our lives, no matter how small it is.
Thinking about what’s happening and how unpleasant it is to be potentially thrust into a scary and volatile job market, or be living with the threat of possible redundancy hanging over you (I’ve been there myself several times throughout my working years!), I want to shout out to those that might be facing uncertain futures in their careers.
Those that might be worried about the job market. Those that think their CV looks dated or wondering if it represents them in the right light. Those that just want a bit of reassurance or advice or simply just a chat with someone that can give an honest overview of this side of business.
I want to let them know that I’m happy and free to have a chat. I can give you an idea of what might be out there, who was recruiting before this virus happened and who will probably pick up their recruitment process again when we get in the clear, or even who is still recruiting at this very moment (things are still happening out there…there are shafts of positivity poking through!) My team and I can have a look at your CV, make some recommendations about it, improve it (not that it’ll need it, I’m sure) or just give you some reassurance that we are here to help if you need us.
If you are worried or just want to have a chat, do give us a call on 01603622667 or email me at [email protected]
I do hope that you don’t need to talk to us though and also that you all keep safe and well.
Norfolk County Council can confirm today that EB Charging has won the contract to install on street charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in Norwich.
The contract is to install, supply and operate 46 new charge points on 40 streets across Norwich and is a huge step in achieving what has been set out in the council’s Electric Vehicle and Local Transport Plan 4 strategies.
Charge points (EVCPs) will be available to all members of the public, helping everyone access the charging infrastructure, which is crucial to the transition to electric vehicles, particularly for residents who do not have access to off-street parking – where they could otherwise charge their vehicles.
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said; “Norfolk County Council is committed to a greener and cleaner future and we have a leading role to play in reducing our carbon footprint through cutting the dependence on motor transport that runs on fossil fuels.
“We know from research that a lack of charging points is one of the top barriers to people making the transition to electric vehicle, and we hope that this programme will support more people in the Norwich area to make the change to electric.
“This is a fantastic collaborative project which will allow us to make a huge improvement to infrastructure for our residents a minimal cost to the taxpayer thanks to EB Charging who will fully fund the installation and ongoing maintenance of the charge points, and UK Power Networks who have supported us from the start of this project to identify locations and ensured the electricity grid can support these new charge points.”
Alex Calnan, Managing Director of EB Charging, commented; “We’re really excited to be working with Norfolk County Council on this ambitious project to dramatically increase the availability of EV charging options across Norwich. Working with UK Power Networks, they’ve ensured sufficient power supply for current and future charging needs, making switching to EVs a realistic option for residents, businesses and visitors. This will provide a real boost to the council’s programmes to improve air quality across Norwich and the wider region.”
Ian Cameron, Director of Customer Service and Innovation at UK Power Networks said; “We’re making it easier for people to make the switch to an electric vehicle by helping Local Authorities to facilitate more public chargepoints that are accessible to all. We want people to have confidence they’ll be able to charge their vehicle, regardless of whether or not they have access to off-street parking and private charging.”
Following feasibility studies carried out by UK Power Networks, 40 streets in Norwich have been identified as the preferred locations for the first chargers to be rolled out.
Due to the nature of these streets some on-street parking restrictions next to the charge points will need to be reviewed, so electric vehicles can access them. These will be decided at design stage and any changes to parking restrictions will be subject to statutory consultation with residents.
The chargers that are currently being proposed for the sites include floor-mounted 22kW fast chargers) – Alfen Twins and 50-100kW rapid chargers Delta Slimlines. These are both best suited to residential, on-street sites and can be seen in the attached pictures.
Norfolk County Council will be working closely with EB Charging through the detailed design stage of the project and will engage with residents ensure the impact is minimal to those who live on the streets identified.
In addition to statutory consultation a survey will go live shortly for residents to feedback on the identified locations as well as the opportunity for people to suggest other locations that they would like to see charge points installed across the county in the future.