Recently, Aston Shaw’s in-house tax team has expanded in size and capabilities, largely due to the recent acquisition of Burrells, an accountancy firm that specialised in tax planning.
As such, Aston Shaw’s tax team has been bolstered considerably, meaning that they can now provide an even better service.
As a result of this expansion, Aston Shaw is inviting clients and non-clients alike to contact them with any tax question or issues they may have, including but not limited to, the following areas:
VAT
Income planning
Property planning
Capital gains tax
Capital allowances
Non-resident tax planning
Trusts and estate planning
Inheritance tax planning
If you would like Aston Shaw’s Tax Specialists to take a close look at your tax affairs and ensure that you and your business are as tax efficient as possible, then you can contact them on 01603 616300 or by emailing [email protected].
East Anglia businesses have set out their top ‘levelling up’ priorities, ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.
Businesses in the region have placed tax cuts and government subsidies for regional businesses, ahead of other key business policy areas such as infrastructure investment and job creation.
According to BDO LLP’s bi-monthly Rethinking the Economy survey of 500 mid-market businesses, a quarter (25%) of mid-sized businesses in East Anglia want to see the Government offer tax cuts and subsidies to regional businesses, as part of the so-called ‘levelling-up’ agenda. Nationally, 22% want to see this as a Government priority.
The survey by the accountancy and advisory firm, also showed that improving digital connectivity and investing in skills were other areas businesses believe the Government should focus on in delivering its pledge to level up the regions.
Peter Harrup, Partner and Head of East Anglia at BDO LLP, commented: “It’s unsurprising to see that tax cuts and efficiency measures, alongside important economic issues, feature strongly in the list of key levelling up priorities – something that regional businesses are calling for ahead of the Spring Budget later this month.”
Last week, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill reached Committee stage in the House of Lords, as it makes its passage through Parliament. The Government has proposed to speed up the process and deliver on its commitment to offer all of England the opportunity to benefit to from a devolution deal by 2030.
Harrup added: “It’s clear from our latest Rethinking the Economy survey that levelling up remains an important part of the narrative for East Anglia businesses and one that the Government must maintain momentum on if it’s to meaningfully engage with regional businesses, communities and local leaders and even the playing field in terms of delivering on its promise of a de-centralised democracy.”
A fun-loving family that has raised more than £30,000 for worthy causes has signed up a charity Bubble Rush.
Lee Howlett and four-year-old son Arthur will be among those representing Team Hector at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) event in July.
They are supporting EACH because of the care it provided for little Hector, before his death at the age of just 15 months in February 2022.
He had Alpers syndrome – a rare mitochondrial disease caused by a double mutation of the POLG gene.
Hector’s family have been tireless fundraisers since his diagnosis, raising more than £30,000 which helped build the play park behind their home in Great Witchingham.
The rest was split between EACH, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital and mitochondrial disease charity The Lily Foundation.
Mum Tara, 36, said: “When Hector first got sick we set up a GoFundMe page to finish our local play park in Great Witchingham.
“We hoped to raise £8,000 and, incredibly, that target was hit within 24 hours.
“The page ended up raising £25,000, which was then divided between other charities, including EACH.
“Since then, some friends have run, or are running, the London Marathon for the Lily Foundation and, this year, we wanted to take part in the Bubble Rush.
“We thought it would be a fun thing to do, especially for Arthur.
“He’ll by five by then and talks about his brother every day. We thought it would be nice for him to get some sponsorship for EACH.
“Lee and myself have both had bereavement counselling and we’ve been invited to lots of events.
“However, we haven’t felt able to attend any yet so the Bubble Rush will be the first for us.”
Arthur and dad Lee will be joined by Lee’s brother and sister-in-law, Damien Le-May and Victoria Pask, Tommy Le-May, 15, Henry Muskett, 14, and George Muskett, 15.
However, they hope others may join them in flying the flag for Team Hector.
EACH’s foam-filled Norwich Bubble Rush will take place at the Norfolk Showground on 16th July and the course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route.
Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice.
Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath.
To sign up or find out more, click here. To sponsor Team Hector, click here.
Community-minded residents from an aptly-named street have handed over a bumper cheque to charity.
Kind-hearted people living in Christmas Lane, Lowestoft, decorated and illuminated their houses during the festive season and raised nearly £1,500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Visitors came from far and wide to see the eye-catching extravaganza and were asked to pop donations in collection buckets.
A cheque for £1,412 was recently handed over by residents Denise Bretton and Paul Gray to EACH Community Fundraiser Megan Kemp.
The presentation took place at The Nook – EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl, near Norwich.
“It’s been so rewarding for Christmas Lane residents to raise money for EACH – a charity we immediately agreed upon,” said Richard Louis Ainslie, who hatched the original plan for the fundraiser with Denise.
“As we bring light to the people of Lowestoft and further afield, we hope the money raised will bring light into the lives of those that need support, medically and emotionally, at the most difficult time of their lives.
“It’s been amazing to create such a strong bond with EACH – one that will keep becoming stronger.”
The magical displays, featuring every house in the lane, some in nearby Prospect Road and one in Noel Road, contain thousands of twinkling lights and everything from stars and bells to snowmen and Santas.
Megan said: “It’s an extremely kind gesture from the people of Christmas Lane.
“The displays sound truly stunning and every penny donated will help us provide care and support for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, right across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.”
CyberScale, a specialist Cyber Security Consultancy, based in Norwich is has appointed Professor Cameron ‘Buck’ Rogers as the first member its newly established advisory board.
Having enjoyed an accomplished career in Cyber Security with roles that have included CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) at the Bank of England, Global Head of Resilience Risk at HSBC and latterly, Head of Cyber and Information Security at BAE Systems Buck will bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to CyberScale at a crucial time in the next chapter of the company’s growth and development.
Darren Chapman, founder, and Principal Consultant at CyberScale said: “This is a key appointment at CyberScale, and comes at a pivotal time for us as we expand our footprint, particularly across the SMB (small and medium business) space. The focus of Buck’s role will be to help us ensure that we continue to provide both the most relevant, and highest impact security services to our current and future clients. His knowledge, experience and contacts in the industry will be invaluable as he helps us optimise our portfolio of Cyber & Information Security Services as well as mentoring our already skilled and experienced team”.
Professor Rogers said that joining the CyberScale Advisory Board was a very simple decision to make, commenting; “Having experienced first-hand the quality of CyberScale’s work and their commitment to making vital cyber security services accessible to any type of business, I was delighted to accept the opportunity to help. I was excited by the company’s new initiatives in helping small and medium businesses to face up to the challenge of cyber security when they don’t have access to the same resources as larger enterprises.”
Buck’s Professorship is in Cyber Security and Digital Innovation at Gloucestershire University. Outside of his Professorship, Buck is a Fellow of CREST (Council for Ethical Security Testers).
Buck also provides cyber expertise to the International Monetary Fund, an agency of the UN, where Buck helps Countries to understand and regulate Cyber risk. He sits on the expert panel for Regulation Technology Associates and is cyber security advisor to Cyb3r Operations, a cyber intelligence company. Buck has also worked with the G7/G20 via the Carnegie Endowment for Peace on Cyber Security, and the global financial system.
I was asked to present a webinar to a business client about how to deal with stress in the workplace but without having the word stress in the title as apparently that puts people off attending.
We concentrated on ways to improve health and wellbeing and discussed what is and isn’t in your control, looking out for colleagues and what employers have in place to support both physical and mental health. We then finished the session with some simple stretches you can do at the desk to encourage movement during the day.
As usual, we sent a link to an anonymous online survey to receive feedback on the session and for the most part, the responses were positive saying the session was helpful and they particularly liked the stretches at the end. However, there was one person who was not impressed, who felt it was delivered in such a way that put responsibility for stress management entirely on the employee. I dispute that, but putting that aside, and putting aside my huge over-sensitivity that somebody did not agree with my presentation (I took it so personally) I realised this was someone who has grievances with their employer but who also made some valid points in their criticism.
What this person was saying was factors causing stress were out of employees control, such as excessive workloads, unrealistic targets, unworkable deadlines and salaries well below sector average. They felt the session would have been more effective if it had been had with managers and those responsible for allocating workloads, highlighting to them the impact it has on staff and to work through some strategies that they could put in place in their management to reduce stress among staff.
I could tell just from those comments in the survey just how passionate this person felt about it. Unfortunately, I believe it is a fact that many good people leave their jobs because of these kinds of frustrations and it is such a shame.
We need to take on board what the pandemic has shown us and that is burnout and stress due to factors such as unrealistic workloads or little mental health support has led to employees seeking employment opportunities elsewhere, where the link between mental health and physical health are dealt with as one.
It’s all very well, thinking up new ideas of what you can implement to improve staff wellbeing but the fundamentals have to be in place. It’s no use offering different activities, and I include those that we offer as a company, if staff don’t feel comfortable taking part and they won’t be comfortable taking part if they are under so much pressure with their workload or time restraints.
What would it cost to implement regular one to one meetings with staff to talk through these issues? A once a year appraisal is not enough. Have regular forums between management and employees for open discussions without fear of reprisals. Give everyone an opportunity to say how they feel and encourage participation in discussions to increase feelings of engagement and control over their workload.
Employers taking on board effective management methods to reduce the stress and to have communication on a regular basis with employees ensures no-one feels under immense pressure, and will increase positive feelings of wellbeing and less health issues.
Get the fundamentals right with employee health and wellbeing, then build on top of that other wellbeing strategies employees will want to take part in and you will have the beginnings of a great health and wellbeing programme.
Photo: Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, Kerry Wilmot, Director of Project and Infrastructure Management at NEBOair, and Ray Parsons from Premier Flight Training
Photo credit: Saxon Air
Three East Anglian businesses are picking up the pace in sustainable aviation with the unveiling of the region’s greenest flight training programme.
The companies – Saxon Air, NEBOair, and Premier Flight Training – all have one thing in common: a passion for sustainable aviation.
And the VELIS Electro is at the heart of it all.
In 2021, Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand met with the founders of NEBOair who were flying the flag for the world’s first EASA and UK CAA certified light electric aircraft, the Pipistrel’s VELIS Electro, in the UK.
Since then, the companies have worked together to bring the aircraft front and centre, from joint-hosting sustainability events at Saxon’s hangarage facility at Norwich Airport through to Saxon Air supporting NEBOair with showcasing the aircraft on a global stage at the Farnborough International Air Show, and the London Climate Technology Show 2022 at Olympia, Kensington.
Saxon Air, who rent a VELIS Electro from NEBOair, will now engage with Premier Flight Training to position the company as the most sustainable flying school in East Anglia.
Premier Flight Training, based at Norwich Airport, are the latest to rent the Pipistrel VSW121, which is the low emission fossil fuel sistership aircraft to the Pipistrel Velis Electro.
The Pipistrel VSW121 uses less than 9.5 litres of fuel per hour during flight compared to Premier’s previous training aircraft, the PA28, using 28 litres per hour. Operated in conjunction with the Velis, they will provide what is thought to be the greenest route to a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) in the UK.
This is the latest in a string of businesses in the Norwich community that Saxon Air are supporting in their journey to sustainability, positioning the company as leaders in the green revolution.
Alex Durand, CEO at Saxon Air, said: “Electric aviation is instrumental in the future of our industry, and flight schools like Premier Flight Training embracing the Pipistrel solutions to low and zero free emission flight training is exactly the approach we need to see more of.”
Kerry Wilmot of NEBOair explains the journey towards sustainability does not stop at electric aircraft: “To truly achieve sustainable flight, it is important to consider the sustainability of airfields as well. We have been working closely with Octopus Energy to design a vision for cleaner, greener community airfields.”
“Airfields will play a critical role in reducing the aviation industry’s environmental impact, and there are several ways to achieve a tangible shift in operational emissions through sustainable practices, to generate green energy from poorly utilised land that can be found on many airfields,” she finished.
NEBOair invite airfield operators to engage on the following topics:
• Buying Green Energy from a Reliable Source
• Generating Green Energy On-Site: giving consideration to producing renewable energy on-site through the installation of solar panels on rooftops or in open spaces between runways, or by installing standalone solar charging ports like the NUNCATS built port at Old Buckenham Airfield
• Exporting Excess Power: excess energy generated on-site can be exported to nearby communities. This can provide local residents with access to cheap renewable energy during times when it is generated. Long term lease agreements for poorly utilised land can generate revenues for the site of up to 30 years
Together, we can create a more sustainable future for aviation!
Photo: Children at Woods Loke Primary School during a visit from Skills for Energy on World Book Day Credit: Skills for Energy/EEEGR
In celebration of World Book Day, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at EEEGR’s Skills for Energy, visited the local Rainbows, Brownies, and guides unit on Wednesday 1st of March, 2023 as well as local schools on Thursday the 2nd of March 2023 to deliver activities, inspiring the next energy generation. Each student walked away with a copy of the book of Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty at the end of the activity.
Thanks to members of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), these events were delivered with the support of HTL, North Star and Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm.
Sophie said: “My aim was to inspire the next generation of young people to interact with the ideas of recycling, renewables, and sustainability whilst taking part in an engaging activity that promotes curiosity and questions about engineering and the wider industry. Thanks to our sponsors, we have managed to deliver what we hope will be the start of many similar initiatives.”
Danny Peachey, General Manager, HTL Group said: “It was great to see Skills for Energy delivering the activity with the Brownies, where the group read Rosie Revere, Engineer and used recycling to create a model boat. HTL is proud to be an EEEGR sponsor working side by side with SFE to inspire the next generation.”
The school activity was held at Woods Loke Primary School in Lowestoft. During the activity the children had the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about their energy future options, and take home a book in the hope that it will pique their interest and inspire them about the options available.
Glynn Fereday, SSE Renewables Operations Manager for Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, said: “It’s a great privilege to be able to share the story of offshore wind with young people to mark World Book Day 2023. It was such a joy to see the children’s faces when we talked to them about the challenging and exciting roles on an offshore wind farm and showed them some of the protective clothing our technicians wear to keep them safe when they’re working out at sea keeping the lights on for homes and businesses. It’s vitally important to show youngsters the breadth of STEM opportunities available to them and the role they can play in the net zero world.”
Emma Moore, Training Officer for North Star in the Lowestoft base, has been joining in the fun as those attending take part in reading, colouring, and “boat building” activities.
In a statement, Emma said: “Inspiring the next generation remains at the heart of our business . We’ve been training the next generation of marine professionals for more than 26 years through our cadetship programme. Learn more about North Star, and our commitment to training and development here: https://www.northstarshipping.co.uk/careers”
In a final statement, Sophie Skipp, Head of Energy Skills at Skills for Energy and EEEGR, said: “We’ve all worked with talented engineers who design, build, and maintain the world around us. Engineers use their creativity with problem solving skills and EEEGR, through the Skills for Energy activities, want to inspire children to explore this path.”
Thirsty fundraisers are being encouraged to put the kettle on and raise vital funds for charity.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is organising its very first Big Tea Break – a chance for the public to brew-up, relax and spend quality time together.
They idea is that they make a donation and all funds go to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
Community Fundraising Manager Tina Burdett said: “We’re asking our supporters to pop the kettle on, share a cuppa with family, friends and colleagues and join us for our very first Big Tea Break.
“It’s a chance for people to take a well-earned breather, while helping EACH, and we’re encouraging people to host their own get-togethers between Saturday, 25th March and Friday, 31st March.
“Please spread the word and for more information, including how to register an event and download a fundraising pack, check our website.”
The idea for the fundraiser ties in with the wellbeing and support services offered by EACH, which has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.
“One of our key messages is that we help families create memories together,” added Tina.
“Now we want to encourage our supporters to take a break and make memories with family, friends and colleagues.
“By sharing a cuppa, they can enjoy some time together while helping the families we support make their own special memories.”
Supporters are being encouraged to snap, tag and share their photos using the hashtag #BigTeaBreak and they can donate £3 by texting BIGTEABREAK to 70085.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one message at your standard network message rate.
It’s sadly no secret that financial worries are on the rise. Lowering the utility and petrol price hikes, inflation or other costs of living isn’t something many of us have a say in.
However, the good news is as employers there are plenty of things, we can be doing to help to help our employees and support positive financial wellbeing.
We all know that money issues can have an overwhelming impact on our mental, physical and emotional health, because of course, it isn’t just about how we look after our finances, but how we can manage them and feel.
Here are top financial wellbeing tips for employers to support employees:
Explore cost-effective support. Obviously, it’s not always feasible, however investigate what support you can provide at low/no cost to yourself. For example, more home-based working to reduce petrol costs or a food hamper at Christmas.
Provide wellbeing sessions. For example, yoga, fitness classes, step challenges or Pilates to employees in the office or at home, to help employees cut or cancel gym costs.
Money -specific benefits: There are lots of benefits out there which support the financial health of employees, for example Health Cash Care plans. These platforms allow access to discounts on weekly shops and gym memberships, to money back from opticians’ appointments.
Offer regular wellness check ins. This promotes a culture where employees can discuss their money worries openly, without fear that it’s a ‘taboo’ conversation.
Provide professional financial education resources. Providing your employees with professional financial advice on money matters as part of your benefits package, i.e. by offering them access to a financial advisor.
Salary sacrifice schemes. Salary sacrifice schemes that allow employees to pay for things through their company payroll to reduce the amount of tax paid can help them to save money. Generally pension contributions are paid this way but can also include payments for transport such as company cars, bikes, and bus passes, and even mobile phones, gym passes and health and dental care.
Communication is King: Communicate what financial benefits you offer to your employees making sure that the information provided is up-to-date and relevant. No matter how good the financial wellbeing support is that you have in place, if it is not well communicated and understood then it’s likely that it will be overlooked by employees.
Regional accountancy and advisory firm Larking Gowen has announced that Martin Bugg is to become a Partner with the firm from 1 April 2023.
Martin is currently a senior manager in the Business & Private team, and well known for his digital and cloud accounting expertise. His appointment as a Partner comes in his twentieth year at Larking Gowen. He joined the firm straight from college in 2003 after studying for an HND in Business and Finance, completed his AAT in 2005 and became ACCA qualified in 2007.
Commenting on the appointment, Martin said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Partner at Larking Gowen. I joined the firm at the outset of my career, and it’s great to be able to realise a long-held ambition to reach this position. I’m excited to be part of the leadership team driving the business forwards, providing an efficient and proactive service to clients.”
“It’s an exciting time in our profession, as we adjust to new ways of working,” said Martin. “My message to the teams and our clients is that technology buys you time. We should aim to work smarter not harder, using the technology and embracing change. We understand the products well, we can demonstrate the value to our clients, and use the live data to help them grow their business and achieve their goals.”
Business & Private Lead Partner Becky Ames said: ” I am very pleased to welcome Martin to the partnership. His knowledge of how digital solutions can be applied to the benefit of both our clients and Larking Gowen is invaluable in our fast-changing profession and will ensure that we continue to be proactive in our approach. Having trained with the firm, he is a great example of how a career at Larking Gowen can take you as far as you want to go.”
In a space that has got so much demand forcing many players to let down the bars, BetterOasis Healthcare is defying the odds and stands alone when it comes to quality, person-centred professional care services. The healthcare service provider has grown in leaps and bounds over a very short space of time and the grown spurt is hugely driven by an increase in demand for well-trained carers and support workers.
BetterOasis Healthcare boasts a young but experienced dynamic staff compliment delivering superb care and support services to different entities across the United Kingdom and has become the staffing solutions supplier of choice for a number of established organizations including nursing and residential homes. Carers and Support Workers can be provided to organizations of any complexity and size on a temporary, as-needed or permanent basis.
Whether you need support staff due to employee turnover, vacations or any other reason, BetterOasis is guaranteed to cover your staffing gaps whist saving you money and time.
“We strive to match our staff with your unique needs thereby allocating you resources equipped with the right skills set. We have a rigorous human resource development & training process to equip our team members to be able to perform exceptionally well whether they are in Children’s Homes, Nursing Homes or providing services for those with Learning disabilities”, reiterated Taps Kundoro, the Operations Director.
Switch over to BetterOasis today to fill in those staffing gaps across the different shifts and get the guarantee that you will get the best of service all the time.