BURY July 2011 Low Res

GENERAL

PR ICE LE SS agazine.co.uk

ISSUE 003 Dispatch July 2011

NEWS FOR BURY ST. EDMUNDS RESIDENTS

WINL IQ

X A TomTom o Routes Tw r Ou SatNav In etition p TEXT Com For e See Insid ... s il Deta

www.burystedmundsonline.com

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

GENERAL News

Cancer Charity Launch Is Your Leisure Time Annual Fundraiser Being Taken Over By The Housework?

Macmillan Cancer Support is once again preparing for its largest annual fundraising event, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

With 2011 marking the charity’s 100th anniversary, Macmillan is committed to making this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning the biggest one ever. Though the given date for the event is 30th September 2011, participants are reminded that they can hold their Coffee Morning for the charity on any date of their choosing.

Whether at home, in the church hall, at the village fete, on the beach or in your workplace, a Coffee Morning for Macmillan can take place anywhere you choose.

It’s all about having fun, eating cake and making a big difference. Even £1 can help cancer patients and their loved ones across the region and beyond receive vital emotional, medical, practical or financial support.

Last year 43,000 people across the nation made their cuppa count, raising a staggering £8 million for people living with cancer. As treatments improve, people are living with cancer for longer meaning the

Dispatch July 2011

work of Macmillan is needed more than ever. World’s Biggest Coffee Morning turns 21 this year too so there is even more reason to put the kettle on.

Local fundraising manager Luke Wheeler said “With the number of people living with cancer growing we need peoples support more than ever. The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning is a fantastic event and it’s so easy for people to get involved. Last year I made it to 13 coffee mornings on the day and they ranged from big events with 100’s of people in village halls, to events in schools to tea and biscuits in a front room with a couple of friends. The difference people can make collectively really is amazing.”

Registrations are now open. Go to coffee.macmillan.org.uk or call 0845 602 1246 to receive your free fundraising pack and help make 2011’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning the biggest one ever for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Would you like an honest, reliable and affordable cleaner to clean your home for only £10 per hour?

We can provide you with a cleaner that has been vetted in their own home and is insured against accidental damage.

At Time For You our priority is to improve your quality of life, by giving you back the time you need to enjoy it.

We operate locally, enabling us to offer a reliable, effective and reasonably priced regular domestic cleaning service. You get the same dedicated cleaner each week.

Time For You domestic cleaners are: • Fully vetted • Insured • Reliable • Honest • Friendly Good cleaners are hard to find but we will not use anyone who doesn’t meet

our high standards. We believe it’s important for you to feel comfortable with your cleaner - that’s why we arrange for you to meet informally before any cleaning commences. You will have the same cleaner every week so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Time For You cleaners will clean what you want (you specify the tasks), when you want (you choose the day and length of visit). They will take care of everything from cleaning, dusting, polishing, vacuuming and ironing, to changing bed linen and cleaning window interiors.

Please call your local office direct on 01359 250677 where you can to arrange an appointment or have a chat regarding our services. Or email us at suffolk@timeforyou.co.uk

News from across your region

Text

Competition

July 2011 Issue 003

WIN THIS MONTH A

04

A TOMTOM XL IQ ROUTES EDITION 2 UK & ROI SATNAV

10

14

Dispatch Magazine Queens House, Queens Square , Attleborough, Norfolk , NR17 2AE Tel: 01953 456789 www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Editor In Chief: Jonathan Horswell Advertising Manager: Jayne Ashby Admin: Lucy Olcot. sales@DispatchMagazine.co.uk Design: Matt Bignell and Colin Jeffery. design@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Editorial Submissions: For editorial submissions please contact one of our sales team on 01953 456789 or by email editorial@DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Distribution: www.DispatchDistribution.co.uk

© Dispatch Magazine Disclaimer: No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate, but the Publisher can not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements the Publisher will not accept any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, immediately investigate any written complaints. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

In this issue FEATURES

BURY ST. EDMUNDS

12

04

Homes & Gardens Looking After Your Property.

14

15

Lulu Has Just Announced A Very Special Guest Performing With Her On Stage On Friday, 22nd July 2011 - From The Bee Gees - “Robin Gibb”.

Also Appearing Are The “Farming Babes” And “Jedward”.

Enter Our Text Competition Text To Win A TomTom XL IQ Routes Edition 2 UK & ROI SatNav.

More New Guests Announced For Abbey Fest 2011

06

Towergate Accumulator Challenge: Let The Battle Commence!

Caring For The Elderly New Spring / Summer 2011 Menu From Wiltshire Farm Foods.

07

Hearing Care Specialist Awarded Top Honour...

At Business Women Awards.

08

Jazzercise Getting Back On Track With Your Fitness...

10

Rotary Club Day Out At Pleasurewood Hills.

11 Abbey Fest: Robin Gibb.

Growing Your Business...

And How Dispatch Magazine Can Help!

Follow Us:

@Dispatch_Mag

See Our Website

Deadline for all editorial and advertising submissions for the next issue will be:

August 19th 2011 Dispatch July 2011

www.burystedmundsonline.com

Welcome to

BURY ST EDMUNDS

More New Guests Announced For Abbey Fest 2011 John Hessenthaler of OEP Live! Presents…

LULU has just announced* a very special guest performing with her on stage on Friday, 22nd July 2011—from The Bee Gees- “Robin Gibb”.

Robin Gibb is best known as a member of the Bee Gees, co-founded with his twin brother Maurice, and elder brother Barry.

The trio started their musical career in Australia and found major success when they returned to England. With record sales estimated in excess of 100 million, the Bee Gees became one of the most successful pop groups of all time. This is a very rare UK appearance indeed.

This really is a great

opportunity to see two world class iconic acts on stage together which should not be missed.

ABBEY FEST continue to add attractions to this East Anglian festival of music weekend stay tuned to www.abbeygardensfestival.co.uk *source interview BBC Radio Suffolk James Hazell show Monday June 20th.

Girlband “Farming Babes” are confirmed to appear at Abbey Fest 2011 on Friday, 22nd July 2011. The x5 students entered the Tractor Factor music competition run by the Farmer’s Guardian and are down to the last 6. If they win, they will play at Glastonbury.

Bury St Edmunds Town Council 7 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1UZ ( 01284 725111 * info@burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk 8 www.burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk

The Members Of Staff Are: Town Clerk: Jen Larner Tel: 01284 757139 Email: jen.larner@burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk

Assistant Town Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer: Sue Hindry Tel: 01284 757157, Email: susan.hindry@burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk

How To Make Contact All Town Councillors can be contacted via the telephone numbers below (all numbers have 01284 as their dialling code unless specified otherwise), or by e-mail. Some have mobile or business telephone numbers as shown on www.burystedmunds.suffolk.gov.uk 1

Roy Bebbington

706981

9

2

Keith Bird

763689

10 Michele Lockwood 711698#

3

Patrick Chung

761120

11 Stefan Oliver

706172

4

Bob Cockle

12 David Nettleton

702212

5

vacancy

13 Richard Rout

767494

6

Paul Farmer

768777

14 Paul Simner

768202

7

Allan Jones

756415

15 Clive Springett

753120

8 Christopher Turner 07816

843778

16 Patricia Warby

704138

17 Kevin Waterson

764804

Dispatch July 2011

756249

Edward Lockwood

711698#

“Farming Babes” admit that it was all a bit of fun and singing is not their forte. With their farming backgrounds, promoting farming and the countryside is the goal and their increasing popularity is already achieving this by putting a feminine twist on a male dominated occupation.

“Farming Babes” will perform their hit, “Farmer Shop” which is a parody of 50 Cents’ smash hit “Candy Shop”. Take a listen.

They finished 8th and the song has gone to No.1 in the Irish single charts.

Abbey Fest will happen over three nights at the picturesque Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds Friday / Saturday / Sunday, 22nd / 23rd / 24th July 2011.

Feel the groove and let good things happen.

Identical twins “JEDWARD” are confirmed to perform at Abbey Fest 2011 on Friday, 22nd July 2011. The Irish duo found fame on the 6th series of The XFactor in 2009.

Further acts and guests to be announced soon...

JEDWARD’S first single “Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)”, which was a collaboration with 90’s hip hop star Vanilla Ice, was released on 31st January 2010. It hit No.1 in the Irish single charts and No.2 in the UK single charts.

Tickets Adult £32.50 Children under 14 - £10.00. Children under 5 – FREE Box Office – Tel: 01603 508050 Email: www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

They released their debut album, “Planet Jedward”, on 26th July 2010 which reached No.1 on the Irish album charts and No.17 on the UK album charts.

“Planet Jedward” was certified platinum in Northern Ireland.

Representing Ireland, JEDWARD performed “Lipstick” in this year’s 56th Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf.

Listen to Gold Radio’s Motown – every Monday – www.mygoldmusic.com Pure Summer! Pure Entertainment!

You must be there!

Collect tickets in person (no booking fee): Balaam’s Music Shop, 103 Risbygate St, Bury St Edmunds. Tel: 01284 766933.

Ticket Terms and Conditions see www.abbeygardensfestival.co.uk TIMELESS! SOULFUL!!

ELECTRIC!!! EUPHORIC!!!!

Experience the chemistry of concerts from OEP Live!

www.burystedmundsonline.com

BURY ST. EDMUNDS News

JW Car Contracts JW Car Contracts started business in 2010 based at Chedburgh just outside Bury St Edmunds. an East Anglian based finance broker.

‘Having worked within various sectors of the industry I have gained experience in many situations and feel that I can offer a personal service as well as having access to many of the best deals around at the time’

Above: Julian Wood from JW Car Contracts.

We aim to provide financial solutions for all vehicle requirements, whether cars, light commercial vehicles or plant and machinery. Finance options include contract hire for both businesses and private individuals as well as personal contracts for people with car allowances from their employers.

Julian has had over 25 years experience in the motor industry. This has included 13 years with two Suffolk Vauxhall dealerships followed by 10 years with Siemens Financial Services as Sales Manager of their contract hire division.

That was followed by 3 years with

‘I can assist in all aspects of the acquisition of a vehicle ranging from organising the best finance option for a vehicle already chosen by a customer to helping with vehicle choice. I can advise on finance options and company and personal tax allowances including benefit in kind (BIK) payments’ ‘Many people like to have a new vehicle but dislike the bother and stress of sorting it all out whether through time constraints or for other reasons’.

JW Car Contracts customers include local businesses, both large and small, individuals and also people from as far afield as Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Towergate Accumulator Challenge: Let The Battle Commence!

Now, the teams have until mid-September to organise fundraising initiatives to transform their £50 into much more.

Above: Paul Whittaker, Chief Executive Officer of Towergate Risk Solutions, prepares to hand out £50 notes for the 2011 Accumulator Challenge.

Businesses from across the region are at war, following the launch of the second Towergate Accumulator Challenge in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Nearly 50 firms have signed up to turn £50 into as much money for the charity as possible, over the next three months.

Teams gathered at the headquarters of event sponsors Towergate Risk Solutions, in Newmarket Road, Bury St Edmunds, on Thursday 2nd June to be handed their stake money.

Paul Whittaker, chief executive of Towergate, which donated the £50 notes, said: “Twelve months ago, when the Hospice came to me with the idea of the challenge, I said it sounded like a fantastic idea which would, hopefully, raise some money for what is a very worthwhile cause.

“We were able to raise quite a substantial sum for the Hospice, so it was an easy decision to back it again this year, and try to make it even more successful.

Ideas already on the table include a fancy dress conga, business skills workshops, beauty goodies parties and the donation of proceeds from selected products to the Hospice.

Firms signed up to the challenge include: NatWest, ASDA, Abbeycroft Leisure, Cinammon Edge, Cineworld Haverhill, Paul Donno & Co accountants, Elveden Estate and Farm, Ipswich Building Society and many more.

At the end of the challenge, prizes will be awarded in categories including most amount raised, most innovative fundraising idea and teamwork.

Barbara Gale, Hospice Chief Executive, said: “This challenge is about making a difference to patients and their families.

We want to reach more people and we need more money to do that.”

Paul Abbott, Fundraising and Marketing Director for the Hospice, said: “What you are doing by taking part is not just about making money. The people who work for you, your suppliers and customers, should be very proud of you. We at St Nicholas Hospice Care are very proud and grateful for what you do.”

Last year’s inaugural Accumulator Challenge raised an impressive £40,000, after Towergate match“None of this would be possible without the funded the cumulative amount businesses taking part. I know that last year, raised by businesses. the teams had a huge amount of fun.”

Dispatch July 2011

News from across your region

Hearing Care Specialist Summertime Blues Awarded Top Honour...

(And How to Avoid Them).

It is an offence to burn domestic waste in such a way as to cause pollution or harm health and allowing smoke to drift across roads

At Business Women Awards.

A host of top local business women, were honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony, which celebrated their achievements throughout the past 12 months.

awards, in commemoration of the life of Beatrice Wilkinson, a founder of the SBW. Karen, who is a qualified hearing aid audiologist, said she was almost “speechless”, when the award was announced: “I cannot begin to put into One Suffolk-born entrepreneur, Karen words how much this means to me. From Finch, who is Managing Director of The all of the successful business women in Hearing Care Centre, was awarded with the the Eastern region I am thrilled to have top honour at the East of England Business been recognised by my peers.

Women Awards, being presented the Beatrice Wilkinson Memorial Award.

“I must add though that I would not be where I am today, without my brilliant, The Beatrice Wilkinson Memorial Award loyal team. They are like a rock to me recognises high-achieving businesswoman, and have worked so hard to make the where the judges consider everything from company the best in our field,” said Karen. financial results, to positive contributions to the wider community, as well as whether In 1998 Karen established her business, nominees encourage, motivate and inspire The Hearing Care Centre, almost single others. handed, and has continued to build up her successful business to what it is today.

The award was created by Suffolk Business Women and the Suffolk branch of the The glitzy award ceremony took Institute of Directors who run the East place at The West Wing, at of England Business Woman of the Year Ickworth House, in Bury St Edmunds.

Above: Martin Pratley from Partridge & Wilson Solicitors.

As your thoughts turn to spending more of your time relaxing or working in your garden, may we offer the following tips to ensure that your activities do land you in hot water. And speaking of “hot water”…….

Hot Tubs Be considerate and do not allow these to cause a nuisance to your neighbours. Noisy pumps and late night use are the most common complaints. Your neighbours could involve the local authority if you do cause a nuisance (or do not invite the neighbour to use the tub!)

Bonfires and Barbeques Warn your neighbours and avoid burning material that creates excessive smoke. Try and avoid bonfires at times when others will be in their gardens.

High Hedges If these unreasonably block a neighbour’s light then the local authority may take action under anti-social behaviour legislation.

Overhanging Trees Overhanging branches (and encroaching roots) may be cut back to the boundary provided that the cuttings are returned to the owner. Also, if the tree is subject to a “Tree Preservation Order” local authority consent must be obtained.

Decking, Summerhouses and Sheds Check whether local authority consent is required for these and that there are no restrictions on the title of your property preventing further construction on your land.

We would encourage that neighbour disputes are settled by way of a friendly word between the parties.

If matters cannot be resolved in this way, take legal advice.

KSP Mobility KSP Mobility is pleased to offer 24 month contract hire for people who can not afford the up front costs of purchasing a NEW mobility scooter.

This is another service we are offering to our growing client base. Please pay a visit to our Brandon shop it’s the only way to view our £35,000 comprehensive stock of disability and mobility products.

allowing us to give our customers personal service in their own homes.

Once again we have supported the Air Ambulance at the Hockwold Summer Fair raising £65.00 for their funds.

We would be pleased to see you. We only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday

We look forward to meeting you soon. Regards Colin.

Dispatch July 2011

www.burystedmundsonline.com

BURY ST. EDMUNDS News

Jazzercise Getting back on track with your fitness...

Falling Out of Shape Whew! Life is busy. You just got a new promotion at work. Your kids are playing two different sports, not to mention music and art lessons. Your parents are coming to visit next month. Before you know it, you haven’t been to your exercise class in weeks.

If you’re like most women, you’re not looking forward to huffing and puffing your way back into shape when you return from your exercise hiatus.

Unfortunately, while it seemingly takes eons to reach your target fitness level, it takes sheer weeks to fall out of shape.

If you’ve taken a little time off from exercise, it’s important to get back into your fitness routine as soon as possible.

The longer you stay out of the fitness habit, the harder it will be to get back on track.

Dispatch July 2011

Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett has been a leader in the fitness industry for more than 40 years. She answers these common questions about falling out of shape and how to get back on the fitness bandwagon.

How quickly can I fall out of shape?

It depends upon your fitness level and how long you’ve been training. Obviously, fitter individuals will see less of a decrease in their aerobic capacity and strength when taking a break than novice exercisers. As a general rule, you will begin to notice less aerobic power after just two weeks of non-exercise.

What does it mean to fall out of shape?

Falling out of shape essentially means that you lose the cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and balance progress that you made when you were exercising. Typically, when taking a break from exercise, you will experience decreased cardiovascular endurance before loss of strength.

According to the Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research in Dallas, you’ll lose

10 percent of your aerobic capacity after only two weeks of inactivity. If you take a break lasting more than six to eight weeks, you’re back to square one.

How do I get back on track?

Here’s the good news: If you were in good shape prior to taking your exercise hiatus, then you’re much better off than those who have never exercised.

The best way to get back on track is to simply start moving. You may not be able to push yourself to the same difficulty level as you once did, so start at your current ability level and gradually increase your intensity from there.

Is it ever okay to take a break?

Absolutely! If you’ve been pushing yourself extra hard for weeks on end, then you probably need a break.

Typically, a few days are all you need.

Any more than that, and you may lose some of your progress.

How do I keep from falling out of shape when I’m strapped for time?

You don’t have to log fifteen hours on the treadmill every week to stay

in shape. If you’re busy, seek to burn more calories in less time. Harvard University researchers studied more than 30,000 women and found that the overall number of calories burned is more important than the actual number of hours spent exercising. So, if you’re strapped for time, just increase your intensity level, and burn more calories in a shorter time span.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world’s leading dancefitness program with more than 7,800 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in all 50 states and 32 countries.

For more than 40 years, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive fitness program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.

For more information on Jazzercise in Bury St Edmunds go to www.jazzercise4u.com, call 07963 161246 or email jazzercise_bury@yahoo.co.uk

News from across your region

Nest Residential Lettings And Management Nest Residential Lettings and Management was established in 2007 to provide a full lettings and management service to the beautiful coastal town of Southwold.

Due to the company’s rapid growth and success it has recently relocated to King Street in Norwich in order to provide a central operating base for the East Anglian region.

Management and Client Accounting departments provide both landlords and tenants with the comfort that any enquiries will always be answered professionally and efficiently.

At Nest, rather than focusing on sales targets, the company prides itself on reputation and building strong relationships with their clients, by providing a tailored and personal service to suit each individual landlord. Nest offers a range of services, from introducing a tenant to the property and initial administration, to full management; tailoring a lettings package to suit all requirements. The staff understand that no property or landlord is the same, therefore the service given reflects the individual needs of each client, and extra effort is made to ensure that every property is given the full attention it deserves.

All Nest properties are listed on the major internet portals, and local advertising and press is utilised in order to ensure that each property receives maximum exposure to find suitable tenants. The types of property that are offered range from studio apartments to grand houses, and are aimed at professionals looking to rent both in and around Norwich, and throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.

With specialist and local knowledge, staff are always on hand to offer advice and guidance through every step of the lettings process. Also, due to the company’s independence, in-house Property

Once suitable tenants are sourced they are vetted thoroughly using a professional referencing procedure, and when moved in the property is regularly checked and monitored to ensure that it is kept in good order and that any maintenance issues are addressed effectively. A professional inventory service and the use of reliable contractors also aid the landlord’s peace of mind when letting their property by ensuring that the condition of the premises

is noted and monitored, and that any maintenance issues are resolved to the highest standards.

Nest Residential Lettings and Management have a passion for property and believe in providing a personal service and building strong relationships with their clients, in order to meet their exact letting requirements. If you need any help or advice regarding letting your property or

any aspect of the rental process then their friendly and approachable staff are always on hand to offer guidance without pressure or obligation.

Nest’s main aim is to take the stress out of letting, therefore if you have a property to let and would like any advice then please contact the team at any time on 01603 621180 or office@letnest.co.uk.

Above: Owl Barn, Haveringland, Guide price £2000pcm.

Dispatch July 2011

www.burystedmundsonline.com

BURY ST. EDMUNDS News

Businesses That Are Not VAT Registered Need To Watch Out!!

H M Revenue & Customs have announced that they are planning yet another disclosure scheme, this time cracking down on individuals and businesses that are trading above the VAT threshold but have not yet registered for VAT. The VAT threshold is currently at an amount of £73,000 of sales in the last 12 months on a rolling basis, and, if your business exceeds this limit then it should be registered.

There are various VAT schemes that make it simpler to calculate your VAT such as the flat rate scheme.

We would strongly advise any business that is exceeding the VAT threshold to consider registering and, are happy to assist in dealing with any registrations, as well as preparing returns on your behalf.

You may be able to claim VAT incurred on some goods and services bought before your VAT registration commences.

Please contact us for further information and assistance.

Our chartered accountants are based at our offices in Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Newmarket and Sudbury.

Details on our website www.staceys.co.uk

Rotary Club Day out at Pleasurewood Hills. from Priory School and Riverwalk School to Pleasurewood Hills Park near Great Yarmouth last month .

Above: The group at the end of the day.

Six members of the the Rotary Club of Bury St Edmunds, together with some of the teaching staff, took a group of children

This is an annual event organised by Rotary Clubs in the UK. Clubs take children from special needs schools on a day out. The children had a very good time and most enjoyed the rides, though some of the adults were not so keen.

Bucking The Trend And Earning Bucks!

How would you like to share your home with a student from overseas this summer, and earn some extra tax-free cash?

Local households can benefit too: the school is currently enlisting host families in the area to provide accommodation and a typical British home environment for students from abroad during the summer months. Hosting one or two students for a few weeks can be a great tax-free boost to your income, (on the Government’s rent a room scheme), The traditional Suffolk pink façade of BLS as well as providing you with a fascinating English School on Angel Hill is a familiar insight into other cultures and nationalities sight to locals. Having been set up in 1995 and a chance to forge international

by Director Patrick Murphy, the school, which friendships. teaches English to students from abroad, has gone from strength to strength. Even now, “We already have a good book of excellent despite the downturn in the economy, the hosts, but are always keen to have more”, BLS English is bucking the global trend, with says Patrick, anticipating the volume summer course bookings coming in thick of students wishing to come to Bury St and fast and up on last years numbers.

Edmunds to improve their English skills. BLS English is in the unique position of being The school’s success has a positive knockthe only British Council accredited school in on effect for the local economy, claims town, and many students make return visits, Patrick, with students making full use of or recommend the courses to friends and the town’s shopping facilities and enjoying colleagues. leisure pursuits including the cinema, theatre Students’ hosts do not need to have children and sports centre. of their own; they can vary from single households to retired couples, preferably living within easy reach of the town centre.

The language students are fully occupied with lessons during the working week, as well as participating in social events during evenings and on Saturdays, and usually spend Sundays with their hosts. The school’s host family co-ordinating team help to match the students with appropriate hosts and is on hand for any queries.

For further information on hosting, please contact Andrew or Suzie at BLS English, on 01284 765511, alternatively drop into the school at: 5 Angel Hill (above the Scandinavian Café) Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm.

10 Dispatch July 2011

News from across your region

Growing Your Business And How Dispatch Magazine Can Help!

We’re all after new business, or at the very least we’re trying to retain the customers we already have.

During a recession we all look at how we can cut costs, reduce overheads, tighten our belts and increase revenue, and very often the first thing we cut is our advertising and marketing budget. Whilst we sit back and think great, we have saved some money, over a period of time work begins to dry up, customers disappear and we start looking at how we can cut costs again.

business grows and we have many methods in which we can help you.

These include magazine advertising, internet awareness, business networking, e-newsletter campaigns, social media marketing and website presence which really do work.

Those companies who increase their advertising and marketing budget during recession are proven to be far better off. By the very nature that they are still advertising their business and shouting about what they do, means they will be at the forefront of people’s minds, when the other companies withdraw from being in the public eye. It is a typical case of “A business that does not advertise is an invisible business”!

According to a recent survey conducted

by Regus, a provider of business services, an increasing number of businesses are turning to sites like Twitter and Facebook to drum up new customs. In 2010, 33% of companies were successfully winning new customers through social networking activity. A year later the amount has risen to 41%. More and more companies are leveraging the channel not only to increase the loyalty of existing customers, but as a successful acquisition tool.

At Dispatch Magazine we are not here to merely sell you an advert and hope that works. We are here to ensure your

As businesses emerge from the downturn they are increasingly reconsidering pre-recession working

practices and opting for more flexible, competitive strategies.

Among these, the use of business social media is proving extremely successful and suited to the fast pace of recovery.

In the UK one in three social network users are a fan, follower or friend of a company page or profile. Therefore businesses are being encouraged to increase the proportion of their marketing budget to this activity. A third of UK companies devote up to 20 per cent of their marketing budget to business social networking activity.

TM

So, Dispatch Magazine is not just here to sell you an advert. We are here to offer help, advice and support on how you can grow your business on a local basis, using many different medias.

Call us for a chat, or pop in and see us. The kettle is always on, and it costs nothing.

(The coffee or the chat).

Follow us @Dispatch_Mag

Dispatch July 2011 11

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Homes & Gardens A Garden Is For Life, Not Just For Summer We all enjoy our gardens during the summer months when plants look their best and detract attention away from unsightly features within the garden, but when the leaves begin to fall leaving areas of the garden exposed, do your spirits fade along with the diminishing daylight?

It is true that interesting planting can be used all year to provide colour, structure and interest, however during the bleak winter months, the fundamental design and hard-landscaping features of the garden become centre-stage.

seasonal planting, an individual yearround look is accomplished.

At Georgina Read Design & Landscaping we specialise in transforming gardens and our flexible approach means we can always meet your requirements for all The solution is a clever balance of planting aspects of landscaping. to provide all year round appeal combined with elegant, interesting and tactile hardAs we are also the driving force landscaping materials to form a consistent behind Paving Superstore (www. backdrop, whatever the season. pavingsuperstore.co.uk) and Anglian Garden & Building Supplies (www.

Materials such as the pastel shades of gardenandbuilding.co.uk), both selling natural sandstone or limestone paving huge volumes of hard landscaping combined with the gentle hues of sea materials across the UK, including washed pebbles and the intricate aged paving from Marshalls, Bradstone, Brett, features of antique oak timber provide Stoneflair, Stonemarket, Pavestone, strong structural interest and colour on Global Stone, Strata and Natural Paving, their own and by complementing this with decorative stone, sheds, summerhouses,

12 Dispatch July 2011

log cabins, garden features, hot tubs, pergolas, fencing, water features and lots more, you can be sure all our materials are at online prices, offering great savings!

So why not let our award-winning, fully qualified landscaping professionals encompass your needs by creating a garden to match your lifestyle - whether

you prefer modern and contemporary or timeless and traditional, we can fulfil your requirements.

Contact us today on 01953 850802 to discuss your landscaping requirements See examples of our work at: www.georginaread.co.uk

News from across your region

Home Decorating Ideas Supreme Bathrooms Summer Promotion Is Now On...

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money. If you’re looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these tips: Rearrange The Furniture - Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

Hang Pictures or Mirror - Hang pictures that reflect your personality. Try frames that are more ornate. When hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects and nice view or an interesting architectural element.

Paint A Wall - Paint one wall your favourite colour and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there.

(Note: Make sure that the colour is one that is shared with several other objects and fabrics in the room.)

Add Decorative Pillows - The good news about decorative pillows is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room. Still better, they can be changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is ready for a major makeover.

Bring In Plants - Greenery always adds a breath of fresh air to a room. If you don’t have a green thumb, try silk plants and trees. The quality has gotten so good that its hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

Lay An Area Rug - An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Try one that complements the room.

Lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

Replace Lamps - Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give others a clue that your room is outdated.

Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a statement.

Add A Throw - Similar to decorative pillows, throws add texture to your furniture. They come in all kinds of natural and man made fabrics.

Find a pattern and style that you like.

As one of the leading bathroom specialists in East Anglia with one of the finest showrooms displaying over 80 bathroom suites and shower enclosures, Supreme Bathrooms are offering a summer promotion throughout all Dispatch Magazines.

Throughout July only, Supreme Bathrooms will PAY YOUR VAT on all purchases over £500.00 upon presentation of our Dispatch Advertisement.

With the arrival of our new ranges from Imperial Bathrooms, Kudos shower enclosures and Calypso bathroom furniture, now has never been a better time to get down to Supreme Bathrooms and make a substantial saving on all products with the current VAT rate set at 20%.

With our showroom displaying our vast array of products including various types of wall and floor coverings’ including tiles and all bathroom accessories means you can shop under one roof for

all your bathroom requirements at great savings.

At Supreme Bathrooms we can also undertake all aspects of your installation with our very own bathroom fitters taking care of all work involved including plumbing, tiling etc. This leaves you without the hassle of finding suitable tradesmen and let’s Supreme Bathrooms complete your much dreamed of modern and practical bathroom.

Have you been thinking of getting that Supreme Bathroom makeover?

If so, take advantage of our offer in July and get down to Supreme now!!

Dispatch July 2011 13

www.DispatchMagazine.co.uk

Text Competition Enter The July TEXT Competition To Win...

A TOMTOM XL IQ ROUTES EDITION 2 UK & ROI SATNAV This sleek TomTom XL Sat Nav features IQ routes which will cleverly calculate your route based on the actual speeds measured on roads at different times of the day. Also with 3D mapping you will be able to visualise your next move on the journey.

• 4.3in touch screen • Pre-loaded maps for UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe • Full postcode search • Dynamic routing • IQ routes calculates your route based on the actual speeds measured on roads at different times of the day • Safety camera alerts - no subscription required • Traffic information - accessory required Features: • 2D and 3D mapping.

• Points of interest.

Answer The Following Question:

General Information: • Car charger supplied.

• Includes windscreen suction mount.

• Up to 3 hours battery life.

• Weight 185g.

• Size H8, W11.8, D2.5cm.

How large (inches) is the touch screen on the TomTom XL Sat Nav?

4.0, 4.3, 4.6

Simply Text Your Answer:

4.0 / 4.3 / 4.6 April’s Winner...

Is...

Anthony Green of Bury St Edmunds! s!

Congratulation 14 Dispatch July 2011

78070 To

Of The 32gb iPod Touch

The closing date is July 31st 2011.

Messages charged at your normal operator rate for sending plus £1.00 per entry Text competition is monitored on behalf of Dispatch Magazine by: BCH, PO Box 807, Manchester, M60 2XT. Helpline 08444123021. iPhone 4 graphic used for illustrative purposes only, and not a part of the competition.

CARING FOR THE ELDERLY The New Spring / Summer 2011 Menu From Wiltshire Farm Foods Celebrating 20 years of great service.

We are delighted to be celebrating our 20th anniversary, and proud of the fact that we’ve been delivering quality meals to happy customers up and down the country for all that time.

appetites – has been expanded to include some tasty new additions like Hearty Pork with Sage Stuffing and the sublime Hearty Lamb Grill Steaks in Mint Gravy.

It’s a remarkable milestone, one that we could never have achieved without our superb staff and loyal customers, who remain at the heart of what we do.

And of course, there’s nothing better to round-off the perfect meal than with one of our tantalising desserts!

So, what’s on the menu this Spring & Summer? Our seasonal selection has something for everyone, from traditional classics like Chicken in Red Wine Gravy and Gammon with Pineapple to some exciting new recipes too. Our popular Hearty range – for those with bigger

How about our delicious Clotted Cream Ice Cream or Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie? We also have a range of meals designed for special dietary needs – offering lower fat, higher fibre, moderate salt, diabetic and gluten free as well as other ‘freefrom’ options.

There’s no commitment, so order as often or as little as you like, the choice is yours. Meals are delivered free of charge and direct to your door by our friendly CRB police-checked drivers and if you wish, they will even pop the meals in the freezer for you.

Whenever you’re ready, you simply heat your meal from frozen in an oven or microwave and enjoy!

our great value menu packs, offering a range of our most popular meals and desserts – it’s the perfect introduction to our range. Ordering is easy on the phone or online, and Wiltshire Farm Foods will deliver to your door free of charge. Give my team a call on 01362 699049 we’re happy to take your order or answer any questions you may have.”

Gail Rowley from Wiltshire Farm Foods, Dereham, comments: “We’re delighted to have such a great range of tasty meals and desserts for Spring & Summer 2011.

If you can’t decide which of our delicious meals to choose, why not try one of

Dispatch July 2011 15