"We've been selected as one of the "Future 50" came a tweet the other day.
"That's fantastic," I thought, "That's one of our clients. They deserve to be in the Future 50"
Then within minutes, I saw another tweet from another client, and then another - all selected for the "Future 50"
The award recognises entrepreneurs in Norfolk who are making a positive impact on business and which show significant potential for the future.
We choose our bestof Norwich clients on the basis that they are fantastic businesses who we feel we can recommend, so it is great to see this backed up by the inclusion of so many of them in the Norfolk Future 50.
And here they are:
Emma Bussey, managing director of ABC Abacus, provides professional commercial cleaning for a range of Norwich and Norfolk businesses. Each client has a dedicated team of employed (rather than temporary contractors) uniformed, CRB checked staff. If a cleaner is away, there will always be someone to cover for them, even if it is a member of the management team themselves.
Emma is a very busy lady, who also runs a domestic cleaning service, a professional ironing / laundry service, with free collection and delivery in Norwich, and owns Ninhams Traditional Cake Mixes.
Client feedback about Anglian Business Cleaning:
"I came into my office this morning and thought “WOW”. Your cleaners have done a superb job with our office, we are really pleased. Everyone was commenting on how clean and sparkly it is, thank you so much."
Simon Gray, managing director of Credo Asset Finance is another long-standing client who came on board with us in our first year of business.
He arranges finance to SME's looking to finance vehicles, equipment and other assets, and also offers individual car finance. He has invested in sorftware and has recently recruited three new people to the team.
Last year Simon launched Credo Capital Finance to lend money to businesses having trouble obtaining finance.
Client feedback:
"Simon and Credo have helped me buy three cars and vans to date and always given first class service and great finance packages. Quality stands out."
Jonathan Thursby and his wife, Linda bought EPIC Studios last year and are rapidly propelling it into international awareness.
With its studios and cutting edge technology, combined with Jonathan's background in TV, this is the perfect venue for live music events, comedy shows, dance, wresting, and a whole range of other events.
From Zumba classes to choir practice, the studios are being embraced by the local community.
Jonathan and Linda want to promote local talent, and give them the opportunity to perform at EPIC, enabling them to reach bigger audiences through the streaming of the events on the internet - bringing in an international audience. EPIC's You Tube channel has already received 160,000 views in the short time it has been live.
The venue is also great for business conferences and events.
Client feedback:
"As a band we have played various venues throughout the UK and can honestly say Epic stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s hard not to be impressed with the array of technology available, the facilities and most importantly the professionalism of the crew and staff. Our last gig was streamed live over the net in HD hitting a worldwide audience of 22,000"
Will Farnell of Farnell Clarke was one of the first business people I met in Norwich and it has always been a pleasure talking to him.
He is an accountant. He is approachable. He "does different".
His tagline? "not your typical accountants"
He charges a fixed monthly fee so that there are no hidden surprises and introduced the kashflow online accounting system to myself and many of his clients. Kashflow totally changed my business - it enabled me to set up automatic invoicing, and made doing my accounts almost bearable!
Over the past few years, he has grown the team and now employs six people.
"Staff development," says Will, "is key."
Client feedback:
"He makes the scary world of accountancy extremely accessible for us - and he offers us on-going business support as well. I would never hesitate to recommend Will to anybody!"
Metalfrog, a Norwich-based web design agency and SEO specialist, gained huge success this year with their involvement with Theo Paphitis, which came about initially via twitter, and has lead to Metalfrog working very closely with Theo on various projects.
Chris Wheeler commented;
"We are really proud to have been able to make a positive difference to businesses across the region, and now across the World. We never rest on our laurels however, and we will be looking to enhance our profile to become part of this next year and for years to come."
Client feedback:
"From a fantastic website, to email marketing and on to getting my site on page 1 on Google with masses of exposure and enquiries, Metalfrog have over-delivered time and time again. This is why I love those guys!"
Pippa and her husband Mark have been clients for many years. Originally operating under the Kall Kwik franchise, they set up independently this year as Norwich Print Solutions.
Based at Broadland Business Park, they have large format printers, digital printers and the rare metallic printers, to really make your marketing stand out.
They have expanded their range to include promotional gifts as well as the usual print and exhibition banners and stands.
When we needed a sign made up overnight, Norwich Print Solutions had it ready and waiting for us the next morning. When we need leaflets, or banner stands, they are happy to oblige.
Client feedback:
"Their outstanding service is always delivered with such friendliness and the feeling that nothing is too much trouble and I look forward to working with them for many years."
There are many marketing firms out there, but osborne nash stand out for their own design.
The minute I saw their website, I knew they were different, with their strong logo, and "the missing think" mantra.
Enter their offices and this design creativity continues, with their trademark red sofa (which even followed them to the Norfolk Showground this year!) and the "hello" on the wall, that greets you as you walk through the entrance.
It goes without saying that this creativity flows through to their clients, with innovative designs for hoardings on premises being refurbished, as well as the usual websites, logos, flyers and marketing products.
Client feedback:
"Working with OsborneNash is nothing short of an absolute pleasure. Their slick design, attention to detail and brand awareness takes all forms of marketing to a different level."
The Mill Cafe Bar & Restaurant
Opened by Anna Stevenson and her husband, Hugh late last year, The Mill Cafe Bar & Restaurant is a fantastic venue, in a peaceful location just off the A47.
In the daytime, the cafe is perfect for coffee and cake, or lunch. The venue is stylish and smart, but also very child-friendly, with its children's menu of healthy food and plenty of things to keep them amused.
On a summer's day there is a wonderful terrace with countryside views and snazzy seating.
The restaurant offers fine dining in the evening and is available for private parties and events.
The bar offers a range of beers and ales on tap, so there really is something for everyone at The Mill.
This client feedback sums it up well:
"Beautiful surroundings. Excellent Food. Charming hosts."
So there we are - a run-through of eight of our clients who are featured in this year's Future 50.
As you can see, many of them have been clients for many years, and they are all fantastic.
