Turnpike Farm PR

2011-01-10T14:07:00.006Z

LEADING THE WAY FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Jenny Newton of Newton HR has been named as the East of England's Enterprising Women's Enteprise Ambassador of the month.

The award winning company provides HR services throughout the UK, and has achieved significant success with its micro HR service, Newton HR-in-a-box. To read a full interview with Jenny click here http://www.enterpriseambassadors.co.uk/

The Guardian names top five books about entrepreneurship

2011-01-10T12:08:00.005Z

Over the weekend, The Guardian's Claudia Cahalane listed her five top books about entrepreneurship and we were pleased to see Robert Ashton's latest publication, "How to be a Social Entrepreneur" on that list.

Robert, the Barefoot Entrepreneur, was also quoted in the Mail on Sunday in their article "Recruitment agencies? We did better putting up a sign" which can be downloaded from his website at http://www.robertashton.co.uk/ where you can also read Claudia Cahalane's article in full.

Colin Firth and The King's Speech

2011-01-07T11:05:00.010Z

As most of my friends and colleagues know, I'm a big fan of Colin Firth having briefly quizzed him for a piece in The Telegraph about Pride and Prejudice, which was partly filmed at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire.

The 7th January has been in my diary for a long time as it's the day The King's Speech hits the cinemas. He stars in the biopic as King George VI, who became king after his brother abdicated and shows how Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue helped him find his voice to enable him to communicate more easily with his people.

Janet O'Keefe from Wordswell speech and language therapists is also looking forward to the film for a different reason. She said "Recent estimates suggest that around 2.5 million people in the UK have speech or language difficulties but with the right support many can learn to communicate more effectively. Hopefully this film will be an inspiration to those with speech difficulties of any kind to seek that support and unlock their potential."

To find out more about Wordswell visit http://www.wordswell.co.uk/

Chart-topping book back by popular demand with brilliant updates

2010-10-27T16:07:00.003+01:00

One of the UK’s best selling business books has been given a brilliant makeover making it a real ‘must have’ for anyone needing a helping hand in today’s challenging business environment.

Brilliant Checklist for Entrepreneurs – Your Shortcut to Success is essentially the third edition of The Entrepreneur’s Book of Checklists which was phenomenally successful, having been translated into 15 different languages and sold in 76 countries around the world.

In the new edition author Robert Ashton The Barefoot Entrepreneur, shares all the top tips for business adding a current twist to address new issues and challenges facing entrepreneurs. Banned by Business Link as a presenter for ‘telling it like it is’ and revealing the truth about business rather than sticking solely to bland organisational messages, he has packed in lots of information and tips unlikely to be found elsewhere.

The launch of the third version of a book is somewhat unusual in the business world. However, Robert’s online reviews reveal just why his quirky style is so popular, regularly placing two or three of his books in the top ten recommended list on Amazon at the same time.

He presents both obvious and more obscure business tips in a simple to understand and easy to read format, highlighting his points with real case studies from those who have been there and know what works and what doesn’t. Throughout the book he adds touches guaranteed to the reader smile and making his sound business advice even more memorable.

Explaining why he wrote a third edition he says: “The earlier versions were still selling well but I wanted to make it even more current – as Big Society encourages everyone to become more entrepreneurial, I wanted it to really help those who find enterprise a bit daunting. I’m well known for being a bit outspoken on entrepreneurship so in this edition I really wanted to tell it like it is. It was great fun to write too.”

With so many business books on the shelves to choose from the combination of a bestselling book with added and current hard-hitting reality checks also makes this the ‘must buy’ business book regardless of whatever else readers have on their shelves.

Rowan Gormley of Naked Wines agrees that Robert has hit the spot successfully again with Brilliant Checklists, adding “This book is full of the stuff the “experts” never tell you – use it as your shortcut to success.”

Brilliant Checklists for Entrepreneurs is part of the Brilliant series of business books published by Pearson Education and is available on Amazon or via www.robertashton.co.uk priced at £12.99 (exc p&p).

Technology Centre extends support with new business communication system

2010-10-26T15:43:00.005+01:00

TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LEADS WAY IN EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY TO EXTEND BUSINESS SUPPORT

A thriving business club based at Framlingham Technology Centre will soon be able to extend its reach and make interaction, event booking and communication much simpler thanks to the award of an Economic Development Support Fund Grant from Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The business club, which currently has in excess of 70 members, holds a series of events throughout the year and proactively develops connections with trusted business support services. It also makes as many individual beneficial business introductions as possible to boost trade amongst Suffolk businesses. Located midway between the urban centres of Lowestoft and Ipswich, the hi-tech and welcoming facilities at Framlingham Technology Centre provide an excellent physical hub for business activity whilst availability of 200Mb broadband provides a future-proof, reliable base for virtual support.

The online e-news and communications hub will replace a cumbersome database system of communication. It will notify people of club events and other gatherings that may be of interest; allow people to sign themselves up and join in free of charge; allow members to communicate with each other; facilitate booking for club events; provide links to other support and, very importantly, have a members area for feedback, discussion and interaction.

This long awaited online facility will make the business club a much more inclusive, free to join business community.

To find out more about Framlingham Technology Centre or its business club visit www.t-centre.co.uk or call 01728 726500

New book puts the spotlight on schizophrenia

2010-10-13T14:18:00.000+01:00

Georgina Wakefield, a campaigner on mental heath issues who runs Spotlight on Schizophrenia, shares her mental health journey even further with her new book, Loving Christian – One Family’s Journey Through Schizophrenia.

A truly inspirational woman Georgina combines her own personal experiences of living with her schizophrenic son Christian and having bipolar disorder herself to help teach others and raise awareness and understanding through her website at www.georginawakefield.co.uk. This is her fourth published book and is undoubtedly the most personal and outspoken to date.

Georgina’s reflections on her family’s journey through the maze of mis-information and misunderstanding in the public domain is punctuated with poems which are emotional and moving snapshots of moments in time for them.

Filled with passion, hope and warmth ‘Loving Christian’ looks to challenge public ignorance and the services offered to mental health patients to improve the way those suffering with schizophrenia are treated.

As with Georgina’s previous books, it’s a must-read for mental health sufferers, professionals and campaigners, and most importantly, those looking to broaden their thinking beyond the media’s perception of schizophrenia and behind closed doors.

Loving Christian – One Family’s Journey Through Schizophrenia by Georgina Wakefield is available on Amazon for £9.99 and also via her website at www.georginawakefield.co.uk

Celebrate Norfolk's Cultural Diversity

2010-10-12T22:00:00.000+01:00

People of all backgrounds are invited to take a musical journey and celebrate the work of Norfolk’s most successful black musicians on Thursday 21 October at the Forum, Norwich. The idea behind Mapazi – Roots and Branches, organised by Culture Crossroads, won the Norfolk Community Cohesion & Norfolk County Council Black History Month 200 Gold Award which has provided funding towards this educational event.

Culture Crossroads is an organisation that works with powerfully inspiring tutors and performers to improve inter-cultural understanding. Together with the BBC Voices team and Future Projects they have created brand new documentaries about the lives, influences and inspirations of four of Norfolk’s outstanding black musicians, Anna Mudeka, Glynnis, Jose Ferrera and Girl in a Thunderbolt.

There will be exclusive live performances by the artists representing a diverse range of musical styles as well as DJs and fine food with Caribbean, African and British flavours, catered by Jan’s Roti and Munyah.

There will also be the opportunity to be the first to view brand new documentaries that profile these outstanding musicians – a fully interactive cinematic experience that is perfect for people wanting an introduction to a variety of exciting musical genres or for fans who have been alongside the artists and supporting them every step of the way.

The event requires no booking and there is a small entrance fee of just £3. For further information please call Caspar James on 07532 001361, or email mail@culturecrossroads.co.uk. More information about Culture Crossroads can be found on their website www.culturecrossroads.co.uk.

'Indian Summer' at Framlingham

2010-09-28T12:35:00.000+01:00

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival sees prolific writer and ‘curryholic’ Pat Chapman, renowned as The Curry King and author of 36 books including The Curry Bible and the Good Curry Guide, visit Framlingham for the Technology Centre’s ‘Indian Summer’.

From 7pm until 9pm on Friday 8^th October, Pat will be presenting ‘The Business of Food’ which includes curry in a bowl prepared by the expert himself. Priority tickets will be given to the Centre’s Business Club but other attendees are welcome. Bookings and enquiries can be made to ian@t-centre.co.uk and on 01728 726 500.

There’s plenty for everyone on Saturday 9^th starting with a Curry Workshop from 10am. The Centre hosts Pat’s interactive demonstration where participants can enjoy a tasting plate of the various dishes concocted at the end of the event. Booking for this must be made through Pat’s website at www.patchapman.co.uk.

Between 2.30 and 3.30pm Pat will appear at The Crown Hotel for a book signing. This free event will allow fans to chat with Pat and get their copies of his books signed. No booking is required for this event.

Evening will fall and The Crown’s chefs prepare extensive Indian cuisine for their very own Indian Feast Night from 7pm onwards. There will be a glass of bubbly provided upon arrival and entertainment throughout the night.

Throughout the weekend other themed activities will be taking place over the town such as treasure hunts for both children and adults, and Henna tattoos will come from the Retreat beauty parlour along with head massages and Indian make-up. At the same time you can visit Leo’s Deli to pick up ingredient cards and recipes for all the dishes created throughout the ‘Indian Summer’.

The Crown are also providing an accommodation and feast package for the weekend which includes bed and breakfast accommodation for Friday and Saturday plus tickets to their Indian Feast Night. For more information and to book accommodation or a place at the Feast, call 01728 723 521.

Keeping it local

2010-09-24T13:06:00.000+01:00

The Norfolk Mead Hotel is well-known for it's amicable use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to give their dishes even more appeal. Along with rooms dedicated to Norfolk heroes, they really are keeping it local.

Their next event is no different - the Norfolk Mead Hotel are bringing you another fabulous evening, a "fish supper", that will let you satisfy your appetite by enjoying wonderful dishes from a four course menu that has been specially created to make the most of fresh locally caught delicacies.

For more information or to book please call the hotel on 01603 737 531 or email info@norfolkmead.co.uk.

More information about the hotel and its unique Norfolk themed rooms please visit www.norfolkmead.co.uk.

We welcome the OBS Group

2010-09-23T12:20:00.000+01:00

Keith Morgan, owner of Seekers

Turnpike Farm PR is pleased to be appointed as the PR for the OBS Group which includes Seekers Estate Agency, the UK’s leading specialist in selling park homes, Park Home Seller UK and Mobile Home Seller UK.

The move is a natural extension of our work in the park home industry and follows the launch of a redesigned website to accompany Park Home News magazine (www.parkhomenews.com) by Turnpike Farm last month.

Park Home News as a magazine also goes from strength to strength with circulation likely to rise yet again for the next issue.

A new concept in HR support comes to Suffolk

2010-09-21T14:29:00.000+01:00

An award winning HR Company has teamed up with a Suffolk business centre to provide a creative a series of events to help make HR easy.

Newtonhr is running quarterly Boardroom HR sessions in conjunction with Framlingham Technology Centre’s Business Club to help SME employers to access practical, expert HR advice and guidance in easily digestible chunks.

The series will cover the full employee life cycle from selection, retention, employee engagement, managing people and performance, conflict resolution, redundancy and dismissal and all things legal. It will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions relevant to employment issues in their own business, share issues with other business owners and discuss prominent HR topics.

Managing director Jennifer Newton says: “We’ve kept the price down deliberately to make it accessible to all sizes of business. Anyone who is responsible for people management will find this boardroom relevant. Our aim is to ensure that employers manage HR matters proactively and confidently and have access to specialist support when making business critical decisions.”

For further information visit www.newtonhr.com We think it's a great idea and places are going quickly so obviously others are in agreement!

AWARD WINNING INTERNATIONAL BELLYDANCE TEACHERS TO VISIT SUFFOLK FOR INSPIRATIONAL DANCE EVENT

2010-07-07T15:49:00.000+01:00

Zahara Belly Dance is hosting a Summer Day of Dance on Sunday 1st August – a day of workshops taught by a range of teachers from all over the UK and also an award-winning belly dancer from the USA.

Starting at 10am at Ufford Park Hotel, Woodbridge, a variety of workshops will run throughout the day until 4.45pm with a break at lunchtime. There will be a chance to showcase your skills at an ‘Open Dance’ session at the end of the day.

The day is structured with varying levels of classes so anyone can participate in sessions to suit their experience - from recent starters to advanced dancers who have more than two years.

Afterwards there will be an evening ‘Hafla’ with a Middle Eastern Style Dinner, special performance and music and dancing throughout the evening. Tickets are £20.00.

For more information or to book call Henrietta on or email Henrietta@zaharabellydance.co.uk

HOTEL SERVES UP SPECIAL DISH TO HONOUR LOCAL HEROES

2010-07-07T15:43:00.000+01:00

A Norfolk hotel has paid tribute to local heroes at a summer fundraising event in Coltishall.

Thanks to the generous people who attended the event at The Norfolk Mead Hotel £10,000 was raised to split between two charities, Help for Heroes and MacMillan Cancer Support.

The event was hosted by Jill and Don Fleming, owners of The Mead and organised with a team of helpers. Jill commented: “We’re really pleased that we were able to raise so much. Our own Anglian Regiment has suffered so many terrible losses in Afghanistan that we really wanted to acknowledge what they have done and help those injured to get better.

“We were also really honoured to have the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Anglian Regiment, Colonel James Woodham with us on the day to speak about Help for Heroes, and that really added to the occasion.”

About the second charity supported on the day, MacMillan Cancer Support, Jill added: “Unfortunately most of us know someone affected by cancer and that’s why we also wanted MacMillan to benefit. We really want to thank everyone who supported us and these charities on the day.”

For the adventurous there was a car treasure hunt and also a display of veteran army vehicles lovingly restored by their proud owners. Magical Ed provided entertainment for the guests followed by a very successful auction.

The highlight of the afternoon was the talk from Colonel James Woodham who had recently returned from Afghanistan.

Two particularly notably high bids were placed for special treats when Sous Chef Richard Harpur volunteered to cook for winning guests in their own homes, securing additional funds for the charities of £1000 and £750 for each evening.

The event was not the first time the hotel has honoured local heroes. After recently renaming their restaurant The Norfolk Restaurant, the rooms were renamed after high flying historical characters of Norfolk such as Douglas Bader who flew from Coltishall and stayed within a stone’s throw from the hotel in World War II. Others acknowledged in this way for their place in Norfolk’s history include Admiral Lord Nelson, Elizabeth Fry, Edith Cavell and Robert Kett.

It's not as glamorous as you think!

2010-05-10T17:20:00.000+01:00

A Birmingham PR firm recently had to work through the night for their client (the British Army), donning camouflage gear to accompany journalists covering the launch of a TA recruitment campaign.

It's not how most people see working in PR but I have to say it is a little more realistic than pink shoes, glamorous parties, champagne and glitter.

I've had several 5am starts combined with 11pm finishes when working on a major event - never a problem when you're concentrating on the event going properly and even when you have several days like that consecutively the adrenalin seems to keep you going!

I've regularly donned wellies to squidge across building sites and farmland to go and look a new developments in progress - after all spades and wellies are a must for a PR in rural Norfolk although I have known one or two folks to be completely caught out - they shall remain nameless....

The challenges in the job are always worthwhile when they produce results at the end of the day, and it's really exciting to be working in an industry where no two days are the same. That said, I don't fancy a TA night camp this week thank you.

Charity cash windfall from windfarm

2010-05-10T11:35:00.000+01:00

The Norfolk Community Foundation has just named a new fund for North Norfolk to help groups or organisations with an environmental focus. The Sheringham Shoal fund has been launched by Scira Offshore Energy who have asked the Foundation to manage the funds on their behalf.

It's one of many new funds to be announced by the Foundation this year as more and more organisations are seeing the benefits of one specialist organisation managing the process for them. The deadline for applications to this fund close on May 21st.

Another great example of the Norfolk Community Foundation working to help manage funds to great effect is the Goldsmiths Company Fund, which supports mental health related projects in Norfolk.

I found out just how effective the support they have given can be when working on a piece about the Discovery Quest project in Norwich last week. Run by Julian Housing, it's a programme where members suffering from a range of mental health issues can get out and about to walk together, learn more about the countryside and look at addressing issues such as healthy eating, smoking and alcohol reduction.

They took the group on a 12 day field trip to the Fort William area of Scotland and the results were really phenomenal. One member said "I feel more confident and less depressed. I've been touched by the power of this place, it's given me the chance to sit still and be me, which I don't normally do."

The project team is now working with academics to measure its impact on emotional well-being.

That's what I call a real result where funding has been matched with a really worthwhile recipient to help improve lives significantly.

The Foundation is currently welcoming applications for this year's Goldsmith Fund round, so if you know of a mental health initiative or project in Norfolk which may be eligible they'll need to apply by 30th June. Further details can be found at www.norfolkfoundation.com/Mental-Health-Fund

TIMES RATES YESTERDAY'S WORLD

2010-04-20T17:51:00.000+01:00

SECOND ACCOLADE FOR NORFOLK SEASIDE ATTRACTION AS THE TIMES NAMES BEST FOODIE HOTSPOTS BY THE SEA

Yesterday’s World in Yarmouth has now been listed in the latest line-up of foodie hot-spots in the UK along with two other Norfolk gems.

The list is compiled using feedback from famous food critics such as Tom Parker Bowles, Rick Stein, and Oliver Peyton among others who praise their favourite spots to grab a bite to eat including The Victoria at Holkham and Wiveton Hall Farm Café at Holt.

The Victorian tearoom at Yesterday’s World was praised in the listings for its ‘huge helpings of scones with jam and clotted cream’. Bootiful.

Remarkable People

2010-04-12T15:24:00.000+01:00

As you will know, here at Turnpike Farm we work with words.

From time to time we write about remarkable people for a variety of reasons: magazine articles, client profiles or simply 'for the record' by request to capture moments in time and memories of the past.

Last year I had the very great honour of writing about a really remarkable couple as a record for their family.

Prior to interviewing them I had known them socially for years but there was so much about them I was completely unaware of. Hearing about their past and recording it was quite a fascinating experience and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. They were both from different parts the UK and had very different experiences growing up. Some were hilariously funny while others had tinges of sadness.

This couple achieved some really remarkable things later on together as husband and wife, and recording simple information and stories about their past felt really worthwhile. Sadly one is no longer with us, but I'm hoping that by writing some of his life story down I have helped to create a lasting memory of their time together which she will enjoy now and which the family can all enjoy well into the future.

Yesterday's World an Award Winner

2010-04-12T14:50:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Yesterday's World which has won the accolade of best tea shop in Great Yarmouth and surrounding area at the GYTA awards.

When you think of the hundreds of cafes and tea shops along that stretch of coastline and in Yarmouth itself that was no mean feat. In addition to the tea shop, which is in the style of J Lyons & Co with staff dressed in costume (they were called Nippies in the J Lyons days) Yesterday's World hosts an extraordinary collection of British social history memorabilia. It's all laid out in a way which makes you feel like you're walking back in time complete with street scenes, village greens and a life-size steam railway.

They've also decided to stick to yesterday's prices for entry this year to make sure lots of families are able to enjoy the experience.

Going back to the tea shop, the award co-incides with the launch of their afternoon tea service which is really top notch, with a variety of cakes and sandwiches and of course real clotted cream on the scones. If you combine afternoon tea with a visit to the rest of Yesterday's World the entry price is discounted. Combined with a walk along the seafront you have a top-notch day out without it costing the earth.

The Radio Norfolk team stopped in to interview manager Ian Dickinson last week and were in raptures in the traditional sweet shop pointing out all the sweets on sale. Some of the presenters seemed familiar with from their younger days. We won't let on which presenters remembered them, but we suspect they might be making a return visit very soon to stock up!

Amazon is Mad About Robert Ashton

2010-03-13T15:26:00.000Z

We can't let this week pass without congratulating Robert Ashton who is based here at Turnpike Farm and owns Turnpike Farm PR.

Amazon is obviously Mad About Robert Ashton after listing not one but THREE of his business books in their top 8 recommendations in the business section.

How to Start Your Own Business, Instant Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurs Book of Checklists ALL made the top 8 with their average ratings of 5 out of 5 stars.

Robert is currently back at base writing his next two books which are both due for release later this year; a new version of Checklists (which has been translated into several different languages and sold around the globe) and a one which will explain to become a Social Entrepreneur. As Social Enterprise is Robert's real passion and there can be a lot of confusion about what it is, this book is really set to make it much easier for everyone to understand in a really enjoyable format.

We think that the reason Robert is such a successful writer is that he writes in clear, simple language so the reader really remembers all the key messages they need and enjoy the journey. The emails we get from his readers tell us that too.

On an everyday basis that's something which translates into PR too which is why we all work so well together!

Park Home News goes to print

2010-01-18T21:21:00.001Z

We're proud to announce that the first copy of Park Home News independently published here at Turnpike Farm goes to print tomorrow.

Like many of our projects it has been a real team effort, with Robert (author of 'How to Sell' and other leading business books) leading the advertising sales, Jessica Juby and Lucy Wright both contributing valuable editorial and administrative support, and myself as editor writing feature pieces and co-ordinating the project.

While I've worked on many publications in the past including the Chapelfield Magazine, a variety of printed newsletters, brochures and more recently as a feature writer for Park & Holiday Home magazine, this has really been a dream project I've thoroughly enjoyed. Of course I'm working alongside a true master of the written word - Robert has several published books translated into several languages and selling around the globe, and is a regular contributor to several national, regional and enterprise publications. To read some of them take a look at www.robertashton.co.uk.

With 80,0000 copies of Park Home News being delivered direct through the letterboxes of park home owners throughout the UK the magazine is also a great way for advertisers to reach a specific audience and they've been quick to recognise its potential.

I can't wait to get stuck into the next issue. Meanwhile If you'd like a copy of this issue to find out more about what living in a park home is all about just drop us a line.

Bella

Excursions 2010

2010-01-18T20:53:00.000Z

I've just returned from Excursions 2010, a great exhibition for the group travel industry, and an opportunity for lots of great attractions to network for new business.

What was really nice about this event was that those attending didn't suffer the irritation of spending a small fortune to get a hot drink (it was free in a central area where a visual display of exhibitors was showing).

Crucially, there were also plenty of chairs so visitors could take breaks and stay a little longer because they were refreshed, engaged and comfortable. As we've worked on lots of large events I know that all these factors can make a real difference in

terms of the feel good factor and return visitor numbers.

Rather than being bombarded with high priced snacks, exhibitors were more than willing to offer samples of their regional fare to those passing by and there was a really interesting mix there, from historical exhibits and costumed characters mingling with the crowds, to stunning gardens, hotels, stately homes tour operators, service providers and the media.

If you're in tourism or travel it's a great date for the diary - I've already got next year's date in mine!!

Setting a good example

2010-01-18T20:12:00.000Z

Well done to John Lewis for their 'can do' attitude.

When customers, staff and children were stranded in their High Wycombe store during the snowy spell they just made the most of it and provided food and beds for all who were stuck.

While many stores might have found plenty of good reasons not to do this, they recognised the potential value and ran with it.

The result? Lots of very positive national coverage in the press, online and mainstream news channels. Probably worth the value of replacing the goods 100 times over and a great time of year to stand out head and shoulders above the rest. Great reactive PR.

PR for Charities

2009-11-15T12:31:00.000Z

CHARITIES OFTEN HAVE MUCH MORE TO OFFER THAN THEY REALISE

Spotted an interesting letter in PR Week about charities and brand awareness. Hannah Daws, head of communications at the Crimestopper Trust, makes a great point about smaller charities getting in the running to support major research projects.

I think she's quite right. Just because some charities are small it doesn't mean they can't punch above their weight. They may have some great specialist advisors on call who might also be a valuable and marketable resource externally. Good external communication is vital to get that message across whatever the size of the organisation.

All organisations will be looking to face challenges around commercial awareness, even if they're not-for-profit, so combining good commercial awareness and business development planning with PR could achieve results from several perspectives.