The Ripple Effect..
- barnardjda
- 35 minutes ago
- 12 min read
Welcome to the very first edition of The Ripple Effect, coming to you from the heart of Norwich and made possible by the incredible local business community that surrounds us. Honestly, I'm constantly amazed by the support, encouragement and kindness of the people I meet, and for that I'll always be grateful.
So, who am I?
I'm Jessica. Forty-something, 5'5", own hair and teeth. GSH!
Despite the cape, I'm just a woman with a laptop, a lot of enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to champion the fantastic people and businesses that make our region such a great place to live and work.
By day, I work in recruitment, (Highbury Recruitment Ltd) helping people find new opportunities and businesses find great talent. I genuinely love it. There's something pretty special about helping someone land a role they're excited about, or helping a business find the perfect addition to their team.
However, I always knew I wanted to do more to support our local business community, which is where Ebb Assist came from.
Fractional business support is what Google says I am. In plain English, I'm a reliable 'Girl Friday' who gets stuck in wherever needed. Need someone to help organise an event? Cover office holidays? Tidy up your CRM? Make sales calls? Keep a project moving when everyone's stretched?
And now, apparently, I'm a newsletter writer too. This is attempt number five, so if you're reading this, I finally managed to finish one!
Have I Mentioned I Have Some Fancy Clients?
You may have noticed I talk about The Still Room quite a lot. That's because I spend a fair bit of time there and, honestly, I've completely fallen on my feet.
Based at Keswick Hall in Norwich, it's probably the most impressive place I've ever opened a laptop.
The Still Room brings together theatre makers, performers, creatives, businesses and organisations under one roof. It turns out that whether you're creating a show or planning world domination via a spreadsheet, everyone benefits from a calm, inspiring space.
The Still Room is one of those places that just makes work feel a little less... worky. Whether you're hosting a meeting, planning an away day, or fancy a change of scenery for a few hours of co-working, it's a fantastic space to step away, focus, and actually enjoy being productive.
The room itself was designed by William Wilkins for the Gurney family in 1817 and overlooks beautiful gardens. It has the kind of natural light that makes everyone look well-rested.
If you've never visited, I'd highly recommend it. Just try not to get distracted staring out of the windows instead of working. Speaking from experience, of course.
Between myself and the brilliant Jacqueline Silver of The Still Room, there was a sudden burst of excitement followed by the words: "Ooooh, we've just had a really good idea..."
We wanted to create a networking series for the local business community, but not just another networking event. We wanted something genuinely different.
The result? A mix of start-ups, growing businesses, and experienced professionals coming together in one room. Each session features guest speakers who've been there, done that, made a few mistakes along the way, and learned plenty from them.
The idea is simple: a relaxed space where you can ask the questions you think you should already know the answers to, share challenges, learn from others, and leave with practical advice and new connections. No feeling out of your depth and no pressure.
There's no monthly membership, no long-term commitment, and no pressure to attend every event. Simply join the sessions that are relevant to you and your business. And the best bit? You'll have the opportunity to feature in The Ripple Effect completely free of charge.
We're trying to do something a little different. This isn't networking for networking's sake. It's about helping businesses grow, sharing real experiences, gaining practical advice you can actually use, building meaningful connections, and creating a support network that continues long after the event has finished.
Soooooo...
If you're ready to learn, connect, grow and be part of something bigger, join the movement!
Anyway, before this turns into an unauthorised autobiography...
Let's do what I actually set out to do and shine a spotlight on some of the wonderful businesses and people who have supported The Start-Up Series. They're the reason this community is growing, and they're definitely more interesting than my ownership of both hair and teeth.
Meet some of The Start-Up Series Supporters...
Need More Customers? That's Exactly What Michael Does.
Michael joined us in July and delivered one of those sessions where you find yourself furiously scribbling notes while thinking, "Why has nobody told me this before?"
No complicated marketing jargon. No buzzwords. No promises of making a million pounds while you sleep.
Just straightforward, practical advice from someone who genuinely knows his stuff and understands what small businesses actually need.
Whether it was improving your online visibility, getting found by more customers or making your website work harder for your business, Michael shared simple tips that attendees could put into practice straight away.
Here's a few of them:
5 Quick Wins to Help More Customers Find (and Choose) Your Business
1. Claim your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t already, claim your free Google Business Profile. It’s often the first thing potential customers see when they search for your business, and a complete profile can significantly increase enquiries.
2. Reply to every review
Whether it’s glowing praise or constructive criticism, reply to every review. It shows you value your customers and reassures future ones that you’re engaged and trustworthy.
3. Keep your profile active
Google likes businesses that look active. Add a photo, share a recent project, announce a new service or post a helpful tip every couple of weeks. It only takes a few minutes and keeps your business looking current.
4. Give your website the 5-second test
Open your homepage and ask yourself: If I were a new visitor, would I know what this business does and how to get in touch within five seconds? If the answer is no, it’s time to simplify. Clear beats clever every time.
5. Create pages for the services people actually search for
Don’t hide everything on one generic “Services” page. If you offer bookkeeping, payroll and VAT returns, give each its own page. The more clearly Google understands what you do, the more opportunities you have to appear in search results.
Final thought: Your website isn’t there to impress people. It’s there to help them solve a problem. The easier you make it for someone to understand what you do and take the next step, the more enquiries you’ll receive.
Fab, simple advice - for more or to get in contact with Michael; https://bunnyduck.design/
Next Up:
Head of Business Strategy at Rockthorn Ltd
Fran is Head of Business Strategy at Rockthorn Ltd, where she combines more than 30 years of experience in marketing, business development and commercial strategy to help businesses grow in practical, sustainable ways.
Throughout her career, Fran has always been someone who enjoys spotting opportunities, bringing people together and finding solutions. From publishing her own local magazine early in her career to working in financial services and now helping shape the strategic direction of Rockthorn, she's always been driven by one simple goal, helping businesses move forward.
Working closely with leadership teams, Fran's role covers far more than strategy.
She supports business growth through marketing, relationship building, identifying new opportunities and developing ideas that help businesses strengthen their position for the long term.
She's particularly passionate about helping businesses think differently, make valuable connections and unlock opportunities they may not have considered.
Away from work, Fran is a keen supporter of local charities and community fundraising and has taken on everything from marathons and the National Three Peaks Challenge to charity rallies. These days, life is just as energetic thanks to Millie, her Labrador puppy, who has quickly become part of the family and keeps everyone on their toes.
As someone who has spent decades helping businesses grow, we asked Fran to share the five areas she believes make the biggest difference to long-term success.
1. Build for the Long Term
It's easy to get caught up in chasing growth, but sustainable growth is what really matters. Before expanding, make sure your business has the right people, systems and processes in place to support it. Growing well is always better than simply growing fast.
2. Never Stop Listening to Your Customers
Your customers will often tell you exactly what they need, you just have to listen. The businesses that continue to thrive are the ones that genuinely understand their customers, adapt to changing needs and build lasting relationships rather than simply focusing on the next sale.
3. Be Known for Something
Your brand is much more than your logo or website. It's the experience people have when they deal with you and how they talk about you when you're not in the room. Being authentic, consistent and delivering on your promises builds trust, and trust is what creates loyal customers.
4. Keep Looking for New Opportunities
Some of the best opportunities aren't always obvious. They often come through conversations, partnerships or simply asking different questions. Stay curious, keep networking and don't be afraid to explore new markets or complementary services that could add value to your business.
5. Invest in People
Business has always been about people. Whether it's your team, your customers, suppliers or your wider network, strong relationships create opportunities that no marketing campaign can replicate. Some of the best ideas, introductions and partnerships begin with a simple conversation.
Fran's Final Thought
"Strategy isn't something that sits on a shelf. It's about making good decisions every day, staying open to opportunities and building relationships that help your business grow in a way that's right for you."
To find out more or to chat with Fran : https://www.linkedin.com/in/franbrown1/
Having spent his entire career within the agricultural industry, Rupert has built a reputation for developing strong, long-lasting relationships across agricultural machinery manufacturers and dealer networks. With a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for supporting businesses, he is now expanding his expertise into training and compliance as a fully qualified Forklift Instructor and Certifier.
Combining hands-on industry experience with LANTRA-accredited certification, Rupert is keen to reconnect with existing contacts and build new relationships, helping businesses ensure their teams are fully trained, certified, and operating safely and legally.
Whether you're introducing new operators to forklift equipment or looking to refresh the skills of experienced staff, Rupert can provide tailored training and certification to suit your requirements.
Training is available for:
• Telehandler (J3)• Counterbalance (B1)• M.E.W.P. (3A)
Also, Rupert has recently qualified as a freelance AITT Instructor, enabling him to provide an even broader range of accredited training services.
Rupert, as a new business, how has The Start-Up Series helped you so far?
I've learned so much through being involved, and the ongoing support from the network has been incredible. It's great to see the difference it can make for businesses at the start of their journey.
If you're looking for professional, practical training delivered by someone who understands the industry, Rupert would be delighted to discuss your requirements and provide a no-obligation quotation. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-greest-27426a39a/
Chadwicks Wealth Management - Angela Brett
Helping Business Owners Build More Valuable Businesses and Stronger Futures
Chadwicks is an independent wealth management firm specialising in financial planning for business owners and company directors. Taking a consultative approach, the team acts as a trusted sounding board, helping clients align their personal and professional goals to create more valuable, resilient businesses.
Whether planning for growth, succession, or an eventual sale, Chadwicks provides practical insights, strategic guidance, and financial expertise to help business owners make confident decisions and achieve long-term success.
Who They Help
Chadwicks works primarily with business owners, company directors, and professionals whose financial affairs become increasingly complex as their responsibilities grow. Their focus is on helping clients protect, grow, and enjoy their wealth while staying focused on what matters most.
Featured Opportunity: Three-Year Value Acceleration Programme
28th & 29th October 2026
In partnership with Norwich Business School (UEA), Chadwicks is delivering a unique two-day retreat designed for business owners who want the time and space to think strategically about the future of their business.
This high-focus programme is ideal for:
Established owner-managed businesses
Companies preparing for their next stage of growth
Owners looking to reduce day-to-day operational dependency on themselves
Leadership teams seeking greater structure and clarity
Businesses focused on long-term resilience, scalability, and value creation
Participants will leave with a practical three-year strategic roadmap tailored to their business, along with greater clarity around leadership priorities and future direction.
Attendees will also be invited to join The Sounding Board, a peer network providing ongoing support, accountability, and constructive discussion around business challenges and opportunities.
For further information, contact:
Angela Brett at angela.brett@chadwicks.co.uk or call 01603 672777.
Learn more about the programme here: https://www.chadwicks.co.uk
Love it or hate it, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for building your professional network, raising your profile, and creating business opportunities. But are you really using it effectively?
10 tips for using LinkedIn Effectively
LinkedIn means different things to different people, for some, it’s the foundation piece of their personal branding, for others it’s a tool that they use to help sell or market their products and services, and for others again it’s somewhere they visit when looking for a new role.
As you can see, LinkedIn can in fact be many different things according to your need at the time. However, whatever your chosen use, here are 10 tips to help you get the most from the site:
1. Make sure that you fill out your Personal Profile and have a clear audience in mind when you write it – until I meet you, your Profile is YOU, so make sure to ‘speak to your target audience throughout;
2. Get visual on your Profile – it attracts and keep attention. Banner, Photo, Featured – even in your work experience to raise the ante. Build the Profile not just in terms of text but also the visuals which support and push it;
3. On LinkedIn, don’t think of yourself as a ‘keyboard warrior’ – imagine instead that you have worked into a big room at a conference or networking event. Make it your primary aim to have conversations and be remembered … in a good light!
4. Train LinkedIn to make the newsfeed on your homepage relevant to what you want to see – use the ‘three dots’ at the top of the post to tell LinkedIn you’re not interested in a post and why. It will learn and start to give you more of what you do want;
5. Use LinkedIn’s search to target people and conversations you are interested in – click in the search box (don’t type anything yet) and press ‘enter’. Now choose the area you want to search, such as ‘People’ or ‘Posts’, and LinkedIn will show you all the filters you can use to find the right ones!
6. If you don’t want to post on LinkedIn, find posts you like and leave a comment – don’t just say ‘Nice Post!’, write something that makes them sit up and think that they’d like to hear more from you.
7. If you post, then mix up the format – pictures work well as do ‘slide decks’ but remember you can also start a poll or post a video. Choose the format that best supports your content.
8. Treat the first 2 lines of any post as a headline and use as a hook to get people to stop scrolling and click on ‘see more’ to read all of your post.
9. Remember that your Headline field on your Profile (the text under your name) follows you around the site, so people see it when you post, comment or get in touch. Treat it as your own personal tagline or a 5 second elevator pitch – it works well for you!
10. Keep reviewing what you do – not on a daily basis but whenever your needs change for using LinkedIn or the key information you wish to share with your target audience changes.
Mark White will be joining us at The Still Room on 10th September to help demystify LinkedIn and show how it can be used more effectively for business. Bring your questions, your notepad and pen, and leave with plenty of tips to boost your profile and visibility.
I help service-based business owners become the obvious choice in their local market by improving every stage of the client journey, from being found online to creating experiences that keep clients coming back. With over 20 years of business experience, I specialise in practical, straightforward strategies and support that builds visibility, strengthen client experience and helps owners build sustainable growth. Delighted to be speaking at the Start up Series on 10th September, sharing practical advice on creating an outstanding client journey.
Here’s my Linktree which has all my social links linktr.ee/Sue_Davies
You can find more info and bios on my website at sue-davies.com/media-press
To end, If you've made it this far, thank you so much for reading. A huge thank you as well to the wonderful local business professionals who have contributed to this issue. Your support, insights and stories are what make it so valuable. If you'd like to be involved in the next edition, or if you have any tips, ideas or feedback for me, we'd love to hear from you. Better yet, join us at The Start-Up Series at Keswick Hall. Every attendee has the opportunity to be featured in a future issue completely free of charge. We look forward to welcoming you.
Jessica x
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