voic e
norfolk Searching for new markets Big Interview Blair Ainslie
Seeking to broaden Norfolk’s business horizons
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CONTENTS
Contents. 03
Things in the Eurozone may be a bit uncertain at the moment, but elsewhere in the world the opportunities for export are excellent. In this issue, and at our free Global Marketplace trade show on 27 September at NUCA (Norwich University College of the Arts), in Norwich, you can find out how you can take advantage of these opportunities. Whether in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) or the Middle East and Far East, trading overseas can give your business a real boost and help you to unlock growth. The subject of our Big Interview, Blair Ainslie, from Seajacks, knows all about successful exporting. Seajacks is a leading owner and operator of purpose-built self-propelled jack-up vessels. With a track record of over 200 wind turbine installations, Seajacks vessels provide an effective solution to the installation and maintenance of offshore wind turbines and foundations. Ainslie will be the keynote speaker at our GY Networking Breakfast on 18 September 2012. In The Last Word, we catch up with Lesley George, Operations Manager at John Lewis, and find out what she does when she’s not helping the successful Norwich store to go from strength to strength. John Lewis will host our ‘Look the Business’ event on 16 August 2012. The response to our new website has been fantastic and many of our members are using the news and knowledge sections to gain valuable free PR and promote their products and services. Please do submit your copy or alternatively learn from other members and pick up useful information.
Welcome/Contents
04 05
Member News
07
Member News
08 09
Chamber Policy
12 13
Member News
16 17
The Big Interview
18
Member News
21
Member News
24 27
Cover Feature
38 42
Chamber Events
16
44
Chamber Membership
45
Take a Break
47
New Members
49
Movers and Shakers
50
The Last Word
26
27 Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication. All editorial and general enquiries: info@norfolkchamber.co.uk Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road, Norwich NR4 6DJ Tel: 01603 625977 Fax: 01603 633032
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Enjoy reading this issue of Norfolk Voice.
CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
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NORFOLK VOICE
Broaden your horizons for future success.
Up, up and away for charity fundraisers.
DAVINA TANNER President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
One of the things that never fails to surprise and inspire me about working in the commercial world is how fast things change and develop. When I started in business the internet had no role in my day to day working life and now I couldn’t do without it. I would never leave the house without cash in my purse or at least a cheque book 15 years ago; now we all rely on debit cards, and automated mobile banking is set to change the way we spend our money yet again. But one of the biggest changes for me is how small and connected the world seems to have become. Thanks to a fascinating combination of technology and brave journalism, we have virtually immediate access to news from around the globe. We have the opportunity to understand what is really going on in societies and markets that, in many ways, are not dissimilar from our own. The UK economy continues to be challenging, especially with many of our European colleagues in dire straits. But where there are challenges there are also opportunities. For ambitious businesses, I believe that it’s important to look beyond our own doorstep for trade potential. There are a multitude of opportunities overseas for those who are prepared to do their research and use their expertise to produce innovative products that fulfil a need, meet a budget and capture the imagination of a foreign marketplace. In our region we are fortunate to have one of the biggest ports in the UK – Felixstowe – as well as other distribution hubs. We have some fantastic logistics firms based here in Norfolk with an enormous amount of experience and expertise in how to move your goods to destinations across the world in an efficient, compliant and cost effective manner.
Some of the Cozens-Hardy team with representatives of the Air Ambulance
Cozens-Hardy has announced that the firm will be supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) this year. As part of the firm’s sponsorship of the 2012 Norwich Triathlon, the Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club, the event organisers, also nominated the EAAA as its official charity for the event on Sunday 1st July, at Whitlingham Country Park. Philippa Rudd, Marketing Partner, Cozens-Hardy, said: “One of our employees was very ill as a baby and an air ambulance played a critical part in her treatment and I think everyone here at Castle Chambers appreciates what an incredible service the charity offers.” Jess Down, Area Fundraising Manager for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “I am delighted that the staff at Cozens-Hardy have kindly chosen to support us, it’s wonderful news. The support of local people and businesses is invaluable to us and we are really grateful to have the support of such a prominent legal services provider.”
The Norfolk Chamber can really support its members who are interested in exploring international export and I would encourage you to use this resource. From specialist training to export documentation and one to one advice; please get in touch with our International Trade Director Tracey Howard if you are considering reaching out to new markets.
For more information about the East Anglian Air Ambulance, contact the charity on 0845 066 9999 or visit its website at www.eaaa.org.uk
The East of England is ideally placed to trade with the rest of Europe but there is nothing to say that we can’t broaden our horizons even further. With so many emerging economies and the rest of the world being just an email, phone or video call away, let’s show the rest of the world what Norfolk has to offer.
Be part of the chain. Don’t forget to register on our new website to keep up to date with supply chain opportunities for EDF Energy’s Sizewell C project. 80% of the contracts awarded for this project will be non-nuclear, so there are huge opportunities for companies from a broad range of industries. www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk
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MEMBER NEWS
Energy training places double. Leathes Prior and Morgan Woods advise on franchise. Sumo Salad, an Australian fresh and healthy salad bar chain, has launched its first franchise in the UK. The outlet was opened in Norwich by Mike Dodd (centre), advised by Ed Savory (right), an Associate in Leathes Prior's Franchising team, and Mark Noakes (left), Managing Director of Morgan Woods.
The three main award winners
The Energy Skills Foundation Programme (ESFP) run at Lowestoft College since 2009 will also be offered at Great Yarmouth College from September, doubling the number of places available to 32.
The announcement was made at the annual ESFP awards ceremony, where the current crop of 16 students received their completion certificates and top trainees were honoured. Celia Anderson, interim chief executive officer of the East of England Energy Group, which launched the programme under its Skills for Energy banner three years ago, said: “It’s very exciting that we’re now able to offer this in both towns. Courses at both colleges are already full, which reflects not only the considerable demand but also the reputation for quality training that
this programme has established in quite a short period of time.” Phil Jefferies, regional account manager for the Engineering and Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), said, “This programme gives young people the opportunity to make informed choices about their careers in the energy industry.”
Ed said: “Working with Mike was a pleasure due to his considerable commercial experience and rational approach to the obstacles that we had to overcome.” Mark Noakes said: “From day one of this project I have had no doubt that Mike would make a success of Sumo Salad. His sound judgement, enthusiasm for his product and ability to get things done has made it a pleasure advising him alongside Ed.” Mike Dodd said: “It is refreshing to work with advisers who are modern in their approach and take genuine care."
Simon Summers, principal of Lowestoft College, said: “Energy is a sunrise industry and engineering will help to pull us out of the recession through good design and manufacturing skills.” Myles Patterson, 18, from Hopton, was named student of the year. He said: “I want to get as far as possible in this industry and this programme has given me a really good start.” Student of the year runner-up was Lewis Davey and most improved student was George Heath. The programme was also completed by the following students, who received certificates from Ian Moulton, asset manager for Perenco: Sonny Antcliffe, Christopher Boyce, Diogo Dias, Ross Dougan, Josh Fall, Brady Foxhall, Elyse Fraser, Jamie Freeman, Aiden Linford, Daniel Meades, Cameron Naismith-Robertson, Lewis Pearce and Lewis Sarson-Pocock. The programme is delivered through a partnership that includes Skills for Energy, ECITB, National Skills Academy for Nuclear, Cogent and Lowestoft College.
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MEMBER NEWS
Norse extends deal at Norwich Research Park. Norse Commercial Services has added to its facilities management agreement with the Norwich Research Park (NRP). The company, which employs 5,000 people in the county, has taken on the management and delivery of cleaning, reception services, catering and both planned and reactive building maintenance at the Innovation Centre on the Park. Norse already manages the facilities at the site’s Cotman Centre, part of the Norfolk and Waveney Cellular Pathology Network.
In the mood for cocktails. The mood was cool as 60 people attended Norfolk Chamber’s first Chill Time! after-hours networking event.
John Irving, Project Co-ordinator for Colney Innovations Ltd, said: “We are very pleased that this local company won the contract since their policy is to use the local supply chain and environmentally-friendly resources wherever possible.”
Peter Hawes
Norse Managing Director Peter Hawes said: “These are exciting times for both NRP and Norse. We are proud to be associated with NRP as they continue to develop their facilities and increase their international reputation. Our commercial and environmental philosophies are well aligned, which will benefit the local economy and, through our profit sharing agreement with Norfolk County Council, the county’s taxpayers alike.”
Team puts the Queen in the picture. As part of National Photography Month, photo and digital specialists Snappy Snaps set an in-house team of photo advisors a challenge.
Vodka Revolution, in the heart of Norwich, was the location and those attending were treated to an inspirational talk by Kieran Miles, a young entrepreneur who heads up Impact Media. His experiences left everyone determined to follow their own dream of success. The evening also included a cocktail masterclass, where everyone had the chance to mix their favourite drinks.
The team had one-day to hit the streets of London in an event held at the start of the Jubilee celebration, during which they passed on handy hints to the public. They started their challenge with their first photo tip broadcast live through social media from Trafalgar Square, London’s most photographed tourist attraction and the second most photographed place on earth after the Empire State Building in New York.
Kieran Miles addresses the attendees
The Trafalgar Square event
Chris Perry, Chamber Membership Manager, said: “This was a fantastic evening. Everyone had such fun, learned a new skill and with the opportunity to network and meet new people it’s a great way to do businesses. Hearing from Kieran was also fantastic as he’s such a motivational speaker.”
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
Deputy governor says Norfolk’s economy is more resilient to the downturn. MP calls for joint working.
Norfolk’s agricultural economy has made it more resilient to the downturn, the deputy governor of the Bank of England said during a visit to Norfolk.
Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth met with members of the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council to discuss local issues. Among the topics for discussion were education, rejuvenation of the town centre, improvements to the railway station and the Enterprise Zone.
In the county to meet local business leaders, Charles Bean said the region seemed to be doing “a little bit better than the average”. Mr Bean spent two days meeting business leaders for “confidential” discussions about their concerns. The Bank of England regional offices talk to businesses on the ground on a regular basis to feed into a national picture, but the members of the Monetary Policy Committee also make about 60 visits to different parts of the country to talk to business leaders and explain the Bank’s policy each year. He also addressed 80 Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members at a breakfast at Norwich City Football Club. Mr Bean said: “I have to say this is a part of the world which actually seems to be doing a little bit better than some other regions. It probably benefits from London and has tended to be a little bit more resilient than other parts of the country which are more dependent on the public sector than other parts of the country like Northern Ireland and the north of England. Norfolk seems to be doing a little bit better than the average. The agriculture is relatively more significant in this part of the world and that is a less cyclically sensitive business.” He said those he had met in the agriculture industry on his visit had a “relatively strong story to tell”. “In some cases they export what they produce and the level of sterling compared to where it was pre-crisis has made them more competitive and helped them to export into the eurozone.” he said. But the construction industry is not such a positive story. Mr Bean said: “That is obviously a part of the economy which has been pretty flat both with residential building being quite weak and now public sector projects starting to impact.” He said the Bank of England had limited power, and specific concerns were often the responsibility of Whitehall departments. Mr Bean
Charles Bean
said: “We are just responsible for monetary policy and policy actions that people want quite often turn out to be the responsibilities of government, or various ministries within Whitehall. Nevertheless it is still useful for me to have a dialogue with business to find out what their concerns are and we are interested in finding out what is happening in their particular markets. How they are seeing price pressures developing. Whether they are going to be able to push through price increases. A number of them were talking about the extent to which their margins were being squeezed and they are unable to push through price increases despite the rise in costs which often might be reflected in things like higher energy prices.
Mr Lewis advised that there was work to do to inspire ‘aspiration’ with Great Yarmouth’s young people. He was keen to work in conjunction with the education establishments and local businesses to get the message across to students and young people to ensure they understand what exciting opportunities are available to them and how to access them. Brandon Lewis said “It was good to have the opportunity to discuss matters that were important to Great Yarmouth businesses with the Chamber Council and to work together with them to find ways to support of business growth in Great Yarmouth”.
“That intelligence on demand growth and inflationary pressures is a valuable input to our thinking at the bank.” Article courtesy of Archant
Joint council meeting. The Great Yarmouth Chamber Council and Lowestoft & Waveney Executive Council met on 14 May. James Gray, the Inward Investment Director of NSEA (Norfolk Suffolk Energy Alliance) gave an update presentation on NSEA and how it brands itself and the region. James highlighted the need to educate the offshore and wind operators that existing oil and gas experience can be translated across in terms of building the turbines offshore.
local business community and to engage them, particularly the larger companies such as Aviva. Also at the meeting David Martin presented a Skills report he has compiled. It was agreed that the Chamber’s role should be a wide one and could not be biased towards any one sector. It was agreed that the Chambers could concentrate on Apprenticeships, as they are also a priority for the Government.
He also advised that there was a need to communicate what was happening to the
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CHAMBER POLICY
Great Yarmouth Chamber Council appoints new Vice President. John Morse, Operations Director of marine survey company Gardline, has been appointed as new Vice President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council.
The last round…
Commenting on his appointment, John said: “I am very excited to take up this new role. As an employee of Gardline, which is one of the largest Great Yarmouth employers, plus my previous relevant experience, I will be able to contribute to the Chamber’s forthcoming development and help to support this vital industry sector.
Charity Golf Day for LB150 Challenge
“I believe there should be a concerted effort to regenerate a new economy in Great Yarmouth, based upon the offshore renewables and other related opportunities. An economy such as this will provide long-term employment, net inward migration and general viability away from, but parallel to, its traditional tourism base. “I think it should be the responsibility of every Chamber member to provide support and direct mentoring to businesses in Great Yarmouth, and
John Morse
in collaboration, we should all strive to generate a strong, vibrant, and expanding business environment for the town.”
Lovewell Blake has been closely involved with charities and the voluntary sector for many years, not only working for them but providing our support to the local community. As a firm, we celebrated our 150th anniversary in 2008 and to commemorate this fantastic achievement we set up the LB150 Challenge to raise £150,000 over five years, for local good causes. We are now in our final year and are delighted to report we have already raised over £130,000 and have, so far, donated in excess of £120,000 to more than 80 local charities and community projects.
Run Brussels for a day.
As one of our fundraising events this year, we are holding a golf day on Thursday, 26 July, at the Royal Norwich Golf Club. There will be the opportunity to attend a free putting clinic hosted by two PGA professionals on arrival, and then play will commence at 1 pm with a shotgun start, details of which will be clarified upon registration. The scoring system for play will be “stableford” and will take the format of an individual competition and a “best three from four” team competition. On 18th October 2012, more than 800 business men and women from all over Europe will get the chance to take over the European Parliament hemicycle for an afternoon. Those taking part will debate and vote on issues that affect the day to day running of their business and the environment in which they operate. The event will be opened by Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the Commission and Martin Schultz, President of the European Parliament. The afternoon will be devoted to a discussion around what government and business can do to boost growth in Europe, after which
key Commissioners and MEPs will be asked to respond. A series of practical recommendations will then be voted on by the members and given to the press and EU leaders meeting in Brussels the next day. The British Chambers of Commerce has been allocated 73 seats in the hemicycle, in line with the number of MEPs that represent the UK in the European Parliament. These will be allocated to businesses on a first come first served basis and online registration will be available in June. If you are interested please let caroline.williams@norfolkchamber.co.uk know.
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Following your round of golf there will be the opportunity to relax over a lovely meal waiting for you back in the club house. Entry fees are £55 for an individual or £200 per team of four. If you would like to join us for what will be a wonderful day and an opportunity to raise much needed funds, and/or sponsor a hole for £25, please contact Jenny Hayman on 01603 663300 or email j.hayman@lovewell-blake.co.uk for an entry form.
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
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NORFOLK VOICE
Property firms merge to form Arnolds Keys. Norwich property services firm Arnolds and North Norfolk auctioneers and estate agents Keys have merged to form new firm Arnolds Keys.
The staff of both firms will transfer to the new business, which will operate out of Arnolds’ four offices in Norwich, Eaton, Wroxham and Lowestoft, and Keys’ offices in Aylsham, Cromer, Holt, North Walsham and Sheringham, as well as its Aylsham Salerooms. Arnolds Keys Head Office will be 2 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich.
The six launch Partners of Arnolds Keys - (from left) Jan Hÿtch, Clive Hedges, Guy Gowing, Phil Barker, Roy Murphy and Charlie Penrose
The new firm will have three trading divisions: n A full-service residential and commercial property services business, which will trade under the name Arnolds Keys n A fine art auction business, which will trade under the name Keys Fine Art Auctions, part of Arnolds Keys
Guy Gowing, Jan Hÿtch, and Charlie Penrose (current Arnolds Partners) and Phil Barker, Clive Hedges and Roy Murphy (current Keys Partners) and new Partner, Craig Knights
n A self-catering holiday business, which will trade under the name Keys Holidays, part of Arnolds Keys
New Keys Fine Art Auctioneers Directors will include Paul Goodley, Kevin Lines, Nigel Ducker and William King.
Arnolds Keys will employ a total of 95 Partners and staff. The firm will have six equity Partners,
Arnolds’ Managing Partner Guy Gowing said: “This merger brings together two independent
AMBA accreditation. Norwich Business School, at the University of East Anglia, has become one of only 1.4% of the business schools in the world to be granted Association of MBAs (AMBA) accreditation, the global hallmark of quality. Many people who wish to take an MBA seek out those schools which have the accreditation but, until now, they had only one option in the eastern region at Cambridge University. MBA Programme Director at Norwich Business School Terry Kendrick said: “This accreditation demonstrates to prospective students that they are making a worthwhile investment.” The full-time MBA course at UEA began six years ago, and was designed with AMBA accreditation in mind. The accreditation covers all aspects of the programme including course design, teaching quality, relationships
with business, and the fostering of innovation. It applies to all the MBAs offered by Norwich Business School, including the long-standing parttime Executive MBA course. Dr Andy Wood, CEO of Adnams, Chair of the New Anglia Economic Partnership and Chair of the NBS Advisory Board, said: “I very much want to congratulate Norwich Business School on this remarkable achievement. It is so important for the development of the region’s economy that we have highest level business skills.” Prof Paul Dobson, head of Norwich Business School, said: “We are extremely grateful to all current and former students and colleagues throughout the school and university including the Vice-Chancellor. To receive such accreditation reflects very well on our school and the university.”
local firms which share many values. In particular, both have a long pedigree working in Norfolk, and we both operate in a non-corporate, human-scale way which has been successful for both firms in the county. We both enjoy a very loyal customer base and staff.” Keys Partner Clive Hedges said: “This move brings together two longstanding firms which have complementary strengths.”
CHAMBER DIGEST Online course to help entrepreneurs start up Love to Learn, an online division of Pearson, has teamed up with Robert Ashton, the Barefoot Entrepreneur, to develop an exclusive learning course. Robert said: “I wanted to make people’s business start-up journey fear-free, fun and fruitful.” The course, Start Your Own Enterprise, is available from the Love to Learn website (www.lovetolearn.co.uk) and has a special introductory price of £28.50 for a limited period.
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MEMBER NEWS
Ingeus does the trick at care home.
Team takes to the road in charity effort.
Sam and Paul
Ingeus in King’s Lynn worked its magic at local care home Courtenay House by not only providing a talented activities coordinator to help keep the 42 elderly residents entertained but also conjuring up a magician to perform shows. The care home in Tittleshall near Fakenham turned to Work Programme provider Ingeus having struggled to recruit suitable staff in the past. Ingeus, which works with employers to support unemployed people back into work across the East of England, recommended Sam Bunting from Great Ryburgh for the activities coordinator vacancy. Having worked with Sam to develop a new CV, Paul Hunt from Ingeus’ Employer Services team recognised that her organisational skills as a lone parent and her voluntary work hosting reading groups and organising trips at her son’s school would perfectly qualify her for the job. Sam said: “I’m delighted to be off benefits and back in work after getting nowhere trying on my own. Ingeus kept me motivated throughout my job search, found this vacancy and encouraged me to apply.” Ingeus is also supporting Heacham magician Paul Williamson, also known as Magical Paul, in his quest to find work. Paul, 36, turned a childhood love of magic into a profession and spent many years working abroad and on cruise ships as an entertainer. Returning home in 2009, Paul was unsuccessful in finding work and was referred to Ingeus by Jobcentre Plus at the end of 2011. With Ingeus’ help, he is compiling a business plan, sourcing funding and actively targeting local care homes with details of his act. He is a regular performer at Courtenay House. For more information, visit www.ingeus.co.uk/ employers or contact the King’s Lynn office on 01553 668880.
The cycling team
Price Bailey’s cycling team, known as Team PB, rode 152 miles to connect the entire UK network of Price Bailey offices and raised hundreds of pounds for the East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH).
The challenge took 12 hours and 36 minutes and started in the City of London, through to Mayfair, Highams Park E4, Bishop’s Stortford, Cambridge, Ely and finally Norwich. Paul Fox, Team PB’s co-ordinator and Manager with Price Bailey Chartered Accountants, said: “The weeks and months of organisation beforehand were well worth the effort as everyone enjoyed the challenge over the weekend, which was held in perfect cycling weather.”
East Anglia duo complete London Marathon. Two employees at the Norwich and Ipswich offices of financial and business advisory firm Grant Thornton took part in the London Marathon and raised more than £2,800 for charity. Audit manager Ian Thoroughgood (Ipswich) and audit assistant manager Martin Gooderham (Norwich) completed the 26-mile race in aid of Sense, the national deafblind charity, and the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund which supports young track and field athletes. Martin Gooderham, left, and Ian Thoroughgood
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Local lawyers in £15m National Campaign to make legal advice accessible to all Local law firm, QualitySolicitors Clapham & Collinge is part of a multi-million pound, national campaign designed to shake up the legal world and help make solicitors’ services more accessible to everyone. The £15 million campaign, which is the largest in the history of the legal profession, kicked off with a 90-second TV advert screened in a primetime slot during the live final of ITV’s Dancing on Ice 8,000 more adverts will hit TV screens over the coming months and a new website, featuring 300 video testimonials from clients explaining the services that QualitySolicitors offer on the high street, has also been launched. QualitySolicitors’ national network of lawyers consists of 350 branches across England and Wales,
including 150 Legal Access Points in WHSmith stores. QualitySolicitors is on course for its target of expanding to 1000 locations by the end of 2012. QualitySolicitors branches offer a full range of everyday legal services, from buying your first home, to starting a business or making a will. As part of QS’ commitment to changing the way lawyers give advice, more QS branches across the country are opening on Saturdays, to reflect the needs of customers. Chief Executive of QualitySolicitors Craig Holt says, “Our aim is to revolutionise legal services, giving people local advice they can trust with the reassurance that comes from a single, national brand. We want to make going to your local solicitor as simple and straightforward as
QualitySolicitors Clapham & Collinge
going to the supermarket, and tackle people’s apprehensions about seeking legal advice, which can seem a daunting and stuffy process. QS’ mission is to provide consumer-friendly legal services through expert, leading local law firms not unqualified staff in remote call centres.” Managing Partner of QualitySolicitors Clapham & Collinge Tammy Parnell says, “We are delighted to be a part of this exciting development in legal services. It fits really well with our traditional client led practice as the emphasis is on excellent customer service which we know we provide.” For more information on QualitySolicitors Clapham & Collinge or to arrange a free consultation please contact Tammy Parnell on 01603 693500.
01603 693500 qualitysolicitors.com/clapham-collinge Now open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm Offices: Norwich & Sheringham
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MEMBER NEWS
New service launched from airport. New show will open the door to a world of exporting. Cabin crew Ross Ellis and Karen Paterson and First Officer Andrew Whiteman
Flybe’s franchise carrier Loganair and Norwich International Airport have officially marked the inaugural flight to the Isle of Man. The flights will operate once a week on a Saturday during the summer 2012 season and finish on September 22. Flybe and its franchise partner Loganair will also offer a choice of convenient connections between Norwich and the Isle of Man on other days via Manchester to enable passengers to find flights to suit their travel plans. This is East Anglia’s first non-stop service to the Isle of Man and is designed to offer an easy and convenient link for those holidaying, visiting friends or relatives. Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport, said: “It is fantastic to be able to offer the Isle of Man for the first time from Norwich International and we are delighted that the destination is proving popular with both the local holidaymakers and business travelers of East Anglia.”
CHAMBER DIGESTS Energy team helps farm Clean Energy has completed a renewable technology evaluation considering a wind turbine and solar PV system on behalf of a West Norfolk farm. A 50 kW solar system and 11 kW wind turbine were evaluated in terms of suitability and financial viability with a return on investment identified of 8.8% for the solar PV and 10.9% for the turbine.
RedCat wins award The RedCat Partnership Ltd has won the Best CIEH Health & Safety Training Centre Award for 2011, having also won in 2010. The RedCat Partnership Ltd delivers a suite of CIEH Charterered Environmental Health courses. The Level 4 Health and Safety Course is for owners and managers of businesses. The course takes place over five days. The next one is on Nov 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28 with the exam day on Dec 12.
The importance of International Trade has been high on many agendas for quite some time. Norfolk Chamber is always available and happy to guide and assist companies who are exporting, and we are now focusing our efforts on helping companies to consider exporting for the first time. The Government created a strategic plan at the beginning of 2011 through their ‘Trade and Investment for Growth’ paper, in order to help increase trade from the UK, attract investment into the UK as well as form alliances with countries to make trading easier. Lord Stephen Green has worked extremely hard with his team, to ensure that their plan is followed, and is continuing to push ahead at making trading with high-growth markets much easier for UK exporters. Lord Green will be joining us at our International trade show, ‘The Global Marketplace’ on 27 September, to provide us with an update on where they are, as well as details of what lies ahead. At this event, we will bring together a number of specialists from all areas of International Trade to offer an insight into how much of a difference trading can make to all businesses in Norfolk. A selection of country specialists from Chambers, Embassies and Business Councils will also be available to provide details of the opportunities available in their market. I would urge everyone to keep this date in their diary and book your place at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk. This is the first of its kind in Norfolk and whether you are an experienced exporter or just considering your future in the world of exporting, you cannot afford to miss the opportunity of meeting so many key people, all of whom can help make a difference to your way of thinking. For help and advice on any other matters relating to International Trade, you can contact Tracey direct on Tel. 01603 729711 or Email tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk Tracey Howard, International Trade Director
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NORFOLK VOICE
BLAIR AINSLIE.
THE BI
Spotting the opportunities, however close to home they may be. Seajacks is an international company that has come a long way in a short period of time, and yet it retains a strong sense of the business opportunities that exist just a short distance from its Great Yarmouth base.
The company, which was formed in 2006 by a team including current Managing Director Blair Ainslie, has grown into a leading owner and operator of purpose-built self-propelled jack-up vessels. Its success has been based on a strategy of recognising opportunities and being prepared to resist the lure of exotic locations at times when there is plenty of work closer to home. Seajacks was set up initially to work in the oil and gas industry and its vessels operate extensively in maintenance, modification, construction and decommissioning of wells and platforms in the southern North Sea.
“There are some companies that look to break into international markets without thinking about the opportunities that exist closer to home. “Our first job was off the Canadian coast – Halifax, Nova Scotia, but since then we have tended to concentrate on the southern North Sea. It’s not that markets further afield do not interest us, quite the opposite, it’s just that we have not needed to break into them. “I think one of the keys to trading internationally, and we should not forget that international can mean Holland, is understanding where the opportunities lie. There are some companies that trade in countries such as Angola, Nigeria and Indonesia, where there are some issues we might not want to deal with; we looked at local markets. Some companies do tend to look further afield without realising what opportunities are close to home. “We are very specialised and all our equipment is designed to work in depths of up to 55 metres, which is ideal for the southern North Sea. If you draw a line south from, say, the Humber and the Irish Sea, that is where we work; this includes projects for Dutch and German customers. “One piece of advice I would give to anyone trading internationally is to bring in good consultants, especially someone who understands the tax systems in different countries. We trade with the Dutch, for instance, where a lot of the ways we work are similar and the same is true of Germany but you do need to understand the differences that exist.
The company has also taken advantage of the recent increase in offshore wind projects, particularly in the southern North Sea. With a track record of more than 225 wind turbine installations to their name, Seajacks vessels have become key to the installation and maintenance of many offshore wind turbines and foundations.
“Identifying opportunities is key to success. When we started the company, we planned to work mainly in oil and gas, given our backgrounds.
They are designed specifically for year round operation in harsh environments and in full compliance with UK, Dutch and Danish operating regulations; in that statement lies one of the reasons for the company‘s success.
This has led to the company increasing its fleet and Seajacks, which has grown so much that it is moving to new offices housing more than 100 staff in the Great Yarmouth enterprise zone, recently took delivery of a new vessel.
Blair, who started his working life as a Quantity Surveyor in civil engineering and worked for several major companies before coming to Seajacks, said: “I think the key to our success is that we have not forgotten what is ‘on our doorstep’.
The Seajacks Zaratan was commissioned in May 2010. The jack-up vessel was built by Lamprell Energy at the Hamriyah facility in Dubai and its arrival means the company now has three selfpropelled vessels; Seajacks Kraken and Seajacks Leviathan arrived in 2009.
“Offshore wind was not really being talked about. That has changed and demand for our services in the offshore wind sector is high at the moment.”
Seajacks Zaratan can accommodate 90 people and will start work, together with Seajacks Leviathan, on the Meerwind windfarm in the German Bight in September 2012, performing the installation of 80 wind turbine generators and foundations. It is the latest high profile project in the southern North Sea; Seajacks has, since 2009, installed more than 225 wind turbines on sites including Sheringham Shoal, Walney 1 and 2 and Greater Gabbard. Blair said: “Seajacks Zaratan is our third selfpropelled vessel delivered on time and on budget from Lamprell. This milestone underscores our commitment to provide the highest quality of services and equipment to the offshore energy sector and cements our position as one of the leading operators of self-propelled jack-ups in Europe. “It is an example of working on our doorstep; we also see a lot of our work coming from Europe, particularly Germany, France, Holland, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark. “Demand for what we do in the southern North Sea is high; we trade close to home but, having said that, it does not mean we are not interested in trading further afield as well. “We are interested in Northern Canada, America, Mexico, the China Sea, South East Asia and India…. we are interested in anywhere where the water is less than 55 metres deep.”
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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THE BIG INTERVIEW
BIG INTERVIEW By John Dean
deangriss@btinternet.com
I think the key to our success is that we have not forgotten what is ‘on our doorstep’.
Blair Ainslie Managing Director Seajacks UK Limited
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
MEMBER NEWS
Chamber HR: The Free HR solution. As a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce you have completely free access to the HR system that is designed to support any size business. The service is designed to give employers and HR professionals practical and easy to follow human resource and employment law advice and supporting documentation, as well as national 24/7 HR, health & safety and legal advice lines, staffed by professional experts. There’s over to 250 downloadable HR policies, forms, documents, letters, templates, fact sheets and updates on legislation. Take a look at the HR portal www.chamberhr.qdosconsulting.com or from our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/services The site provides free access to practical guidance on compliance and dispute processes in HR and employment law. Members can manage contracts of employment and policies from a bank of hundreds of policy and correspondence templates which can be downloaded and should be used in conjunction with experts in HR and employment law on the telephone advice line.
Specialist celebrates breakthrough contract in the Caribbean. Great Yarmouth firm Conductor Installation Services Ltd (CIS), an Acteon company, has been awarded a contract to provide conductor installation services to Weatherford Colombia, on behalf of Equion Energia Ltd. The contract is a breakthrough for CIS, as it will be one of just a handful of projects to take place on the shelf of the Caribbean coast of Colombia during the past 30 years. It is also the first major exploration campaign to be undertaken in shallow and deep water in the Colombian Caribbean since the Caribbean bidding round conducted by the National Hydrocarbons Agency (NHA) in 2007. CIS has a long established relationship with Weatherford but this is the first time the company has worked for Equion Energia in Bogotá.
The work will be carried out on Equion’s shallow water Mapale-1 and -2 wells in the RC5 block off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. Brad Pellegrin, Vice President of Operations for CIS, said: “We have a close relationship with Weatherford globally. As a result, when they needed help with this new project, it was quite natural that they turned to us. “We are delighted to be playing a vital part in the opening up of this new area. It is a testimony to the ability of CIS to provide safe and reliable conductor installation services. We have high hopes that this will be the first of many opportunities to work in the region.” Deep water drilling equipment
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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NORFOLK VOICE
Henderson
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Nor se
A new campaign to help give businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk a stronger voice is being backed by Norse Group.
economy to flourish and are committed to providing secure
Developed by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and sponsored by Norwich-based Norse, the three-month “listening exercise” will ensure that the local business community makes itself heard among decisionmakers in Westminster and Europe.
business for local companies through our supply chain.”
Businesses can fill in a five-minute survey to tell New Anglia LEP what their business issues and challenges are. The online survey is at www.newanglia.co.uk/Survey.aspx. Peter Hawes, Managing Director of Norse Commercial Services, said:
“Norse has always had a real commitment to supporting businesses across East Anglia and – through sponsoring this survey – we can ensure that their collective voice is ‘loud and clear’ in the corridors of power. We want the regional
jobs, training opportunities and millions of pounds worth of
Norse is now one of the UK’s foremost contract services and strategic partnership providers, employing some 10,000 staff nationally and with an annual turnover in excess of £200 million. The group brings together Facilities Management provider Norse Commercial Services, property, design and management specialists NPS and care homes operator Norse Care. For more information on Norse Group, its services and partnerships, visit www.norsegroup.co.uk or call Geoff Tucker on 01603 894262.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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MEMBER NEWS
Venta is building an investment community in Norfolk. Investment Angels – including those from the Cambridge Capital Group – returned to the Norwich Research Park to review a new batch of innovative young companies emerging from Norfolk. The vision of the Norwich Research Park is to develop a thriving science and innovation business park over the next decade. Venta project manager John Irving, based in the Innovation Centre, says that creating a strong and diverse investment environment in Norfolk is crucial to the development of a technology cluster. He said: “Many of the companies presenting have received grants which have got them to proof-of-concept stage but to get these products or technologies to market may require several more years on investment. “The Venta initiative provides an opportunity for business angels to identify potential investment opportunities and for the applicants to benefit from feedback and advice on their pitch content and delivery in a friendly environment.” George Freeman MP, Member of Parliament for Mid-Norfolk, said: “Money alone won’t turn science into valuable products, services and fast growth businesses. That requires early stage investors who have done it before and know how to start and grow successful small businesses. So called ‘Angel’ investors bring investment and business expertise to new companies, and science and research parks like Norwich need a community of them. That’s why the work of Venta is so important.” The companies presenting at the Venta meeting included: * Exhalation Technology. This Norfolk-based company is developing a medical device that will enable a GP to accurately assess the severity of lung inflammation enabling diagnosis of the condition within a few minutes. * Spectral Edge, a spin-out from the University of East Anglia that is developing a unique
Left to right; John Irving Venta project manager, Alan Calverd Exhalation Technology, Struan McDougall of the Cambridge Capital Group, and Oliver Diggle, Finance Director of Exhalation Technology
technology that will be used to reveal to colour blind people the details they normally miss in a photograph or on a computer screen. It works by mapping the entire image contrast into a ‘range’ that is visible to them. This same technology can find application in a number of other fields, for example surveillance, satellite imaging and medical imaging. * 99SQUARED Ltd, a Norfolk based company with an online service called SQUARE:CODE. This service helps its clients manage mobile connections between printed publications with online content such as websites. Shorter ‘elevator’ presentations were also heard from Nanodome, Pacesetter for Change, and Wright Solar. These two to three minute
presentations enable companies to discuss their ideas and business opportunities with potential investors before having to make real pitches, so the opportunity to get it right later on is significantly enhanced. Other entrepreneurs attended to learn from others’ experiences. This included Frontline Agriculture, a company investigating a new generation of crop protection agents. Its focus is a class of naturally occurring, plant-based products that can elicit the plants’ own immune system as a defence against pathogens. It was set up by two John Innes Centre students who won the Eureka 2011 UEA business plan competition last year and they came along to see how to prepare for future pitches.
The Venta initiative provides an opportunity for business angels to identify potential investment opportunities and for the applicants to benefit from feedback and advice on their pitch content and delivery in a friendly environment.
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NORFOLK VOICE
FOCUS ON SECURITY
Security matters at EventGuard. ADVERTISING FEATURE
EventGuard is a leading provider of skilled, professional, Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed security personnel. The company offers a comprehensive range of security services, appropriate to the target audience and venue and tailored to the client’s needs to ensure public safety and protect property. Whether it is a one-off or annual event, or a short or long term requirement, EventGuard’s professionalism, experience and commitment to providing service excellence make the company the first choice in security service provision. EventGuard is also the only security company in Norfolk to gain police accreditation.
Event Stewarding / Security EventGuard’s wealth of experience, and security industry knowledge, delivers the highest quality event stewarding and security services. Private sector clients and local authorities alike demand that their security provider partners are
highly professional and industry accredited, not only in the provision of security staff but also into the planning and risk assessing of their Events. EventGuard has the required skills to provide a comprehensive security solution to any event, be it a small town show, a major concert or regularly used stadium.
Traffic Management EventGuard are the sole local Police Accredited company empowered to direct traffic on the highway and, with Norfolk police no longer carrying out this function for events, are now the exclusive traffic management contractor in the area. In addition to traffic management for events of any size, EventGuard can be hired to take on the role for key locations such as shopping malls. With the same powers as the police in this field, EventGuard can reduce highway traffic queues for car parks at busy seasonal times such as sales and Christmas.
Static Guarding EventGuard provides skilled and professionally trained, SIA licensed, static security guards for all on-site security requirements, be they retail, commercial or industrial premises.
The company’s uniformed security officers deter theft and vandalism, as well as reducing the potential damage from risks such as fire and flood. Courteous, personable and highly competent, EventGuard security officers ensure that the first impressions customers and clients receive on visiting a premise are the right ones. These multi-skilled officers are also flexible in the roles they can perform for clients, undertaking duties such as caretaking, reception, stock control and administration when needed.
Door Supervision EventGuard provides highly trained, SIA licensed door supervisors to cover all business and event needs. Door supervisors are vetted to BS7858 and are Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked to ensure that only the best candidates are employed. Trained in conflict management, EventGuard door supervisors help prevent altercations before they happen or resolve them peacefully, thereby avoiding potential escalation of disputes. For more details of all our services call us now on 01603 894200 or email admin@eventguard.co.uk or visit www.eventguard.co.uk
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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quality guarantee extended extended. ADVERTISING FEATURE 43 to neighbouring number 39. This development allowed a 1st floor gallery to be opened, housing many successful fashion brands, as well as an expanded service department. Enter through number 39’s doors and you will see exquisite jewellery, salons dedicated to many of our famous watch brands and maybe a few new faces! The expanding store meant expansion for our staff too. With a strong team of 31, who between them speak 8 different languages, the Winsor Bishop staff have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on the perfect purchase.
Winsor Bishop, on London Street, has been Norwich’s premier jewellers since its opening in 1834.
With a leading portfolio of products Winsor Bishop, offers a luxurious shopping experience including a wide array of fine diamond jewellery, vintage gems, elegant pearls and rings for any occasion. These complement our premium watch collection including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Tag Heuer, Chanel and Hublot, of which many are exclusive to Norfolk or East Anglia. We also have a wide selection of branded jewellery such as Tresor Paris, Links
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The C500 KeySafe™ has the highest level ever awarded to a key safe in the UK, achieving LPS1175 level 1 accreditation, as a result of this security rating, the product has achieved Police approval through the Secured by Design initiative. Construction: The C500 KeySafe™ is made of heavy gauge stainless steel and a thick zinc-alloy shell. It has a double wall construction. The heavy duty locking mechanism makes it resistant to being prised open.
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JULY/AUGUST 2012
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NORFOLK VOICE
Seeking to broaden Norfolk’s business horizons. Increasing the amount of UK international trade is a key target for the UK Government and the Norfolk Chamber has been working hard to support companies seeking to break into new markets.
To underline that support, Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Green will be one of the key figures attending the Chamber’s International trade show, ‘The Global Marketplace’, being held in Norwich on 27 September. The free event, which will run between 8am and 2.30pm at Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA), Duke Street Building, Duke Street, will also include country specialists from foreign Chambers, Embassies and Business Councils as well as national key speakers and Norfolk businesses. Tracey Howard, Norfolk Chamber’s International Trade Director, said: “There are many new opportunities open to businesses, whether they are a seasoned exporter or looking at trading internationally for the first time. “The Global Marketplace will be an exciting event and we have lined up a host of expert speakers who will explain why trading overseas
is so important for both the UK economy as a whole as well as the region. “At least eleven countries will be represented and those attending will be able to talk directly with the experts as to what opportunities exist for their business. A series of workshops will provide key information to help expand your business overseas.
He has worked globally for more than a decade, including supplying materials to companies operating in the Middle East, South Africa, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Tony, who runs the business with wife Karen, said: “Small companies can trade internationally and I have worked for companies involved in everything from gold mining to oil and gas.
“If you have not traded overseas before, this event will bring together in one place key experts to help to get you started and show you what the opportunities are for your business.”
“From my point of view, it helps that companies working in Africa like to have UK products, which have high safety standards. They know that the equipment we send out to them will be safe.”
Speakers will include:
He believes that developing contacts is crucial and for him that has included a good relationship with the Construction Industry Training Board, through whom his name became known internationally.
Lord Stephen Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment – who will be delivering the keynote speech about how the Government is working to support the business community in its quest to increase trade from the UK David Riches – Operations Director of the British Chambers of Commerce UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD), the UK Government’s export credit agency Simon Nicholson, Head of International and Trade, Barclays There will be a series of workshops and a showcase covering countries classed as highgrowth markets, where export is being actively supported by the UK Government. Some of the countries included are Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Angola, and South Korea. The Norfolk Chamber is also holding smaller seminars covering these countries from October. One businessman who knows the benefits of trading internationally is Tony Stevens, who owns Tower Scaffolding Supplies, of King’s Lynn.
Tony said: “It helped that I was working with CITB because I was able to develop contacts through them. A lot of it is word of mouth. People get to know you then tell other people about you. In construction, you often get people moving from job to job and telling people about you. “It is crucial to have a decent website so that people can find you and know what you do. I also make sure I know what is happening in various sectors. I go on oil and gas websites and look at magazines to see where the contracts are.” He also acknowledges that trading internationally has to be a team effort, saying: “I see myself as the middle man. I source the work for international clients and work with a UK company that will organise all the shipping for me. “It also helps working with the Norfolk Chamber. They have provided me with useful training and support. “
The Global Marketplace will be an exciting event and we have lined up a host of expert speakers who will explain why trading overseas is so important for both the UK economy as a whole as well as the region.
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COVER FEATURE
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NORFOLK VOICE
Barriers to exporting prompt concerns.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) recently commissioned a major survey which revealed a growing enthusiasm for international trade. Conducted in Q1 2012, the survey received replies from 8,073 businesses. Since the BCC previously surveyed Chamber members in 2011, the share of responding businesses actively exporting goods and services from the UK had risen from 22% to 32%. Yet the survey also showed that a number of challenges remain with concern about transport barriers highest among potential exporters. About one in five UK businesses believe that the quality of international transport connections, such as the availability or absence of direct flights, is a barrier to exporting. Concerns about transport and trade are even greater around the quality of local connections. More than a quarter of UK businesses believe that the quality of domestic transport connections is a barrier to international trade and more than two in five believe the cost of international transport connections is a barrier. According to the BCC, the Government must: n Produce a comprehensive aviation strategy for the UK which lays the foundations for a world-class system of airports and
connections, including better supporting the growth of international connections out of the UK’s regional airports. n Commit to the full implementation of the 2011 National Infrastructure Plan, which includes improving surface access to sea ports and addressing major pinch-points n Halt increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD) and offset the overall tax take from APD by the same amount the Treasury receives in auction revenues from aviation’s entry into the EU’s Emissions Trading System. Businesses and travellers must not be subject to double taxation, and continued increases in aviation taxes will further damage the UK’s competitive position n Incentivise investment in, and greater use of, rail and sea transport via UK regional maritime ports with grants and favourable tax structures n In the short-term, accelerate the implementation of road tolling to fund new
capacity at pinch points, such as A14 between the Port of Felixstowe, Cambridgeshire and the Midlands. In the longer term, a more comprehensive, nationwide system of tolling or pricing along trunk routes could improve the effectiveness of the UK’s road network for business, but only if the monies raised were ring-fenced for infrastructure development, and double taxation avoided by reform of Vehicle Excise Duty and other taxes that increase the cost of road travel to business. Other concerns holding back businesses include more than one in five who believe they lack the in-house skills, managerial capacity and/ or knowledge to export. The BCC says that this perception can act as a barrier to exporting for the first time or expanding export volumes, especially for micro and small businesses. Language is also cited as a barrier; almost half of businesses questioned claim that language barriers influence whether, when and where to enter international markets.
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COVER FEATURE
Searching for new BRIC markets. According to Kamala Mackinnon, Campaigns Adviser for the British Chambers of Commerce, Brazil is a part of the world worth exploring for companies seeking to export. Kamala said: “Brazil is one of the fastest growing emerging economies and is currently the sixth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. Brazil’s economy ranks highest among all the South American countries and is, according to analysis by Goldman Sachs, due to become one of the world’s top five economies by 2050.
Brazil
Russia
China
India
“It is clear that there are vast opportunities in the country, as indeed there are in the other emerging markets, which UK firms are yet to take full advantage of. “Just under half of Chamber exporters see the large and faster-growing BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China as the best prospective markets for increasing business over the next twelve months.” The BCC would like to see more done to address UK business concerns over language to ensure that firms take advantage of those opportunities. Kamala said: “Differences in language and culture are seen as important barriers to entering fast-growing markets like the BRICs. It is important to ensure that the next generation of business owners are ‘born global’ with language skills. Portuguese is spoken by over 230 million people worldwide and, therefore, must be focused on alongside other major languages in the National Curriculum to achieve this purpose.” Kamala believes it is crucial that the UK remains ever alive to new opportunities, saying: “Global trade has always been vital to the UK. Britain’s status as a leading industrial nation was built on the strength of its export industries and it remains one of the most open economies in the world. But this is no time to dwell on past glories, or to be complacent about our current position. “On the ground, UK firms looking to export for the first time continue to face too many barriers that put them at a competitive disadvantage to their overseas competitors. The time is ripe for a re-appraisal of the way we implement support for new exporters in this country. We must do everything we can to help would-be exporters access both mature and emerging markets. Mike Spicer, Senior Policy Adviser, British Chambers of Commerce, said: “In our publication, there is a size-and-sector divide; large exporters that are part of an international
group or supply chain and operating in the manufacturing and transport sectors are the most likely to perceive the BRICs as the best platform for growth. Micro and small businesses are much less likely to have penetrated these fast-growing markets or see them as a route to future growth.
“To support UK business expansion in the fastestgrowing markets, the Government must press for greater progress on free trade agreements via the EU and ensure publicly-funded support for exporters is targeted and not piecemeal.”
“And medium-sized businesses – often seen as the foundation of Germany’s export success – are less optimistic than large ones about future prospects in markets such as the BRICs, Asia and the Middle East. “Exporters perceive ‘external’ barriers to market entry and to increasing sales volumes to exist across all export destinations. Regulatory differences are the most commonly cited but language and cultural barriers also feature prominently. For some markets, like Africa and the Middle East, political risk is the major concern. These influence decisions about when and where to export. Worryingly, exporters to the BRICs are the most likely to encounter barriers that hold back sales.
Just under half of Chamber exporters see the large and fastergrowing BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China as the best prospective markets for increasing business over the next twelve months.
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Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? A good reputation is essential. So it’s important to find the right PR agency. We are experts at telling stories and we would love to communicate your message. Want your reputation reflected across the UK? Contact Reflection PR at hello@reflectionpr.co.uk or visit: www.reflectionpr.co.uk
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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PR AND MARKETING
Getting the message right right. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Branding is crucial for businesses of any size because a product or company whose name is ingrained in the public consciousness has dramatically increased chances of success.
Yet despite its importance, branding can sometimes be overlooked by businesses that are confident about the quality of their product but do not invest the necessary money in developing it in the public eye. The reasons vary; they may see it as an expensive luxury, particularly in tough economic times, or they may simply not see the point because they assume that their product will speak for itself. They may well be right about the quality of their product but good branding does not happen by accident. So what are the key issues in establishing a good brand? Well, for a start there is the name of the product. Is it one that can be instantly remembered or is it too wordy, too obscure? If you examine some of the great brands, they are usually short and snappy. One word usually, two at most. This was underlined earlier this year when the annual Consumer Superbrands league tables were published.
The Consumer Superbrands 2012 top ten was: 1
Rolex
2
Coca-Cola
3
4
Mercedes-Benz
5
BBC
6
BMW
7
Duracell
8
Dulux
9
Jaguar
10
Nothing destroys all that work more effectively than promotional materials going out with mixed messages. This is about a uniform approach to placing an image of the product in the consumer’s mind. Vary it and the consumer becomes confused. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, there may still be those who wonder why all this preparation matters.
Royal Doulton
The Business Superbrands 2012 table again was slightly different, showing companies with one, sometimes two, occasionally three words. The top ten was: 1
Rolls-Royce Group
2
3
GlaxoSmithKline
4
Apple
5
British Airways
6
Virgin Atlantic
7
London Stock Exchange
8
Bosch
9
Visa
10
One of the key messages for those that advise on branding is that everyone associated with the company in question should understand the thinking behind it so that they can convey the right image to the public.
Take the humble baked bean as an example. Heinz leads the market and, yes, there are other similar products, yes they may be just as good, but where does the shopper’s hand go first? The one with the strongly defined branding. The one with the positive connections, the instantly recognisable colour scheme that has not changed on its labels in years and the name everyone remembers because it’s short. That kind of thinking can translate into income for a company. It is estimated that good brand name recognition can increase profits by between 10 to 20 per cent.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
The annual tables are based on the opinions of marketing experts, business professionals and thousands of British consumers and there are two sets of results, Consumer Superbrands (the UK’s strongest business to consumer brands) and Business Superbrands (the UK’s strongest business to business brands).
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W t t
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We’ve got the energy to deliver At Petrofac we specialise in helping oil & gas companies establish, operate and maintain their operations. We’re one of the world’s leading providers of oilfield services with an exceptional track record spanning hundreds of projects. We’ve been working in the southern North Sea sector since 2003 and recently opened a second office in Great Yarmouth to support our growth in the area.
We continue to deliver maximum operational uptime for our customers whilst safely improving performance across the lifecycle of their assets.
TODAY, AMONGST MANY OTHER PROJECTS, WE’RE PROVIDING MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO THE WORLD’S FIRST HVDC PLATFORM.
To find out more about it, visit www.petrofac.com/sns
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NORFOLK VOICE
(Cavell & Lind Ltd)
Protect the health of your staff: Call 01553 668970
We do all the hard work
Occupational Health Services, Health in the Workplace, Kings Lynn and Norwich. There has never been a better time for your company to consider employing C+L Occupational Health (Kings Lynn and Norwich) as your occupational health services provider.
What can we do for your business: n
Finance & Accountancy Recruitment Specialists
n n n n
t: 01603 516 230 / 254
n
e: enquiry@bigskyadditions.co.uk
n
www.bigskyadditions.co.uk
New employee health assessment Health surveillance and medicals Health promotion & wellbeing Vision and hearing tests
Spirometry (Lung-function Testing) Attendance management
Fantastic! Staff are happy and healthy, proďŹ ts are up!
Medicals tailored to your needs
Established as an Occupational Health service provider since 1986. Photograph by Chris Parker cp@chrisparkerart.co.uk
www.cllimited.com
gipping occupational health and wellbeing
Based in East Anglia, Gipping Occupational Health Ltd offers health and wellbeing services in a commercial setting. With our specialist knowledge and experience we guide and reassure businesses through the implementation and management of effective and Health and Wellbeing iniatives. Occupational Health and Wellbeing initiatives.
protect promote prevent To find out more about our wide range of services
Our integrated approach co-ordinates and mediates to ensure that legal obligations are met and your business and workforce are protected.
Call
We operate a Quality Management System that will enhance your policies and procedures.
Visit
01449 766913
Email advice@gipping.co.uk www.gipping.co.uk
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Taking the healthy decisions at work. ADVERTISING FEATURE
We spend most of our waking hours at work, which is why ensuring a healthy workplace is so important. Statistics from the NHS bear out the point. For example, a major study showed that in 2008/9, nearly 30 million working days were lost due to workplace injury and ill-health. Stress and back pain were the two biggest causes of absence from work cited by those who took part in the research. According to the NHS, about 11.4 million of those days were lost because of work-related stress, depression and anxiety. The NHS and other specialist advisers acknowledge that not all stress is job-related but say that knowing how to deal with excessive pressure at work is nevertheless critical.
Advice includes: n Learn to identify the symptoms of stress. Don’t wait for it to make you ill before you do something about it n Learn to prioritise your workload and do not take on more than you can handle. Not easy in times when many companies and organisation have endured staff reductions through financial pressures but worth considering, especially as more employers are appreciating the need to protect the health of their workforce. In 2008/09, 9.3 million working days were lost due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders, with the main causes poor posture or an awkward twisting movement such as bending and reaching. The advice offered includes addressing problems with posture while sitting at computers and also reviewing the way heavy work is done to minimise strains. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) was identified as an issue and most likely to occur if you spend long periods of work without a break, or if you sit on an uncomfortable chair or at a poorly arranged workstation. However, it is not restricted to those using computers; RSI can strike everyone from factory assembly-line workers to musicians, anyone who carries out repeated muscle actions. Advisors suggest reviewing how tasks are done to break up the risk of damage. Certainly, if you work on a computer a lot, it’s important to take regular breaks. That means for every hour at your keyboard you should rest for at least five to ten minutes.
The need for regular exercise is also advised by occupational health experts, whose suggestions include: n Cycle or walk all, or part, of your journey to work. Get off one bus stop before your final destination n Walk over to someone’s desk at work rather than speaking to them by phone n Take the stairs instead of the lift
n Use your lunch break to exercise. Your office may have a gym, or you may have access to a nearby swimming pool or squash courts. Eating at work is also something that requires care. We consume at least a third of our daily calorie intake while at work but if we don’t eat regular well-balanced meals or drink enough water, we may get headaches, feel sluggish or have difficulty concentrating. Health advisors suggest selecting healthy options in the canteen or bringing in your own lunchbox including salads and fruit.
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NORFOLK VOICE
New Income Tax on Child Benefit. ADVERTISING FEATURE On 7 January 2013 a new income tax charge comes into operation. It is to recover child benefit from a family where one member of the household has adjusted net income of over £50,000 per year. The child benefit will continue to be Anne Richardson paid to the main carer but the tax may be payable by someone else. For each £100 of income between £50,000 and £60,000, 1% of the child benefit will be payable. If your adjusted net income is over £60,000 then you will effectively lose all the child benefit received. Even if you do not submit a self assessment tax return now, this change may mean that one is required. Please do not assume that HM Revenue
& Customs will prompt you – if you think you may be liable to the new tax it is up to you to notify them.
partner in the tax year – I can see a new storyline emerging on Eastenders!
If your income is likely to be over £60,000 it is possible to disclaim child benefit and therefore not pay the tax. However, this may not be the best approach – if your income suddenly dropped during the year then you may not be able to do a retrospective claim. It is probably better to receive it and then face up to the tax.
If you or your employees are in any doubt as to whether the child benefit tax might apply or the necessity for a self assessment tax return, do please take advice.
If your income is between £50,000 and £60,000 then the marginal rate of tax will be considerable. The net income is affected by pension contributions and/or any gift aid you make and therefore there are some tax planning opportunities here. As with all new reliefs for tax, the position is very complicated. For example, a mother may be receiving child benefit for a child from her first marriage but her new spouse or partner, who is not the father of the child, could end up paying the child benefit income tax charge. What is not clear at the moment is what happens if the receiver of child benefit has more than one
For any tax or accountancy matter, please contact Anne Richardson on 01603 624181 or at anne.richardson@larking-gowen.co.uk This article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ©Larking Gowen.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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FINANCE
Helping businesses break through the financial barrier. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Ask business people to name their biggest challenge and many will identify difficulties accessing the funding needed to develop products and services.
Responding to that concern, the Government has now launched a £200 million programme to help up to 26,000 of England’s brightest businesses. GrowthAccelerator, which is available for companies with potential for rapid and sustainable growth, is a partnership between the private sector and Government which will see business experts working with companies to identify and overcome the barriers they face. The work will focus on issues such as securing finance, commercialising innovation and developing leadership and management capability. As well as coaching, GrowthAccelerator fasttracks clients to providers of business advice such as UK Trade and Investment, professional advisers and networks such as Angel Investors. Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable said: “GrowthAccelerator is an exciting new programme that is at the heart of the Government’s commitment to help businesses deliver growth by increasing their chance of gaining access to finance and spurring innovation. “The UK boasts vibrant small and medium sized businesses that have the chance to become the household names of tomorrow. With targeted support, we are giving entrepreneurs a fantastic opportunity to take their businesses forward to succeed both here and abroad.” Funded by the Department for Business Innovations and Skills (BIS), GrowthAccelerator is delivered by a consortium led by Grant
Thornton and comprising Winning Pitch, Oxford Innovation, Pera and seven other partners. Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy and we are giving them the support they need to realise their potential.” Karl Eddy, Head of Business Growth Services at Grant Thornton, said: “Our vision for GrowthAccelerator is clear, to provide fast-growing businesses with exactly the kind of expertise, insight and networks that entrepreneurs need to achieve their ambitions. The type of dynamic businesses that will benefit from this service are the businesses of the future, leading our economy. “We are excited that GrowthAccelerator recognises the need for ambitious business leaders to collaborate and access growth in new ways. The service will rapidly create a community of support that will help make the UK the best place to grow a business." In addition, the next stage of the Government’s new £10 million ‘Start-up Loan’ for young people pilot scheme has been announced by Mr Prisk. The initiative aims to provide budding entrepreneurs with support and a small amount of capital to help them get started as well as access to training and business mentors.
The Government has been inviting organisations and consortiums who can offer the right level of support to deliver the programme to bring forward their proposals. Mr Prisk said: “We want to give young people the best possible chance to start and grow their own enterprise. This scheme is not just providing a small amount of funding but is about looking at the bigger picture and we want to be able to offer a full package of business training and mentoring.” Stu Anderson, Project Director Shell LiveWIRE, which offers advice to young business people, said: “These loans offer the chance for many young people with little financial track record to access seed funding to get their ideas off the ground. “There are thousands of young people with great ideas who find it hard to access funding. This scheme not only offers a chance to finance an idea but it also packages together support to ensure that they have they best possible chance of success in business.” Further information about GrowthAccelerator can be found at www.growthaccelerator.com More information is available at www.bis.gov.uk/startup-loans
Our vision for GrowthAccelerator is clear, to provide fast-growing businesses with exactly the kind of expertise, insight and networks that entrepreneurs need to achieve their ambitions. Karl Eddy, Head of Business Growth Services at Grant Thornton
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NORFOLK VOICE
Did you know you could re-finance your business assets to raise cash for working capital and investment in growth? Within the current economic climate many owners of perfectly viable businesses are finding financial support from their bank and other core lenders increasingly challenging to secure. n Known as ‘sweating assets’, re-finance can be a valuable tool in generating cash against existing property, plant, machinery, equipment and vehicles where alternative core funding is unavailable. n Naturally, we recommend you always contact your local bank Relationship Manager for help, however if your bank cannot support due to lack of available security, debt service requirements, or indeed any other criteria, we may be able to find an alternative solution?
n Unlocking this cash can assist with: • New projects and acquisitions • Growth and investment capital • Working capital shortfall • Re-structure existing debt to reduce monthly debt burden • Improved cash-flow • Repayment of bank debt n The banks rarely take account of the working assets within a business when assessing their security position against existing and additional lending. We do.
Businesses which experience resistance from the bank or other core lending partners in supporting growth aspirations or daily working capital shortfall now have access to independent support and guidance.
Cashflow Solutions
working with You, for You.
info@b2bcashflowsolutions.co.uk www.b2bcashflowsolutions.co.uk
t: 01508 494345
Hunstanton to benefit from over 25 years of continued success Celebrating recent expansion and over 25 years in business Steve Pye & Co offers accounting and taxation services in Kings Lynn, Spalding, and Hunstanton. Steve’s success is supported by two fellow directors and 15 members of staff together supporting over 600 businesses. The winning formula for any business is client satisfaction. We don’t just prepare accounts and submit tax returns. “Looking at a clients’ whole financial position and future objectives is essential. Understanding the passion clients have for their own business - maximising the financial resources available, and minimising tax payable, enables clients to be as successful in achieving their goals as possible.” Amongst the services offered are advanced tax strategies, not commonly offered by accountants, allowing high earners to keep more of what they earn. Pension planning ensures maximum income for retirement, and investment planning to increase your wealth. Hunstanton is the next area for Steve to spread his expert financial knowledge and intuition. Managed by Kelly Saunders (formerly Caesars
Steve Pye handing keys to Kelly Saunders. Left, Beth Meacham client manager (Kings Lynn), Right Mel Stollery director.
Associates) the drive and enthusiasm behind Steve Pye & Co. is set to enhance the services available to local businesses. “We strive to enhance your lifestyle, business and personal. We understand that time is precious and offer additional services under one roof for you”. To help the campaign get started Kelly will be driving around in a sporty DS3, dispelling the myth that accountants are dull and boring!! If you would like an advisor really interested in the success of YOU and your business, call us on: Kings Lynn - 01553 672888 or Hunstanton - 01485 533320.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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THE INCORPORATED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANTS
ACCOUNTING DIAMONDS We welcome small business accounts & specialise in: n
Cost effective solutions for all of your financial needs
n
Payroll and accounting database specialists
n
Individual and corporate taxes
n
Business sales tax experts
Contact: June Alsop AFA, FFTA, MIFS Cert’ed Tel: 01493 718349 Mob: 07584 676768 Visit: www.accountingdiamonds.com
Come visit us at our new address: 72 St Nicolas Road Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR30 1NP
GROW YOUR OWN BUSINESS A SUPPORT NETWORK FOR NEW AND GROWING BUSINESSES FIXED FEE SERVICES TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS – CHOOSE FROM THE MENU – n ANNUAL ACCOUNTS n CONTRACT SUPPORT n INSTANT OFFICE
n PRINTING n SIGNAGE n WEBSITE
MORE OPTIONS BEING ADDED ALL THE TIME! £800 FIXED FEE, TO INCLUDE AT LEAST 2 MENU OPTIONS NOT ONLY DO YOU GET THE SERVICES FROM THE MENU, BUT THERE IS A WHOLE LOT MORE FROM GROW YOUR BUSINESS THAT WE PROVIDE, FREE OF CHARGE. CALL AND FIND OUT! 7B LYNN ROAD | SWAFFHAM | KINGS LYNN | PE37 7AY TIMVOGEL@MYBUSINESSGROWTH.CO.UK
0845 4634147
WWW.MYBUSINESSGROWTH.CO.UK
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NORFOLK VOICE
Diary Dates. JULY Summer Social WHEN: Thursday July 12 – 17:30-20:00 WHERE: Costessey Park Golf Club, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Come and join us for a relaxing evening of summer fun, with a barbecue, wine tasting, golfing activities and lots of networking opportunities. Sun ordered! www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
AUGUST Look the Business WHEN: Thursday August 16 – 17:30-20:00 WHERE: John Lewis, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Fashion, beauty and business the John Lewis way. Get you and your business ‘bang on trend’ by hearing the story of John Lewis’ success from their Operations Manager, Lesley George. Plus a skincare and makeup demo and fashion workshop showcasing business dress trends. Supported by John Lewis. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
SEPTEMBER HR Forum: Tackling Tricky HR Issues WHEN: Wednesday September 12 – 14:00-17:00 WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Chamber for a forum covering a range of problematic areas that can cause headaches for HR practitioners and employment lawyers. Looking at relevant legislation and case law developments, and using practical case studies. Sponsored by Steeles Law. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Engaging Customers WHEN: Friday September 14 – 08:00-14:00 WHERE: EPIC Studios, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Hear from industry experts and keynote speakers on how technology and social media can help your business grow through content marketing and customer care. Keynote speakers include Dell UK and King of Shaves plus interactive workshops with Further and Yodelay. Exhibition spaces available. Media sponsor: Archant. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
at NSEA. Make contacts and do good business. Sponsorship available. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
West Norfolk Meet the Buyer WHEN: Thursday September 20 – 10:00-16:00 WHERE: Knight’s Hill Hotel, King’s Lynn WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Your opportunity to meet with the key purchasers and procurement officers from both the private and public sector in pre-booked 10 minute appointments to pitch your products and services directly to those that matter! Exhibition spaces available at this free to attend event. Supported by West Norfolk Borough Council. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
International Trade Show: The Global Marketplace WHEN: Thursday September 27 – 08:00-14:30 WHERE: NUCA, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: This exciting, half day free to attend event will provide you with a clear insight into the importance of International Trade and how it can impact your business. Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, and other high profile speakers will explain the opportunities of trading overseas. Meet more than 14 country specialists and attend informative workshops. Main Sponsor: Barclays. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
OCTOBER Two LEPs: One Year On WHEN: Wednesday October 3 – 17:00-20:00 WHERE: Knight’s Hill Hotel, King’s Lynn WHAT’S IT ABOUT: As part of the High Five series of business networking events based in West Norfolk, find out about the progress of both New Anglia and Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEPs. This event will allow you to hear an account of their first year. Q&A session will enable you to question the LEPs directly and
highlight what you would like to see for the year ahead. Sponsored by LLoydsTSB. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Norwich Economic Business Breakfast followed by AGM WHEN: Friday October 5 – 07:45-09:30 WHERE: Dunston Hall, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Chamber for a fantastic breakfast filled with business networking opportunities, and hear a keynote presentation from John Longworth, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North and Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Sponsored by Steeles Law. The Norfolk Chamber’s AGM will follow the breakfast from 09:30 to 10:30. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
B2B Autumn 2012 WHEN: Thursday October 18 – 10:00-17:00 WHERE: NCFC, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Get your business on the road to success at the Norfolk Chamber’s gold standard B2B exhibition this autumn. With over 90 exhibitors on two floors of Norwich City Football Club, workshops and awards – do not miss this opportunity to promote your business, product or service to the business community. Sponsorship and stand space available. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Chill Time! WHEN: Tuesday October 30 – 17:30-20:00 WHERE: Vodka Revolution, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Take time out after work to meet up with other interesting business professionals for a glass of something cool in a relaxing atmosphere. Chill Time! is a new series of informal after-hours networking events from the Norfolk Chamber. Come and be part of the coolest evening in town. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
NOVEMBER Unlocking Success Business Conference WHEN: Friday November 23, 8.00am-3.00pm
Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast
WHERE: OPEN, Norwich
WHEN: Tuesday September 18 – 07:45-09:00 WHERE: Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT: A networking breakfast at Great Yarmouth with a keynote presentation from Blair Ainslie, Managing Director of Seajacks UK and James Gray, Inward investment Director
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Following the outstanding success of the Norfolk Chamber’s Unlocking Growth Business Conference in December last year, with keynote speaker Dr Vince Cable MP. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, including a shadow cabinet minister, entrepreneurs and business leaders, and find out how to unlock success for your business. www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
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CHAMBER EVENTS
Engaging Customers Using Social Media & Technology
connectionnetworking
news customer engaging marketing work
social media technology web
advertising twitter
connections
people web
tweet
users
presence
connections
comments
followers
post
viral
online proďŹ le
facebook potential media web technology engaging networks
page twitter connection google+ pinterest
conversations
digg audience information networks
personality
users
customers
publish
maximising
people
products
network marketing
ipatter
social media
news
technology
followers
messages digital
engaging
personality advertising
14 September 2012 08:00 – 14:00 EPIC Studios 114 Magdelen Street Norwich NR3 1JD
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NORFOLK VOICE
20 SEPTEMBER 2012, KNIGHTS HILL HOTEL, KING’S LYNN, 10AM - 4PM
MEET THE BUYER – WEST NORFOLK If you are looking for a way to grow your business, then don’t miss Meet the Buyer, West Norfolk. This event, delivered in conjunction with King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, enables you to pitch your products and services to a selection of influential West Norfolk private and public sector buyers at pre-booked, 10-minute appointments.
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
These buyers are looking for a wide range of services from suppliers like you, so book your appointment NOW, because there are only limited places available! This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to spend invaluable time with a number of key decision makers and procurement officers – all in one place! For more information or to book your place call 01603 625977 or go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
The Ultimate Business Network
£1000 grant to support your low carbon transport innovations Why do I need to innovate? It is vital for all businesses to innovate and develop new ideas to stay ahead in a competitive market. With greater emphasis increasingly placed on reducing carbon in transport related areas, there are significant opportunities for new products and services in this field.
Innovation Voucher grant support
The vouchers provide easy-to-access funding, supported by the European Union, to encourage innovation and business growth. The vouchers allow businesses to access specialist consultancy up to the value of £1,000; this consultancy can be provided by universities, research institutes, consultancies, or one of your own suppliers, to support innovation by your business.
EValu8 Transport Innovations are running an innovation voucher scheme in the East of England to encourage the region’s companies to develop new products, services and ideas across the broad area of low carbon transport.
Who can apply for funding?
01707 28 4742
info@evalu8-ti.org.uk
Any SME or sole trader in the East of England is eligible to apply for a voucher
What types of project are eligible for voucher funding? The aim of the scheme is to encourage and accelerate innovation in and around the low carbon transport market.
If you have a great idea which you are not sure qualifies, please get in touch with us anyway. We would be delighted to have an informal discussion with you about eligibility.
How do I apply? All applications for vouchers from companies will be managed by EValu8 through the short, and easy to complete, application form available on their website – www.evalu8-ti.org.uk. Applications are open from 18th April 2012 Full details of the scheme and application guidance can be found at www.evalu8-ti.org.uk For more information: contact us at 01707 284742 or email info@evalu8-ti.org.uk.
www.evalu8-ti.org.uk
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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CHAMBER EVENTS
The Global Marketplace International Trade Trade Conference Conference 27 September 2012 09:00 15:00 Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA) 08.00 –- 14.30 Duke Street Building, Duke Street, Norwich*
*Use St. Andrews car park
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NORFOLK VOICE
CHAMBER EVENTS
18 OCTOBER 2012 10.00 - 17.00
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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Sewell Park College students embrace Olympic values. ADVERTISING FEATURE
On the 15th March Sewell Park College celebrated the approach of the London 2012 Olympics with a Paralympic Day for students in years 7-9. Students were given the opportunity to have a go at sports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, Boccia and Goal Ball, and also had the opportunity to meet an Olympic author. Each year group’s Paralympic experience began with an opening ceremony. These started with a booming fanfare that silenced the whole hall, as Mr MacGibbon shared a riveting speech of the values that the Olympics and Paralympics embody: respect, excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality. The audience sat in silence; lending him their ears and giving him the utmost respect. Sewell Park sports leaders mimicked the opening ceremony of the Olympics, with their own flag bearers and an Olympic Relay using the actual torch from the 1948 London Olympics! As soon as they had finished there was an explosion of applause, which continued when Danny Nobbs was introduced to the front of the hall. The crowd watched with open mouths, amazed to be in the presence of a paralympic athlete who had competed in front of 92,000 people. He told the audience how he has always been interested by sport, but difficulty arose when he was in a motorbike accident at the age of 17. However, he realised that he could work around the fact that he was now paralysed from the chest down. He quickly learned to do minor things like dressing himself, but still wanted to get back into sport. When the opportunity arose he immediately jumped at the idea. With years of hard work and training he has managed to become the paralympian he is today, coming 5th in his league in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
We enjoyed the opportunity to interview Danny Nobbs and to ask him about his Paralympic experiences:
so that you’re training enough, but also resting enough and sustaining the training.
Are you nervous about competing?
What is it like to compete in the Paralympic Games? It’s difficult to explain how good it is, and you don’t realise until you get back because you’re surrounded by your team mates and other athletes. There isn’t really time to explain, but being able to compete in front of 92,000 people is amazing.
How much training do you do in a week? Well, training is planned out a year in advance. I train six days a week, twice a day and once on Saturdays. Balancing the training is important,
I’m not nervous at all. Competition is so tight and there are so many athletes that I’m just focused on making the team. In each session students were made Sewell Park Paralympians and awarded gold, silver and bronze medals for demonstrating the best examples of the Olympic values of respect, excellence, friendship, equality and determination. It was a fantastic day and made us want to go, like Olympians, “higher, faster, stronger”. If you would like to know more about the school, or to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Amanda Wiggins, Principal’s PA, on 01603 411721.
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NORFOLK VOICE
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Commercial Savings For Your Company. As a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce you are entitled to a number of Commercial Benefits including Healthcare Plans, HR Support, Purchasing Discounts and Insurance Coverage that will not only help you save on operational costs, but can also be passed on to the benefit of your employees. Negotiated at a national level and leveraging on the buying power of The British Chambers of Commerce Network of county chambers, service rates are free or at least comparable to those procured by large-scale corporations. Below is a summary of each offering. Contact 01603 625977 to find out more.
Chamber Legal
Chamber Health 1
Chamber Utility Auditing
FREE 24/7 Legal Helpline + Legal Expenses Insurance with up to £670,000 of indemnity, worth a minimum of £125 for the smallest business.
Chamber Optical & Dental Healthcare Plan from Westfield – provide your staff with healthcare from as little as £1.10 per week. Holistic treatments also included.
Free comprehensive review of your utility bills by approved specialists to make sure your business is getting the most competitive rates.
Chamber HR
Chamber Health 2
Chamber AA Fleet
FREE 24/7 HR Helpline + Online Resource with downloadable templates, policies and updates on employment law worth a minimum of £350 for the smallest business.
Chamber Private Healthcare Plan from AXA PPP Healthcare.
Save up to 61% on AA Fleet Membership for company vehicles with Chamber Fleet Assist.
Chamber Purchasing
Chamber Debt Recovery
Chamber Finance
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and AF Affinity have joined forces to give you access to Chamber Purchasing. Your business can now leverage on the buying might of Anglia Farmers through its subsidiary AF Affinity, enabling you to buy goods and services at very competitive prices.
Debt Recovery Service – Free initial letter and a small fixed fee if the debt is recovered. No charge if the debt is not recovered.
FREE business banking for one year for established business and 3 years’ free banking for start-ups with Natwest as a Chamber Member.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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TAKE A BREAK
Ridley Pinstripe. Sudoku July-August
It’s 2pm on a Monday at the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd. It’s been a busy old day in the Stock Control Department because we are so close to the weekend. Last weekend that is; folks have been busy reliving their Saturday and Sunday activities. In among the tales of football matches and binge drinking, Bob on Drawing Pins and Associated Fixatives kept banging on about a market stall he’s started running but no one took much notice. In hindsight, it would have been better if we had. You may think that as someone at junior-underassistant-assistant level I am a bit lenient in letting them spend so much time engaged in Social Interaction Communication Strategies but, as far as I concerned, a happy staff is a productive one and come Wednesday, the focus will be fearsome. Mainly a focus on the forthcoming weekend but it’s a start. Anyway, come two fifteen folks were understandably starting to think ‘home-time and a quick snifter on the way’ when one of the lads from the IT department turned up in the office, an event in itself as he stood blinking in unaccustomed sunlight then picked his way gingerly along the wall.
Answers in the next edition
The review revealed some other anomalies, not least that, although we do not have any clients in Russia, there has been constant email contact between accounts clerk Jerry (Password: lovelyjubbly) and a woman called Olga who lives in Vladivostock. Anyway, having finished in Accounts, Magnus embarked on his audit of the Stock Control Department. I was not worried as he probed and ferreted; none of the team can get close to spelling Vladivostock let alone talk to anyone living there.
Bob Jones (Password Bobjones) appears to have taken delivery of 285,000 marker pens, none of which can be located in the stationery cupboard. And all of which were later discovered on the Saturday morning market stall he runs.
Turns out that our payroll department has been hacked into by a gang of ne’er-do-wells in Barbados, where, coincidentally, our owner has been incarcerated on charges of fraud for some months now. I am sure there’s no link.
When this shock news emerged, I confronted Bob but, because we could not definitively link the theft to him, had to confess that we could not fire him.
Anyway, the IT review had started in Accounts and quickly uncovered some irregularities. One young girl appeared to have worked non-stop for eight hours apart from her lunch break every day for weeks. Such behaviour inevitably set the alarm bills ringing.
Cartoons
Of course, I am not stupid and realised that there could always be some rogue staff member operating beneath my radar. And so it turned out.
Having secured himself next to the water cooler, Magnus (Password: thekingdomofthebes318) peered out at us owlishly and announced that there had been an Internet security breach and that management had decided on an emergency audit of all our systems.
According to Magnus, the hackers tried to steal this month’s payroll, only to be thwarted when it turned out that the account is £120 overdrawn.
Sudoku Answers May-June
“And when you are done thinking outside of the box, remember to put the box in the proper recycling bin!”
However, I was not going to let him get away that easily so, with the best stern expression I could muster, I told him that his card was marked. All he did was smirk and ask with what colour pen?
Ridley
“Nope, our financial report doesn’t look any better in 3D.”
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NORFOLK VOICE
Solar PV is still a great investment
Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club
Beat the 1st July deadline and benefit from financial returns up to
10%
Full Conference facility for up to 50 delegates
UÊ `i«i `i Ì]Ê VÀ Ài iÜ>L i specialists for domestic, rural and commercial projects
Up-to-date technology wi-fi, hd projector & screen, flipchart & pens
UÊ"ÛiÀÊ£xääÊÀi iÜ>L iÊi iÀ}ÞÊ systems installed since 2007
Full catering & bar facility
UÊ } ÞÊiÝ«iÀ i Vi`Ê ÕÃiÊÌi> Ê of designers, engineers and installers UÊ ÝVi i ÌÊ iÛi ÃÊ vÊVÕÃÌ iÀÊvii`L>V UÊ -Ê>««À Ûi`Ê ÃÌ> iÀ Find out how you can generate electricity from a solar installation and what you could save on your energy bills – call Ardenham Energy for a FREE, no obligation, site survey and quotation...
Course & sea views Conference only or Conference & golf on our classic links
The team from Ardenham Energy were superb throughout the whole process, everyone we dealt with was professional and courteous. I would happily recommend Ardenham Energy to anyone considering solar PV. A.Gough
Further information from Club Manager Brian Lever on
0808 223 1076
Tel. 01493 728699 Email. office@caistergolf.co.uk
Ardenham Energy Ltd www.ardenhamenergy.co.uk The Granary I Rectory Farm I Brewery Road I Pampisford I CB22 3EN
Very competitive rates
Beach House, Yarmouth Road, Caister-on-sea, Norfolk, NR30 5TD
What would you like to do today? Did you realise 200 million people are using the App store today? each iOS user will be spending an average of 74 minutes today using their native apps. Get the App store exposure and the native user experience you require with our business app. Your audience will be encouraged to engage with your brand, promoting a more customer-centric focus. Social integration with twitter, facebook and foursquare can be built into your real world marketing collateral. We recommend this app to organisations that are looking to increase their audience engagements points and build an on-going conversation between them and your brand. It really is simple, all you need to do is complete your apps description, add all your text and images and we’ll publish it to the App store for you. Check out all our links below.
Tiger Eye Apps www.tigereyeapps.com info@tigereyeapps.com Twitter: @tigereyeapps www.facebook.com/TigereyeApps Tel: +44(0)1932 847623
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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NEW MEMBERS
New Members. 4myschools
By Design
Protected Solutions Ltd
Sweetbriar Office Solutions
01245 353 808
07796 954990
01603 788787
01603 787 480
Recruitment www.4myschools.org
Graphic Design www.creative-bydesign.co.uk
Health Care
Office Supplies/Equipment www.sweetbriaros.co.uk
4myschools is a social enterprise that helps schools to succeed, saves them money and time and returns our profit. We are expanding through franchising and are looking for people who want to run their own exciting sustainaible business in Norfolk
With a focus on outstanding design and effective communication, we’re a new small Norfolk business that delivers visually inspiring identities every time. From graphic design, branding, print, PR and signage to online campaigns, advertising and events, we always put creativity at the top of the list. That doesn’t mean we’re here just to dazzle. We’re all about effective solutions at refreshingly low costs - and without any drama or fuss. Contact us and see what we can do for you.
Amey
01508 557850 Public Services www.amey.co.uk As a UK leading public services provider, we are uniquely placed to connect everyday services throughout the country. We inspect and assess the nation’s railways; repair and enhance key areas of the road and rail network.
Barnwell Print Ltd
01263 732767 Printers www.barnwellprint.co.uk Commercial Printing
Bigfork Ltd
01603 513080 Marketing Services www.bigfork.co.uk BigFork are a Digital Marketing agency. We work with companies of all sizes and from all sectors. Bigfork are not just a web design agency, our approach covers everything from objectives to marketing and how to get the best return on your investment.
Creative Beat Marketing & Design
01263 738 899 Advertising www.creativebeatmarketing.co.uk Advertising, Branding, Packaging, Websites, Exhibition Displays/Pop Ups.
First Eastern Counties Buses Ltd
01245 293400 Transport www.firstgroup.com Provider of local bus services in the Norfolk area.
Marsh Ltd
01603 660202 Insurance Companies/Brokers/ Adjusters (all types) www.marsh.com Risk Management & Insurance Services.
Norfolk Workplace Mediation
To sell the benefits of Private Health Care to companies and individuals who want to beat the NHS waiting lists and receive prompt service with access to the top drugs.
Robert Ashton - The Barefoot Entrepreneur Consultants (Business/Management) www.robertashton.co.uk Robert Ashton is a best-selling business author, social entrepreneur and experienced charity Trustee. He helps organisations safely make the transition from grant/public funding to financial self-sufficiency.
Saffron Housing Trust
01508 532000 Housing Associations www.saffronhousing.co.uk A leading provider of affordable homes that also enjoys working in partnership on a range of projects. Contact Care Lifeline Alarms service also available.
Santander Corporate Commercial and Business Banking
07799 582922 Banking www.santandercb.co.uk Santander is committed to helping you make your business a success. Our range of corporate, commercial and business banking solutions, products and services represents some of the best banking value available. Please contact us to hear how we can help.
Simpson Jewellers
07981 320374
01603 611838
Consultants (Business/Management) www.workplace-mediation-norfolk.co.uk
Retail (Other) www.simpsonsjewellers.co.uk
Norfolk Workplace Mediation intervenes to resolve conflicts between employees and improve their future working relationships. I am able to help organisations avoid the reduced productivity, legal feels, tribunals and high staff-turnover associated with conflict.
We are an independent family run jewellers based in the city centre. We have a large range of modern and vintage jewellery. We also buy gold and silver and buy and export furniture and collectibles.
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Office solutions and services company offering stationery products, print, janitorial, catering for all local businesses.
T.H. Quirk Plant Hire
01493 748178 Plant Hire, Equipment and Tools www.thquirk.co.uk
Tower Scaffolding Supplies Limited
01553 674044 Building Material Suppliers www.towerscaffoldingsupplies.co.uk Supplier of scaffolding and access equipment for sale in the UK and overseas.
Veolia Environmental Services Plc
01603 731940 Waste Management/Disposal www.veolia.co.uk Business Description: Veolia Environmental Services plc are a Waste and Recycling Company offering solutions to all Waste Streams including WEEE, Hazardous, Recycling including packaging requirements.
Wymondham High Academy Trust
01953 602078 Education www.wymondhamhigh.norfolk.sch.uk/ Wymondham High Academy is a very successful and oversubscribed 11-18 school specialising in Science and the Arts. The school has a role of over 1600 (with over 400 in sixth form) and is noted for its excellent academic achievement.
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NORFOLK VOICE
Olympian distances don’t slow the data. ADVERTISING FEATURE
As we celebrate the passing of the Olympic Torch through Norfolk on the 4th & 5th July, it is time to look forward to the main Olympic events. By the time the torch reaches the Olympic Stadium on the 27th July, it will have travelled over 8,000 miles around the UK over 70 days and been carried by 8,000 Torchbearers. The flame, having started in Lands End on the 19th May will have taken 50,400 minutes to travel the 8,000 mile journey from Lands End to London. Compare to this, a piece of data, maybe an email or a web page, which would travel the same distance through a fibre optic cable at the speed of light. The data would travel at the rate of 186,000 miles per second and, if were to follow the same 8,000 mile route, would take just 4 tenths of a second to arrive! In the world of Information Technology, the word ‘latency’ is often used as an excuse for not being able to do something. ‘The latency is too great for me to be able to access my data’, is a very common reason given by IT professionals for not storing and processing their data in a properly built and designed facility … a data centre. The truth is, of course, that it is just an excuse. Have you ever met someone that can work at 186,000 miles per second? Neither have we! Sometimes, it is true, poor application performance can be a genuine reason for
slowness of data. But this is a poor response from the application, not latency over the connection. Sometimes, as a Norwich based data centre, our customers ask us about latency. What is the latency between our office and the data centre? Or, what is the latency between the data centre and London? Depending on a number of factors, the truth is that latency to London is around 40 milliseconds. This translates to data travelling between our Norwich data centre and London in about 0.04 seconds. That’s quite fast! Most brains can’t process data at this speed, (much slower in actual fact), so latency is not a barrier to data centre location. It is, if anything, proof that the data centre can be located just about anywhere. If this is true then why Norwich? We chose Norwich for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is a fantastic environment for a data centre. The flat landscape leads to an ideal environment for using air to cool the data centre – we don’t need to use lots of power to cool our data centre 24 hours a day and 7 days a week … only when its really hot! Norwich has the skills and the people we need for our business. And, there are huge numbers of businesses in Norfolk and the surrounding area that can benefit from using a purpose built, state-of-the-art, environmentally efficient, highly secure data centre, that is run by professionals, so that they can get on with their own business.
In fact, so environmentally efficient is our data centre, we just won an award for it. We are winners of the EU Code of Conduct for Data Centre Efficiency 2012 and we’re proud of
that! If you would like to know more about why locating your equipment in our data centre is not an Olympian task, is good for the environment and good for your business, why not talk to us on 08451 42 42 42 or email us at info@sentry42.com
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Hansells appoints new partner. New Telecoms Manager for Breakwater IT.
Estates specialist Helen Cordingley has been made a partner with Norfolk law firm Hansells Solicitors & Financial Advisers.
Kevin Cooper has been appointed as new Business Telecoms Manager at Breakwater IT.
Helen, 31, joined Hansells in 2001 after gaining a first class honours law degree from the University of Lincoln. She completed her Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School, while she worked full-time at Hansells, carving out her career. She studied in the evenings and weekends and achieved higher marks than the full-time students, graduating with a distinction and picking up a special award from the Law School. Helen was admitted as a solicitor in March 2006 and promoted to associate with Hansells in December 2009. Now her talent has been rewarded with her appointment as partner with the firm, which has a head office in Norwich and offices in Aylsham, Cromer, North Walsham, Reepham, and Sheringham Helen said: “It feels fantastic to be made partner. As soon as I started in the law it was always my ultimate ambition to become a partner.” She specialises in tax and succession planning, wills, and the administration of trusts and charities. Helen is a Member of the Society of
Helen Cordingley and Roger Holden
Trusts and Estates Practitioners having achieved distinctions in all four of the papers that she took to earn this qualification. Brought up in Gorleston, Helen went to Cliff Park Primary School and East Norfolk Sixth Form College. Hansells managing partner Roger Holden said: “Helen is a key member of our estates team. She has a great personality and was a natural choice as partner. She is an integral part of the succession planning for the firm.”
Kevin said: “This is an exciting opportunity to help Breakwater IT expand their telecoms business to both their existing client base and to new local businesses. “After 16 years’ experience in the industry I am looking forward to offering transparent and cost effective solutions that meet clients’ current business needs. “My experience is across the whole portfolio of Business Telecommunications, including both traditional services such as fixed calls and lines to cutting edge unified communication solutions. “I believe Telecoms really do not need to be complicated. Breakwater is a dynamic and growing business and I am delighted to be heading up its expansion into Business Telecoms. It is a very exciting time both for me and for the company as a whole.”
Promotion at Larking Gowan. Chartered accountants and business advisors Larking Gowen has promoted Greg Smith to the post of manager at its Norwich office.
Greg Smith
Greg joined Larking Gowen in 2004 and trained with the firm, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2007. Based in the corporate division, Greg will continue to be responsible for managing a large portfolio of corporate clients, assisting with audits and tax planning.
Kevin Cooper
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NORFOLK VOICE
The last word. Name: Lesley George Company: John Lewis Norwich Job title: Operations Manager, Selling BIOG:
A Geordie expat, who left Newcastle at 18 to spend six years studying Geology at university and never went back. Having joined John Lewis (admittedly to pay off student debts), her trusty geological hammer and hard hat were forever swopped for smart suits and heels! After initially working in London, Lesley came to Norfolk in 1991 and immediately fell in love with the place. A husband and two daughters on, family life is firmly entrenched in Norfolk. With a John Lewis career dominated by personnel and retail management roles, her current responsibilities are for all things selling-floor and customer related.
What did you want to be when you were young? An ‘A’ level Geology teacher What could you not live without? My two daughters (with apologies to my husband.....my motherly instinct is limitless) If you could build a house anywhere in the world where would it be? Hawaii. By a beautiful beach, overlooking Kilauea and watching the volcano erupt at night What makes you angry? I know there are worse things, but drivers who swop lanes on roundabouts infuriate me on almost a daily basis!
If you could invite any two people to dinner who would they be and why?
obsessed with aeroplanes and my parents even paid for me to fly on Concorde from Newcastle. The attraction to aviation continued, as I married a pilot!
Professor Brian Cox, to answer so many big questions, and Madame Tussaud - just think of all the stories she could tell!
What is most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?
What is the best thing about Norfolk? To me, the unspoilt night sky above my house If you only had a £1 left in the whole world what would you spend it on? A chocolate flake
Be kind. It’s my mantra to my daughters, although I am not altogether convinced I have always succeeded in it myself! If you could come back as an animal in your next life what would it be and why? A Giant Galapagos Tortoise. To live to a ripe old age, protected and taking it easy, on a tropical island..... What’s not to love about that?
What is, in your opinion, the greatest invention ever? The jet engine, because it has enabled me to see so much of the world. As a child I was
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