Norfolk Voice #1

voic e

norfolk

Something to shout about!

Welcome to the new look Norfolk Voice magazine PR & Marketing

Finance

Where creativity is king.

Cautious optimism in the financial sector.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE OFOF NORFOLK NORFOLK CHAMBER CHAMBER OFOF COMMERCE COMMERCE AND AND INDUSTRY INDUSTRY

NOVEMBER DECEMBER JULYAUGUST 20102010

CONTENTS

Contents.

03 04 05

Chamber News

07

Chamber News

08 09

Business News

12 13

Chamber News

15

Welcome to Norfolk Voice – the brand new magazine of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Voice was a well-established publication, but we have brought it bang up to date with a new name and a new look. We have also increased the number of pages in the magazine, because we felt we needed more space to tell you about all the good things that are happening in the region.

Norfolk Voice is packed with great news, views, fascinating articles, opinion pieces and bags of information and advice to help you in business.

The Big Interview features Norfolk’s Chief Constable (page 22) and the challenges he is facing. Don’t miss our in-depth look at recent developments in marketing and communications (page 32), and ‘The Last Word’ (page 50), which in this launch issue features Jarrolds MD Peter Mitchell. We’ve even added a ‘Take a Break’ section so you can relax, enjoy something a bit lighter and win prizes.

Don’t forget that you too could be featured in Norfolk Voice, because we are always looking for interesting news stories. Just send your ideas, copy and pictures to magazine@norfolkchamber.co.uk We are very proud of this first issue and we hope you will enjoy reading it.

Welcome/Contents

16 17

Magpies, Crows and Hawks

20 21

Chamber Events

22 23

The Big Interview

24 25

Innovation the key as companies fight the rising tides.

26 31

Cautious optimism in the financial sector

32 35

Where creativity is king

36 37

Chamber Savings

38

Chamber News

41

Regional News

43

Day in the life of.....

44 45

26

Take a Break

48

New Members

49

Movers and Shakers

50

The Last Word

32

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 King’s Lynn Office: St.Ann’s House, St. Ann’s Street, KIng’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1LT Tel: 01553 770880 Fax: 01553 769322 Great Yarmouth Office: Beacon Innovation Centre, Beacon Park, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 7RA Tel: 01493 448023 Fax: 01493 448025

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

24

International Trade

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0191 4788300 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Helen Longley, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0191 478 8480 Fax: 0191 478 8301 email: helen.longley@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

DISCLAIMER Distinctive Publishing or Norfolk Voice cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Norfolk Voice.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE3

NORFOLK VOICE

Is social media a fad or a golden opportunity for your business?

Barry Dennis President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

Some years ago, when I was managing director of a specialist magazines company, we always asked a simple question before considering launching a new publication. Will it be a fad?

As a result, we conducted lots of research and more often than not spotted gaps in the market. Trout Fisherman and Today’s Golfer, now top sellers, were launched when game fishing and golf became more accessible to the common man. The stocking of reservoirs like Rutland Water with trout and the growth of municipal golf courses being the main reasons.

Number one movie magazine Empire was launched at a time when cinemas were closing all over the country. The editorial team had spotted two things in their early development – satellite TV and multiplex cinemas.

I remember them telling us all about the new TV format and how it would offer film channels. The team were two years ahead of the market and ready to grab the opportunity when it came.

So I was intrigued when I was recently sent a web link to a YouTube video titled – Is Social Media a fad? Or is it the biggest shift since the industrial revolution?

Social media is the term for ‘user generated content on the Internet’.

Basically it means that anyone can post comments, articles, photographs and videos on the web.

I’m already a fan of LinkedIn, the business networking site. I use YouTube to help learn to play guitar. I signed up on Facebook some time ago so that I could view my daughters’ photo albums. I’ve dabbled with Twitter, the site where you post Tweets – short 146 character messages – which you hope will attract followers.

Some people think that all this social media stuff is just a new fad for young people. I know that is not the case.

Having watched the video, I’m convinced that the internet is no longer just about having a company website presence. Social media is the opportunity to do the thing that most businesses, particularly start-ups, find difficult and expensive – marketing and promotion. And it’s free!

There are more than 200,000,000 Blogs - 34% of bloggers post opinions about products and brands and 78% of consumers trust peer recommendations.

Only 14% trust advertisements.

Social media has overtaken pornography as the No1 activity on the web; 80% of companies use it for recruitment. 95% of these used LinkedIn. If Facebook were a country it would be the third largest behind China and India; 60 million updates happen on Facebook daily. Its fastest growing segment is 55-65-year-old females. Fifty per cent of the mobile Internet traffic in the UK is for Facebook. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

It doesn’t take rocket science to work out how social media is helping lots of savvy businesses to build a brand, distribute news, promote products, people and services, generate new business, build a database, conduct research, network and drive traffic to their website. Some are even using the likes of Twitter to spot negative comments and contacting the complainant almost immediately.

Need any more convincing?

I’m off to start tweeting again as “thenewsboy” If you want to have a look at the video then go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng

CHAMBER NEWS

Chalcroft in £2.4m project to extend luxury hotel.

Luxury Norfolk hotel Congham Hall enlisted local firm Chalcroft Construction to add new kitchen and restaurant facilities, a bedroom block and a new spa building.

Set in 30 acres of parkland, the hotel was built in the 1780s by a wealthy King’s Lynn merchant and was, until its purchase in 1982, still a private family house.

Every year, hundreds of guests visit the hotel, near Grimston, attracted by the chance to stay in a late Georgian manor house that retains many of the architectural features of this period, such as the main staircase, portico and oriel windows.

The owner of the hotel, international von Essen Hotels group, asked King’s Lynn-based Chalcroft Construction to complete a £2.4m project to ensure that the visitor experience is further enhanced.

Acting as principal contractor, Chalcroft expanded the restaurant by creating a Bistro area with private dining facilities, constructed new kitchen facilities and created an additional eight bedrooms.

The pièce de résistance of the project is a luxurious new spa facility that will incorporate a swimming pool, gym, five treatment rooms, steam bath, overflow spa, sauna, samarium (a combination of steam room and sauna), monsoon showers and heated tile loungers.

Chalcroft operations director Paul Morley said: “Congham Hall has remained much the same throughout its lifetime, and so we were delighted to have been asked to help it expand and be ready for many more years to come.”

At the time of the conversion from private house to hotel, very little alteration to the main structure was necessary, the only additions being bathrooms and the restaurant.

Congham Hall has remained much the same throughout its lifetime, and so we were delighted to have been asked to help it expand and be ready for many more years to come.

During 1989, three new bedrooms were added to give 14 bedrooms in total and it was also around this time that the restaurant was extended from 30 to 50 covers, by the addition of the Orangery.

David Bennett, from von Essen Hotels, said: “The work will enable the hotel to become even more renowned, and therefore it was essential for us to choose a build partner that had the skills and experience to work on a heritage project such as this.”

Chalcroft has substantial experience of working in the leisure sector, with one of its most recent contracts being the creation of new facilities and a boutique hotel at the Searles Leisure resort, Hunstantan.

For more information about Chalcroft Construction, visit its new website at www.chalcroft.co.uk or follow @Chalcroft on Twitter.

CHAMBER DIGEST Energy workshops.

Resource Efficiency East (REE) is holding a series of free workshops throughout the Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire area, aimed at helping small businesses improve resource efficiency. Having started in September, the programme runs until January. For more information, contact the REE team on 01733 294 524 or info@resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk

We are your local Agent providing a World Wide service.

Fully licensed and bonded for all your Corporate Travel needs.

Contact Philip Prior to discuss your travel requirements. At your service 7 days a week.

A MEMBER OF THE

Glasbury World Travel Ltd Tel: Direct: +44 (0) 560 331 5847 Tel: Mobile:+44 (0) 7515 713 881 Fax: Main: +44 (0) 207 785 6879

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE5

Ndjg IgV^c^c\ EVgicZg/ Ndjg 8daaZ\Z# %-%% ('- (+&+ lll#i]ZigV^c^c\]jW#Xd#j`

TP17495 Chamber voice FP Ad.indd 1

26/7/10 12:48:24

:48:24

CHAMBER NEWS

Cozens-Hardy Solicitors Turn On The Style For Big C. They say that style never goes out of fashion - and guests of Cozens-Hardy LLP showed that supporting a worthwhile local charity is most definitely in vogue as they raised £1,320 for Big C at the solicitors’ Style Evening.

The Cozens-Hardy Style Evening event was hosted at The Forum by Stylist Janette Liggins, who was recently the fashion adviser at John Lewis. Janette brought her husband, TV reporter Mike Liggins, who fulfilled the Master of Ceremonies role. The event was supported by Clarins, John Lewis and O2 Design.

Philippa Rudd (pictured), CozensHardy Principal, said: “We are delighted to be one of Big C’s 30 for 30 supporters, aiming as a firm to raise £5,000 in this, their 30th anniversary year – and we are hugely grateful to all our guests who supported the evening with their generosity.”

Sharon Hulbert, PR and Corporate Fundraising Relations Manager of Big C, added: “It was a terrific evening and Janette’s advice was both highly entertaining and informative. CozensHardy have been actively involved with Big C for a while now and everyone in the firm has really got behind our 30 for 30 campaign; it is so heartening to see the tremendous efforts that local businesses, like Cozens-Hardy, are prepared to go to, in support of Big C.” Cozens-Hardy are now well on the way to achieving their £5,000 goal.

Local communities have a chance to win financial support for their environmental projects after South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk Alliance and the Energy Saving Trust joined forces to set up a £65,000 competition.

Councillor Robert Savage, South Norfolk Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Recycling, said of the project: “Our competition is a serious business investment by South Norfolk Council and the South Norfolk Alliance in practical projects under the guiding hand of the Energy Saving Trust to not only help the environment but to save our residents’ money.

One of the world’s largest food trading companies has appointed a Norwich marketing agency to undertake a brand exercise.

The £500 million turnover Vestey Foods Group has chosen Shorthose Russell to support the implementation of a brand values programme.

The Meridian Business Park-based agency won the business in a two-way pitch against a London agency.

£65,000 boost for South Norfolk’s Greenest communities.

South Norfolk Council has invested £50,000 and South Norfolk Alliance £15,000 in the competition to encourage “South Norfolk’s Greenest Communities” to come forward with great ideas which benefit their neighbourhood.

Multi-million pound global giant chooses Norwich agency.

“Communities coming forward with the best projects to improve the energy efficiency of private housing, or to set up community composting schemes, boost the energy efficiency of community buildings or improve biodiversity in their area, could now get pivotal financial support. ”All we ask is that they come to us with thoughtthrough ideas and plans to make them work and benefit our communities. If they do that, they can win some of our investment to make their dreams a reality.”

For further information, visit www.south-norfolk.gov. uk/sngc or call 0808 168 3333.

Vestey Foods Group grew out of the 115-year-old Vestey family food business and operates in 70 countries across the globe. It comprises four food companies specialising in the import, storage and distribution of a wide variety of foodstuffs from global suppliers into the various local markets in which they operate.

Shorthose Russell managing director Mark Harvey said that the appointment showed once again that Norfolk agencies could compete with the UK’s finest to win prestigious multi-national clients.

“To win such a big global account in the face of direct competition from a London-based agency is very pleasing, and it demonstrates that with the right approach, we in Norfolk can compete at the highest level.”

Sandy Speirs, at Vestey Foods Group, said: “We were impressed how well Shorthose Russell were able to interpret our brief and produce actual design proposals for the final pitch. Their ability to work to a tight timescale within a conservative budget helped confirm our choice. Being located outside of London had no negative impact whatsoever, as the quality of the material and ideas within the pitch was always going to be the deciding factor.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE7

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

Online business goes from strength to strength.

n Some of the people whose organisations recently joined ipatter.com. Robert Pyke (Fosters Solicitors), Mark Curtis (Larking Gowen), David Hughff (Smith and Pinching), Rebecca Appleton (Fosters Solicitors), Victoria Haverson (The Mall), Carl Jermy (Calibre IT Solutions) Andy Fisher (MD of ipatter.com), Sophie Jewry (Eat Out Norfolk), Clare Millar (VisitNorwich), Dan Beddows (P1 Technology Partners), Anne Hardesty (WiRE), Peter Marron (The Forum Trust), Ruth Goreham (Age UK Norfolk) and Jake Hithersay (Soak Digital).

An online business in East Anglia has helped more than 750 organisations across the region to build stronger relationships with their customers. ipatter.com, set up by Norfolk businessman Andy Fisher in April, is a direct messaging platform through which businesses and organisations can communicate. Once signed up, organisations (known as Broadcasters), can create an online profile and publish news items. The service has already topped 15,000 ‘connections’ within its first six months.

Andy said: “Communication is increasingly taking place in the online world and what differentiates ipatter from social networking sites

is that it offers Broadcasters a free, attractive, user friendly site where they can publish details about what is going on within their organisation.”

CHAMBER DIGEST

Organisations using the service include The National Trust, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Larking Gowen Accountants, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Sheringham High School, Norwich Theatre Royal, Broadland District Council, The Mall Shopping centre, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, VisitNorwich, Holkham Hall and many smaller businesses.

Businesses confident.

Communication is increasingly taking place in the online world and what differentiates ipatter from social networking sites is that it offers Broadcasters a free, attractive, user friendly site where they can publish details about what is going on within their organisation.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Record numbers of businesses in the area have said they feel much more positive about trading conditions compared to the first three months of the year.

A report from East of England Development Agency (EEDA), covering April to June, showed the construction industry bouncing back after the first three months of the year and the business services and finance sectors continuing their recovery. Companies, especially manufacturers, remained confident with a record 12 per cent ‘much more’ confident.

However, the report warned that public expenditure cuts in the future may affect that confidence.

BUSINESS NEWS

Entertainments company provides new lease of life for theatre.

A specialist entertainment company has taken over the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, securing its future.

The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk took the decision to lease the theatre to C & R Cinemas in an attempt to safeguard its future and reduce the costs incurred by council tax payers.

The Princess Theatre was opened as a cinema in 1932 and taken over by the Borough Council in 1981.

Councillor Roy Johnston, Cabinet Member for Performance and Property Portfolio Holder, said: “We have continued to invest in the theatre and have run it as a live entertainment venue and cinema. But, with increasing pressures on local authority budgets, we are having to find ways to make our money stretch further and to look for opportunities to make savings while protecting services. Leasing the theatre to a new operator has provided just that opportunity.”

King’s Lynn, and Managing Director Paul Jervis said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been offered this exciting opportunity. The Princess Theatre is a beautiful building that has given great pleasure to the local community and tourists alike.

“It is our aim to emulate the live programme of entertainment that the council has been so successful with over the years and to introduce a new programme of cinema. We hope to work closely with local community groups to provide a diverse package of entertainment and drama to both amateur and professional organisations.”

C & R Cinemas is a family-run business known for its management of the Majestic Cinema, in

Training organisation hits the big thousand.

Training organisation the LandSkills East project recently approved its 1000th course aimed at supporting the farming and rural craft sector in the East of England.

Delivered by Tastes of Anglia, one of the 24 partners in the project, the course was designed to help farm shops develop merchandising for their products.

The project, funded by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), has supported courses including those focusing on basic tractor driving, crop management, poultry welfare, pork butchery and renewable energy.

The 1000th course included a day at South Green Park Enterprise Centre, Mattishall, Norfolk,

in September and an identical course at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, Hertfordshire, in November.

Taking the courses were Georgina Mason, joint owner of Gonalston Farm Shop in Nottinghamshire, and Charlie Turnbull, from Dorset-based Turnbulls deli.

Gary Stokes, LandSkills Chair of the Food Diversification and Rural Crafts, said: “Landskills East is continuing to prove the need for bespoke, targeted training support from which the industry is now benefiting.”

A number of courses have already been approved for the winter programme. More information is available at LandSkills East website at www.landskillseast.co.uk

Stock market ‘best way to beat inflation’ says John Mee,

Director of Lovewell Blake Financial Planning When interest rates fell to the exceptional figure of 0.5% in March 2009, investors began asking when they would start to climb again.

All the evidence suggests this might still be at least two years away. There is little doubt that with inflation holding firm at around 3%, returns on savings will continue lagging behind.

Even when rates do rise, it will be some time before they return to the levels of two years ago. That is why, sooner or later, ever increasing numbers of people will need to look at switching money from deposit accounts into assets with a little more risk, but achieving good dividends at around 4.5%.

Many who believe the interest rate rises are just over the horizon will, I believe, be disappointed and even reluctant to move out of their deposit accounts in 12 or 18 months’ time when stock markets may have risen significantly.

The best way to beat inflation and achieve real return on capital is by taking some degree of risk and investing in a balanced portfolio of funds containing the shares of well-run companies.

That’s why I am confident that by taking action now you will see how the prospects for your income and capital can be dramatically improved.

For more information please contact John Mee of Lovewell Blake Financial Planning on 01502 532290.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE9

Being a little greener can help keep you in the black Free support from Resource Efficiency East includes: U The Resource Review Tool an online diagnostic that helps you identify areas for improvement U The Business Resource Review an onsite resource review covering energy, water and materials/waste to identify cost saving opportunities U The EMS Review a benchmarking review to help small businesses looking to adopt an Environmental Management System

For more information on how to improve your resource efficiency contact us on 01733 294524 or email info@resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk www.resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk Funded by

Delivered by

Resource EfficiencyEast

REE A3 DPS AD.indd 1

Last few FREE site visits available but please book quickly, they’re going fast!

19/10/2010 11:59

Follow the lead of innovative Norfolk businesses who are saving money by reducing their environmental impact.

Resource Efficiency East (REE) works with small businesses across the East to help them cut costs and improve efficiency. So far, they have supported over 700 businesses, helping them to identify over £4million in cost savings, with an average of around £7,000 per business, per annum.

However, the programme of free support that they currently offer is entering its final few months, so businesses in Norfolk are being urged to sign up now to ensure they don’t miss out.

Merit Plastic Mouldings, based in Diss, took advantage of REE’s Business Resource Review which identified over £17,000 worth of potential savings. Suggestions included switching off electrical items not in use at weekends and renewing waste management procedures.

With the help of REE’s advice on implementation, the company have been able to make immediate annual savings of £7,800 and reduced their carbon footprint by 30 tonnes. The company is now working on further recommendations made by the review which could save a further £9,225 per year. Rick Worcester, Production Manager said: “The process is well worthwhile and I would recommend it to any business. For the small amount of time and effort we put in the rewards were outstanding.”

Several other Norfolk-based companies are also enjoying significant savings as a result of signing up to REE’s free review programmes: n Sheet metal fabricators HLW Ltd are saving around £1,250 after renegotiating their energy tariffs and reducing waste management costs n Frozen meat wholesalers G Morris & Son are saving over £38,000 a year after renegotiating their energy tariff n Office suppliers Hussey & Knights are making savings of around £900 per annum through a range of energy saving measures n Blue Sky Leisure is making savings of over £300 per year at Kelling Health Holiday Park by changing inefficient lighting and encouraging park users to be more resource aware REE offers businesses four different free reviews.

The Business Resource Review is a general business review that aims to highlight how materials, water and energy can be used more efficiently, while the Water Efficiency Review focuses specifically on saving money through reducing water use. The Environmental Management System (EMS) Review aims to assist businesses looking to explore the practicalities of adopting an environmental management

system, while the Low Carbon Feasibility Support Service provides a free detailed study of resource efficiency opportunities for businesses which require capital investment.

In addition to the free programmes, two free workshops are being held in Norwich. These will be held at the John Innes Centre, on the following dates and with the following topics;

29 November Waste & Materials Management

The process is well worthwhile and I would recommend it to any business. For the small amount of time and effort we put in the rewards were outstanding.

19 January 2011 Transport & Environmental Management Systems Places on the workshops are limited and anyone interested in attending can book by calling Business Link on 0845 6011000 or emailing bookevents@businesslinkeast.org.uk For more detail about the reviews or to book your review, visit the website: http://www.resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk call 01733 294524, or email info@resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

11:59

PAGE11

NORFOLK VOICE

Butchers, Bakers and Control Rod Makers: New Nuclear Opportunities.

EDF Energy’s intent to build a third nuclear power station at Sizewell was consolidated on the 13 September in London. A range of presentations, including a keynote speech by Vince Cable, The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, increased the levels of confidence from attending suppliers and stakeholders in committing their support for this vital initiative to Suffolk and the East of England.

Norfolk Chamber, which is working in partnership with Suffolk Chamber, exhibited at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and attracted good levels of interest from delegates.

EDF has stated that they will work with the respective Chamber of Commerce to build a supplier database which will be used by Tier 1 and 2 suppliers to link up and engage with local Suffolk and Norfolk businesses.

landscape gardeners, electrical engineers, fire prevention companies and many, many more.

Alan Cumming said, “We will need butchers, bakers and control rod makers.”

Any business wanting to get involved with the build of Sizewell C will need to demonstrate the highest safety credentials, probably adhering to OHSAS 18001.

Safety is, and always will be, the top priority at EDF Energy, said Keith Parker, The Nuclear Industry Association Chief Executive. He started the conference by explaining EDF’s policy of Zero Harm and he gave a presentation on the dangers of Slips, Trips and Falls.

Mike Weightman, Chief Inspector of The Nuclear Industries Inspectorate, stated that: “Protecting society is wider than preventing harm to people – it is also about preventing harm to the fabric of society.” Any business wanting to get involved with the build of Sizewell C will need to demonstrate the highest safety credentials, probably adhering to OHSAS 18001.

Eighty per cent of business opportunities at a nuclear power station are non-nuclear. Alan Cumming, Deputy Director of Construction and

To express an interest and to get involved with Sizewell C, you must register on Suffolk Chamber’s platform www.suffolkb2b.co.uk, and select Utilities\EDF Energy/Nuclear.

This will add your company to a database which will be used to select potential suppliers. Towards the end of 2010 you will be asked to supplement your company’s information, having the opportunity to expand on unique selling points and expertise.

Businesses that can contribute to New Nuclear Build

Procurement for NNB Genco (New Nuclear Build Generation Company), explained that the ‘conventional island’ will need the widest range of suppliers. A security fence will be erected around the entire site; earthwork companies to create the required construction space, a jetty to allow the transport of building materials by sea, office furniture suppliers, caterers,

As stated above, 80% of business opportunities at a nuclear power station are non-nuclear. Alan Cumming, Deputy Director of Construction and Procurement for NNB Genco (New Nuclear Build Generation Company) presented the range of companies that could benefit from New Nuclear at a recent Quality Day event for Norfolk and Suffolk companies in Suffolk.

To find out more about the Norfolk Chamber’s involvement with New Nuclear Build contact lisa.li@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Bakers

Civil Engineering

Farmers

Consultancies

Specialist Manufacturing

Publicans

Specialist Welding and Pipe Fabrication

Hoteliers/Bed & Breakfast Training and Education

Inspection, Testing and Quality

Scaffolders

Accountants

Building Material Suppliers

Lawyers

Taxi Firms

Builders

Printers

Logistics & Storage Butchers

Joiners

Car Rental

Plant Hire Firms

Property Maintenance

Caterers

Security Firms

Mechanical Equipment

Plumbing and Heating Instrumentation and Control

IT Services

Electrical Equipment

Specialist Machining

Nurseries & Child Care

HVAC Suppliers and Contractors

Health Care

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Football League launches.

The Chamber is launching a 14-week, five-a-side Football League with the Norfolk FA in January 2011. What better way to burn off those festive calories and network with other businesses at the same time? Interested in putting a team together for your company? Contact: lisa.li@norfolkchamber.co.uk. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Win a Golf Membership.

PLUS! World Cup Ref Darren Cann Speaks at Norwich Business Breakfast

Increasing the membership of the Norfolk Chamber provides greater opportunity for everyone involved, as it increases our mix of sectors and businesses.

The Norfolk Chamber and the Norfolk County FA will host Darren Cann at the Norwich Business Breakfast this December. Darren is the man who officiated over this year’s World Cup Final.

We as business people can identify with Darren in this high-pressure commercial world where commanding authority, managing conflict and guiding a team is a reality. But a least we don’t have to do it under the watchful eyes of 700 million people!!!

Darren is England’s most decorated Assistant Referee. He is the only Assistant Referee in history to have officiated at the five biggest showpiece matches available to an English football match official. These being the FA Cup Final, the League Cup Final, the Championship Play-Off Final, the Community Shield, the Champions League Final and the World Cup Final.

Darren has also gone down in the history books, along with Referee Howard Webb and fellow Assistant Mike Mullarkey, as the first refereeing trio to have officiated at the Champions League Final and World Cup Final during the same season, which they accomplished in 2010.

To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk Click on events on the side bar.

CHAMBER DIGEST Bright ideas.

The East of England is maintaining its reputation for turning ideas into commercial success, according to a report from the East of England Development Agency’s (EEDA) economic intelligence unit. Produced by EEDA’s Insight East team, the report ranks the East of England as second only to the South East for generating intellectual property, due to a 22 per cent rise in the number of software and non-software licences issued by the region’s universities. The East of England continues to hold its own against similar regions across the world, such as Massachusetts, USA and Chungcheong Region, China. Glenn Athey, director of Insight East, said: “The East of England has a history of turning ideas into commercial reality, as our record in registering new patents and licences shows.” The report is available at www.insighteast.org.uk

This in turn provides our membership with increased potential to lead generate and identify business opportunities. So we are encouraging our existing membership to enhance the diversity available by identifying potential new members to the ultimate business network.

So if you know of a business that would benefit from being part of our growing dynamic network, please refer them to us through Chamber Referral.

This quarter you can win a full year’s golf club membership courtesy of the Royal Norwich Golf Club.

So How do I enter? How do I refer?

Look out for the Chamber Referral cards at events, or email your referral to debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk and we will complete the card for you.

Entries for this promotion will be taken until 15 December 2010 and winners will be notified directly as well as publicised through Chamber media channels before 31 December 2010.

Founded in 1893, the Royal Norwich Golf Club is an 18-hole golf club just outside Norwich and one of the oldest in the area, offering great golfing facilities to Members and visitors alike. The course offers year-round golf and is rarely closed due to its excellent drainage. One of only 64 Royal Clubs in the world, Royal Norwich was designed by the legendary James Braid, and Members benefit from reciprocal arrangements with fellow Braid and Royal Clubs in the UK and worldwide.

An ideal venue for Corporate and Society Golf Days, supported by excellent catering facilities at its Clubhouse.

Terms & Conditions: The Membership prize is a Braid Membership (200 points) for one person, details of which can be found on the website www.royalnorwichgolf.co.uk. Membership is not transferable to any third party. Membership is for one year only and will commence on 1 January, 2011. Membership will only be extended upon payment of applicable Membership Fee. The prize winner will be required to submit to the Rules of the Club. The Membership cannot be sold or auctioned and ownership will remain with Royal Norwich Golf Club.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE13

NORFOLK VOICE

WEETU has over 20 years of experience working within the field of local economic and community development.

We work with women, often the most disadvantaged, to support them into enterprise activity, employment, volunteering and further education and training.

We are an innovative Norwich-based not-for-profit company: our award winning Full Circle programme supports business start-up through enterprise training and micro-finance.

Our success is undoubtedly due to our women-centred approach: we provide a supportive women-only training environment which encourages and inspires creativity and ambition.

Our WEETU Network supports women returning to work or new to business and enterprise by helping them build and broaden their professional and peer-topeer networks.

We have a number of sponsorship opportunities available and would be delighted to hear from any local business that shares our values and is interested in working with us.

Tel:01603 230625 www.weetu.org

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Cert eXpress

What does it mean for exporters?

The new Version 5 of the Electronic Certification service – eCert eXpress – is now available for you to use.

Following the electronic documents success over the last few years, eCert eXpress registration will provide the following benefits for you as exporters:

SPEED! By forwarding your export documents to the Chamber electronically, you can have them checked, certified and returned to you for printing at your premises.

Think of the time and cost saved by this eCert eXpress service!

Think of the ability to move goods faster!

SERVICE! By using eCert eXpress you will have an extremely fast service from the Chamber.

Think of the efficiency created by freeing up staff normally used for delivery and collection of export documents!

Think of the ability to provide a better service to clients!

SIMPLICITY! By forwarding and receiving your documents electronically, and printing at your premises, could it be any simpler?

Think of the ease in the whole process with eCert eXpress!

SECURITY! By using eCert eXpress you have absolute security in the processing of the documents.

Think of the time and cost in not having to send someone in person to the Chamber!.

You can now apply for the following documents using this service: n EC Certificates of Origin n Invoices n Other Documents such as Health Certificates, Free Sale Certificates n EUR1 Movement Certificates n ATR Movement Certificates You can still apply for your Arab Certificates of Origin using the ACert service - just remember to put your originally signed Invoice in the post to us so that we can send both the documents to the Embassy for legalisation.

For further information and for details of how to register, please contact Tracey Howard on 01603 729711 or go to www.e-cert.org.uk

Ask the Export Expert…

When applying to the Chamber for a Certificate of Origin, can you advise what documents I need to include as back up?

A Commercial Invoice must always be submitted with a Certificate of Origin. A CofO is basically a Certificate of Manufacture. When you tell us the goods are of UK Origin, we simply need the full name and address to be shown on the back of the pink page (for European Certificates) or on the front page (for Arab Certificates). If the goods are of foreign origin, we still require the full names and addresses as above, but we also require commercial documentary proof such as a copy of the Certificate of Origin provided by the manufacturer, a Commercial Invoice or a Suppliers Declaration. Please do not take offence when we say that what you have provided is not sufficient. If you just state the name and address, we cannot simply take your word for it. Check our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for a full list of acceptable Back Up documents.

Where can I find out more about AEO? An AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) is a business involved in the international supply chain which has proved itself to be compliant and trustworthy, and where applicable, safe and secure. AEO status entered into force on 1 January 2008 across the EU and is the EU response to the need to secure international supply chains and the introduction of CustomsTrade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in the USA. There is masses of information on this within the Import/Export section of www.hmrc.gov.uk My customer has asked me to supply them with a EUR1 Certificate which will help them pay a lower rate of import duty - where can I get this from?

EUR1s are customs documents, so you would normally go to HMRC for these. However, all of the accredited Chambers across the country are now authorised to supply and stamp these on behalf of HMRC. An A.TR works in the same way but is only used for shipments to Turkey. There are declarations that must be completed on the back of EUR1s, which you need to clearly understand, so before you issue any of these documents I would strongly suggest that you contact HMRC. Tel. 0845 010 9000 to obtain free copies of their Rule Books known as Notices. The Notices you should hold are 812, 827, 828, 829 and 832. These are also downloadable from the HMRC website under the Import and Export Section

Norfolk Chamber placed an order through the International Chamber of Commerce (ICCUK) for a stock holding of the new Incoterms 2010.

They will cost £47.50 for Members and £65.00 for Non-Members. To order a copy, please send your details to violet.ellert@norfolkchamber.co.uk who will supply them on a first come first served basis.

We know that many countries object to wood packaging, but can you advise if plywood is considered wood?

No, plywood has been processed in such a way that it is not considered ‘wood’ in this context.

However, if you are presenting a non-wood document to a bank under a Letter of Credit, then often banks take a view that plywood is wood, as it has the word ‘wood’ within it, so be careful about this.

I am sending some shipping documents out today but have forgotten to do the Certificate of Origin. How long does it take to certify a Certificate?

Norfolk Chamber offers a ‘While You Wait’ service where you can bring documents in to us by hand between 9.30am and 3.30pm every weekday and wait while we stamp them. This incurs a small extra fee as we basically stop what we are doing to process your documents. If you have registered to use our electronic service ‘eCert’, you can print the document out with electronic stamps within minutes!!

For help and advice on any other matter relating to International Trade, you can contact Tracey direct on Tel. 01603 729711 or Email. tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk

I am aware that the Incoterms are due to be renewed this year – can you please advise if the new books are now available and where I can obtain a copy?

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE15

NORFOLK VOICE

Magpies, Crows and Hawks!

What’s your approach to winning business?

I sat quietly considering “what’s next?” With looming cuts in public spending, shrinking private sector budgets and the potential of a resultant double dip back into recession, the future did not look good.

As the MD of a Norfolk-based business, I considered retirement (those who know me know that’s not likely), stacking supermarket shelves (done that before, not keen), or focus on the next three years.

So, bucking the trend, I employed someone to help me develop the business and looked at expanding the team. Madness, possibly, but looking at the market, we know our services are needed and now is the time to focus on delivery and expansion.

As a business we had got ourselves into a good position by March 2010, £1 million turnover (from £58 thousand in 2007), growth circa 100% per annum, profitable and, most importantly, respected by our customers. But we could see the contracts ending across the summer.

Then, a conversation from the past came back to me about sales funnels, opportunism and strategy; I realised we needed to reassess our position because 2010-13 looked like it was going to be a challenge.

So “Magpies, Crows and Hawks” got my attention again... “How will we plan the next 12 to 36 months?” This is a state of mind and focus, not a text book mantra.

Magpies tend to be one of nature’s opportunists and not always a favourite, picking at anything, considering everything as a potential meal.

Adopting a Magpie approach to business could see you charging around pecking at anything that shone, even if it was not core business; being very busy but not earning; potentially only winning low value or marginal business; losing customers, key employees and business respect, resulting in customers drifting away. The spiral starts and becomes self-fulfilling as orders get smaller, less frequent and cost of sales increase.

From experience, this approach can see your turnover shrink and business becomes very short term-focused on “where is the next meal coming from?”

Crows, I think, are great birds - large, powerful and with an opportunistic nature, but much more selective (calculating?). They are not always pretty in their approach, being gregarious and argumentative with an air of authority. In business this can give you a short to medium term view by considering opportunities and exploiting most, still taking a chance on noncore activity. But will it deliver lasting benefit and growth in the current market?

Hawks, masters of the air, specialist, selective, powerful with incredible vision and an amazing turn of speed, swift to respond and react.

Mmm... sounds good, but from experience being too selective and focused in a restrictive market can have its downside, especially when business becomes tight and hard to find. You need the vision, you need the speed to respond, you need to keep everyone ‘on board and focused’ and maybe you need a little luck to survive.

n Vision: Know who you are as a business, and where you plan to be in 3 years (I know that seems like a lifetime) n Focus: On core business, do not be tempted to stray too far from your areas of excellence n Essentials: Keep your promises and manage your cash n Opportunity: Be prepared to exploit opportunity when it aligns with your core business n Know: Capability and capacity, ensure you have spare so that when you win the ‘big job’ you can mobilise n Know: Your ‘breakeven’ (for each job), know if an opportunity will make a loss, margin or profit before you win it n Ruthless: Be selective, not all business you win is worth having. Not all of your customers deserve you n Attractive: Be attractive in the way you do business, make people want to do business with you and better still they seek your advice and guidance n Bring: Your people with you n Ensure: You retain a skilled team that understands the business and can drive it forward n Communicate: With customers, the market, your employees, ensure people know where to find you and where you are going

Or do we need a ‘Mawck’. A what, I hear you ask?”

n Say: what you mean and mean what you say and stay true to your objectives

Well, for the next 12 to 36 months I think we are going to need a ‘Mawck’s’ approach. I’m not sure what it will look like when it flies, but this new bird will need to be much more responsive to the extraordinary business world we find ourselves in.

n Be canny: If something ‘sounds too good to be true’ it probably is!

So, back to “What’s next?” Well, retirement and stacking shelves are not on the list. We will need to take some of the skills of each of the three birds into our Mawck to continue our flight:

Magpies tend to be one of nature’s opportunists and not always a favourite, picking at anything, considering everything as a potential meal

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

n Remember: The customer is king, and cash flow keeps the business turning

Hawks, masters of the air, specialist, selective, powerful with incredible vision and an amazing turn of speed, swift to respond and react

So this doesn’t apply to you? Ok, I would suggest that, however big you are, you take an afternoon ‘off’ and decide which bird you are. You may decide you are currently just a sparrow pecking at crumbs, or an eagle soaring above us all, but decide what you want to be.

Now is a great and tough time to plan your growth strategy, but then stacking shelves can always be an option.

David Pratt is the Owner and MD of Redcap Associates, an organisation that transforms business performance and delivers cost reduction.

He is based in Norwich.

Crows, I think, are great birds, large, powerful and with an opportunistic nature, but much more selective (calculating?)

David can be contacted by email on dpratt@redcapassociates.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE17

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

Clean Energy Consultancy

Carbon management & renewable energy

An independent company offering impartial advice to provide you with the best solution possible.

Please call or email us to discuss your project, we’re here to assist.

Clean Energy Consultancy Ltd, P.O Box 213, Norwich, NR18 8AT t: 01953 798112 m. 07886 562483 e: info@cleanenergyconsultancy.co.uk w: www.cleanenergyconsultancy.co.uk

ADV3451 Norfolk ad:Layout 1

30/9/10

15:38

Page 1

Arco House, Easlea Road, Moreton Hall Industrial Estate, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32 7BY Tel: 01284 773030 Fax: 01284 750529 burystedmunds.branch@arco.co.uk

www.arco.co.uk

ADV3451 09/10

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

I am lucky to get to talk to many people in business and share some really great intelligence with them. While this is all valuable I am becoming increasingly vocal about the need to get back to basics and plan success into your business from the get go.

By Chris Batten Rainmaker

Before you run for the pen and paper, or the iPad, there is something else we need to consider first. I have always been an advocate of looking at the bigger picture when planning a business, which is as important today as it was when I first learnt the lesson as a section commander in the infantry.

However, there is something else I want to share with you, something I didn’t learn straight away because I was too busy concentrating on the daily noise of battle. For some of you this will be a difficult concept to take on board, unless you really concentrate and think hard about the impact this has on the way in which you currently think about and act in your business.

In the current climate many businesses are trying to recover their position to where it was a year or two ago. You want to attract more customers, better sales figures and greater returns on your marketing investment. It’s probably also true that you would like to see a little more cash in your account as a result.

Added to this is the constant battle to get more traffic to your website and to get your message to all the right people, at the right time, in the right way.

There are over four million businesses in the UK, many in a difficult position. Their problem is not the economy, political landscape or customers not spending. They are just all doing the same thing in the same way, producing white noise for their prospects.

If you’re anything like most business owner you’re Advert_408915_AW-02.pdf 25/02/2010 12:13:24 probably spending more time working in, rather than

on, your businesses. While working with my clients I always encourage them to be different: to look at the business in a new way, with a different mindset and to plan differently. By being different to the rest, great things start to happen.

If you need more sales, revenue and leads; smaller exposure to lending and greater return on investment, the last thing you need to do is the same as others.

Dare to be different. Dare to be abnormal, don’t think like the others, make your own footprints in the sand and stop following what others are doing.

• Take responsibility and control for the condition of the business.

• Know exactly what to do next; regardless of how much work there is.

• Learn from failure; plan to fail quickly avoiding losses.

• Make tough decisions and earn respect.

• Base prices on market, quality and affordability.

• Don't have excuses; just solutions and actions.

• Execute a well-planned marketing strategy with multiple activities.

• Plan strategically and constantly.

• Keep learning.

Notice the mediocre by what they say: • External failures or pressures affect the business.

• There is too much to do with no idea where to start.

• Failure is to be avoided.

• Good relationships are preferable to tough decisions.

• Pricing is a thumb in the air exercise. Increasing prices is too dangerous.

• The website is not working.

• There is no time to plan.

• There is no time for smart marketing.

• Excuses, excuses, excuses.

To be exceptional, create a little chaos. Plan to be abnormal, innovative, imaginative, daring and nimble. Change the make-up of your business, and your mindset:

To be fair, if you do nothing more than plan everything, you’ll already be well ahead of the game. The main reason and motivation for me to want to design, launch and run the Rainmaker Club for SMEs was the belief I could influence more business owners, leaders, managers and entrepreneurs to make the difficult but rewarding journey from mediocre to exceptional.

Are you and your business ready for the challenge?

Are you willing to not just think but act strategically, learn from others and create a business of true worth, if so, providing sustainable exceptional results? If so, my call to action is clear, talk to me about The Rainmaker Club and take that first important step.

Chris Batten RAINMAKER

C

M

Y

Your Personal Rainmaker

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Free weekly business tips and leadership hints. No tricks, no catches, simply email yes to hello@chris-batten.com with your preferred email address for delivery.

K

www.chris-batten.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE19

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

Chamber Events.

International Trade Events Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has planned a series of International Trade Events in order to offer assistance to companies wishing to begin or increase their business overseas. Attending these FREE events will give you an insight on how to do just that!

Although they are yet to be fully organised, the plan is as follows: Mid/End November 2010 Trading with India Early/Mid December 2010 Opportunities in China End January 2011 : Meet the Export Expert Road Show – King’s Lynn End February 2011 Meet the Export Expert Road Show – Great Yarmouth More details of the events will be promoted as and when firm dates have been set but please check the International section of our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for further details.

Showing our success!

Norfolk Chamber has recently delivered two very successful events – Digital Simple on 16 September and Open4Business on 23 September. A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported these.

Feedback from both events has been tremendously positive. Phil Rider, from OneStream, who was a sponsor, speaker and exhibitor at Digital Simple, said: “We were highly impressed with how professionally the event was organised and we developed some excellent new leads throughout the day.”

Roy Seaman, from Franchise Development Services, exhibited at Open4Business. He said: “A remarkable event for us. We were meeting both buyers and suppliers non-stop – including all major councils in the region. Brilliantly organised by the Chamber.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER EVENTS

Diary Dates.

NOVEMBER

16 Chamber HR Forum, Norwich WHEN? Tuesday, 2:00pm – 5:00pm WHERE? Dunston Hall WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Mills & Reeve will be leading a practical and interactive workshop on recent developments in the area of workplace disputes.

To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

25 Mix @ Six, Great Yarmouth

SAVE THE DATES 2011

DECEMBER

2 The High Five Series, West Norfolk

10 January

WHEN? Thursday, 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Bowling Night

WHERE? Knight’s Hill Hotel , King’s Lynn

Norwich

WHAT’S IT ABOUT? We invite all local West Norfolk businesses to attend the fourth event in this series were you can hear first hand from Andrew Dahl of Sealskinz sharing his key drivers for success. Sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Hayhow.

To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

WHEN? Thursday, 5:45pm – 8:00pm WHERE? Blackfriars Brewery, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Join the Chamber for our Winter Mix @ Six at Blackfriars Brewery. Enjoy a full guided tour including the history at Blackfriars and the brewing process, followed by fish and chips and unlimited Blackfriars award winning ales.

To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

DECEMBER

1 Norwich Business Breakfast, Norwich WHEN? Wednesday, 7:45am – 9:30am WHERE? Marriott Sprowston Manor, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? The Norfolk Chamber and the Norfolk County FA will host Darren Cann at the Norwich Business Breakfast this December.

Darren is the man who officiated over this year’s World Cup Final.

To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

10 Free Workshop on Contract Law, Great Yarmouth

10 February High Five – Tom Harrison, Morston Assets King’s Lynn

WHEN? Friday, 11:00pm – 12:00pm WHERE? Potters Leisure, Hopton

3 March

WHAT’S IT ABOUT? How to navigate your way through Contract Law.This is a free event, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce network, and delivered by Composite Legal.

Light refreshments provided.

Meet The Buyer Great Yarmouth

To book: lisa.li@norfolkchamber.co.uk

31 March 10 Christmas Lunch & Fayre, Great Yarmouth

B2B2011 Spring Exhibition

WHEN? Friday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Norwich

WHERE? Potters Leisure, Hopton WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Have you thought about Christmas yet? Enjoy your office Christmas Lunch with the Chamber and enterpriseGY, with a chance to buy those last minute Christmas gifts.

To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

LANCASTER SUITE The Most Versatile Venue For Up to 400 guests Launches | Private Dining | Dinner Dances | Awards Dinners | Balls | Proms | Parties | Christenings | Naming Ceremonies | Civil Ceremonies | Weddings Holiday Inn Norwich-North, Cromer Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6JA t. 01603 410544 e. events@hinorwich.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE21

NORFOLK VOICE

PHIL GORMLEY. Difficult economic times mean difficult economic decisions in all walks of life and the Chief Constable of Norfolk knows that just as much as anyone. Having taken over the top job in March this year, Phil Gormley has found his early months in charge preoccupied by the need to make drastic cuts, facing up to the kind of challenges familiar to anyone running a large business.

His Force, together with the Norfolk Police Authority, has been deliberating long and hard on how they can cut up to £35million over the next four years in order to meet the public service reductions demanded by the Coalition Government.

For the Chief Constable, this has meant protecting the frontline wherever possible.

Mr Gormley explained: “The challenges for Norfolk Constabulary to meet the anticipated 25% cut in funding are enormous. In crude terms, if converted into staff reductions we would see a fall in overall employee numbers of up to 800.

“Because the Constabulary has led the way in modernising the Service, it may be that we are additionally disadvantaged. Norfolk has already driven through the changes that other police forces will now make to bridge the funding gap.

That means there are fewer places left for us to remove funding from and the service the public presently receives will reduce.

“It is simply not possible to remove £35m from a force as lean and efficient as Norfolk without significantly affecting delivery. It is a fiction that savings of this quantum can be found from

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

THE BI

THE BIG INTERVIEW

BIG INTERVIEW

By John Dean

deangriss@btinternet.com

reducing bureaucracy and shedding what is referred to as ‘back office’ staff.

and the Service and Protection from harm expectations of the public.

“It is my earnest hope that, as government generally and the Home Office in particular, decide where the axe will fall – and accept it we must – that due credit is given for the modernisation already undertaken by the Constabulary and the value for money it delivers.

“Norfolk Constabulary, supported by the Police Authority, is working ever more closely with the other Forces in the region and in some instances beyond.

“It would be perverse if the communities and people of Norfolk were to be penalised for the pioneering work of the Constabulary through an indiscriminate one-size-fits-all approach to the deficit reduction.”

Working in partnership with Suffolk One of the ways the force proposes to reduce costs is to work closer with neighbour Suffolk Constabulary.

Mr Gormley said: “My priority in managing the budget cuts is to keep Norfolk a low-crime county. We will do this by minimising as far as possible the reduction of uniformed officers and by sharing back-office functions with our preferred partner, Suffolk Constabulary.”

Such an approach has already shown it can work. The Major Incident Team, run in conjunction with Suffolk Constabulary, has been deemed a success while also saving money and for Mr Gormley shows the kind of thinking necessary for the force to maintain its frontline presence while also keeping costs under control.

“The future will be shaped by our ability to be innovative during adversity and by sharing resources to reduce costs and maintain services.

“The size of the financial challenge will require us to make difficult choices and it is for this reason that our approach to collaboration is critical to the future of the Constabulary.

We must strategically organise ourselves to meet both the financial realities

“We have established a range of joint capabilities with Suffolk Constabulary. These include the main protective service elements of our business. We have joint Major Investigation and Witness Protection Units, and are close to seeing the opening of joint Police Investigation Centres across the two counties.

“Plans are already well advanced to create a single Criminal Justice command across the two counties which will make significant cash savings.

“Together with Suffolk Constabulary, we have just completed a Business Support Review which has made proposals to combine 12 key areas of our non-operational business. This has the potential to release £10m over the next four years and will mean significant staffing reductions in these functions.

“Earlier this year, all forces in the region established the Eastern Region Serious and Organised Crime Unit which is already reducing the capability of organised crime to cause harm to communities in the six counties (Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex).

“The Constabulary will do everything within its power to ensure that, working inside and outside of the organisation, we implement the spending cuts required of us with as little impact as possible on the delivery of operational policing.

“But it is not possible to make spending cuts without the public noticing.

My colleagues and I will endeavour to deliver the best possible policing service with whatever money is made available to us.

My priority in managing the budget cuts is to keep Norfolk a low-crime county.

“We are prepared to make difficult and, potentially unpopular, choices. However, our commitment to delivering high quality services and protecting people in Norfolk from harm will remain undaunted.”

Factfile Phil Gormley Began his policing career in Thames Valley police in 1985, working in uniform and detective roles up to the rank of Superintendent.

Mr Gormley transferred to the Metropolitan Police Service in January 2003 on promotion to Commander.

During his time there, he was the strategic lead for firearms and Aviation Security responsible for SO19 and SO18 specialist units.

In 2004 he became Secretary of the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Standing Committee on Terrorism and Allied Matters, helping to shape the future of counter terrorism policing nationally.

From 2005, he led on the modernisation of Specialist Operations and took command of the Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch, responsible for driving forward the merger of Special Branch and the Anti-terrorist Branch to form the new Counter Terrorism Command.

He was appointed Deputy Chief Constable of the West Midlands in December 2006 and in January was appointed Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary. He is also the ACPO lead for Mental Health and Disability, a role he has carried out for more than two years.

Phil Gormley is married to a serving police officer. The couple have one daughter.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE23

NORFOLK VOICE

Innovation the key as companies fight the rising tides.

The impact of rising sea levels is increasingly being seen as a challenge for businesses based in lower-lying areas like Norfolk.

However, for companies prepared to tackle the challenges presented by flooding, there are significant business opportunities.

That has certainly been the case for Norwichbased Broadland Environmental Services (BESL), a joint venture company formed a decade ago by Halcrow Group Limited and BAM Nuttall Limited to improve flood defences on the Norfolk Broads.

Their partnership is approaching the half way mark on the 20-year Broadland Flood Alleviation Scheme, which provides defence improvements, maintenance and emergency response services over a large part of the Norfolk Broads threatened by flooding.

The area includes important wildlife habitats and hundreds of properties, including businesses working in the tourism and agricultural sectors.

The risk of flooding is posed by a combination of factors, including major ‘weather events’ featuring torrential rain and rising sea levels caused by the effects of climate change worldwide.

Broadland Environmental Services Ltd was appointed by the Environment Agency in May 2001 to work on protection schemes in the tidal areas of the Rivers Yare, Bure, Waveney and their tributaries.

Kevin Marsh, Project Director since the beginning, said: “Historic levels of investment in the maintenance of the original flood defences over the last 20 to 30 years had not kept pace with the rate of deterioration. Much of the piling which held up these banks was failing.

“Continuous settlement of the banks on the soft peat sub-soil, combined with increased river

levels due to sea level rise (approximately 6mm per year at Great Yarmouth) were resulting in more overtopping and increased bank failures or breach. This led to an increased risk of flooding.”

The £140m contract won by BESL is implemented through an innovative Public/Private Partnership (PPP) and is the first of its kind in the UK to make a long term funding commitment for the provision of riverine flood defences. The Broadland PPP business case included significant risk transfer to the private sector when compared with the Environment Agency’s conventional approach.

Kevin said: “After winning the contract the first two years were dominated by a full review of priorities for managing the Broadland flood defence system. An extensive data gathering exercise was undertaken including aerial, topographic and hydrographic surveys and a comprehensive GIS system was developed for managing the data. This strategy confirmed that the project was still cost effective, although ultimately, this was a gamble and, under the terms of the Public/Private Partnership, the risk is ours.”

The project has provided employment for up to 100 people. Broadland’s Norwich office employs a core staff of 30, which comprises 20 from Halcrow, who work on the design elements, and

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

a further five each from BAM Nuttall and the Environment Agency in a fully co-located office.

Out in the field, BAM Nuttall, which is responsible for construction, employs a further 35, although the total number can rise to 100 in the summer when some of the main earthworks are carried out and additional sub-contractors brought in.

As the project approaches half way, BESL has already upgraded more than 185km of existing flood banks, including 40km of new embankments, providing protection to previously ‘undefended’ communities. On completion, over 250 km will have been improved and maintained over the 20-year contract.

Kevin Marsh said: “Our main focus is to prevent breaches. That does not mean preventing water overtopping the bank. The system relies on overtopping to manage water levels through the system and prevent upstream flooding. Following a flood event, the water is pumped back off the marshes via the drainage system.”

One of the features of the project has been the innovation that has been required. For example, the team has developed sophisticated modelling which can forecast flooding and predict the effect of proposed improvement works.

COVER FEATURE

Investigating the threat from the sea Engineering firm Halcrow has also played an integral part in a project aimed at offering solutions for coastal management when faced with sea level rises along the East coast.

This summer, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) published the findings of a research project – entitled Optimal Stable Bay Design – conducted by Halcrow to refine the use of offshore reefs to stabilise eroding beaches. included advances in rotary core drilling and associated soft ground testing.

The findings should help the Government better deal with sea-level rise and storm surges in the East of England, protecting rural communities and food production capacity.

Ten years in, the signs are good. Kevin Marsh said: “The project is progressing well and we are on target for completing the improvement works by 2013. The banks were severely tested in the Novembers of 2006 and 2007, when we had some of the highest tides since 1953. Indeed the 2007 flood event, was the second highest tide recorded since 1953 and the new flood defences performed well. The only problems we had related to those areas where we had not completed any work.”

CLA President William Worsley said: “In future, defence works must be designed to manage dynamic coastal processes and we recognise that in rural areas these will sometimes need to be funded either privately or by a mixture of private and public funding.

“However, future investment in coastal management is neglected at our peril and we hope this study will remind government and the public that engineering solutions remain essential for the future.”

CLA member Michael Sayer, who led to the project, said: “East Norfolk beaches are especially vulnerable to sea-level rise because of coastal erosion and past interruption of natural beach nourishment processes.

“This study aims to identify the most sustainable design to complete the protection of a rural area of small, vulnerable communities, important historic buildings, high quality farmland and the internationally recognised freshwater habitats of Horsey Mere and Hickling Broad.”

Halcrow project manager Hakeem Johnson said that the company had welcomed the opportunity to work with the CLA on the research.

The project was supported financially by the Broads and Norfolk Rivers Internal Drainage Boards, Norfolk County Council, North Norfolk District Council, the Norfolk Churches Trust, Targetfollow Estates, the Horsey Hall estate and the Burnley Hall estate.

On the ground, new flood banks have been constructed up to 50m behind the existing deteriorating defences, removing the reliance on sheet piling and creating a more natural river’s edge. The space formed between the existing and new flood bank provides an area for dredging disposal developed in partnership with the Broads Authority. Dredged material is levelled out with channels formed to promote reed bed growth, which strengthens erosion protection and provides new wetland habitat.

Indeed, wildlife preservation has been a key part of the project because the Norfolk Broads is one of the most important conservation areas in the UK, home to the likes of bitterns and water voles, as well as the rare swallowtail butterfly and wild fen orchids.

The Halcrow team has developed ground breaking mitigation techniques to ensure that the impact of construction works on protected species such as water voles, lizards and adders is minimised.

Adding to the challenges for the project team has been the area’s soft ground conditions.

The alluvial clay and peat have presented significant challenges for engineering design and construction. Advances in ground investigation techniques developed during the project have

Broadland Flood Alleviation Scheme Factfile n 185 km of flood defences upgraded n 30,000 hectares of land protected, including 24,000 hectares used for farming n 28 Sites of Special Scientific Interest protected n 1,700 properties have been protected and five previously undefended communities will be protected by 2014 n 5.2km of public moorings and slipways have been upgraded and new angling platforms have been created n 67 hectares of new wetlands will have been created by 2014 with a further 139 hectares improved n Wildlife work has seen a 200 per cent increase in water vole numbers and, at 300m, the largest adder bank in the UK has been created

Further information available at www.bfap.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE25

NORFOLK VOICE

Cautious optimism in the financial sector.

Banks have made repeated commitments to support business. There are funds available to lend to firms with a viable business plan.

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

Few sectors have gone through as traumatic a time as finance over recent times but the signs are there that confidence is returning - and that can only mean good news for Norfolk businesses seeking to expand.

Many financial organisations are reacting positively to the new-found confidence and beginning to sound more optimistic about the future for business, among them the British Bankers’ Association (BBA).

BBA statistics director, David Dooks, speaking during late summer, said that there were clear signs that businesses were recovering from the depths of recession.

He said: “On a daily average basis, banks are making available around £27m of new term lending to small businesses each working day.

Over the past 12 months, nearly £7bn of new, long-term lending has been provided.

“The £46bn outstanding level of term loans and £8.5bn level of overdraft borrowing are

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

remaining fairly stable: subdued volumes of new lending are offset by loan repayments from businesses seeking to reduce financing costs and reliance on borrowing by operating out of cashflow. In fact, over the last four months, small business deposits have grown by £2.5bn.”

Chief Executive Angela Knight reflected this sense of gradual recovery when she said that the financial sector remained determined to help business wherever possible.

She said: “Banks are well aware of their responsibility to society and our commitment to support the economy by lending to individuals and firms. The return of profitability to the banking sector is a positive sign and indicates that the sector is helping the UK economy move out of recession.

FINANCE FEATURE

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

Banks are well aware of their responsibility to society and our commitment to support the economy by lending to individuals and firms. The return of profitability to the banking sector is a positive sign and indicates that the sector is helping the UK economy move out of recession.

“Banks have made repeated commitments to support business. There are funds available to lend to firms with a viable business plan.

“The industry has set up a taskforce with government to look at how banks can best work to help rebuild the economy.”

So now, with the banking sector back on its feet and more talk of economic recovery, there has been a greater emphasis on ensuring that businesses can gain access to the funds they need to survive and thrive.

According to the BBA, banks will look more favourably on an application that is well presented. They are looking for businesses that have done their homework and have a plan B should things go awry.

To make sense of all this, many companies call in professional advice. Bringing in specialists, be they accountants or independent financial advisers, is crucial.

Good advisors pride themselves on working with their clients in a way which makes them feel comfortable. They start by finding out what a business needs; it may be help with better financial management or it may be support applying for loans or grants to buy equipment or take on new staff.

That means an initial meeting when the advisor, be it a specialist financial services company or based within a bank, sits down with the client and draws up a detailed plan based not just on current needs but also looking to the future - maybe even doing a little dreaming with the client.

Key to that is agreeing priorities. What does the client want to achieve in the short term, where do they want to be in the mid-term and what is the long-term vision? Where do they see their company in 10 years and what kind of finance is required to make that possible?

Through talking things over honestly and sensibly, advisor and client can work together to come up with an action plan which is based on a solid financial platform.

The good advisors are flexible: they know that, as life progresses and businesses meet changing situations, their clients’ needs and priorities will change. That means a financial plan that can be adapted when necessary.

injections of funds is approaching venture capitalists, who are well versed in assessing prospective partners’ financial needs and dovetailing them with their own.

Even in difficult economic times, such an approach should not be dismissed out of hand because a bright idea remains a bright idea and can attract funding to turn it into reality.

Indeed, there are those who argue that difficult economic times are the most important time to invest in new ideas because innovation is a key way of bringing the country out of recession. The history of British business has been scattered with tales of innovations that arose out of the need to create new markets.

None of it can happen without finance and, with the lenders more amenable to helping out businesses as the economic recovery begins, this could be an optimistic time for companies prepared to take a few risks.

Once that initial plan has been drawn up, the process moves on to the next stage, obtaining the finance to make things happen.

One way of obtaining finance is going to the banks, but another way for businesses requiring

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE27

NORFOLK VOICE

Accounting services Auditing

Hayhow & Co. is an experienced accountancy firm based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk Established in the early 1920’s, we offer a wide range of accountancy and advisory services tailored to your individual needs, and specialise in providing advice to small, medium-sized and fledgling companies and businesses.

Bookkeeping Business Support

At Hayhow & Co. we understand the pressures involved in running a business and our dedicated team are thus well-equipped to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Corporate Finance Wealth Management Specialist services

We endeavour to provide our clients with a first-class service - helping our business clients to achieve greater profitability, and our individual clients to enjoy greater wealth.

We have a wide portfolio of clients including some more specialist international companies, solicitors, estate agents, trusts and charities.

We offer a range of high quality accounting, financial and business services.

19 King Street King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1HB

Tel: 01553 764711

Email: info@hayhow.com

Web: www.hayhow.com

Make the most of your tax breaks.

By Tim Angell, Tax Manager, Larking Gowen

further guidance has now been issued, and the first point of note is that anyone already in a scheme by 5 April 2011 will not be affected by the changes.

Thereafter, newcomers to a scheme will only have the tax relief restricted if their salary and benefits are expected to exceed the basic rate band, but note that other income (such as dividends) is completely ignored in the calculation.

As the Chancellor felt it necessary to press ahead with tax and national insurance increases in his first Budget, businesses might be forgiven for thinking that tax breaks have all but disappeared. However, this is far from true, and it is always worth looking beyond the headlines.

Take childcare vouchers: for some years now, employers have been able to provide childcare vouchers free of tax and national insurance to employees, up to a value of £55 per week.

In 2009 an announcement was made that tax relief would in future be restricted to the basic rate only, which on the face of it renders the scheme considerably less attractive. However,

trader?) and by looking at specific ways to save tax by ‘chipping away at the edges’ using the legitimate tax breaks available.

I would not necessarily recommend combining tax planning with family planning, but professional advice taken now could help ensure the future of a business for the next generation.

For more information on this topic, or any other tax query, please contact Tim Angell on 0845 6120407 or at tim.angell@larking-gowen.co.uk

Childcare vouchers are just one specific benefit, and employers must make the scheme available to all staff. But bear in mind that many businesses are family affairs trading as limited companies, and quite possibly the majority of employees are family members. In the right circumstances these provisions could enable a married couple with children to take £5,720 out of their business each year, completely free of tax and national insurance.

The point I am making is that now, more than ever, businesses need to fully consider the tax implications of the way in which they operate.

This should be both at the structural level (should we trade as a company, partnership or sole

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 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

FINANCE FEATURE

Andrew Moss is Regional Director, Business & Commercial Banking, for both NatWest and RBS brands and is responsible for the bank’s customer proposition across the county for business customers that turn over between £250,000 and £25million annually. He has a team of 24 relationship managers based in Norfolk.

Here he talks about the bank’s approach to supporting its customers and gives an honest appraisal of the efforts the bank is making to support its customers across the county. n Andrew Moss

Despite the lurid headlines that have appeared over the last two years, I can assure people that locally we are working very hard to support our customers as they try to operate against the backdrop of continued difficult economic conditions.

Relationship management may have become an industry cliché but, like most clichés, it’s the ‘real deal’. In business, strong relationships are essential, as they make the wheels of commerce turn more smoothly. We all know that relationships can be delicate things. In business they are essential.

We are very aware that in order to meet the needs of our customers we must have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of their business. This is important for all kinds of business customers. The risks of getting it wrong, and the rewards for getting it right, make the relationship between banker and business critical.

Like any relationship, the one between the business and its bank is based on two fundamental principles – “it has to work for both sides” and “it’s all about people”. Financial details can only ever give the bank a part of the story - we rely on our relationship managers to complete the picture. A successful relationship has to work, and be worked on continuously by both sides - between the bank’s relationship manager and the business’ management team.

Evidence of our committed approach to relationship management was the launch, at the end of last year, of our SME customer charter.

Not only did the charter offer customers new ways of offering support, but it also extended some key initiatives including our combination of a committed 12 -month overdraft and a price promise.

As part of the charter we also introduced a 1.5% cap on overdraft and loan arrangement fees per annum, for businesses with a turnover up to £25m. This is to try and help stimulate demand whilst encouraging continued business growth.

But it is not only the established businesses we are seeking to help. Across both brands we are presently supporting over 2,000 start ups per week nationally, and through both NatWest and RBS we now offer two years’ free banking to new business ventures.

While economic figures recently published suggest we are officially out of recession, we understand that things are still tough.

Therefore we are constantly looking to see what specifically we can do to help. Already this year the bank has launched a £1bn UK manufacturing fund. What we have done is to ring-fence a fund specifically for the manufacturing sector, with loans being offered on competitive fixed rates and with the option to defer repayments for up to three years.

This fund will provide loans designed to help

manufacturing businesses finance investment and ensure they are poised to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves as the market for their products and services begins to recover.

These are just some specific examples of initiatives we have introduced over the last 12 months to support our core relationship management proposition.

We feel that there might be a misunderstanding of what banks are trying to achieve in this current economic cycle. I speak on behalf of my team when I say that we all live and work within the county and therefore we are all determined to work tirelessly to help and support our customers to ensure the future prosperity of the region.

I finish by coming back to the point about relationships. The best are based on honesty and while sometimes difficult conversations might have to be had, our intentions are clear that we are open for business and looking to support the SME marketplace in Norfolk.

To find out how NatWest could support your business, please call Andrew Moss on 01603 703153 or email andrew.moss@rbs.co.uk to arrange a free banking business review.

Like any relationship, the one between the business and its bank is based on two fundamental principles – “it has to work for both sides” and “it’s all about people”.

Financial details can only ever give the bank a part of the story - we rely on our relationship managers to complete the picture. A successful relationship has to work, and be worked on continuously by both sides - between the bank’s relationship manager and the business’ management team.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE29

NORFOLK VOICE

 

      The fundamental principles of growth management apply to every kind of enterprise.

Ambitious businesses and organisations wanting to grow, improve and become more profitable need to consider: how are we going to generate cash and accumulate funds? how will we manage the risks of driving the business? do we have a clear strategy for the creation of value (and eventual succession and exit)? is our team strong enough for today and will it be tomorrow? how will we monitor and manage our increasing wealth?

       Baker Tilly  Abbotsgate House  Hollow Road Bury St Edmunds  Suffolk  IP32 7FA                

being kept on hold and having to wait weeks for an appointment are all too common complaints.

Living in Norwich for the majority of my life, I feel that as part of this local community I am ideally placed to help you. Not only could I save you money but also valuable time as well.

101 Falcon Road West, Sprowston, Norwich, NR7 8NZ

My name is Ben Tobin, I have been working in the Financial Services Industry since 1998 and as a Financial Adviser since 2003.

During my career I have worked for major financial institutions such as HSBC, Barclays Wealth (Jersey) and Bank of Scotland Investment Service/Lloyds Banking Group, as well as working in the offshore market in Jersey. Having thoroughly enjoyed my career spending a number of years as a representative of major financial organisations, I felt the time was right to offer a more comprehensive financial planning service. Being able to offer a truly independent financial service to clients is important to me, as I hope it is to you.

My choice was to align myself with Lighthouse Temple Ltd, a National Independent Financial organisation with roots going back over 40 years and who were recently awarded the ‘Large IFA of the Year’ award by the ‘Financial Adviser’ publication.

I am able to provide holistic advice across a wide range of planning concerns such as:

•Savings and Investments •Retirement Planning •Protection •Estate Planning I pride myself on doing so in a responsible and confidential manner working on my clients’ behalf.

Organising and understanding your personal finances can sometimes seem difficult and frustrating, whether you have a query relating to your existing pensions, protection or savings and investments. Finding the right person to speak to,

LighthouseTemple Limited (trading as LighthouseTemple) is an appointed representative of LighthouseXpress Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. LighthouseTemple and LighthouseXpress are subsidiaries of Lighthouse Group plc.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

You may have accumulated a number of financial products over the years and find yourself disappearing under a mountain of paperwork. Not only that, the products that may have been right for you when you took them out, may have drifted over time and not now be working as hard for you as they could be.

You may feel daunted about keeping on top of all this, but that’s where I come in – to provide you with expert financial advice and to build tailored holistic financial planning solutions to suit your needs.

Please feel free to e-mail me on ben.tobin@lighthousetemple.co.uk, or give me a call on 07798 725406 to discuss how my approach can benefit you.

I see it as important that in these difficult financial times my clients feel in control of their own finances and I hope you will think of me when next considering your own planning requirements.

FINANCE FEATURE

Barclays is open for business.

By David Thrower Barclays Business Area Manager, Norfolk

Contact: 07775 540335

New, small and medium-sized businesses in Eastern Region are being supported by Barclays, with continued access to the funding they need to help them grow and succeed, along with help and advice from experts on a range of vital business issues.

The high street bank’s local business managers are eager to assist viable businesses - from those that have just started up, to established firms turning over up to £5 million a year.

The commitment is part of Barclay’s support for enterprise in the Eastern Region and is reflected in the recent launch of Barclays Business, which offers a dedicated service to nurture fledgling businesses and entrepreneurs at a crucial time for the local economy. A key part of Barclays Business is the expansion of its network of local business managers - highly-experienced individuals who are based in the bank’s main branches in Eastern and are eager to hear from anyone running a small, ambitious business or even considering setting one up.

As well as helping with the financial side of the business and securing the right form of lending, local business managers can assist in areas such as drafting a business plan, as well as providing feedback and guidance.

Barclays Business Area Manager for Norfolk, David Thrower, believes now is a great time for many businesses to plan for sustainable growth, but is concerned that viable ideas, services and products are being jeopardised because business owners think banks will not support them financially.

“At Barclays we are very much open for business.

We know there is a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit in Eastern and it would be a blow for the local economy if that was stifled by a lack of funding,” said David Thrower. “That is why we are

committing record levels of financial assistance to small, viable businesses. We have a strong track record of supporting local small and medium-sized businesses through tough times as well as good.”

Contrary to suggestions, Barclays Business approves the great majority of loan applications it receives and most are dealt with at a local level by people who understand the local business scene. Nationally, the bank sanctions a loan every 70 seconds.

“We are expecting growth in the number of micro-businesses, such as people starting up and working from home and maybe using redundancy money,” added David. “These fledgling businesses need all the help they can get - whether that’s access to funds, advice or support. Our message to them - and to all go-ahead small businesses in Eastern - is we are here to help. If you are running a small business, or thinking about starting or buying one, then we want to talk to you.

“Our local business managers are an integral part of the business community. They don’t just sit behind their desks - they go out and meet businesses, roll their sleeves up and get involved.

Many of them have run their own businesses and understand fully the challenges and opportunities.”

n David Thrower

At Barclays we are very much open for business.

We know there is a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit in Eastern and it would be a blow for the local economy if that was stifled by a lack of funding,” said David Thrower. “That is why we are committing record levels of financial assistance to small, viable businesses. We have a strong track record in supporting local small and medium-sized businesses through tough times as well as good.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE31

NORFOLK VOICE

Where creativity is king.

As with so many other business sectors, marketing and communications has found itself having to cope with the dramatic development of technology over recent years.

Going back twenty years, the main way for public relations agencies to convey information about their clients was through the post, sending out hardcopy press releases and printed photographs.

What brought about the major change was the advent of email. Suddenly, it did not take a press release two days to reach a media outlet, it took two seconds, and all done at the press of a button.

The effect has been dramatic: suddenly a PR agency sending out a release can see it hitting the web within minutes, particularly as many media outlets now consider themselves as much internet news providers as anything.

That in itself has created new outlets, and PR agencies are aware of the growth in independent websites or those run by organisations which focus on a particular field of speciality.

However, that does not mean that more traditional outlets are being ignored. Far from it. The newspapers, radio and television remain important, it is just that for many PR specialists, hits on the web is where their successes are increasingly being recorded.

However, there is more to promoting a business than the good old press release and marketing companies know that, which is why they are becoming increasingly inventive.

Their ideas go way beyond PR, seeing great opportunities offered by the Internet as well as the proliferation of independent television and radio stations, many of which offer great opportunities to get the message out there.

Good marketing experts realise that the companies who fare best in this hothouse of creativity are those who think - to use a modern, but very appropriate, cliché - outside the box.

That has resulted, for instance, in companies sponsoring television and radio programmes in return for a mention in the advertising breaks.

Other companies experiment with the likes of podcasts and flash banner advertising on

n Mark Dodd and partner Donna Talby at the cinema premiere of his documentary, ‘The Man Who Stopped the Desert’

websites, or take advantage of the exciting revolution in hand-held technology and the opportunities it offers for downloads.

Video increasingly offers those kinds of opportunities with companies commissioning corporate films for promotional purposes or taking advantage of the links of YouTube for viral marketing.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

They can see that a short film showing someone enthusing about a product can be a very effective marketing tool indeed.

Norwich-based Mark Dodd, who established 1080 Film & TV Ltd in 2008, when he left the BBC after 22 years as an award-winning staff cameraman, agrees.

PR & MARKETING FEATURE

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

Mark, who makes documentary films for TV and cinema, and corporate videos for business clients, said: “It is hard to believe there are websites for major businesses out there with no video content. Often these companies are missing a great opportunity to showcase what they do in a way that bypasses huge blocks of boring text.

“Maybe they are put off by what they see on some sites - poorly shot, wobbly home videostyle movies, but web video does not have to be this way.”

All 1080 Films material is shot and edited using full broadcast high definition kit. Producing HD films means the company can deliver on Digital Cinema, Blu-ray, DVD, MP4, (iPod) and online.

Mark believes that creativity is central to any production. He said: “The tools we use are only part of the equation. Gone are the days of the tedious ‘corporate video’ where endless streams of facts and figures are set to cheesy

Our aim is to make films which people will actually enjoy watching

background music. 1080 Films uses production talent drawn exclusively from TV and cinema.

“Our aim is to make films which people will actually enjoy watching. Think about how a TV programme like Top Gear works. It is a programme about cars and yet it appeals to a huge range of people, not just petrol-heads. So when we work with clients we always look for ways to make their films stand out.

“Think about how a short, high definition video could bring your presentations and client pitches

alive. What about using a large video wall at the next industry exhibition? And remember, all your footage can be made available to media outlets should your products or services hit the news.”

Another form of media still popular is the most traditional one of all. For many companies, producing their own print publications remains the key to success and those who succeed are the ones who value creativity above everything else, who dedicate time and effort to getting the look and the text right so that they make for attractive and informative reads.

For all marketing experts, it is about making the client stand out. Whether it be attractive adverts in magazines and newspapers or inventive use of downloads and websites, creativity holds the key to success. * More information on 1080 Film& TV can be found at http://www.1080films.co.uk Continues page 35

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE33

NORFOLK VOICE

MARKETING THAT GENERATES YOU MORE OF THIS FIND OUT HOW WITH OUR FREE MARKETING REVIEW WORTH £135

01553 633010 www.sound-wave.co.uk

Offer open only to the first 50 responses, or until 30th November 2010

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

PR & MARKETING FEATURE

n Patrick Peal

I’m often asked why public relations matters for a business, and the easiest way of answering is with another question: “Do you care about your reputation?”

If your reputation stinks, then people won’t buy your product, visit your shop, vote for you, stay at your holiday park, and so on. Just ask Gerald Ratner, who destroyed his business virtually overnight by joking that his jewellery products were “crap”.

Nothing had changed in Ratner’s business other than the public’s perception, who took him at his word, and their money elsewhere.

Twitter and Facebook campaigns and YouTube videos which make the leap to mainstream media can be powerful influences on your brand, and that’s where the modern PR practitioners earn their corn.

Businesses need to keep abreast of current methods of getting their message across, such as online video, enabled by always-on social media.

More recently, Tiger Woods has seen sponsors rush to distance themselves from a shredded reputation they fear could damage them by association.

What has fundamentally changed in the 21st Century is how widely and quickly reputations can be built up or knocked down. With an arsenal of social media tools at their immediate disposal, dissatisfied customers can seriously damage a brand in a matter of hours, if not minutes.

Patrick Peal Managing Director, Norwich-based Tribe

From page 33

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE35

NORFOLK VOICE

Chamber Purchasing Proven Savings.

In April this year we launched Chamber Purchasing with AF Affinity to enable Chamber members and their employees to benefit both their companies and employees from the buying power of the UK’s largest purchasing group.

AF Affinity Limited, recently launched as a subsidiary of Anglia Farmers, is a onestop discount service and is already saving companies and individuals considerable amounts of money on a wide range of products and services from more than 1,500 mainly local suppliers.

Chamber Purchasing has two separate offerings for members to consider: Business Purchasing is a service for purchases such as fuel cards, mobile and fixed line telecommunications, electricity and insurance.

The Employee Reward Scheme is for employees who want to make personal purchases such as white goods, mobile phones, new cars and gardening products.

Members can make use of one or both via this bespoke ‘Chamber Purchasing’ service which has been developed by AF Affinity and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

Some General Savings

Testimonials

I saved 20% on Alexander Rose garden furniture through Chamber Purchasing.

Chamber Purchasing saved me over 20% on my yearly heating oil bill.

Great price on 10 litres of Hammerite paint - £35 less through Chamber Purchasing.

Up to 15% off on utility vehicles Save up to 20% on kitchen products

Chamber Purchasing has negotiated the widest range of mobile tariffs we have ever had access to, from our tried and tested ‘Pay Per Use’ contract, now with optional text bundles, to ‘Call Bundle’ deals offering inclusive cross network minutes and free calls to landlines. We’ll analyse your bill and benchmark it against our tariffs. The analysis process Chamber Purchasing undertakes highlights potential savings, now averaging 50%, but at times this saving can be far higher.

Examples of savings for June 2010 business quoted: Example 1 Costing via current supplier: £10,125.32 Costing via Chamber Purchasing: £7,733.92 % saving via Chamber Purchasing: 23.61% Example 2 Costing via current supplier: £2,105.74 Costing via Chamber Purchasing: £1,523.97 % saving via Chamber Purchasing: 27.62% Example 3 Costing via current supplier: £1,078.29 Costing via Chamber Purchasing: £689.91 % saving via Chamber Purchasing: 36.01%*

Mobile Phone Contracts

I saved 10% through Chamber Purchasing on my new Isuzu Rodeo.

Up to 20% off on seed Up to 10% off on mowers

Chamber Purchasing electricity savings

Saved £200 on a Rangemaster with Chamber Purchasing.

Save up to 50% on tool rental Save up to 20% on ground care equipment Save up to 20% on your healthcare

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Chamber Purchasing has negotiated the widest range of mobile tariffs we have ever had access to, from our tried and tested ‘Pay Per Use’ contract, now with optional text bundles, to call bundle deals offering inclusive cross network minutes and free calls to landlines. We’ll analyse your bill and benchmark it against our tariffs. The analysis process Chamber Purchasing undertakes highlights potential savings, now averaging 50%, but at times this saving can be far higher.

If you are a Chamber member, register now for one or both services and receive via email your password so you can start purchasing. There is no cost to use these great new services.

If you are not a Chamber member and are interested in joining, contact debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk *Note: % saving is dependent on the Member’s current contract offer. Please note price comparisons reflect the total cost per annum and are based on approximate annual consumption supplied. These rates are exclusive of VAT, CCL and any other taxes which may be applicable.

CHAMBER SAVINGS

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 debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk 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 DIGEST

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.

Chamber Purchasing

Chamber Debt Recovery

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.

Chamber Finance

Chamber AA Fleet

FREE business banking for one year for established business and 3 year’s free banking for start-ups with Natwest as a Chamber Member.

Save up to 61% on AA Fleet Membership for company vehicles with Chamber Fleet Assist

Cash awards.

Six organisations secured £142,000 to fund business developments. Money went from Norfolk Coast and Broads, part of the Rural Development Programme for England, to Brays Cottage Pork Pies, Bayfield Breck, near Holt, to support development of the business; North Norfolk Business Forum to run the 2010 North Norfolk and Drink Festival at Holkham Hall in early September; W.J. Bracey Limited to modernise its irrigation system; Hirst Farms Limited to help with rainwater harvesting; Barley to Beer, a collaborative project across two farms in Norfolk Coast and Broads and the Waveney Valley to promote the importance of the region for growing malting barley; and Farm Guidance Limited, an organisation of farmers which will supply a global positioning system for use on farmland. For more information on the grants scheme, visit www.ruralhub.info/lag

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE37

NORFOLK VOICE

Scheme helps employees monitor health.

Kicking the habit.

The Timber Hill Health Centre and John Lewis in Norwich are working together to offer store employees a free NHS Health Check.

Norfolk Chamber is supporting the NHS Stop Smoking Service by extending the reach of the service beyond Doctors’ surgeries and out into the workplace.

NHS Health Checks are conducted as part of a national programme for people aged between 40 and 74 years old and look for early warnings of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

The John Lewis Partnership, which refers to its employees as Partners, said that many of them had taken up the invitation to have an NHS Health Check at Timber Hill. Jenny Mason, Occupational Health Advisor at John Lewis, said: “The John Lewis Partnership takes the health and well-being of all its Partners very seriously, and encourages the Occupational Health Advisors to provide health and well-being days and introduce health initiatives that can be accessed while employees are at work. ‘The uptake for the NHS Health Checks was very high

and the feedback has been extremely good.’

Donna Laws-Chapman, manager at Timber Hill Health Centre, said: “Although the results of these checks are strictly confidential to the employee, employers are seeing the benefit in early diagnosis of any problems their employees may have, and are responding very well to the new service.

“We are pleased John Lewis has found the NHS Health Checks to be so beneficial to its staff, and hope this will encourage other employers to work with us and improve the health of employees across the county.”

To find out more about the programme visit www.norfolk.nhs.uk and click through to NHS Choices for further information.

Using its position at the heart of the business community, Norfolk Chamber is engaging with business leaders to demonstrate the benefits of a healthier workforce and seeking their support to run Stop Smoking clinics in business premises across Norfolk.

An early participant in the service is the Chapelfield shopping mall in Norwich.

Supported by Chapelfield’s General Manager, Davina Tanner, employees of the retail outlets in the mall are encouraged to attend an introductory session clinic and are then advised by trained Chamber staff on the best ways to give up smoking.

But the service does not stop there. Further support is given to the service users to move them to stop smoking for four weeks. This could include advice and referrals on the use of patches, coaching and signposting to further support to help them kick the habit.

To recruit the service users, a mixed marketing activity is carried out using pamphlets, notices on staff notice boards and one-to-one encouragement, with managers to support their staff and allow time to attend the clinics.

Initially launched in Norwich, the service has now been rolled out in Thetford and King’s Lynn. The Chamber is working in partnership with META and Thetford Health Trainers in Thetford, and King’s Lynn Health Trainers in the west of the county to target employers of routine and manual workers, including migrant workers.

Lucy Ohsten has been appointed as Marketing & PR Manager at the Norfolk Chamber.

Nova Fairbank has joined the Norfolk Chamber as Executive Assistant to Caroline Williams, the Chief Executive.

Lucy has over 14 years’ experience in both business-to-business and consumer marketing and PR across a broad range of industries. Lucy commented: “The Chamber is dedicated to working for and promoting business in Norfolk and my aim is to play a key role in raising the Chamber’s profile and making it more successful than ever. The team here is great to work with and I am delighted to be on board.”

Nova has moved to Norwich from Leeds and her career background includes the property sector and working overseas in oil and gas. “I am really excited to be joining the Norfolk Chamber,” said Nova. “This position is a superb opportunity for me to broaden my horizons and get to know Norfolk, from both a professional and a personal point of view.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

This service can be provided free to your business, so if you would like to find out more please contact gillian.hill@norfolkchamber.co.uk or phone 10603 625977

LEGAL

Act now on equality.

The Equality Act 2010, which came into force on 1 October, brings disability, sex, race and other grounds of discrimination together within a single piece of legislation.

In addition to harmonising the law, key changes include: n Extending protection from third party harassment to all grounds of discrimination, not just on the grounds of sex n Revisions to disability discrimination law n The extension of associative and perceptive discrimination and harassment n The prohibition of pay secrecy clauses, and n Preventing employers from asking certain preemployment enquiries about disability and health.

To comply, employers need to: Amend their Equal Opportunities and AntiHarassment Policies to comply with the new association and perception rules; Review their Sickness Absence Policies to ensure that they cater for the newly widened disability discrimination protection;

including whether the applicant can carry out a function that is “intrinsic” to the work concerned; Consider whether pay secrecy clauses should be removed or amended to include an exception where employees are involved in making or seeking a “relevant pay disclosure”; and...

Be aware of the implications of the extension of third party harassment, and consider revising and extending their Equal Opportunities and Anti-Harassment Policies accordingly.

While much of the Act restates or clarifies current discrimination law, the day-to-day impact on employers will be potentially widespread, so it is important that organisations provide their staff with training on the requirements, and review their documentation accordingly, seeking legal advice where necessary.

For more information contact Howes Percival LLP’s employment law specialist, Harriet McInnes on 01603 281948 or email harriet.mcinnes@howespercival.com

Stop using pre-employment health questionnaires and remove blanket health or disability-related questions from application forms, unless certain specific exceptions apply,

n Harriet McInnes, employment law specialist

Here are 10 good reasons to go to mediation rather than court, from Hatch Brenner LLP. 1 SPEED

A dispute is commonly resolved within a day.

2 COST

Mediation is relatively inexpensive. Mediation for claims worth £25,000-£50,000 costs around £800 (plus VAT) per party.

3 CONFIDENTIALITY

Mediation is usually confidential - the dispute remains private, out of the public eye.

4 WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Neither party can refer to matters discussed if the dispute still goes to trial.

5 FLEXIBILITY

The mediator helps the parties to reach a settlement themselves, but does not impose his own views.

6 PROTECTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS The parties can often rekindle their business relationship.

7 AGREEMENT

Any settlement is legally binding.

8 STRESS REDUCTION

Mediation is far less stressful, quicker and cheaper than litigation.

9 COSTS

A party who succeeds in court, but who has unreasonably refused to mediate, may not be awarded costs despite winning.

10 NO NECESSITY FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION Mediation can take place with or without the parties’ lawyers being present.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE39

NORFOLK VOICE

Being an employer today is not easy and being a good employer is a challenge.

B2 can provide a cost effective in-house HR service with unlimited telephone advice tailored to the needs of your business.

Visit our website for more information or contact us for a no obligation discussion about how we can benefit you.

B2 will keep you in control.

Telephone: 01603 251703 Email: info@b2hr.co.uk Web: www.b2hr.co.uk 

Broadland Council Training Services BCTS offers training for people of all ages and abilities.

Training Courses Include: • Public Speaking Without the Fear • An Introduction to NLP • Emergency First Aid at Work • CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering • Build Your Own Business Web Presence in a Day

• Business Relationships Made Easy – Managing Personality Clashes • Fire Extinguisher Training • Helping the Customer to Buy • Websites and Online Marketing for Small Businesses

For more information on BCTS, please call Freephone 0800 389 1113 www.broadland.gov.uk/trainingcourses Email: business@broadland.gov.uk Broadland Council Training Services, Thorpe Lodge, 1 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, NR7 0DU.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

REGIONAL NEWS

Architects win award for museum design. n Feilden+Mawson architect Phil Bodie (centre) and David Brown of the Sheringham Museum Trust (right) are presented with their certificate by Edward Allen, son of the late Graham Allen, after whom the awards are named.

n Tye Jennis (left) the Sales Director, and Justin Millar the Managing Director.

Success for comms firm.

The transformation of Sheringham Mo into a visitor attraction has won a design and conservation award for Norwich architects Feilden+Mawson.

The Mo museum, with an observation tower from which visitors can look out to sea, is billed as a place of people and boats. Designed by Feilden+Mawson partner Phil Bodie and opened in March by the Duke of Kent, it has proved a huge draw during its first season.

Now, the company has received a highly commended certificate in North Norfolk District Council’s Graham Allen Awards.

Mr Bodie said: “It is very satisfying to have been involved in a project which makes such a huge difference to a seafront area which was derelict for many years. The Mo makes a real contribution to the town, not just in terms of conservation and restoration, but in boosting the town’s tourism economy too.”

Feilden+Mawson was commissioned to design the museum in fulfilment of a 20-year dream of local enthusiasts who wanted to chart the social and maritime history of Sheringham.

Mr Bodie said: “It was a lovely commission to work on. The people behind the museum were volunteers with a real passion for the project. It is

Comm-Tech Martham Ltd, a Norfolk-based business communications company, has been granted Platinum Partner status by Vodafone UK, an accolade awarded to only 23 mobile phone dealers nationwide.

n The Sheringham Mo Museum.

a scheme we knew from the outset would make a real difference to that part of North Norfolk. It is highly visible and provides Sheringham with a striking new landmark building.”

The complex, built over a huge Anglian Water holding tank, is crowned with an observation tower which allows visitors panoramic views over town, shore and sea.

Judges of the Graham Allen Award praised the Mo museum for the dramatic way it has breathed fresh life into the promenade and created a new tourist attraction in the town centre.

Now in its 29th year, the annual award rewards schemes making a significant contribution to the built environment in North Norfolk. The awards were presented by Edward Allen, eldest son of the late Graham Allen, who was the first chairman of North Norfolk District Council.

The company, which has been supplying voice and data solutions to businesses in East Anglia since 1986 from its office near Great Yarmouth, was awarded the status based on its level of service and commitment to customers.

Tye Jennis, Sales Director of Comm-Tech, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for Vodafone’s Platinum partner tier status, and this reflects all the hard work of our dedicated team here over the past 24 years. This new status will really help us to grow both our own and our customers’ businesses further, with support from Vodafone.

“We have built successful relationships with companies throughout East Anglia, and are really proud to service the largest managed account by a UK partner. The new status means increased support from Vodafone, which is very exciting for our future growth and an important step towards delivering real long-term customer value.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE41

NORFOLK VOICE

Formed in 1997, Genisoft Consulting Ltd has over 20 years experience in the Information Technology sector, and supplies consultancy services to clients throughout the local area. Consultancy ranges from bespoke software development to network planning and implementation.

Breckland Precision Engineering Ltd

The firm delivers a range of consultancy services to businesses, which are designed to be relevant and cost effective. The business has polite and skilled staff allowing clients to be certain that they are in capable hands at all times.

• Fast efficient service • Cheap • One off to batch quantities • Machining in various mediums • CNC milling and turning • Free quotes • Personnel service

The company is owned and managed by Nick Chapman who has worked within the Computer industry for many years. Nick is well trained to look after your company, having previously worked for a broad range of blue chip and medium sized companies, he has a breadth of knowledge both business and IT related.

Services include n Bespoke Software Development n Smartphone Development n Business Process n Database Design/Development n VOIP Telephony n Website design and Hosting n And much more...

Breckland Precision Engineering Ltd, Units 9-10, Coughtrey Industrial Estate, Griston, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 6QB

Genisoft Consulting Limited Henderson Business Centre, 51 Ivy Road, Norwich, Norfolk Tel: 0845 388 0916 email: info@genisoft.co.uk www.genisoft.co.uk

Telephone: 01953 885363 Fax: 01953 885933 E-mail:bpe03@aol.com www.bpe-cncprecision.co.uk

Your

One Stop

Solution

Local Supplier with National Coverage Over 30 Years of Trading Experience Wide Range of Financial Options to suit all requirements Speak to us today to arrange a no obligation appointment or quotation

01603 720004

sales@nvcs.co.uk www.greenfarmcoffee.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

www.nvcs.co.uk

DAY IN THE LIFE...

What does an accountant actually do?.

Daily diary: Monday

n Number crunching does not dominate David’s day

07.30

Check e-mails from weekend. Delete most of these, but print off e-mail from client who is thinking about the proposed capital gains tax changes in the next Budget and who wonders if he can crystallise some gains now to minimise the tax which will arise. Decide to compose short memo to him before going to work, but get carried away and end up with three pages of ideas.

08.45

Print off the memo, to think about it further, and out to head office for Technical Training session. Bounce tax planning ideas off a colleague at coffee break.

13.00

Back to office for sandwiches; catch up on the morning’s e-mails. Review a set of farm accounts while eating sandwich and arrange meeting with client for later that week.

Borrowing costs for this business are very high and we need to look at the cash flows to ensure he can stay within his overdraft limits.

14.00

Meeting with father and son. Mother died suddenly last year, leaving a poorly-drafted Will which has created several problems amongst the family. Discuss ways of arranging matters so that the business can be passed down to the next generation, while looking after the interests of the children who are not involved in the family firm. We come up with what we hope is a reasonably balanced solution.

16.00

Phone call from London-based client who wants to discuss (in no particular order) the tax being deducted from his pension, the prospects for capital gains tax changes in the Budget, his current relationship with his bank manager, possible changes in the rules on holiday cottage lettings and his children’s A-level studies. Not quite sure why he has asked me this last question, but I make intelligent conversation anyway!

16.30

Another set of farm accounts appear on my desk. These ones look much better, but we need to be careful because there is a joint venture involved with the farm next door and we need to be sure that the profits are divided properly, in line with the agreement. There is also a trust involved and I make a note to check that the accounts tie up to the Trust Tax Return. Ring to arrange an appointment and get involved in long discussion about the Single Payment Scheme, the pound, the dollar, the euro and the rising standard of living in the Far East. Life was much simpler when the only thing which drove corn prices was the weather in the UK.

17.30

Call in to see a client on the way home to discuss his business plan. The business has three divisions but there is not enough management time to look after all three properly. Agree a broad strategy of putting one on hold, delegating the second and developing the third. Arrange for regular monthly visits from one of our qualified accountants to ensure that the book-keeping is being kept up to date and develop and monitor a proper cash flow budget.

19.30

Home – check last minute e-mails.

By David Missen Partner, Larking Gowen

There is a common misconception that an accountant’s work consists solely of adding and checking figures.

As one of my contemporaries unkindly remarked, “Do you spend all your time adding up lists of numbers which people have added up before?”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Certainly a familiarity with numbers is helpful, and trainees spend some of their time checking figures, but for the practising accountant this is a very small part of the daily work.

An accountant in a medium-sized practice is likely to have an extremely varied workload. By way of example, a ‘day in the life’ might be as follows (this is based on a few recent days and to preserve client confidentiality the names, ages, genders and occupations have all been changed, so even if you do think you recognise yourself, you can be sure that no one else will!):

As you can see, the typical day requires very little arithmetic. In most cases it involves establishing facts, applying legal and accounting knowledge and then delivering solutions in plain common sense English. At the same time, we need to understand people and appreciate that money is not the only thing that matters, and the solutions which we propose must be technically robust, practical and appropriate for all members of the family. If, at the same time, they can legally reduce the burden of tax then so much the better, but for many people tax may only be a secondary consideration.

Another day when my calculator gathered dust in my desk drawer!

David is available to offer a wide range of tax advice.

Please contact him on 01362 693318 or at david.missen@larking-gowen.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE43

NORFOLK VOICE

There is such a thing as a free lunch.

Inspirational Quotes.

The golden rule for every business man is this: Put yourself in your customer’s place Orison Swett Marden

Fancy a free midweek lunch for two?

Then our competition is for you. We have teamed up with Bradley’s Wine Bar and Restaurant to offer an excellent prize.

Based on King’s Lynn’s waterfront, Bradley’s has an á la cárte restaurant and wine bar which offers diverse menus with locally grown seasonal produce. The secluded courtyard and quayside tables are perfect for relaxation and the restaurant is available for private hire, including birthday parties, society dinners, wedding receptions and other celebrations.

Bradley’s is the realisation of a dream for Don Rutherford and wife Julie. Don said: “Julie and I both enjoy dining out. However, we have found that there are few establishments that consistently offer what we seek, namely fine cuisine matched with correctly served wines in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere. To this end we have created Bradley’s on King’s Lynn’s historic waterfront.

to enjoy a light meal or a quiet drink while they watch the sunset over the river. The stylish restaurant is on the first floor with views of the river and is served by a customer lift.

“The building itself has a colourful history. It was originally a Georgian Merchant’s house, hence the Belvedere on the top floor, which was a lookout position for homecoming ships, the last surviving example in King’s Lynn. In the mid 19th Century it became ‘The Mariners Arms’, a busy, if at times tawdry, hostelry which eventually closed in 1968. Thereafter it had a number of uses and, when we bought it, it was being used as offices with an upstairs flat.

“We decided that the refurbishment should be in the Georgian style to reflect the character of the building and have used original materials wherever possible.”

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives William A Foster

Never underestimate the power of passion Eve Sawyer

And the reason for the name? Julie breeds pedigree Labradors and Bradley is her stud dog!

To win the prize, all you need to do is answer this question and send your answer to deangriss@btinternet.com by 10 December.

I deserve a free lunch because……..

(Word limit 20 words)

“The ground floor is given over to a relaxed wine bar and lounge where customers are invited

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops.

Thomas J Watson

TAKE A BREAK

Ridley Pinstripe.

Welcome to the diaries of Ridley Pinstripe, a go-getting young businessman who, at 33, has already risen to the position of Assistant Procurement Manager within manufacturing company Barking, Madd and Madd.

October 6 Wednesday afternoon in the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd. Not one of our more exciting days. Too near the end of the week.

The highlight of the morning was when I accidentally spilled a cup of tea over one of the rubber plants. Since it had been dead for eight months (the company cancelled the maintenance contract with local florist Witherings in January) it did not seem to matter.

I have been at Barking, Madd and Madd for thirteen and a half years now and have already been appointed to a very senior junior position in the Stock Control Department. No one uses a marker pen without my say-so. Now that is pressure.

Anyway, it was a quiet day (the e-mail had been down for four days before the IT department noticed and the fax machine repair man went missing somewhere near Workington last Tuesday) when in comes Derek The Head of Department, waving a piece of paper.

The colour was highly significant, following the changes made after the company called in consultants to review our internal cascaded communications system.

The nice man from Easymoney and Partners claimed £14,500 for recommending that we colour co-ordinate the drawing pins on our noticeboards. Since then, memos have been green (financial information), blue (internal housekeeping), pink (new innovations), yellowing (old stock not yet used up). Having come up with this plan he drove off in his Porsche (red).

This note was pink. Last time we saw a pink one it was because they had decided to add vegetable quiche to the menu in the canteen.

“Gather round,” said Derek, “I have here a memo from the Managing Director which says he has decided to simplify the verbal communication interface facilitation processes within the company environs.”

“Eh?” asked Thick Ted, my colleague from the Post-it Notes and Biros Section.

SUDOKU - MODERATE

“Talking in the office,” I said.

“Er, exactly,” said Derek, shooting me a grateful, if confused, look and readjusting his spectacles.

“The MD says: ‘Dear Valued Members of the Stock Control Department, whoever you may be, I have decided that Barking, Madd and Madd is to take a stand against the over-use of meaningless jargon. From now on we will adhere to the tenets of the Plain English Campaign. This is a blue sky scenario which has been coming down the tracks towards us for some time. I have therefore run it up the flagpole to see if it bites and having chased it twice round the garden decided that the time has come to make sure we have a level playing field. As you know, I have always been prepared to whistle past the graveyard so let’s get our ducks in a row on this one.”

“Any questions?” asked Derek in the kind of voice which suggested he hoped there weren’t.

SOLUTION

“Just one,” asked one of the world-weary older hands, “What does it mean?”

“It means,” snapped Derek impatiently, “That from now on everyone will understand what the managing director says so stick that in your cappuccino machine and see if it comes up fruity ... er, frothy.”

The next morning a somewhat bemused delivery man struggled into the office bearing a large box full of plastic ducks. No one knows who ordered them.

Terms and Conditions 1 Entries are invited of no more than 20 words.

2. Entries must be by writers aged 17 or over.

3. Entries cannot be returned.

4. Entries should be submitted by email to deangriss@btinternet.com 5. The judges’ decision is final.

Ridley

6. We will not enter into any discussion on the judges’ decision.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE45

NORFOLK VOICE

30 Years of Care Services in East Anglia.

Carers who have helped thousands of the region’s elderly stay in their homes have recently joined together to help Able Care celebrate 30 years of their live-in care service.

I really wanted to get the carers together to say thank you, as none of this would have been possible without them. I would like to make contact with any other carers who worked for us in order for another event to be arranged

Hilary Betts, formally known as Hilary Leggat said “I really wanted to get the carers together to say thank you, as none of this would have been possible without them. I would like to make contact with any other carers who worked for us in order for another event to be arranged.”

Anybody who remembers working for Able Care should call Michelle Betts on 01603 624135.

Over the past three decades the business has cared for more than 3,000 long term clients in the South East Region, some of whom have been with the agency for over 10 years.

Able Care, based in Sackville Place, Magdalen Street, Norwich, was founded by Hilary Betts.

It provides a supportive live-in care service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year, enabling its clients to remain in their own homes. This is achieved by Michelle Betts (Manager) visiting the client to discuss their individual needs, thus ensuring a personal service. Following this visit, the Agency matches clients with two or three suitable carers, who

mainly live within their locality, working on a rota basis of one or two weeks at a time.

If you are considering care for a relative, give Michelle Betts a call to discuss Able Care’s Services.

Sackville Place 44/48 Magdalen Street Norwich NR3 1JU Tel: (01603) 624135 Fax: (01603) 764925 Care@AbleCareAgency.co.uk

Able Care Agency Ltd. Registered in England No. 5062934. Director Hilary Betts, Company Secretary Michelle Betts.

Registered Agency Licence No. SE 18299. Registered Office: Sackville Place, 44/48 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JU

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

priority to get you the training you need, which is why we also offer high quality health and safety training. Any company with five or more employees is required by law to have a written risk assessment - which can be a great place to start when working out your health and safety needs, and we offer a British Safety Council (BSC) recognised risk assessment course which will teach you how to do just that.

We often work with recognised partners such as the British Safety Council or the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) so that we can provide you with the best service possible. We want to work with you to create a safer working environment which is why we’ve worked hard to satisfy some of the toughest assessors in the business to gain SAFEContractor approved status, as well as the ISO 9001:2000 quality standard. Meaning you can rest assured we will deliver the service you expect.

We run hundreds of scheduled training courses in Norfolk every year at our four training centres in Norwich x 2, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth.

As an introductory offer, we are currently offering all readers a 20% discount on all our scheduled training when booked by 24 December 2010.

However, to qualify for the incentive offered, you must quote the promotional code EA5. So now is the perfect time to give us a call to discuss your specific requirements. You can reach us on 01438 363220. *figures refer to 2009/2010. See hse.gov.uk for more information.

In the UK, we often see first aid as fulfilling a legislative requirement rather than being a necessary skill that saves lives, but last year 151 people died in the workplace*.

It’s not an earth-shattering figure compared with, say, the number of people who die on our roads each year, but imagine if you were a relative receiving that call? Earth-shattering probably wouldn’t even come close. Imagine if it was one

of your colleagues, and nobody knew what to do. What if it could have been prevented by something as simple as knowing how to open their airway?

Can we really afford to leave first aid to chance? At St John Ambulance we don’t think so. We believe that no one should suffer for the lack of a trained first aider, and we’re here to help you make sense of the legislation that can sometimes feel like ‘health and safety gone mad’.

Our website (sja.org.uk) is packed full of helpful tools, including our first aid needs review to help you determine the amount of first aid cover you might need for your workplace, depending on how many staff, floors or sites you have, and whether you are a high or low-risk company. There is also a handy fire marshal calculator which can help you work out how many fire marshals you require.

We pride ourselves on being the nation’s leading first aid provider, and it is our

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE47

NORFOLK VOICE

New Members.

B2 Employment Law & HR Specialists

Redundancy Advice Network

Pinnacle Chauffeur Transport

01603 251786

01603 470740

07854 491219

Human Resources Consultants

Redundancy Advice

Transport

B2 provides bespoke Employment Law and HR services to private, public and third sector organisations across East Anglia.

Coaching and advice programmes for East of England businesses, tailor-made to the needs of local employers/ees, enabling them to: focus energies on business operations during periods of change management.

Pinnacle operates an executive car service throughout the UK serving both the corporate and private markets. It primarily operates top-of -the-range Chrysler Grand Voyagers equipped with leather upholstery, refrigerator, in-car DVD, climate control, electric doors and privacy glass.

Ben Tobin IFA 07798 725406

Scion Sprays Ltd

Financial Services

01953 859100

An independent Financial Adviser, Wealth Management.

Engineering

Commonwealth Broadcasting Association 01603 727373 Media A not-fo-profit organisation that supports broadcasting across the Commonwealth and beyond. The company have more than 100 members in over 50 countries, helping them with training and bursaries, tailored publications and a unique forum for exchange of information.

Datadrum Ltd 01603 484484 Website Designers Creative Marketing Agency specialising in advertising, branding, design, e-commerce, email marketing, search engine optimisation, website design and build.

Through its Quantum Fuel Injection(QFI) system, Scion Sprays offers a solution for the engine management of small gasoline engines. Typical applications include motorcycles 250cc, scooters and utility engines.

SEETEC 01603 305220 Training Providers/Services SEETEC is a national provider of employment and training programmes working with thousands of jobseekers, employers and partner organisations every year to support people into work.

Yodelay Ltd 0844 8797616 IT Infrastructure Website and internet marketing consultancy service for East Anglia specialising in Search Engine Optimisation and Pay Per Click training.

Pitman Training Centre Norwich 01603 619769 Training Providers/Services Private Training company offering individuals and businesses training in all areas of Microsoft Office applications, web design, typing, Literacy, Numeracy, NVQs in Customer Service, Business Administration, Team Leading, Medical Secretarial Training, Legal.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Sands TV Services 01603 897241 Electrical Installation TV and electronics repairs to all home entertainment equipment. Aerial installations and repairs.

Burton Environmental Consulting Ltd 07761 256231 Consultants (Business/Management) An environmental management consultancy based in Norfolk, providing services to assist businesses enhance environmental management. Services include: - ISO14001, EMS, legal compliance, audit, training, waste management and carbon footprints.

EnPlas Ltd 01603 789720 Energy EnPlas is a member of a group of companies undertaking innovative research into zero carbon emission technologies for industry and the energy sector. EnPlas is the research arm of GasPlan AS, licencing IP to a number of application development companies.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Movers and shakers.

Firm announces 14 new jobs.

Continuing expansion at leading East Anglian chartered accountants and business advisors, Larking Gowen, has led to the creation of 14 new jobs.

n From left to right: Sivakumaran Sivathillainathan, Lindsey Crockett, Nicola Daniels, Sam Greenhalgh and Nicholas Arvanitis.

Law firm brings new talent to the region.

In a time when other firms continue to reduce staffing numbers, Steeles Law is investing in fresh talent, picked from universities across the country.�� This comes on the back of the appointment of two newly-qualified solicitors at the firm.� � Lindsey Crockett, Sivakumaran Sivathillainathan and Nicholas Arvanitis have joined Steeles Law on two-year training contracts.� �Nicholas, who has a Master of Law Degree, and Sivakumaran, an Oxford graduate in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, are not only new to working in a law practice but are new to Norwich and Norfolk.� Lindsey Crockett is an award-winning graduate who entered into the legal world following her studies at the University of East Anglia in Law with French Law and Language.� The firm has also retained former Times and Lloyds TSB Graduate of the Year, Nicola Daniels.� �A First Class law degree student at the University of East Anglia, newly-qualified Nicola will be working in the firm’s busy Dispute Resolution Team.

Joining Nicola as a newly-qualified solicitor is Sam Greenhalgh.� Sam is originally from Nottingham and moved to Norwich to study at the UEA.�

Joining the firm’s Norwich office are Arron Delamare, Michael Brookes and Caterina Paliotta, all studying for their ICAEW exams (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales); Laura Clayton and Jonathan Luckett, both studying for AAT qualifications (Association of Accounting Technicians) and Lisa Muttock has been appointed as office assistant.

Sarah Pipes rejoins the firm after a five-year gap, travelling and working in the leisure industry around the world. Sarah completed her AAT exams in 2005 and now plans to further develop her accounting career.

Annie Huizar joins the Dereham team as office assistant and Rachel Morris has been appointed as office assistant at the Holt office while Amelia Haynes joins the Holt office as an AAT trainee.

Other new recruits studying for their AAT exams are Ryan Everitt at Colchester, Grant Edwards at Bungay and Nathan Speed and Christopher Smith at Claydon, near Ipswich.

Larking Gowen’s Human Resources Executive, Julie Best, said: “As a firm we continue to grow and it is vital that we recruit high calibre students annually, ensuring we build our team to meet our client needs.”

This year we have almost doubled the number of students recruited, as we continue to go from strength to strength.

n Hansells managing partner Roger Holden with (left to right) Gemma Murrell, Hansells Sheringham office, Clare van Poortvliet, Hansells Cromer office and Shelley Coventry Hansells Aylsham.

Legal firm makes triple appointment.

Hansells, north Norfolk’s longest established firm of solicitors, has strengthened its presence in the area with three additional lawyers.

Gemma Murrell is based at Hansells’ Sheringham office, Clare van Poortvliet at Cromer and Shelley Coventry at Aylsham.

Hansells’ managing partner Roger Holden said the appointment of three new solicitors underlined the firm’s affinity with North Norfolk, an area in which it has had offices for 183 years.

He said: “We have a large portfolio of clients within North Norfolk and, as the population continues to grow, we want to be the solicitors of choice for people who are moving into this popular and beautiful part of the county.”

The appointments take the number of staff employed in Hansells’ Sheringham, Cromer, Aylsham and North Walsham offices to 40 and 110 including the three Norwich offices.

The expansion bucks the national trend, which has seen legal firms across Britain slimming down in the face of the recession.

• Technical, Engineering & Construction • Commercial • Permanent • Industrial & Catering • Driving

Tel: (01603) 761717

12 All Saints Green, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3NA Email: norwich@personnelpeople.co.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

PAGE49

NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name Peter Mitchell Company Jarrolds Job title Managing Director, Retail BIOG :

Peter joined Jarrolds in 2003 moving the family home to Norfolk from London.

Prior to this, he worked in management consultancy and retailing including Director-level positions at Storehouse, BHS, Waterstones and BSkyB. He is currently Chair of the Norwich City Centre Partnership, Chair of the Garage Trust, and a Director of Visit Norwich. He lives in North Norfolk with his wife Sarah, a Barrister, and their three children.

What did you want to be when you were young?

What is the best thing about Norfolk?

My father was a submarine captain and as a boy I saw myself going into the military.

So many people are proud of this county and its special treasures and love living here. I think that’s why there’s always support for good ideas to make Norfolk even better.

What could you not live without?

Family.

If you only had a £1 left in the whole world what would you spend it on?

If you could build a house anywhere in the world where would it be?

Sydney Harbour – with a stunning view overlooking a busy piece of water.

I’d like to think I’d keep that pound coin safe so one day I could stick it on the wall and be proud of my journey back from that low point. But if I really had reached that point, the experience would probably have taught me not to be so smug!

What makes you angry?

In your opinion, what is the greatest invention ever?

Very little – except when I’m really tired, when apparently I can be an irritable old git.

Money! But only because it’s impossible to imagine how different all our lives would be if we had never moved beyond bartering.

If you could invite any two people to dinner who would they be and why?

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?

I’ve gone for two Americans in exile : Gordon Selfridge, the man who built Selfridges on Oxford Street in 1909 and pioneered the notion that going to a big store should be a wonderful experience. And Bill Bryson. The prospect of a dinner conversation with the author of the astonishing A Short History of Nearly Everything would set my head spinning.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Appreciation is a free source of so much positive energy.

If you could come back as an animal in your next life what would it be and why?

A swallow. Half the year in Norfolk and half the year in southern Africa. And aerobatics in the evening sunshine. Sounds good.

Deltic Training – the story so far: Founded 2006

Now: n Students worldwide in 14 countries

Just a few of the organisations from which students have enrolled since 2006:

Deltic Training confirms its distance-learning credentials by conquering the South Pole!

Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development

n Award-winning tutors

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

n Course delivery in UK and overseas

Al Hilal bank, UAE

n Award-winning students

Aviva PLC

n Recipient of award in recognition of exceptional student results, commitment to education, and outstanding academic achievement.

Belvoir Property Management Biogen Idec International BP Exploration Breakwater IT Bristol City Council

We offer fully accredited professional qualifications in strategic business management from the Institute of Administrative Management.

Open-access Level-3 to Level-5 Advanced Diploma.

Peter Lemon is seen pictured with the Deltic flag at its destination during an expedition which helped to raise over £18,000 for the Princes Trust in Norfolk.

Childrens Hospice Association Scotland DNS Arrow UK Ltd Glasgow Housing Association GM Procure Ltd Halliburton PLC IIR Middle East John Innes Centre Khoula Hospital, Oman Kuwait Oil Company Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Lockheed Martin UK Marshall Aerospace

Top of the NSFL league! Deltic are very pleased to sponsor White Lightning FC, based at the University of East Anglia.

Nawras Telecommunications, Oman Nobles Hospital, Isle of Man Norwich City Council

Progression routes available to final year BA(Hons) and MBA.

Pictured above, Deltic student Nicky Foreman, receiving the Outstanding Student Award from Jenny Hewell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Administrative Management, at the recent 2010 IAM Graduation Ceremony.

Notre Dame High School Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Join us wherever you are and at any time on a distance learning basis, or contact us for details of the fixed venue Level-4 Diploma in Administrative Management, commencing in January 2011. Venues in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Cromer.

Presidents Office, Kingdom of Bahrain Queen Mary University of London Renfrewshire Council Scottish Water Toyota East Africa, Nairobi University of Leeds

Time effective – cost effective – career effective.

West Suffolk College

Be part of the story.

I was impressed by the standard of the support given I must say that I really benefited from your course and experience…

...and many more!

I just got a payrise ….. in a big part due to undertaking training with Deltic!

Challenging, interesting and thought-provoking

Contact Deltic on 01263 734724, or visit www.deltic-training.co.uk

  

     



    •• •• •• •• •• ••



••



     

 