voic e
norfolk Are you fit for business? Taking a healthy approach to the workplace Finance Making sure that business gets the finance it needs to thrive.
Big Interview Darren Cann
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
MARCH APRIL 2011
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CONTENTS
Contents. 03 04 05 07
In this issue we are focusing on a subject which should be very close to all our hearts – health and wellbeing. Ill health costs the UK £100 billion a year – enough to run the entire UK National Health Service! This shocking statistic gives us a stark reminder that we all need to work towards improving the health of our workforce. Achieving this will bring significant benefits – a reduction in sick pay, staff turnover and recruitment costs, reduced liability/litigation costs and better staff retention, satisfaction and productivity. The Norfolk Chamber is passionate about helping the region’s businesses to understand the issues around health and wellbeing, and so we have introduced an exciting new area at our B2B Spring 2011 event which will help people to find out more. Called Health & Wellbeing 4Biz, this area will feature a wide range of ideas, solutions and fun interactive activities to help engage businesses to the very serious message that a workforce healthy in mind, body and spirit will bring huge bottom line benefits. Read all about it on page 20. Our Big Interview on page 22 features Darren Cann, part of the 2010 World Cup refereeing team. He knows all about keeping a cool head under pressure, something that everyone in business can relate to. In The Last Word on page 50 the spotlight is on Clarke Willis, who heads up Anglia Farmers, the leading agricultural purchasing co-operative in the UK. I hope you find this issue interesting and informative. Please keep sending us your news stories so you can be part of Norfolk Voice and spread your business message throughout the region.
Welcome/Contents Chamber News International Trade
08 09
Business News
12 13
Health campaign
15 17
Chamber policy
20
Chamber Events
21
Chamber Events
22 23
The Big Interview
24 25
Taking a healthy approach to the workplace
27 28
The Green Revolution
29 35
Finance
36 37
Chamber Savings
38
Chamber News
41
Chamber News
43
Training
44 45 47
New Members
49
Regional News
50
The Last Word
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
Fax: 01603 633032
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
24
Take a Break
Tel: 01603 625977
Caroline Williams CEO
22
27 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
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CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
MARCH/APRIL 2011
PAGE3
NORFOLK VOICE
A healthy way to develop management talent
Barry Dennis President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce I’m never going to forget the start of 2011. Two days before all the champagne corkpopping celebrations, I found myself being admitted to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital with a very painful condition called cellulitis. At the time of writing I’m starting week five in the N&N with no indication of a discharge date. While it’s been painful most of the time, it’s been great fun observing the comings and goings of a hospital. It also got me thinking about a revolutionary way of growing our business managers. If I had some budding young talent I wanted to develop, I wouldn’t spend hundreds of pounds booking conventional management courses which involve climbing mountains in North Wales or building rafts to cross streams to tackle make believe nuclear bombs. No, I would let them run a hospital ward for a week! If they survived the experience, I’m pretty certain that they would outshine anything that Sir Alan Sugar’s Apprentice series could ever produce. Hospital wards have all the issues to contend with that today’s business managers have to face. Keeping customers (patients) happy, staff morale, first rate communication, top class team working, complaints, massive amounts of paperwork, juggling your time, fast decision making, unexpected events, stock management, very accurate record keeping (drugs records) and so on. The additional pressure for hospital wards is that wrong decisions or actions can adversely affect someone’s health or even kill them! Now that kind of pressure should certainly sort the men from the boys.
A new space in town. MAHB Capital is offering reduced rates for Norfolk Chamber members on conference facilities at its new Norfolk Tower business centre. Based on Surrey Street, in Norwich, each floor of Norfolk Tower will be bespoke and designed to meet each client’s specific requirements. The site already has 20,000 sq ft let on long term agreements. Mark Bradnum, of MAHB Capital, said: “The clients in Norfolk Tower have all reported increased productivity and a better working
environment in which to do business. The reception is open plan with a wave-styled reception desk, bespoke lighting and artwork and this gives an impression of a modern, professional reception akin to a London hotel. Most visitors to Norfolk Tower have had their expectations exceeded.” Norfolk Tower is the tallest building in Norwich city centre and now offers a unique meeting and boardroom space of 40’ x 20’, with panoramic views of the city. The facility is finished with Boss London leather seating for 16 around a black glass table, with additional seating available, Bose sound and presentation system with auto link to laptops, and a 50’ Bravia HD screen. This new boardroom space is available to hire for full or half day rates, with reception greeting and catering available. For more details call Anna on 01603 615024 or email : enquiries@aichdee.co.uk
Bad weather has major impact on business. A survey of business performance in the East of England region has suggested that businesses were hit hard by the prolonged spell of freezing weather before Christmas. The Lloyds TSB East of England PMI report for December indicated that the rate of growth in activity was much slower than in the previous month. However, new business continued to rise, while job creation was again recorded. Based on replies from companies, the Lloyds TSB East of England Business Activity Index – which measures the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – remained above the 50.0 no-change mark in December, posting 50.7.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Despite this, the rate of expansion was only slight, and much slower than that seen in November (54.7). This was partly reflective of the severe weather conditions seen during December, according to the report‘s compilers. In addition, the rise in activity in the region was weaker than the UK economy average. Output growth was centred on the manufacturing sector. New business increased for the twentieth month in a row in December, and at a solid pace that was faster than that seen at the UKwide level. Panellists reported improving client demand and higher new orders were seen across both broad sectors, with the rate of growth faster at manufacturers. Companies increased their staffing levels for the ninth time in ten months. Jon Pulford, of Lloyds TSB, said: “Growth momentum froze in the East of England private sector at the end of 2010 as snow and ice hampered operations in the region. However, December saw another monthly rise in employment, suggesting that slower output growth was a temporary blip, with firms confident enough to keep taking on extra staff.”
CHAMBER NEWS
Good news for Norfolk. ESE, a long established Norfolk family business that specialises in office and warehouse storage solutions, increased sales by 33% in 2010, while most other companies in their industry have seen sales drop – some by up to 50%.
ESE also took on four new staff in 2010, taking their workforce to 17, with a further two joining in January 2011. The company envisages
employing at least one or two more by the end of 2011 to handle the increased workload and to achieve the next stage of its plans to grow to at least £5m a year turnover within the next three years. ESE’s Simon Francis said: “Having such a successful 2010 has enabled us to bring forward the next phase of our ambitious growth plans and we are really looking forward to the future.” Their success has also resulted in significantly increased business for some local companies and several further afield. ESE has recently carried out an extensive refurbishment and extension to its offices to improve staff facilities and accommodate development plans. ESE has also replaced servers, updated software and installed new systems to enable it to cope with the massive increase in enquiries and orders. In the past four months it has been handling more than double the enquiries and orders handled during the same time period in 2009.
Healthy heart means healthy business. More and more Norfolk businesses are taking advantage of free cardiovascular health checks being offered by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Timberhill Clinic Norwich. Over the past three months more than 525 employees have received appointments for a check and a further 180 have booked appointments. Organisations which have signed up to the scheme include Anglia TV, Howes Percival, Yarmouth Jobcentre Plus, Paul Robinson Partnership, First Eastern Counties Buses, Syfer Technology and Bartrum Mowers.
ESE’s latest 400-page mail order catalogue, packed with thousands of new products, was despatched to clients at the beginning of February and their extensive 10,000+ product online ordering website has been updated to include a fully interactive e-catalogue. The growth of the business is almost exclusively because of the company’s use of the internet to promote products and services – and a modicum of inspired thinking. ESE’s impressive repeat customer rate is largely because it treats customers as they would wish to be treated in the same situation. The reach of the internet now means ESE is supplying customers in almost every part of the UK. Simon added: “Without the internet we could have been struggling, just like our competitors, instead of seeing a massive growth in sales that does not show any signs of tailing off.”
CHAMBER DIGEST Forensic team-building kicks off at Carrow Road
checks a number of issues have been identified for some staff members, which have resulted in referrals to GPs for further tests on areas such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. We also have one member of staff who has already signed up to a scheme to help him stop smoking, something he had been unable to find help with through his GP. The general feeling among staff that participated was that it was very worthwhile.” If you wish to provide this opportunity for your business then visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk / Workplace Health.
A new partnership between Delia’s Canary Catering and Right Angle Events will bring a whole new dimension to the corporate market, providing a forensic challenge in a perfect location. Whether you grew up fascinated by Cluedo or you are an avid fan of the television series CSI, delegates on this new team-building event at Carrow Road will be led by experienced professionals who include a former Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector and a former Police Sergeant. To find out further details of the package on offer please call 01603 218704 or visit the website www.deliascanarycatering.com
Mark Bartram, from Bartram Mowers, said: “We have recently put 12 people through the free CVD health checks. As a result of these voluntary
• Technical, Engineering & Construction • Commercial • Permanent • Industrial & Catering • Driving
Tel: (01603) 761717
12 All Saints Green, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3NA Email: norwich@personnelpeople.co.uk
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Ask the Export Expert… Here to help you export more!
any training courses in Norfolk that I could send them on? Norfolk Chamber provides a number of export and import related training courses on a regular basis throughout the year. These courses range from the basic Customs and Export Procedures, Documentation, Letters of Credit, Tariffs and Intrastats, through to Winning Export Sales. Go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for more information.
All we have heard for quite some time now is that the UK needs to export its way out of recession. Norfolk Chamber can help you do just that! Norfolk’s exports have been on a steady increase for the past couple of years and we can help boost this further by helping you begin or increase your export business. The International Trade Team is holding a wide range of events and courses to help you increase your export order book. Do come along and find out how you can take advantage of the export opportunities. 21 March – Export Procedures and Documentation, Norwich Your company’s success in the field of exporting hinges upon the practical knowledge and expertise of the staff involved and the confidence and competence with which they deal with customers. This full-day training course creates confidence and proficiency through clarifying and educating on any export procedure. Costs are £165 for Members and £205 for Non-Members. 24 March – Opportunities in China, Norwich This FREE seminar will provide you with all the latest information about China. Whether selling, trading, investing or franchising, China offers opportunities in abundance to UK companies, large or small. Find out from our expert speakers how to trade with this market and the local help that’s available to you. 29 March – Meet the Export Expert, Great Yarmouth This FREE event will also give you the opportunity of meeting up with Trading Standards officials from Norfolk County Council, who can advise you what to look out for when importing from overseas. 18 April – Documentary Letters of Credit, Norwich Designed for exporters who are planning to use Letters of Credit, and exporters struggling to get their documents accepted by banks. This course will help delegates to be more confident and even challenge bank rejections! Cost: £165 for Members, £295 for Non-Members. For more detailed information on any of these events and courses, take a look at our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or contact the International Team on 01603 729711.
Tracey Howard, International Trade Director answers your exporting questions… As a regular exporter to a wide range of new and emerging markets, we would like to look at more secure methods of payment such as a Letter of Credit (L/C). Can you give me an idea on the cost of this? In the current financial climate, many UK exporting companies are turning to L/Cs as a means of secure payment, even from markets that are normally considered ‘safe’. Payment by L/C, while providing a degree of security, can be fairly expensive and time consuming. Also, failure to comply with the terms of the L/C can result in the risk of non-payment. When negotiating with the buyer, it is always advisable to factor bank charges into your pricing so you can cover the costs, rather than them coming out of your bottom line. Charges vary, depending on the bank, length of time the L/C is open for etc. However, as a rough guide, here is a list of basic charges. Advising Commission: £50-£75 Examination Commission: 0.125% of the value of the L/C (Min £60) Amendments: £50 each Discrepancy Fee: £50 per presentation Confirmation Fee: Based on risk assessment of the overseas bank, risk of the country itself you are shipping to, value and validity of the L/C £250 on average. It’s fairly expensive but really worth paying. Other fees may include costs for advising the L/C to you, courier fees, telephone calls, swift messages etc. I would recommend that you call a meeting with your Commercial Bank Manager to discuss their fees and see what you can negotiate with them. I have a member of staff who I would like to move over to our export department. They have no understanding of exports at all – are there
Our Company uses ATA Carnet to send out demonstration equipment with our engineer when they travel overseas. Despite our standard instructions, one of the engineers left the goods and carnet with a customer who now says they can’t find the goods, though they say they still have the carnet. What can we do, as we know that if the carnet vouchers aren’t stamped at re-export we could forfeit our guarantee for the duties and taxes, as well as potentially being fined? If you cannot provide the goods for re-export then it will be assumed that the goods have remained in your customer’s country and duty and tax will have to be paid. I would recommend advising the customer that if the goods are not found within the validity period of the carnet, then you will have to charge them the taxes. If the goods cannot be found then you have to pay the authorities the duty and tax and then make an insurance claim. Where carnet shipments are concerned, it is advisable that you not only insure the goods, but that you do so using a carnet guarantee for the insured value, so if they are lost or stolen the insurance claim will repay the penalties/fines incurred. Ensure the carnet is endorsed in your customer’s country where the duties and taxes have been settled and then it must be returned to the UK issuing Chamber. We are manufacturers of electrical items and our products have to conform to a number of different British Standards. The Standards change on a regular basis – is there a quick and easy way of buying the current Standards? The Norfolk Chamber is an official agent of British Standards which means we have a fast track delivery service available through BSI. You simply let the Chamber know which Standard you are looking for by checking the website www.bsi-global.com for the BS or EN Number you require and we order it for you. For help and advice any other matter relating to International Trade, you can contact Tracey direct on 01603 729711 or Email. tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
Foreign investment ‘key to future’. from the ICT sector, 57 from the biopharma/ medtech/health sectors and 52 companies being part of the advanced engineering/ aerospace/automotive sector. In a boost for the East’s renewables expertise, 22 companies have set up from the ‘cleantech’ sector. There are 2,500 foreign-owned businesses in the East of England, including German-owned Palm Paper who recently invested in King’s Lynn. Foreign-owned companies like this make up almost a quarter of total regional turnover, and on average they employ 96 people compared with UK-owned businesses which average nine employees. Investment managers have said that investment from overseas-owned companies will remain a pivotal focus for the East of England. The comments come from East of England Inward Investment (EEII), the regional development agency-funded organisation responsible for attracting and retaining foreign investment in the region. Since 2005, the East of England has welcomed 289 overseas-owned businesses. The top investing countries are the United States, Japan, India, Germany and the Netherlands. Sector trends have also emerged over the last five years, with 109 foreign businesses coming
The East of England is home to Europe’s largest biotech cluster, a world renowned centre for excellence in R&D and hubs such as Hethel Engineering Centre in Norwich, which is dedicated to supporting high performance engineering and manufacturing companies. The investment made by Palm Paper in the new site has been valued at more than £400 million, and represented the largest single investment into Norfolk for many years. It is estimated that at least 52 local businesses have benefited from doing business with Palm Paper and its associates, and more than150 local people have been directly employed by the company.
Putting production companies in the picture. A project has been set up to help small film and video companies in Norfolk adopt greener ways of working. Support organisation Resource Efficiency East has commissioned Green Film Practices and Exemplas to set up Film Green East, which will help companies to reduce costs and lower their carbon footprint by adopting more sustainable production practices. The project has been set up to support 30 companies plan their next production in a sustainable manner. Support will look at preproduction and on-set practices, procurement and the supply chain, the possibility of sharing resources with like-minded businesses, and help to measure their carbon footprint. Olivia Moore, from Exemplas, said: “Businesses of every kind can make financial savings by being more environmentally aware. However, by joining forces with Green Film Practices we are able to offer video and film production
companies tailored advice and support which is specific to them and their industry. We can focus on their common issues and hopefully identify some shared solutions.” To find out if your company is eligible for free support from Film Green East, contact Ann Glenster from Green Film Practices on info@gfpractices.co.uk or call 07901 686062.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
n Paul Youngs, right, with Ryan O’Connor. Picture by Shutters Photographic Studio
Back in the swing! For Paul Youngs, Director or Eco Colour Print, it’s time to blow the dust off his golf clubs and get playing again. He is the winner of last quarter’s Chamber Referral Scheme and his prize is a full year’s membership at the Royal Norwich Golf Club. The Scheme is designed to encourage existing members to identify potential new members and grow the diversity of the ultimate business network. Paul Youngs said: “If people like what I do, I like to think they will tell someone about it. That’s why I refer the Chamber. With regular networking events and a range of support services, the Chamber is an invaluable resource for a business such as ours. I haven’t played golf for some time, so hopefully this will help me to get ‘back in the swing’ again!” Ryan O’Connor, general manager at the Royal Norwich Golf Club, said: “The Club were keen to support the Chamber Referral Scheme as it allowed us to reach out to local businesses to raise awareness of our services. I am delighted to welcome Paul to Royal Norwich and look forward to ensuring he enjoys his membership with the Club.” The next prize is a two-night stay for two people at Dunston Hall, including breakfast and dinner at the Brasserie on the first night. If you want to know more about the scheme, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk, or email your referral to debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk
BUSINESS NEWS
Coaching the big businesses of tomorrow. Some of the UK’s top business coaches are giving companies in Norfolk a helping hand to grow, create jobs and crack new markets in 2011, thanks to a new high-growth coaching programme offered by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Professor Will Pope, chair of EEDA as well as a number of high-growth innovative businesses, said: “It is a critical time for any business. As markets improve, it is those entrepreneurs who have planned meticulously for growth that can capture the opportunities that undoubtedly exist.
‘Coaching for High Growth’ offers local companies exclusive access to a host of experienced business coaches for one-to-one support and advice on preparing a business for rapid growth. It is aimed at companies with a turnover of more than £100,000 and employing between four and 250 members of staff.
“An impartial set of eyes can often identify barriers to our own success. So whether it is bringing understanding to new markets, managing complicated supply chains, or even developing a workforce’s skills to meet the demands of a growing business, EEDA’s coaching programme is all about pairing companies with experienced business coaches who have faced the same challenges, and who can offer invaluable guidance.”
The programme starts with a free introductory growth ‘master class’, currently being hosted at workshops across the region. The master class is designed to help businesses find new and exciting opportunities to grow, working with some of the UK’s top business coaches to identify any barriers that stand in their way and develop tailored action plans to overcome them. A dedicated coach is then allocated to work alongside the management team at the business, providing up to four days of one-to-one consultancy, the cost of which is subsidised by EEDA.
The Coaching for High Growth programme is being delivered on behalf of EEDA by a highly experienced team based at St John’s Innovation Centre. A block of four half days dedicated coaching costs each business just £250, with an option to secure a further two days if required. To find out more, visit www.stjohns.co.uk/coaching
2010 is runaway success for North Norfolk Railway. The North Norfolk Railway is celebrating a record 2010. Figures just released show that a total of 143,991 travelled on the trains in 2010, a rise of more than 13% on the 2009 total.
Marketing Director Colin Borg said: “Given the challenging economic conditions during the year, this is a splendid result – and the railway’s highest-ever passenger total. It’s a real tribute to the skills and dedication of our volunteers and staff in delivering a superb experience for both residents and visitors.”
General manager Trevor Eady puts last year’s success down to three key factors: the reopening of Sheringham level crossing, doubling the number of trains run in May and June, and introducing new events like the visit of Ivor the Engine. Established events also played their part. The July Beer Festival dispensed an astonishing 11,500 pints over two and a half days, and the ‘40s Weekend in September attracted record crowds.
n Graham Sillett
Associated Companies for Corporation Tax – good news for family businesses These days it is rare to find a change to the tax rules which will benefit taxpayers but one such change is the proposed new rules for associated companies. From 1 April the Government intends to improve the tax position for family businesses. Currently small companies pay corporation tax at 21% on profits up to £300,000 but where two or more companies are associated they must split the £300,000 band between them, for example two associated companies will have a limit of £150,000 each. Profits above this amount are taxed at a marginal rate of 29.75%. Broadly, companies are associated if they are controlled by the same individuals and this includes married couples. So if a husband owns one company and his wife owns another company then the two companies are associated.
The Railway was also a runner-up for the 2010 EDP Tourism Award for Best Norfolk Attraction. The judges’ citation commented: “This wellmanaged railway provides a snapshot of an era gone by that will captivate young and old alike. It was its community link that impressed the judges most.”
Under the proposed change the associated companies rule will no longer apply to companies owned by husbands and wives where their businesses are not commercially inter-dependent. Commercial interdependence is defined with regard to financial, economic and organisational factors.
With fares for this year held at the level of three years ago, and a full programme of special events, the North Norfolk Railway aims to continue growing its rich nostalgic appeal.
This means that in many cases a husband and wife will each be able to control their own company and each company will no longer be associated.
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Welcome to Congham Hall A Luxury Hotel, Norfolk. Congham Hall, is an elegant Georgian manor that has retained the feel of a fine country house where you’ve been invited to stay as a treasured guest of the family; it is only a few miles from Sandringham, the royal family’s favourite residence outside London.
Set in gracious parkland, orchards and beautiful gardens, the hotel is renowned for its aweinspiring Herb Garden with over 700 varieties of herbs, that's also a genuine working kitchen garden. Horses graze on the parkland, wild flowers flourish in the woodland and the renowned Herb Garden is a hive of activity - both for bees and people! Herbs, salad and baby vegetables are picked daily for the kitchen. Flowers are grown especially to adorn the rooms and for the potpourri that scents the house. Rare birds are often sighted flying over the grounds or stopping off for refreshment at one of our ponds. Inside, log fires and fine ceramics create a warm, homely atmosphere. Outside, Norfolk's big skies and invigorating coastline beckon - perfect therapy for those weary of everyday routine.
We will also be pleased to welcome the addition of ten brand new hotel bedrooms most with their own private gardens, an all day dining experience in the brasserie and a fabulous new spa facility which will include 5 treatment rooms, a relaxation area, hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, private outside hot tub and state of the art fitness suite. Watch this space as the development unfolds or for more information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Luxury Accommodation There are 25 bedrooms at Congham Hall and all are individually decorated to the very highest
With miles and miles of wide sandy beaches, backed by high grassy sand dunes, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and some of the best nature reserves in the country, it's easy to see why people flock to beautiful north Norfolk. You'll enjoy the countryside more in a weekend at Congham Hall than you will in a month elsewhere. A stroll around our working kitchen garden in the early evening, when the air is fragrant with heady aromas, is a delight for the senses. We are delighted to announce that Congham Hall shall soon be beautifully refurbished throughout to a very high standard, whilst maintaining and restoring the Georgian Manor interior.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
standards, with luxurious drapes, comfortable beds and elegant furniture. The décor is fresh and English, with warm neutrals and traditional floral prints in keeping with the period character of the rooms. Small touches such as crisp, Egyptian cotton linen, the softest of bath robes and pot pourri using flowers and herbs from our own gardens help promote a most comfortable and rewarding stay. The bedroom of the fabulous Sandringham Suite is a wonderfully large room at the side of the house, overlooking the side lawns and copper beech tree. The lounge has a sofa bed which can be used to accommodate two extra children. All the rooms are beautifully decorated and have lovely en-suite bathrooms and excellent views. Those at the front overlook the walled garden and cricket pitch; those at the back look out over lawns and parkland.
Dining at Congham Hall Family celebrations, intimate meals for two, formal business dining or a light snack in the lounge, the cuisine in at Congham Hall is a truly memorable experience. Our chefs use only the finest seasonal produce, sourced locally where possible, to produce genuinely imaginative dishes that delight and inspire. Our working kitchen garden is where you'll find around 700 different varieties of herbs. A stroll around the herb gardens in the early summer evenings when the air is fragrant with heady aromas is a delight for the senses.
CONGHAM HALL
ADVERTISING FEATURE when visiting Kings Lynn and this part of Norfolk; only one hour forty minutes from London and only 40 minutes from Cambridge by train. •
Wireless Broadband available in all conference rooms and public areas.
•
Wired Broadband in all bedrooms.
The Orangery is an inspirational setting for meetings, small conferences and presentations with a view that is quintessentially an English landscape. The superb Writing Room, situated in the quietest corner of the house, is ideal for smaller or executive board meetings. The cellars are equally impressive, offering an excellent selection of both rare wines and vintages for special occasions and more everyday wines. The Restaurant at Congham Hall leads directly on to the terrace, is beautifully light and airy and seats up to forty-four guests. Watch the sun set and owls swoop in the gathering twilight or simply enjoy the panoramic views of horses grazing in historic parkland - a quintessentially English landscape.
You might like us to arrange some sporting activity for your delegates such as golf, horseriding or even some clay pigeon shooting here at the Congham Hall Estate. Mountain Bikes can also be delivered to the hotel and we would gladly assist with route planning and provide you with a luxury picnic. All told, Congham Hall for a business meeting, conference or event, is an inspired choice with excellent delegate rates and packages, as well as a unique service for senior executives.
Conferences and Business Meetings Renowned for elegance, service and the sort of welcome you associate with a grand private country house, Congham Hall provides the perfect executive base and conference facilities
Set to become the destination spa north of London, The Secret Garden at Congham Hall will definitely be Norfolk’s best kept secret. Its decor and facilities really do take inspiration from its surroundings. The treatment menu has been especially developed using herbs and flowers from the famous Herb Garden whilst, the facilities allow you to make the most of the fabulous views of the Orchard and beyond. The Secret Garden will provide hotel guests, local residents and day spa guests with outstanding treatments and state of-the-art facilities whilst also offering local residents the opportunity to become an exclusive member of both the hotel and spa.
For private dining, the Writing Room, seating up to eighteen and situated in the quietest corner of the house, is an ideal choice. Afternoon tea is a real delight, served either in the hall, lounge or weather permitting, outside on the terrace. Two varieties of homemade scones are baked daily and served with clotted cream and homemade preserve, delicate fresh fruit tartlets are hand crafted by our Chefs and are a wonderful addition to our full afternoon tea. Why not accompany afternoon tea with a chilled glass of Champagne?
Unveiling at Congham Hall Hotel Summer 2011
This truly unique spa in this remarkable setting is a secret you won’t be able to keep to yourself. Facilities will include: •
Spacious and light treatment Rooms
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A stunning 12 metre hydrotherapy pool with floor to ceiling windows
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A state of-the-art fitness suite with Technogym equipment
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A thermal suite which includes, a Sauna, Steam Room and Herbarium
Here at Congham Hall, we have the most idyllic setting. Set in thirty acres of peaceful parkland and surrounded by paddocks, finely manicured lawns, orchards and our renowned herb garden, this must be the perfect setting to capture those cherished moments.
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Outside hot tub
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Experience showers
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Foot baths
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All day dining in the Spa Brasserie
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Manicure and Pedicure room
Congham Hall is licensed for wedding ceremonies and civil partnership ceremonies. A personal consultation with our Wedding Coordinators will ensure that the day runs smoothly. Von Essen has a Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce Phantom available for hire. Imagine arriving at your wedding in what many regard as the world's finest car.
•
Retail Boutique
Weddings and Honeymoons One of the most important decisions you will have to make, after your personal commitment to each other, will be the choice of venue. The venue is the frame that surrounds and captures the beauty and delight of your day.
Exclusive House Memberships, Day Spa Packages, Overnight Retreats and Treatments available. For more information please telephone 01485 600250.
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NORFOLK VOICE
Pharmacies back no-smoking campaign. Call for businesses to invest in health insurance. A business support organisation is urging smaller companies to consider taking out private medical insurance for their employees. Twenty three pharmacies in Norfolk are offering free nicotine patches to smokers who want to quit.
Most pharmacies in Norfolk offer free advice and support to help people stop smoking. However, free coupons for nicotine replacement patches are being distributed to households around the 23 participating pharmacies. Nicotine Replacement Therapy patches help reduce cravings that people can get when giving up smoking. Smokers can double their chances of giving up successfully by using them, and research shows that two-thirds of smokers want to stop. Research has also shown that smokers are also four times more likely to quit with support from an NHS stop smoking service.
Jennie Pusey, NHS Norfolk’s Stop Smoking Service Commissioning Manager, said: “The pharmacies taking part are in areas where, statistically, we believe smoking may be more prevalent, so we have commissioned this coupon drop where we can expect best results. “There will be some people who tried to give up for New Year and did not quite make it – so now could be the time to give it a go with the help of your pharmacist.” You can find the participating pharmacies on a new interactive map on NHS Norfolk’s website. Just go to www.norfolk.nhs.uk Fifteen other pharmacies in Norfolk are offering free Quit Kits as part of a national stop smoking initiative. These, also, can be found on the NHS Norfolk interactive map. People who want NHS help to stop smoking are also able to ask their GP or call Smokefree Norfolk on 0800 0854 113 or email stop.smoking@norfolk.nhs.uk
There will be some people who tried to give up for New Year and did not quite make it – so now could be the time to give it a go with the help of your pharmacist.
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The Forum of Private Businesses believes that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK could save time and money by investing in a medical insurance scheme. Providing additional healthcare cover for staff is likely to save companies a significant amount of money by ensuring employees return to work as swiftly as possible after an illness or injury. The move is also likely to make the recruitment of desirable employees quicker, cheaper and easier for SMEs, thanks to the addition of a valuable benefit for workers. The Forum also believes that providing private healthcare cover for staff will bring increased employee loyalty and satisfaction, leading to lower staff turnover – and, therefore, lower recruitment costs – in the first place. Nick Palin, the Forum’s Finance and Administration Director, said: “Employees often represent a business’s greatest investment, so it makes sense for business owners to optimise this investment by reducing sickness absence and increasing staff retention. “However, it’s not just employers who should consider investing in private medical insurance. Owner-managers themselves are obviously crucial to the day-to-day operation of their enterprises, so they too need to be able to return to work as quickly as possible after an illness or injury.”
CHAMBER NEWS
Health project proving a success. NHS Norfolk is encouraging families and adults of all ages in the King’s Lynn area to ‘Do Something Different’ for a healthier and happier 2011. The ‘Do Something Different’ (DSD) project is run by the West Norfolk Partnership and the University of Hertfordshire, and is part-funded by NHS Norfolk. It runs a range of programmes to help people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They focus on improving habits that affect weight management, depression and anxiety, parenting, relationships, low self-esteem and stress, as well as helping people become more active and stop smoking. The brains behind the DSD project is Professor Ben Fletcher, head of the school of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He found that by making small changes to their everyday
habits, people get a different response than before. Ronel Erasmus, DSD project manager, said: “Do Something Different is all about targeting people’s habits, and exploring how those old habits can contribute to unhappiness and health problems.” Jonathan Williams, Assistant Director of Public Health at NHS Norfolk, said: “We fully support the DSD project. We would promote it to families in the King’s Lynn area as the perfect way to a healthier 2011.” To find out more about Do Something Different, please call 01553 616659. You can also visit the website at: www.dsdme.com and register your interest here.
Campaign hits the road. NHS Norfolk has teamed up with local radio station Heart to encourage cabbies in the county to eat more healthily and take more exercise under the Change4Life programme. The campaign included distributing Cabbie Challenge goody bags, including a DVD, healthy treats, Change4Life information and contact details for local support services. The team visited a number of taxi ranks and offices in central and west Norfolk. Alex Lynch, NHS Norfolk’s Change4Life Coordinator, said: “Taxi driving is a sedentary occupation. Drivers may work irregular and long hours and have minimal contact with colleagues. “They may find it difficult to access medical and leisure services, maintain a healthy diet
and engage in regular exercise. This can have a negative impact on their physical and mental wellbeing, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and chronic heart disease. “We are pleased to work with the Heart Angels to make taxi drivers more aware of the support services available, to enable them to lead a healthier lifestyle. “We will be encouraging and supporting the drivers to take on this eight-week challenge. Members of the public will be encouraged to support their drivers and join in too. It has never been easier for cabbies – and everyone else – to make a Change4Life.” The challenge also aims to encourage taxi companies to take a greater interest in the health of their staff, and will show how healthier staff can benefit their employer. Lucy Macleod, an NHS Norfolk Consultant in Public Health, said: “Although the challenge is open to all taxi drivers, we are particularly keen to make contact with men who have not seen a GP for some time. Research has shown that men have higher rates of heart disease and obesity, yet remain far less likely to access health services.
“Men aged between 15 and 45 see their GP half as often as women, and many men feel less confident accessing health services. We hope that this eight-week campaign will also promote a healthier lifestyle more widely, as taxi drivers are in contact with people from all walks of life on a daily basis.” Adults and families can receive a free personalised action plan by joining the campaign at www.nhs.uk/Change4Life
CHAMBER DIGEST Caring project Clinks Care Farm, at Toft Monks, just north of Beccles, has formed a partnership with the NHS and Norfolk County Council to launch ‘The Great Outdoors Project’. The project, which launched in mid-January, allows six unpaid carers per month the opportunity to visit the farm for one day a month for a full year to give them some ‘me time’ while also developing skills in horticulture, agriculture and animal husbandry. Funding has come from the SWIFT project, which is a joint venture between NHS Norfolk, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and Norfolk County Council.
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
CHAMBER POLICY
West Norfolk Debates with MP. Norfolk Chamber and MP talk business. Brandon Lewis MP recently met the Chief Executive of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Caroline Williams, to discuss business and commerce in Norfolk and the opportunities we have in our region. Brandon Lewis said: “It was great to get the chance to meet with Caroline and discuss business in Norfolk and how this links in with other services we have at our fingertips. In Great Yarmouth we have a vast array of businesses which cater to all levels, independent shops which provide specialist goods, SMEs such as C-MAC and CLS Offshore, which provide services across the world, as well as multi-national companies such as AMEC and Halliburton.”
n Pictured are members of the West Norfolk Chamber Council, with Henry Bellingham MP (second right)
Members of the West Norfolk Chamber Council recently met Henry Bellingham, MP for North West Norfolk.
The debate covered issues which affect businesses in West Norfolk, including topics such as RAF Marham, college funding, broadband, the proposed incinerator project and rail. Mr Bellingham was keen to hear the views of local businesses and voiced his hope for a favourable outcome for RAF Marham and agreed to keep lobbying for improved broadband.
Heather Garrod, President of the West Norfolk Chamber Council said:
The meeting was very useful, both the West Norfolk Chamber Council and Henry Bellingham have now agreed to hold these debates on a quarterly basis. n Brandon Lewis with Caroline Williams
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Stop strangling business with even more employment red tape! The Government has pitched to parents that “they can have it all” and announced major changes to parental leave. One proposal floated on the back of recent Government proposals is that the father and mother can split parental leave between them in small chunks. This shows a complete lack of understanding of small business, which is being hailed by politicians as the bedrock for the growth of the economy. Business is not against the principle of shared parental leave, but how is an employer expected to plan and arrange cover with this fully-flexible system? David Cameron claims he is pursuing a pro-growth, pro-business, pro-job agenda, but now the Government expects small businesses to cope with even more red tape. This proposal came on the back of the scrapping of the Default Retirement Age (DRA), with only 12 weeks available to businesses to plan for this change. This removal has been done too quickly
– meaning employers will not have adequate time to familiarise themselves with the new law and plan their workforce needs accordingly. The majority of businesses that use the DRA are small/ medium sized businesses without internal legal or HR support. Many firms value the DRA, as it triggers a conversation about an employee’s future and provides both sides with an opportunity to plan. Companies value the skills and experience of older workers and most do keep them on. But they also value the freedom to manage their workforce. There is also a concern that younger staff will not be able to be taken on, which will increase the skills gap within many key sectors. Employers agree that the DRA is currently too low and needs to rise for both economic and demographic reasons. However, if ministers want to make a positive change they should either raise the DRA in line with the state pension age, or offer employers a new dismissal route that helps businesses manage their workforce more effectively, regardless of age. I am starting to question the relevance of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. It is supposed to be promoting the interests of business, but has singularly failed to do so on these two key employment issues. If it cannot do this, then what is its purpose?
Constant changes to the law mean that employers incur more familiarisation costs and there is greater risk that a business will get something wrong. The Norfolk business community needs to ensure that our local MPs fully understand the impact of these regulations. In addition to Norfolk Chamber writing to each of our MPs, the Norwich Chamber Council has met Simon Wright MP to make our views known. We also need to continue to push for the UK Government to put much greater focus on allocating parliamentary time for the debate and scrutiny of proposed European legislation. Businesses can drive Norfolk’s economy forward and create jobs and wealth, but not if they are continually tied up in employment red tape!
Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
Chamber hosts the Bank of England lunch. The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has hosted a Bank of England Lunch at Dunston Hall, Norwich. The event was attended by Tim Pike, from the Bank of England, the Chamber’s Gold Patrons, Peter Davies from Breakwater IT and Davina Tanner from Chapelfield, together with a host of other prominent Chamber members. Tim Pike commented that there was considerable media speculation surrounding interest rates and, while he was not privy to the thinking of the Bank of England Committee, as an economist he felt that a large rise in interest rates would be likely to cause more damage to an economy that needed the support of low interest rates – and therefore a very modest increase was probable over the next year. Tim concluded that the future outlook was going to be challenging, with a period of falling living standards to balance the economy and to reduce growth consumption. He commented that the level of recovery would depend on businesses and the mood of the county as a
n Pictured (left to right) Peter Davies, Jonathan Cage, Gary Williams, Davina Tanner, Russell Leggett, Tim Pike, Heather Garrod, Paul Spinks
whole. However, the recovery from the last recessional dip was well established and he predicted that the first quarter results were likely
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
to be good and a period of low growth should follow.
CHAMBER POLICY
Norwich Chamber Council debates with MP. Business with breakfast.
Members of the Norwich Chamber Council met in January with the Norwich South MP, Simon Wright. The discussion revolved around ‘cutting the cost of doing business’. Simon advised that statistics showed that approximately 14 pieces of new ‘regulation for business’ legislation are coming into effect in the UK every working day and that a lot of the new regulation originated in Europe. He was keen to hear the views of the members of the Norwich Chamber Council as to how they thought this could be changed.
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce hosts a breakfast for the business leaders of Norfolk.
Members of the Norwich Chamber Council made the following suggestions: n A large amount of employment legislation is based on a ‘one size fits all’ approach, which can penalise smaller businesses. n There is a lack of clarity on health and safety regulations. Often, when speaking to the HSE, different answers are given depending on how you phrase the same question. n It is difficult to compete with European counterparts, as regulation in Europe does not appear to be as onerous as in the UK.
n Members of the Norwich Chamber Council, with MP Simon Wright (pictured centre with red tie)
Simon also advised that he was actively working on infrastructure, skills, rural issues, transport, road/rail and broadband. When asked how the Norwich Chamber Council could best support him to create stronger lobbying for Norwich issues, Simon confirmed that meetings helped considerably.
County Chambers collaborate to boost economy. The Government’s timely announcement that New Anglia – the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Norfolk and Suffolk – has been given the green light, complements the work already being done by the Chambers of Commerce in both counties.. The Chambers will play a crucial role in 2011 in supporting the new LEP by sharing information, creating business services and developing shared policy and practice. The two county Chambers already work closely together in areas such as infrastructure, addressing issues such as broadband, the dualling of the A11 and improving the rail network to London. Over the next year Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers plan to strengthen their partnership with initiatives such as ‘A Shared Community’ which will look to highlight to businesses the different ways in which they can support their local community. Barry Dennis, President of Norfolk Chamber, said: “The two Chambers in Norfolk and Suffolk will work alongside one another to ensure that there
The guest speaker was David McNally, CEO of Norwich City Football Club. David gave a talk on ‘The Crazy World of Football’. This included such facts as the average income for a football club from one year in the Premiership League is approximately £90 million guaranteed and the net debts for the season 2008/2009 of the top 10 placed Premier League football clubs ranged from Wigan in 10th place at £69 million to 1st place Chelsea at £736 million! David went on to advise how Norwich City Football Club had taken action to move the club forward. This included restructuring their board of directors, reducing their debts and increasing stadium capacity. The aim, he said, was to have the best possible football manager and back-room staff, plus a squad of young, hungry and talented players. This would help the club to increase the turnover and produce operating profits each year.
n Left to right: Peter Funnell, President of Suffolk Chamber; Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber; Barry Dennis, President of Norfolk Chamber; and John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk Chamber.
is a true pan-county coverage at a grassroots level, ensuring our members and wider business community are engaged in strengthening our economy.” n David McNally with Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber
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Make your web landing pages count. By Chris Batten
Imagine the number of people who search for something specific, click on the top links they find in an organic search and are directed to a seemingly irrelevant page of the site. In most cases, if the page does not contain all the information they were looking for they will simply go back to the previous results page and select another link. The potential lead or perhaps, even client, is lost to the competition.
www.chris-batten.com
A common mistake made by businesses when it comes to their websites is the correct use of specific landing pages. Businesses will want to be found for a specific search term but then, when found, the searcher is directed to a generic or home page rather than one which instantly gives them what they’ve been searching for.
This potential loss is significant when you consider how simple it is to set up the right landing page for the right key phrases. A landing page is nothing more than the right content, directed at the right demographic, at the right time. When done well it will inspire the reader to take action. Here are my top tips on the development of good, positive landing pages for your site. These can also be used for news stories, special offers and many other marketing activities designed to guide people into your buying process:
n Make the content of the landing page to the point and simple to understand. n When creating your landing pages make sure they keep to your company’s brand guidelines. n Make sure you write the content with the prospect in mind. Use their language and take their point of view into account. n The landing page is not an advert. Once there the visitor should be able to gain valuable information. n It’s always good to use a testimonial on the landing page. n Have a clear and prominent call to action on the landing page. Make the mechanism for responding as simple and obvious as you’re able. n If you are collecting data, make sure it is relevant. Forms should be simple to use. For more contact me on CB@chris-batten.com
A landing page is nothing more than the right content, directed at the right demographic, at the right time. When done well it will inspire the Advert_408915_AW-02.pdf 25/02/2010 12:13:24 reader to take action.
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NORFOLK VOICE
Chamber Events. Brand new for B2B Spring 2011: Are you Fit4Work? Health & Wellbeing 4Biz. Businesses are increasingly focusing on the health and wellbeing of their staff to increase retention and productivity and ultimately to grow their businesses in these hard times. n Free cardiovascular health checks, check out your BMI n Advice on healthy eating n Advice from training and development professionals n A chance to show your competitive streak and participate in our Wii Challenge There has been increasing coverage in the press that the Government will be looking to assist companies in initiatives that will help achieve a ‘happier’ workforce in Great Britain.
n Free tension busting massages
How will this play out in the form of grants, information provided or even tax breaks? We do not yet know. However, as a Chamber in Norfolk, we can help by beginning to focus companies on the benefits of a healthy workforce, so they are ready and best placed to take advantage of the wider initiative.
n Fantastic prizes and giveaways
So we have created a new Health & Wellbeing 4Biz area at our B2B Spring 2011 event on 31 March at Norwich City Football Club. This area, supported by the East of England Development Agency, will feature a wide range of ideas, solutions and fun interactive activities to help engage businesses with the very serious message that a workforce healthy in mind, body and spirit will bring huge bottom line benefits. We’ve lined up a fantastic range of health and wellbeing companies and professionals to help you get started. Here is some of what’s on offer: n Access to advice from fitness professionals n A chance to test your fitness levels and sample gym equipment
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with Active Norfolk, the County Sports Partnership, to offer an exciting new project called Fit4Work, which is free and available to all organisations in Norfolk.
n Access to healthy lifestyle providers n Free healthy juice and vitamin drinks
If you provide services that are aligned to any of the above you can book a stand in our People & Skills Zone placed around this networking area. Contact: jason.williams@norfolkchamber.co.uk or go to www.B2B11.co.uk for more details. Or simply come along for your own staff’s benefit to find out more! Also on 31 March at Norwich City Football Club Business in the Community, in partnership with Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, is running a FREE Master Class on Health, Work & Wellbeing, 9.15am - 12.30pm. For more information or to book a place, please contact: Nifa Begum on 01638 663272, e-mail: nifa.begum@bitc.org.uk Fax Back to 01638 666841
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The average person spends 60% of their waking time at work and one in five people in Norfolk is obese. This means we need to incorporate sport and activity into the working day. With physically active people taking 27% fewer days off, there is real business case for being involved too! The Fit4Work project can put together a tailormade programme for your business, including activity courses, one off tasters, competitions and the Corporate Games on Friday 10 June in UEA Sportspark. Active Norfolk is pleased to have the support of the Norfolk Chamber and hopes that through the partnership it can encourage more businesses in Norfolk to be active in the future. For more information please contact Shelley Starkings on 01603 731564 or email shelley.starkings@activenorfolk.org
CHAMBER EVENTS
Diary Dates. MARCH
24 Opportunities in China WHEN? Thursday, 24 March, 7:45am – 10:30am WHERE? HSBC Commercial Centre, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? This free seminar will provide you with help, advice and information on the opportunities available in China. To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
29 Meet the Export Expert WHEN? Tuesday, 29 March, 9:00am – 1:00pm WHERE? The Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT? This free event gives you the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with experts in the field of International Trade. To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
30 Bagel on the Run: North Norfolk Networking WHEN? Wednesday, 30 March, 7:45am – 9:30am WHERE? Crown Hotel, Wells-next-the-Sea WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Series of networking events based in North Norfolk. Mix with like-minded individuals over a coffee before heading to the office. £5 on the door. Go to: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
31 B2B Spring 2011, Norwich WHEN? Thursday, 31 March, 11:00am – 5:00pm WHERE? Norwich City Football Club, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Our flagship event with over 80 exhibitors on two floors. For stand bookings and sponsorship opportunities contact debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk To register: www.B2B11.co.uk
APRIL
6 Business Breakfast, Norwich WHEN? Wednesday 6 April, 7:45am – 9:00am WHERE? Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Managing Director of Kettle Foods Jeremy Bradley shares his success story and the company’s commitment to Norfolk. For more information: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
14 Bagel on the Run: North Norfolk Networking WHEN? Thursday 14 April, 7:45am – 9:00am WHERE? Venue to be announced, North Walsham
WHAT’S IT ABOUT? A series of networking events based in North Norfolk. Mix with like-minded individuals over a coffee before heading to the office. £5 on the door. For more information: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
15 Bikers’ Breakfast WHEN? Friday, 15 April, 7:30am - 9:30pm WHERE? Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Get out on the highway… business people and their bikes gather to network, followed by a ride out en masse across the Norfolk countryside. Sponsored by Ward Gethin. To register: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
21 High Five Lunch, West Norfolk
Sustainability 2011 A must-attend event to help you identify business opportunities in the sustainable supply chain. Now in its second year, Sustainability features a three-track programme designed to help you understand and take full commercial advantage of the huge benefits of this growing market. Track One Opportunities in the Sustainable Supply Chain
WHEN? Thursday 21 April, 12:00pm – 2:00pm WHERE? Best Western Knights Hill Hotel WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Jonathan Chapman shares his ‘Five Key Drivers for Success’ in running a family business. The company’s assets include King’s Lynn Speedway and King’s Lynn Football Club. Sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Hayhow. To register: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
MAY
5 Business Breakfast Great Yarmouth WHEN? Thursday 5 May, 7:45am – 9:30am WHERE? Grosvenor Casino, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Business networking in Great Yarmouth. For speaker announcement and to register: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
7 Family Football Day
Track Two Trends in the Energy Industry Track Three Using Sustainable Practices to Gain Market Edge With a programme of industry-leading speakers, you will be able find out about all the latest innovations and opportunities, plus a sneak preview of what the future holds for sustainability. The event is FREE to attend and there are great opportunities to secure brand awareness for your company by taking a stand. If you would like to get involved in the largest sustainability event in the East of England, speak to Debbie Sykes on 01603 72970 or email: debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk www.sustainability2011.co.uk
WHEN? Saturday 7 May 10:00am – 4:00pm WHERE? Norfolk County FA’s Football Development Centre, Bowthorpe Park, Norwich
Delivered in conjunction with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
WHAT’S IT ABOUT? In association with Norfolk County FA, a fun family day out with competitive football, food, craft stalls and other activities. More information and to register: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
12 Sustainability 2011 Conference & Exhibition WHEN? Thursday 12 May, 8:30am – 3:30pm WHERE? John Innes Centre, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? A three-track conference programme and exhibition to help you identify businesses opportunities in the sustainable supply chain. For stand bookings contact debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk For more Information: www.sustainabilily2011.co.uk
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DARREN CANN.
THE BI
Referee Darren brings his experiences to the business arena n Darren Cann with Euro 2008 memorabilia
At first sight, football refereeing and good business practice might seem to have little to connect them. However, Darren Cann is evidence of the links between the two.
A full-time assistant referee, he has also developed a sideline as a motivational speaker, drawing parallels between his experiences on the football field and the world of business. His refereeing career was not planned. He said: “I got into refereeing completely by accident. I was playing football in Norfolk and a local referee suggested that I take the referees course. I did so, primarily to enhance my enjoyment of playing football. However I decided to give refereeing a go and found that I really enjoyed it. The great thing about becoming a referee is that you don’t require any special skills or qualities to begin with – you will be taught the Laws of the Game and you will develop good communication skills and man-management techniques as you go along. In addition, refereeing keeps you fit and you can earn a bit of pocket money too. With some luck and a lot of hard work you can even have a career in refereeing now, and it can be a very rewarding experience. “I’ve been so lucky to achieve most of my ambitions already. I feel proud to have officiated, along with referee Howard Webb and fellow Assistant Referee Mike Mullarkey, at the Champions League Final and World Cup Final in the same season. As the only three people in the world to have ever achieved this, it is a very humbling feeling.” His move into motivational speaking was also an accident. Darren said: “Norfolk County Football Association asked me to speak at The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting in December. I was happy to oblige and, as the Association started my career and have been very supportive over the years, it was the least I could do. “I would never claim to be a particularly skilful or accomplished speaker. What I try to do when I’m presenting is the same as when I’m officiating on the pitch: always to be honest and to give my best each time for the audience/crowd. “With regard to our success in being appointed to the World Cup Final, two things stood out above everything else - teamwork and communication. I believe these qualities are fundamental to success in any team environment, whether in sport or business. “In regard to the recent Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast, it was to highlight the various partnership opportunities that are available with Norfolk County FA, which the Association’s Chief Executive, Shaun Turner, also spoke about on the day. A number of local companies and organisations already work in partnership with the County FA, including City College Norwich and Mark Harrod Ltd, and part of the thinking behind
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
our sponsorship of the event was to raise further awareness of these opportunities amongst the local business community.” He sees parallels between football and business and said: “In many ways, running/managing a business is similar to refereeing. As I’ve already mentioned, it’s important to communicate well and to manage sometimes difficult or heated situations in a strong but calm manner. Referees and Business Managers both have to have the ability to ‘lead’ their team, but in a way that earns respect which naturally fosters trust and helps to enhance teamwork. Furthermore, sometimes in both business and football you know you have to make unpopular decisions, but it’s about having the confidence and courage to do so. Finally, whether working in business or officiating in sport, I guess we are all ultimately judged on our decisions/ performance – and the performance you achieve will almost certainly be in proportion with the amount of effort you apply.”
THE BIG INTERVIEW
BIG INTERVIEW By John Dean
deangriss@btinternet.com
n Darren Cann running the line during the 2006 FA Cup Final, under the watchful eye of then Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
Factfile Darren Cann Married with two children. Occupation: full-time Assistant Referee Playing Career: • Norwich City – youth team 1984-85 • Crystal Palace – youth team / reserves 1985-87
Darren Cann is a representative of Norfolk County FA, with whom the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has embarked on a new venture – Chamber 5IVES. If your business is interested in entering a team into this 5-a-side football league, run exclusively for Chamber members at the Norfolk FA Football Development Centre (the FDC) in Norwich, please contact Lisa Li on 01603 729707 or lisa.li@norfolkchamber.co.uk.
Darren Cann’s favourite football matches He said: “I have been so fortunate to have had many career highlights. However, two matches in particular spring to mind as my favourites. Firstly the 2010 Champions League Final (Inter Milan v Bayern Munich). The final was played at The Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Supporting me, in a crowd of 80,000 that evening, were my mum, my wife Jacqui, and my son Adam. That was very special and meant a great deal to me. “Secondly, Brazil v Chile (last 16, World Cup 2010): this match gave me the best feeling I have ever had on a football pitch. It was one of those rare occasions when you come off the field in the knowledge that there is not one decision you would change. It was a very emotional evening and our performances that night went a long way towards us being awarded the honour of refereeing the World Cup Final.”
n Lining up for the World Cup Final
Refereeing Career: • Passed refereeing exam and began in 1991 • Promoted to ‘Class 1’ status in 1993 • Norfolk Senior Cup Final Referee 1998 • Promoted to Football League Assistant Referees List 2001 • Promoted to Premier League Assistant Referees List 2005 • Promoted to FIFA International Assistant Referees List 2007 Assistant Refereeing Honours (Domestic): • FA Cup Final 2006 – Liverpool v West Ham • Carling Cup Final 2007 – Chelsea v Arsenal • Community Shield 2007 – Manchester United v Chelsea • Championship Play-Off Final 2007 – Derby v West Brom • Championship Play-Off Final 2009 – Burnley v Sheffi eld United • More than 200 Premier League matches Assistant Refereeing Honours (International): • FIFA U-20 World Cup Finals 2007 (Canada) • FIFA U-17 World Cup Finals 2009 (Nigeria) • EURO 2008 (Austria & Switzerland) • 2 x UEFA Cup Semi-Finals (2007, 2009) • More than 80 International matches • CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 2010 (Inter Milan v Bayern Munich) • THE WORLD CUP FINAL 2010 (Spain v Holland) Darren is England’s most decorated Assistant Referee and the only Assistant Referee in history to have officiated at the six biggest showpiece matches available for an English official: The FA Cup Final The League Cup Final The Championship Play-Off Final The League Cup Final The Champions League Final The World Cup Final. As part of England’s refereeing trio (also including Howard Webb and Mike Mullarkey), they are the only three people in the world who have ever officiated the two biggest football matches in the same season (Champions League Final & World Cup Final, 2010).
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Taking a healthy approach to the workplace. The importance of health in the workplace is increasingly being recognised and more and more employers are acknowledging that they have a role to play.
A study published in 2009 produced by the Work Foundation in partnership with RAND Europe and Aston Business School underlined that point. According to the report, an estimated 27.6 million working days were lost in 2007/08 in Great Britain due to work-related illness. This represented 1.15 days lost on average per worker. The report suggested that help offered in the workplace can be effective to address poor health and wellbeing. It said that the idea of health and wellbeing at work should go beyond the mere absence of illness or disability. It should be understood as a “state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing” as identified by the World Health Organization.
Evidence reported in the study showed that workplace ‘health interventions’, including targeting problems due to work-related factors such as lower back pain, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health disorders, can have positive health outcomes. The study also suggested that interventions aimed at improving damaging lifestyle behaviours such as poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse and lack of physical activity can be effective. The result of such thinking has been a growing awareness of the issues surrounding workplace health. NV asked Justine Hottinger, Health Improvement Specialist (Workplace), with NHS Norfolk, to offer some expert advice:
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Working Well More than 175 million working days are lost though sickness absence a year at a cost of £13.4 billion to the economy (CBI). During an economic down-turn, employers need to ensure that their employees are healthy and well so that they can maximise their productivity. Over the past few years, many employers have understood the business case for supporting staff health and wellbeing programmes. By improving staff health and wellbeing you increase staff engagement and satisfaction, productivity and corporate image and reduce the cost of sickness absence, staff recruitment, retention and turnover, and any health related liability and legal costs.
COVER FEATURE
The study also suggested that interventions aimed at improving damaging lifestyle behaviours such as poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse and lack of physical activity can be effective. Physically Active
There are lots of things employers can do. Ask your HR department what programmes they have in place to support staff health and wellbeing.
snacks, biscuits and crisps for a healthier food like fruit. At work you can swap the lift for the stairs and rather than eating at your desk get up and move about.
Physical activity is good for your mind and body. Employees who are physically active take 27% fewer days off sick. You don’t have to join a gym or set up a rigid exercise programme. Walking and cycling are good low cost ways to increase your physical activity and can be fitted into you daily routine. Many companies encourage their staff to use active travel (walking and cycling) modes to get to work. If you haven’t already – ask your company to join the Cycle2Work scheme.
NHS Health Checks Cardio vascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death of working age people in the UK. CVD costs the economy £3.1 billion a year due to days lost to death, illness and the informal care of people with the disease. The NHS Health Checks for 40 – 74 year olds can screen for CVD risk and provide information about simple lifestyle changes to improve your health and wellbeing and lower your CVD risk. Free NHS Health Checks are available through the Norfolk Chamber Health programme.
Eating Well Poor nutrition can affect your energy levels, concentration, your health and make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. With almost two thirds of adults overweight or obese in England, it is important to ensure that you eat a range of foods and cut down on foods high in salt, sugar and fat.
Smoking Change4Life It’s all too easy to put on weight with a hectic modern life. By the time many of us reach middle age, we could do with losing a few pounds to get rid of the “middle age spread”. The Change4Life campaign aims to get people to eat well, move more and live longer. By making simple swaps, you can lose weight without giving up the things you love. For example you can swap your high calorie coffee drinks like whole-milk lattes and frappe for drinks made with skimmed milk. And swap your high sugar or fat
If you are a smoker, stopping smoking is probably the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health. Smokers on average take 4.4 more days off in sickness absence than non smokers. Stopping smoking will improve your health and fitness, protect those close to you against the effects of passive smoking and save you a lot of money. Good health is good for business.
Justine Hottinger Health Improvement Specialist (Workplace) NHS Norfolk
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
,
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT MANUFACTURING FEATURE
Leading the way in the green revolution. ADVERTISING FEATURE
This year is expected to see a dramatic expansion in the UK’s energy and environment sector, as technological development turns into commercial reality.
At the heart of the energy and environment sector’s growing confidence is the belief that areas like Norfolk and the wider East of England continually display a sense of innovation when it comes to developing new technologies. The electric vehicle sector is a good example with the East of England playing a key role in the UK’s development and take-up after a major funding bid was approved by Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond. Despite stiff competition from other regions and cities, the East of England’s EValu8 project to install a major network of electric charging points across the region won up to £2.9 million of funding through the Government’s Plugged in Places initiative. Projects in the Midlands, Greater Manchester, Scotland and Northern Ireland were also given the go-ahead by Government. With more than £7 million in place from partners including the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and other private and public sector organisations committed to match-funding plug-in points, work on installing the network of 1,200 smart recharging points is scheduled to start this Spring. Retail outlets, public car parks, railway stations, local businesses and residential streets have already been identified as prime locations for plug-in points to be installed across the East of England, focused in hot-spots in and around Norwich, Bedford, Luton, Cambridge, Ipswich, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Thames Gateway, South Essex and London Stansted Airport.
EValu8 will link-up with existing projects to provide an integrated network of plug-in points stretching all the way from London to the north Norfolk coast, and from Milton Keynes to Felixstowe. By the end of 2013, all local businesses and residents in the East of England will be no more than 25 miles away from a recharging post. Mr Hammond said: “A few years ago, ultralow emission cars with mass market appeal appeared just a pipe dream. Now they are a reality and we can have all the convenience of the car without the carbon that normally goes with it. “Government action to support affordable vehicles and more local charging points means we are on the threshold of an exciting green revolution – 2011 could be remembered as the year the electric car took off. “The British public has in the past shown it’s ready to embrace new technology and take practical steps to adopt a lifestyle kinder to the
environment, so we could really be at the start of something big.” Deborah Cadman, chief executive of EEDA – which developed the East of England project in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Future Transport Systems (FTS) – said: “What makes the East of England’s EValu8 project stand out is our unrivalled potential to use this network as a test bed for cutting-edge new technologies. The global market for electric vehicles is growing rapidly. And here, in the East of England, we have a world-renowned innovative business community with the expertise to capitalise on the opportunities by developing the next generation of electric vehicles, components and services. Evalu8 will be the catalyst to this development and will ultimately help to accelerate the revolution in consumer culture and the take-up in electric vehicles.”
The global market for electric vehicles is growing rapidly. And here, in the East of England, we have a world-renowned innovative business community with the expertise to capitalise on the opportunities... Continues page 28
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Leading the way in the green revolution. From page 27
Vicky Ford, MEP for the East of England, said: “The East of England is crying out for infrastructure investment, so this is a welcome contribution. The businesses and universities around the East of England are involved in cutting edge research and development of next generation cars – but all too often our bright ideas end up being produced and used overseas. A network of charging points will enable early adopters to try out new vehicles and ensure we are not left behind.” It’s not just in the field of electric vehicles that Norfolk is playing an important role. All over the county, and the wider East of England, can be found companies developing technologies in areas ranging from wind turbines to waste minimisation, renewable energies to tidal power. That innovation is illustrated in recently published figures showing the role being played by the UK in the development of new technologies.
The Government announced that its policy of fast-tracking patent applications for green inventions has delivered benefits to businesses. The Intellectual Property Office’s Green Channel service offers accelerated processing for patent applications where the invention has an environmental benefit. Since it was launched in May last year, 329 patent applications have been, or are being, fast-tracked. On average, a patent is granted through the Green Channel in eight months compared with a 32 month average for standard applications. British businesses have been the main beneficiaries with 86 per cent of requests for fasttracking coming from UK firms. Intellectual Property Minister Baroness Wilcox said: “The demand for low carbon products is growing across the world. Putting the UK at the forefront of the green technology industry will deliver enormous benefits to this country.
“It will provide the UK with economic growth and new jobs as well as improving our environment. “Fast-tracking green patents provides businesses with practical help in developing green technology and bringing it to the consumer as quickly as possible.” One third of the applications received so far relate to energy saving. Green Channel applications have also been made for technologies ranging from harnessing natural sources of power, such as wind, wave and solar energy, to recycling and transport. The Green Channel service has attracted interest from other countries with the US, Australia and South Korea all introducing similar schemes. Proof, if it were needed, that the UK is leading the world when it comes to the green revolution. * To find out more about EValu8, the East of England’s Plugged in Places project, including a full list of partners supporting the project, visit www.eastofengland.uk.com/business
How and when to LED – put simply.
In America, a Department of Energy analysis stated that using LEDs will save approximately 400 TWh, equivalent to the energy required to power 32 million average U.S. households by 2020. This is one technology that is going to change the way we do things. The light should continue to light for well over 50,000 hours or eight years with your lights on all day and night! With minimal heat, minimal IR and no UV, the LED will not damage artwork or valuable materials or heat rather than light. When do you make the investment ? This is unregulated, expensive developing technology. Frankly, most LEDs have disappointed rather than delighted their users.
Despite these barriers, where the customer has selected with care, effective LEDs are now illuminating houses, offices, factories and roadways around the world.
The Government recognises the extra costs to get efficient new light and can provide an Enhanced Capital Allowance where these investments are made.
Depending on your business you can reasonably expect between 20 and 40% of your entire electricity costs to be spent on lighting. Lighting has been a low cost consumable, throw-away commodity. Invest once and enjoy the benefits for many years.
Where you wish to reduce energy on an existing site, the Carbon Trust offer a 100% interest free loan to help your company invest in effective LED lighting. Working with the Carbon Trust on a recent project to light their offices and shops, Elveden Estates is saving 57,000 kWhr, a 77% saving on their traditional lighting and 31 Tonnes of Carbon emitted, a saving of more than £6,000 every year.
How then do you choose? You either ask an independent expert who really understands the technology, or you read the labels with care and ensure your supplier can be trusted. How much light does your LED actually provide? Light output is measured in Lumens. Very few LEDs actually achieve even half of the light output of a halogen lightbulb. 5W LED lights now used in many hotel corridors actually throw less than 1/3rd of the light before. You need over 400 Lumens to replace halogen lighting. In a new build or refurbishment, the extra investment is low relative to the costs of the entire project. Projects around the region such as Kelling Heath’s reception area, or the refurbishment at the stylish Bull and Swan pub, use LED lighting schemes which look like halogen but will last for more than ten years.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
By embracing LED technology to light our future, we will save money and reduce consumption of the planet’s limited fossil fuel resources. Buy up to get good lighting and work with the Government to help you pay. Imagine a world where the lighting cost is zero. Future energy consumption of lighting will be so low that your photovoltaic array will charge a battery sufficient to light your whole house. The future does look bright!
Ian Peter Macdonald MacDonald Tait Light
Web: www.macdonaldtait.com Tel: 01603 788448 Email: info@macdonaldtait.com
FINANCE FEATURE
A guide to getting the loan your business deserves. By Laura Johnson Area Business Manager, Barclays Business
Contact: 07775555619
There comes a time in a business’s life when investment and growth plans mean that additional funding is needed, and many businesses choose to borrow from their bank. When such funding is required, how can a business ensure that it presents a convincing case to the bank and secures the right finance? Barclays offers the following tips for businesses when meeting with their bank manager. First of all, you will need a good idea of the aims and objectives for your business, as well as how you intend to cope with any eventualities, all clarified in a business plan. This gives the bank manager the confidence that you understand your market and have thought about the development of your business. Present yourself positively and demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for your business. Bank managers place a great deal of importance on this when assessing proposals. Demonstrate that you have the appropriate experience, training and drive to plan and run your business effectively. An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae will provide evidence of your abilities. Show that you have the ability to produce up to date and accurate financial information to reassure the bank about your control over the business. It is important that you know its current position and make sure you present as much historical information on your business’s financial performance as you can. Records going back three years or more will give a bank much more information to work with to prove your business is sustainable and creditworthy.
Explain in detail your reason for seeking bank funding. This will enable the bank to inform you of the most appropriate type of funding to meet your business’s needs. Ensure that you establish the correct amount that needs to be borrowed, allowing for unexpected expenses. Borrowing too much will cost you more interest than you need to pay, and too little may mean you need to return to the bank at a later date. Be clear about the source of repayment. Develop cash flow and budget forecasts that accurately show what you expect to happen to your business over the period of your facility and outline the sources from where you expect repayments to be met. The bigger your cash buffer, the higher your chances of getting a favourable response from a bank. In a recession, liquidity is key and your bank will be looking at your working capital in detail. Look at what you are willing to stake in your business. What is your loan to value? If you are not willing to put your own money into an investment, a bank is unlikely to want to put their money at stake.
n Laura Johnson
We endeavour to be open and honest in our dealings with our customers and are always keen to explain how we assess business proposals. Bank managers look first and foremost at the character, ability and experience of the business owner and the cash generating capacity of the business itself. In this respect, it is essential to stress the importance of proper planning and forecasting before any meeting with the bank manager.
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
All Change on Pensions Far reaching changes have been announced in pension legislation: Contributions
iii) Substantial changes to treatment on death;
From 6 April 2011 the maximum annual contribution will be a fully relievable £50,000. There will be a retrospective 3 year carry forward of unused allowances which gives an opportunity for previously restricted ‘high earners’ to catch up.
Lifetime allowance (maximum tax effective fund) This is to be reduced from £1.8m to £1.5m from 6 April 2012. Existing protections will apply and a new ‘fixed protection’ will be available for £1.8m, provided that contributions cease after 5 April 2012.
a) On death in drawdown prior to age 75 the fund can still be paid to nominated beneficiaries but the tax charge increases from 35% to 55% b) On death in drawdown post age 75 the fund can now be paid to any nominated beneficiary, subject to the 55% tax charge – a vast improvement on the current effective tax rate of 82% c) Death payments to charity will remain tax free.
Age 75 deadline The major changes, effective from 6 April, are: i) Removal of compulsory drawing of pension benefits by age 75 ii) Major changes to the drawdown regime: a) Removal of distinction between pre and post age 75 drawdown b) Choice of two types of drawdown ‘Capped’ – similar to current pre-75 system but lower maximum drawing
For more information contact Mark Ring on 01603 661156 or e-mail: Mark.ring@nwbrown.co.uk
‘Flexible’ – unlimited withdrawals subject to a minimum guaranteed pension income of £20,000pa Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Would you like to promote your organisation? We have a mag for that... If you would like to promote your organisation in the Norfolk Voice chamber magazine please contact Distinctive Publishing on 0191 4788300 or email helen.longley@distinctivepublishing.co.uk
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
FINANCE FEATURE
Making sure that business gets the finance it needs to thrive. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Increasing numbers of businesses are starting to express confidence for this year – and that means they are thinking about expansion and will need access to finance.
Banks have continued to lend despite the tough times and remain committed to supporting those business ventures that exhibit sustainable credentials.
There seem to be plenty of businesses prepared to put forward those kind of ideas. One indicator is the health of ‘mid-cap’ businesses, those defined by the Government as larger than an SME and with a turnover of £25 million - £500 million. According to ministers, mid-caps are important to the economy because, despite only making up 0.5 per cent of enterprises in the UK, they make a disproportionate contribution to total UK employment, with 21 per cent of jobs, and contribute almost 20 per cent of total turnover. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills research suggests that mid-cap businesses are looking forward to a successful year with 58 per cent expecting an increase in their turnover in 2011.
half – 54 per cent – of mid-caps also reported an increase in their turnover over the past year. The net balance of sales growth rose significantly on 2009, which indicates a greater number of businesses are now growing. Ninety-three per cent of those seeking finance obtained the funding they required, which is an improvement from the previous year’s figure of 82 per cent. Just seven per cent of mid-caps reported access to finance as the main barrier to the success of the business, down 10 percentage points on last year’s figure of 17 per cent. Minister for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk said: “Mid-caps are an essential aspect of our economy, employing over a fifth of our workforce and helping boost growth. It is
This year, 58 per cent of mid-caps expect their sales to be higher than current levels. More than Continues page 33
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
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After all, it’s what we do for a living. Lovewell Blake will always guarantee a professional, friendly service, with that something extra After what do for a living. Blake will always whenall, youit’s need it, we helping you to get Lovewell on with running your business. guarantee a professional, friendly service, with that something extra when you need it, helping you to get on with running your x Accounts & audit x VAT, CIS, PAYE & NICbusiness.
x Pensions & investments x Self assessment x Accounts & audit x VAT, CIS, PAYE & NIC x Payroll & bookkeeping x Tax planning x Pensions & investments x Self assessment x Corporate finance x Family business support x Payroll & bookkeeping x Tax planning x Business recovery x Human resources consultancy x Corporate finance x Family business support xMike Business recovery x Human resources consultancy Smith | 01603 663300 | mdls@lovewell-blake.co.uk ajt@lovewell-blake.co.uk
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Registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk, under reference number C002613207. Lovewell Blake LLP is an appointed representative of Lovewell Blake which is authorised and Registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk, under reference number C002613207. Lovewell Blake LLP is an appointed representative of Lovewell Blake which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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FINANCE FEATURE
Making sure that business gets the finance it needs to thrive. Businesses play a vital part in the economic recovery. Banks fully recognise this and have committed to offering every assistance they can, including credit for viable businesses with demonstrable repayment plans. It’s important that businesses are not discouraged from coming to banks for vital business support and we would always encourage them to talk their plans through with their bank as their thinking develops. from page 31
pleasing to see they are recovering well from the recession and are facing fewer problems with access to finance.” Those comments underline the view from the banking sector. 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 business. A statement from the British Bankers’ Association said: “Businesses play a vital part in the economic recovery. Banks fully recognise this and have committed to offering every assistance they can, including credit for viable businesses with demonstrable repayment plans. It’s important that businesses are not discouraged from coming to banks for vital business support and we would always encourage them to talk their plans through with their bank as their thinking develops. “Banks offer a range of different types of credit and it’s important that the type of lending matches the purpose that it’s needed for, and a loan isn’t always appropriate for every circumstance. It doesn’t necessarily follow that an overdraft is more expensive than a loan simply because the interest rate is higher, because you will only be paying interest on the fluctuating daily balance of the account.” So, banks remain aware of their responsibility too and continue to support business. However, companies seeking funds still face a competitive market place and the word from the lenders is that preparation remains key. Lenders are seeking proposals that are properly researched. That means calling on the expertise of a financial adviser, be it a specialist financial services company or based within a bank, who sits down with the client and draws up a detailed plan based not just on current needs but also looking to the future.
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, what is the long-term vision? Where do they see their company in ten years and what kind of finance is required to make that possible?
One way of obtaining finance is going to the banks, but another way for businesses requiring injections of funds is approaching venture capitalists, who are well versed in assessing prospective partners’ financial needs and dovetailing them with their own.
By talking things through honestly and sensibly, adviser and client can work together to come up with an action plan which is based on a solid financial platform, one that is sustainable and will not create problems further down the line.
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. And there are those who argue that tough times are exactly the time to try something new. Innovation always was the mother of invention.
Once that initial plan has been drawn up, the process moves onto the next stage, obtaining the finance to make things happen.
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Time to spring clean those accounts? David Missen
Partner, Larking Gowen
Whilst on the subject of bank accounts, are they making you money or costing you money? It is quite common for current accounts to be running at a substantial balance and even though interest rates are low, you can normally at least earn a little bit on surplus funds. Do you have a current account balance and borrowings? If the money on the current account is not likely to be needed you might as well pay off the borrowing.
As Easter approaches and the days lengthen, we all feel the need to refurbish and spring clean. There is no reason why this process should not apply to your business accounts just as much as the house, car and garden! Some of the things which can be done are surprisingly simple – “quick wins” in business speak. Have you considered… Sorting out old bank accounts. Dormant bank accounts can be a real nuisance. Why not close them all down and save those irritating letters from the accountant?
want to take over? Am I in the right markets? It is all too easy to get bogged down in the dayto-day transactions without thinking about the bigger picture. Go on – spring clean your business. You will feel so much better for it! For more information on this topic, or any other tax query, please contact David Missen on 01362 693318 or at david.missen@larking-gowen.co.uk
Is there a rump of old stock which is being kept “because somebody may want it one day”? That may be true, but in the meantime it will take up space, require insurance, absorb working capital and gently deteriorate. This might be the time to hold a sale, flog it on eBay or put it in a skip, clearing space or raising working capital. Shock your accountant! Gather up all your personal tax information by the middle of May and put it on his desk instead of yours. It will be worth the exercise just to see his little face light up with joy! Set aside a couple of hours to think seriously about strategic issues. Where is the business going? When am I going to retire? Who might
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.
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Part of Close Brothers Group plc
08/03/2011 09:58
NatWest appoints new regional directors, business banking and commercial banking for Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex. NatWest is pleased to announce the appointments of Gordon Brock to the position of regional director, business banking and Andrew Moss as regional director, commercial banking for Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Gordon Brock
Gordon takes on responsibility for running the NatWest business banking operations across the counties, which supports businesses that turn over up to £2m. Andrew assumes responsibility for the commercial banking business, which supports businesses turning over between £2m-£25m. Gordon and Andrew take over their roles as the bank creates two specialist divisions to look after the SME market in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, utilising the experience of its managers through two dedicated business channels. Gordon runs a team of five directors and 73 managers across 31 branches and offices. Andrew has a team of four directors and 46 managers based within eight business centres. Gordon has over 28 years experience in banking, beginning his career with NatWest in 1983. He has held a number of managerial roles within the business banking channel and most recently was regional director, branch business banking for the Midlands and East of England. Andrew has worked in banking for 27 years. He has also held a number of managerial roles within the commercial banking marketplace and most recently was regional director for Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge.
Andrew Moss
Gordon Brock said: “We are changing the way we serve the local SME marketplace by providing management support to what we perceive to be two distinct markets. In doing so we are placing our most experienced managers, who are all local to the cities and towns they operate within, with those customers who can benefit most from their knowledge and business contacts.” Andrew Moss added: “We remain committed to supporting our Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex based customers and their business aspirations. The closer we can get to our customers, the better we can support them. We believe this new local proposition, with dedicated experienced managers focusing on the business and commercial channels, will strengthen further our existing customer relationships and attract new business to the bank.”
We remain committed to supporting our Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex based customers and their business aspirations. The closer we can get to our customers, the better we can support them.
To find out how NatWest can help your business please call Andrew Moss on 01603 703153 or email andrew.moss@rbs.co.uk or Gordon Brock on 01603 214148 or gordon.brock@rbs.co.uk
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Keep your eyes on the road.
For a relatively small investment, this system helps the company to ensure its drivers meet the necessary requirements, whilst avoiding incurring additional paperwork internally. “Employers will therefore be looking for the most cost-effective way to ensure staff can gain access to optical care whenever they need it – whilst keeping additional administration and paperwork to a minimum.
Ensuring that your vision is good enough to drive safely may seem like common sense for a lot of people but, worryingly, it’s something that often gets overlooked by employers.
At present, there is no legal obligation for employers to make sure their drivers comply with minimum sight requirements. Once a driver has passed the mandatory driving test sight assessment, they are not required to prove the fitness of their eyesight again during their working lives.
cars and most vans) every 10-15 years. Each EU member state has until 2013 to translate the directive into national law. However, at a time when many businesses are struggling to make ends meet, a lot of employers will no doubt be questioning who will fund the sight tests – the company or the driver? Jill Davies, Chief Executive of Westfield Health, suggests that the responsibility will fall to the employer to provide access to regular sight tests. She said: “Practically speaking, it doesn’t really matter who pays, as long as the requirements are met. But as eye tests become a mandatory job requirement for drivers and an essential part of operating a business in compliance with health and safety regulations, many employees will be expecting their employer to fund the cost.
However, in 2011 this is set to change. New EU legislation is due to be introduced, making it mandatory for all employees who drive whilst on company business to have their eyes tested regularly in order to keep their licences. The current proposal is that holders of commercial licences (category C & D vehicles) will have to have their eyes tested every five years and holders of private licences (i.e. bikes,
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
“A corporate-paid health cash plan is an obvious solution, as staff can manage their own sight tests, booking appointments at a time and place convenient to them and claiming back the cost, up to the limit provided, of the test and glasses directly from the policy provider. “For a relatively small investment, this system helps the company to ensure its drivers meet the necessary requirements, whilst avoiding incurring additional paperwork internally.” The Westfield Health Chamber Primary Health Plan is available to all members of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, providing cash back towards the cost of optical care as well as other forms of healthcare, including dental treatment, physiotherapy and diagnostic consultations. The plan also provides fast access to MRI, CT and PET scans, a 24-hour counselling and advice line and up to six face-to-face counselling sessions or cognitive behavioural therapy sessions. For more information, please contact Westfield Health on 0845 602 1629 or visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber Reference * http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/files/GuidetoDrivingLegislationJan09.pdf
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.
Celebrating firm’s work The achievements of a Norfolk company with an international reputation for creating and restoring stained glass is being celebrated at an exhibition in Norwich.
G. King and Son (Lead Glaziers) Ltd were designers, makers and restorers of stained glass and the exhibition tells the story of the firm’s workshop in King’s Lane, in Norwich. Derrick Murphy, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The breadth of G. King and Son’s work is quite incredible – there can scarcely be a church building with stained glass of any significance, particularly of the medieval period, on which King and Son did not work or advise.”
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 years’ 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
G. King and Son (Lead Glaziers) was founded in 1927 and wound up in 2003. The exhibition runs until Saturday, April 16 at the Norfolk Record Office, in The Archive Centre on the County Hall site. Admission is free. For information on opening hours, visit www.archives.norfolk.gov.uk
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NORFOLK VOICE
A perfect pitch for business!
n Chamber 5ives (Blue Sky Leisure)
n Chamber 5ives (STM)
n Chamber 5ives (Breakwater)
n Chamber 5ives (Grosvenor)
The Chamber 5ives Football League is proving to be a roaring success for the four teams involved – Grosvenor Casino, Breakwater IT, Blue Sky Leisure and STM Polythene. They are keen, boosting their fitness and demonstrating superb ball skills. Plus they are having great fun and getting some valuable brand awareness for their companies though Norfolk Chamber’s numerous media channels. To view League results, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk and select Events, Football League.
Let’s meet the teams Here are some comments from Chamber 5ives players:
“We joined the Chamber 5ives league for several reasons; to get fit, obviously, and for teambuilding. But the main goal was to get our company name out there. With all the promotional work, photos and publicity we are getting from the Norfolk Chamber, I feel it has been a great success. Chamber 5ives is the most professionally run league I’ve played in and it’s been a fantastic advertisement for Grosvenor Casino.” Paul Copp, Sales Manager at Grosvenor Casino and Captain of the team
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
“I would definitely play the league again. Great fun and great exercise with friendly people.” Ady Hartle, Second Chef at Zaks Restaurant, Mousehold Heath, Captain of Blue Sky Leisure
“The reason for us joining the league was quite simple really; we all have a keen interest in playing and watching football. I think playing has really helped the team’s fitness, as we aren’t exactly the next Usain Bolts, and we have built a better relationship with one another. I hope we gain some awareness of our business locally and what we provide.” Luke Farrant, Sales Executive at STM Polythene and team Captain.
“Breakwater is delighted to support Chamber 5ives. Apart from the obvious brand awareness, it’s a great way to nurture team spirit outside the work place and encourage our staff, including myself, to get fitter, while promoting a healthy life-style – although our aching bones would disagree!” Stephen Bowles, Director Breakwater IT If you want to get involved in Chamber 5ives, call Lisa Li on 01603 729707 or email lisa.li@norfolkchamber.co.uk
Properties to let Industrial retail office Various locations in and around Norwich.
For more information please contact Jill Manthorpe or Jennifer King on 01603 213452 or visit our website
www.norwich.gov.uk
Active Norfolk would like to invite your company to take part in Norfolk’s Fit4Work Corporate Games 2011, sponsored by Swiss Re.
The Games will take place on Friday 10th June at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich, 9am-6pm. In 2010 over 40 teams took part and we want 2011 to be bigger and better! The Games offers a unique opportunity for your staff and clients to join the action, get active and compete in sporting challenges against teams from other local businesses. The event promises to be hugely enjoyable, as well as a serious opportunity for you to network and promote your business to potential customers. From golf to tag rugby, netball to archery, there are activities to suit all abilities and give everyone a chance to shine. You just need bags of enthusiasm and a good team spirit to prove that your company is the very best in Norfolk! An entry of 5 to 7 people per team is required, and you can enter as many teams as you wish. The cost to enter a team into the Games is only ÂŁ70, inclusive of all activities and equipment. For more information and to register your team please visit
www.activenorfolk.org/corporate
If you have any questions please contact us on
01603 732333 or email: info@activenorfolk.org
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NORFOLK VOICE
Royal Norwich Golf Club Corporate Golf Day Packages 18 stunning golf holes… …a welcoming and professional team…
2011 Corporate Golf Sample Packages
Birdie £36pp Tea/Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 18 Holes and 2 Course Meal
Eagle £46pp Tea/Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 9 Holes, Light Lunch, 18 Holes, 2 Course Dinner
Albatross £54pp Full English Breakfast, 18 Holes, Light Lunch, 18 Holes, 3 Course Dinner
…let us look after your Corporate Golf needs
Contact us T: 01603 429928 E: mail@royalnorwichgolf.co.uk W: www.royalnorwichgolf.co.uk Royal Norwich Golf Club, Drayton High Road, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5AH
ANGLIAN ARCHIVES LIMITED Anglian Archives can help by holding your important documents securely offsite.
Are you running out of space? Would more space for revenue activities be a blessing? Do you want the peace of mind that your data is safe all year round? In the event of disaster would you be able to get up and running quickly? A tailored collection/retrieval service of files or boxes will enable your staff to concentrate on your business. A scheduled data backup tape/disk rotation service, at a frequency to
suit you, gives you the peace of mind that your backup is securely stored and is quickly available when needed. Perhaps encrypted online data backup would be more appropriate for you. The incremental backup is overnight so it does not impinge on your daily operations. Remote data archiving, where data is rarely accessed, is an economic alternative to online back-up since data is de-duplicated and compressed greatly reducing the
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
amount of data held. The data can still be readily accessed. If a battle box is prepared containing all the aevent of disaster and held securely offsite then restoration will be achieved without too much heartache.
Telephone: 01603 766404 18 Paddock Street, Norwich, NR2 4TW www.anglianarchives.co.uk
CHAMBER NEWS
Breakwater brings cloud computing to East Anglia. Breakwater IT has signed a new partnership contract with International IT services company, ThinkGrid, that will enable it to deliver Cloud Computing to customers.
ThinkGrid is a private corporation with headquarters in the UK and with offices located worldwide including London, Seattle and Sydney. It has more than 10,000 global users accessing services powered by a reliable and secure IT infrastructure. Under the new agreement, Breakwater will now be able to supply its clients with Cloud Computing Services under the Breakwater name, but with the benefit of the investment of a major global company. Cloud computing is a way of delivering IT services to users without the need to buy, install or manage any infrastructure. These services will include Hosted Virtual Desktop, Hosted Mail, Virtual Server and Voice over IP, which can all be delivered remotely with minimal capital expenditure. It is ideally suited to start up or rapidly growing businesses, as the IT
Experts predict that the number of firms running the majority of their IT in ‘The Cloud’ will rise dramatically over the next few years. Breakwater will now be at the forefront to bring true, vendor independent, enterprise cloud solutions at a fraction of the cost to the local business community.
n Breakwater managing director Stephen Bowles, left, with chairman Peter Davies
Infrastructure can be scaled up or down depending on business needs. Rob Lovell, CEO of ThinkGrid, said: “As part of our UK strategy we are looking for key, proactive partners in new regions to deliver our Cloud Service offerings. Breakwater IT are exactly the kind of partner we’re looking for – they’re customer focused and have the exact same desire as us, namely to provide enterprise class IT services, but to the SMB market and with a low monthly cost. I’m delighted they will be working with us and I am sure the partnership will be a great success.”
Stephen Bowles, managing director at Breakwater IT said: “Experts predict that the number of firms running the majority of their IT in ‘The Cloud’ will rise dramatically over the next few years. Breakwater will now be at the forefront to bring true, vendor independent, enterprise cloud solutions at a fraction of the cost to the local business community. Because of ThinkGrid’s fully-scalable and robust IT infrastructure, plus their proven pedigree in this space, it made choosing them as a key partner an obvious choice for me and I very much welcome working with Rob and his expert team in the future.”
Paul Hillis, senior account manager, said “I am really excited at the prospect of working with Breakwater to deliver Cloud Services to the Anglia region. What impresses me most about Breakwater is the in-depth relationships they hold with their customers – they understand the challenges their customers face and it’s because of this unique understanding they will be able to deliver the real benefits Cloud Services can provide.”
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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.
TRAINING
Thumbs up for Foundation Degree Course. An award-winning Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management – now available for the first time in the region through the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce – has received a six-year validation from Teesside University, who designed the course. In addition, the Quality Assurance Office commended Matrix Training, who is delivering the course, for their mentoring practices and is so impressed that they are considering adopting them for their own use. The programme is designed for managers looking to develop their knowledge and skills and maximise performance in the workplace. It will incorporate a local flavour, highlighting best practice across Norfolk, and enable students to gain new perspectives and insights from
associating with other companies, but within a structured framework.
competitive edge in an increasingly challenging commercial world.”
Caroline Williams, CEO of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are committed to Life Long Learning and improving the skills of workforces across the region. This exciting programme will help to create and maintain a
n Left to right: Charles Boulton, Matrix; Adrian Evans, Director of Corporate Programmes Teesside University Business School; Margaret Wade, Matrix; and Suzanne Withrington, Account Manager, Teesside University Business SchooL.
Professional drivers urged to save lives on the road. A new course has been launched in Norfolk to give professional drivers the skills and confidence to provide first aid in emergency situations on the road. The course launches as statistics reveal that 8 out of 10 drivers, who need training to meet an EU directive, could be risking their licence if they don’t start soon. More than 2,200 deaths occur each year in the UK because of road accidents and 25% of these fatalities occur in incidents involving LGVs (large goods vehicles) and PCVs (passenger carrying vehicles). St John Ambulance is urging drivers to include first aid in their training so drivers can make the difference between lives lost and lives saved. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), an EU Directive, came into force in 08/09 to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. It requires all PCV and
• Unconscious casualty: recognition of life threatening conditions • Bleeding: responding to a casualty with minor or severe bleeding • Resuscitation
LGV drivers to complete 35 hours of training, which can include first aid, every five years. Yet 81% of those required to carry out Driver CPC training have not started. If drivers are caught without proof of compliance after September 2013 (for PCVs) and September 2014 (for LGVs), they face on-the-spot fines and an investigation which may lead to them losing their vocational licence and, thereby, their livelihood. The new St John Ambulance Professional drivers first aid course has been approved by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) which validates Driver CPC training. The first aid training is highly practical and handles situations that drivers may face on the road, such as: • Spinal Injury: responding to a casualty with suspected spinal injury
• Safer handling and moving • How to act safely and effectively with emergencies in public. Sue Skoyles, Regional Training Manager for St John Ambulance in the East Region, said: ‘It’s tragic that every year over 2,200 people die because of road accidents. If more drivers were first aid trained and knew how to react in an emergency then they could be the difference between life and death. There are scheduled courses at St John Ambulance’s training centre in Norfolk but if you have a group of drivers to train, it can be more cost-effective for their trainers to come to you and deliver bespoke training on your premises. To find out more, call 0844 324 5535 and speak with a St John Ambulance training advisor in your area.
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Win a pair of tickets to watch Inspirational the Canaries at Carrow Road. Quotes.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Ralph Waldo Emerson
To find out, here’s your chance to win TWO match tickets to watch Norwich City take on Derby County at 3pm on Monday, April 25. Simply answer the following question. Name the Norwich City player who scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town this season? A) Chris Martin B) Grant Holt
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is. Vince Lombardi
C) Wes Hoolahan Send your answer to deangriss@btinternet.com by April 15. It’s going to be an exciting finish to the football Championship season and Norwich City find themselves in the thick of the action. Can Paul Lambert’s team continue their impressive form in front of the City faithful at Carrow Road?
*For all the latest news from Norwich City Football Club, make sure you visit www.canaries.co.uk or to purchase match tickets for any remaining home games this season just call 0844 826 1902.
Time to get positive! Ever wished you were more positive? Well here’s your chance with the opportunity to win a copy of author Iris Clermont’s new book Team Magic.
Iris tells how a positive mindset can make all the difference in work performance and how it can also save time. She offers advice on making the best use of your time, how to claw back those ‘missing’ wasted hours and talks about the necessity to prioritise workload in order to be top dog and wave goodbye to unnecessary stress and overtime. To win the prize, all you need to do is answer this question and send your answer to deangriss@btinternet.com by April 15.
Terms and Conditions. Entries should be submitted by email to deangriss@btinternet.com
I want to become more positive at work because…….. (Word limit 20 words)
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Prize valid until 25 April 2011 / booking subject to availability.
TAKE A BREAK
Ridley Pinstripe. Continuing the exclusive diaries of go-getting lower ranking business executive Ridley Pinstripe. Tuesday afternoon in the offices of Barking, Madd and Madd. Very quiet. Most people looking forward to the weekend. It is also quiet because on Sunday the IT department came in to perform an upgrade on our antiquated computer system. The idea, according to the memo which came around, was to “dramatically improve the network and make all your working lives easier”. With the result that the computers have not worked since. And neither have we. Which has certainly made my working life easier. The problem was not so much the IT department – everyone knows they were put on this planet by the Devil himself to spread chaos – but the way the affair was handled. Three weeks ago, Lionel Toupe, the Head of Human Resources, Personnel Facilities and Anything Else That No One Else Wants To Do and Will Save Me from the Chop when the Cutbacks Kick in, was desperate for something useful to fill his time, so he drew up a Communications Strategy for the company. This included a clause that the IT department always inform the staff before any major maintenance work, with the result that no one had even the remotest inkling that the upgrade was going to happen. To be fair, Freddy ‘Fingers’ Farrell, our IT coordinator, did put out a note. Although his memo issued at 5 to 6 on Friday evening was very explicit, to the extent of being completely baffling, it meant nothing to the cleaners when they interfaced with it and facilitated its forward journey into the circular filing cabinet. Anyway, as threatened, the IT department trooped in on Saturday morning – blinking as they emerged into the unaccustomed daylight – and switched off all the computers with the result that the production line ground to a halt and ten million worple sprockets were damaged. This was a disaster for one and all: the worple sprocket market is a competitive one at the best of times and the catastrophe on the production line meant we missed our deadline with a major client. It would be nice to say that, despite all the carnage, the upgrade did indeed dramatically improve the network and make our working lives easier.
Sudoku Hard
SUDOKU 03 – HARD
SUDOKU 01 - EASY But, of course, it didn’t because when we came to switch on our machines on Monday morning, there was a horrible spluttering, some pretty blue sparks and all the office lights went out. Mind you, working in the dark is nothing new to the team in Stock Control, where I am based, not even with Lionel’s new communications strategy. Anyway, shortly after that, the IT department disappeared, muttering something about ‘nipping out to Comet for a plug’, and have not been seen since. But it has not all been bad: since we have not had any power and the phones and faxes have been dead for two days, we have spent the time playing football in the car park. There have been some downsides, though: the main one being that we had to lay off 350 people and close one of our factories.
SOLUTION Solution Issue 2 SOLUTION
Of course, there will be an inquiry, authorised by the MD in person from his beach hut in the Caribbean, but it doesn’t really matter. Earlier this afternoon, a postman arrived with a letter from the client whose worple sprockets were damaged, saying he was cancelling the contract. Apparently, he had found a place in eastern Europe where villagers would bang them out for tuppence an hour and a consignment of pretty pink post-it notes. And apparently their computers work.
Ridley
SUDOKU 04 – EASY
SUDOKU 02 - MODERATE MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
•• •• •• •• •• •• ••
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
NEW MEMBERS
New Members. Accountworx (UK) Ltd
Heritage Developments
Multi Fab Ltd
01603 436747
01603 615024
01638 582112
Accountancy Services
Property Development
Doors and Windows
Accountancy, bookkeeping, payroll and VAT services.
Heritage employs its own team of local professionals and casing builders, site mangement experts and customer care professionals.
Window and door fabrication specialists.
Norwich Practices Limited 01603 753491
AgChem Access Ltd 01603 624413 Agricultural (Goods/Services) Agrichemical distribution.
Air Ocean Services Ltd
Health Care
Ikon Ambulance Services
NHS and Private Healthcare Provider.
0845 8626911 First Aid Private Ambulance Service, providing event medical cover and private ambulance services. Also delivers HSE first aid training.
01760 339428 Freight Forwarders International freight forwarding, international procurement.
01953 457070
MKM Building Supplies 01603 258290 MKM are the fastest growing builders merchant in Norfolk and the largest independent builders merchant in the UK.
Barratt Eastern Counties 01245 2332200 Property Development Property Development under the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands.
MoCo Development Ltd
01603 790060 Leisure & Tourism Goals’objective is to offer the best 5-a-side football centres in the UK. Its ‘next generation’ offering comprises the latest artificial pitch technology, high quality facilities and superior customer service provided by highly-trained staff.
0800 6446 077 Energy
01603 283638 Training Providers/Services Business personnel development through training and coaching programmes. Developing management skills, sales, communication, leadership, personal effectiveness, influence and motivation.
Project Nightclub 01603 766524 Conference/Functions/Banqueting An 1,800-capacity entertainment venue situated in the heart of the City Centre, including five rooms of diverse entertainment for all ages.
Morton’s Event Hire 01692 538928
Goals Soccer Centres
Pro SolarPower Ltd
Provider of sales and installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal products. MCS and REA accredited.
Material/component analysis Distributor (UK and International) for new and used Non Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment and consumables. Distributor for Magnaflux and GE Inspection Technologies products.
Coaching & Mentoring A focus on supporting under-represented enterprise groups in deprived wards and communities.
Building Material Suppliers
Anglia NDT Ltd
Outset Norfolk 01603 663453
Property 1st Maintenance Ltd
Events Management
01603 404445
Specialises in unique, stylish hexagonal marquees, venues and luxury toilets for weddings, parties and corporate events covering Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Building Services Maintenance Multi-trade repairs, maintenance and refurbishments to all domestic and commercial properties in Norfolk and Suffolk.
MARCH/APRIL 2011
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NEW to etc..East Anglia - the complete range of Develop machines! etc..East Anglia is now an ofďŹ cial supplier of Develop machines and consumables. As an independent local company, based in Norfolk,
etc...East Anglia now sell, service and support photocopiers from Develop. The Develop series offers a fantastic range of multifunction machines - ideal for schools, ofďŹ ce and production environments.
Find out more about the Develop range at etc..East Anglia
Tel: 0800 1444 313 Email: mail@etc-eastanglia.co.uk Web: www.etc-eastanglia.com
REGIONAL NEWS
Highline adventure.
Energy efficiency service secures new funding. Resource Efficiency East has secured additional funding to offer support to a further 100 businesses across the East of England this year.
Resource Efficiency East (REE), jointly funded by the East of England Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund, helps businesses in the East of England reduce their use of water, energy and materials. The funding for the support was due to run out in December 2010, however, due to the high level of take up, and the results achieved by participating businesses, more funding has been made available. One company to have benefited from the service is PMC Harvesters Ltd, from Fakenham,
who specialise in the manufacture, servicing and production of pea harvesters. They contacted REE to undertake a review with the aim of reducing their energy consumption and costs and changes included upgrading some lighting and fixing leaks in the compressed air system, with the potential to save £3,000 a year. Ian McEwan, company secretary, said: “We take our corporate responsibility very seriously. We strive to protect the environment in every area of business and the implementation of the additional actions will only enhance our current position.” Since the start of the programme, its review service has identified £4.5 million worth of cost savings for businesses in the East of England, with more than 750 businesses receiving a visit from REE advisors. For further information, contact Simon Chiva on simonchiva@resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk call 01733 294524, or go to www.resourceefficiencyeast.org,uk
Switch off your lights for Earth Hour – 26 March. Show your customers you care about the environment – and reduce your energy costs – by joining the big lighting switch-off between 8.30 pm and 9.30pm on 26 March. Norwich and Norfolk are making a big splash this year by asking businesses to switch their lights off for Earth Hour. Significant local media coverage is planned as hundreds of iconic buildings across the country and world go dark for an hour. Earth Hour was started by South Norfolk resident Andrew Ridley of Bramerton, and son of the late South Norfolk Councillor Ridley-Thomas – but it has since become a global phenomenon. Now, millions of individuals, businesses and organisations across the world mark the hour by switching off their lights. Victoria McDonald, Norwich City Council said:“Evidence is mounting that our climate is changing and this will increasingly affect us all. Norwich City Council will switch off all non-essential lighting at its main premises on the 26 March and we hope that this will inspire everyone to think about ways to save energy and money - over the long term.”
More details about Earth Hour are at www.earthhour.wwf.org.uk To participate and get your free poster for display at your premises contact: Rachel Watson, Co-ordinator, Norwich Carbon Reduction Trust: RachelWatson@norwich.gov.uk Tel 01603 212197 Last year global landmarks involved included London Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the pyramids, the Eiffel Tower and Rome’s Colosseum. In Norfolk, businesses are even being advised to run the idea past their insurers just to confirm it won’t affect their cover! For further information on Earth Hour, go to www.earthhour.wwf.org.uk
Highline Adventure delivers dynamic mobile outdoor and indoor adventure activities for events, organisations and schools. All activities are suitable for six year olds and above, and include climbing, using a nine metre high climbing wall and seven metre spider mountain, bouldering, canoeing, skate boarding, archery, mini-fencing, problem solving/team building and orienteering, all of which promote personal development. One activity can be brought to your location or a multi-activity programme can be put together to your specification and requirements. Their equipment can be used effectively indoors or outdoors depending on customer requirements and their activity programmes are designed for groups of around 20-25 people per activity. Highline’s aim is to give customers a reliable, top quality experience for all participants that is easy for you to achieve at an affordable price.
Local solicitors announce final figure for Big C. Cozens-Hardy have raised a magnificent total of £8,502.37 for local cancer charity Big C, as part of the charity’s 30 for 30 campaign challenging local businesses to each raise £5,000 during 2010. Marketing Principal Philippa Rudd said that the final sum raised by the firm has exceeded expectations. “We’ve been genuinely touched by the level of support shown by both individual staff members and so many of our clients. It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with Big C this year and to help them provide more support for people with cancer in Norfolk and Waveney.” From challenging quiz evenings and refined style events to wine tasting, cake making, dress down Fridays and even marathon running, CozensHardy has been fully committed to helping Big C reach their 30 for 30 fund raising target this year.
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NORFOLK VOICE
The last word. Name Clarke Willis Company Anglia Farmers Job title CEO BIOG : Clarke Willis is CEO of Anglia Farmers Limited, the largest agricultural buying group in the UK, with a turnover of £175m. Born in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Clarke graduated in agricultural marketing at Harper Adams. He started his career at British Sugar before moving to Dengie Crops as managing director. In 1992 he moved to Dalgety Agriculture, where he held a number of senior positions before being made managing director of Spillers Speciality Feeds. Following the sale of the Dalgety business, he became commercial director of a logistics supply chain software company. He moved to Norfolk eight years ago to manage the merger of two buying groups that formed Anglia Farmers. He is also a director of biomass co-operatives Anglia Woodfuels and EMR Straw Services and the Eastern Machinery Ring.
What did you want to be when you were young? I’ve always wanted to work in agriculture. As a teenager I did work experience on a farm and, apart from a brief time building a software company, I’ve always worked in the agricultural sector. What could you not live without? My iPhone! It keeps me in touch with business and friends 24/7, wherever I am. If you could build a house anywhere in the world where would it be? In Norfolk! We’ve had plenty of practice and we’re about to go into another phase of building at home but, if I could start again, I would love to build an ultra modern sustainable home with a fabulous view in the countryside. Who wouldn’t? What makes you angry? Where shall I start? Actually, I’m pretty easy going but I do get frustrated by inefficiency. What is the best thing about Norfolk? It’s diversity. Norfolk offers the best of all things. It’s delightfully rural in many aspects but leading edge in others, particularly relating to farming.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
If you could invite any two people to dinner who would they be and why? The first would be The Queen, because she’s met everybody and done just about everything in the past 60 years ... I’m sure she could tell a tale or two if she had a mind to. I would want to introduce some humour so I’d also have to invite Stephen Fry. If you only had a £1 left in the whole world what would you spend it on? Smoked salmon but £1 would simply not go far enough. What is in your opinion is the greatest invention ever? The internet. It’s changed the way we work and play. What is most valuable lesson you have learnt in life? Not to take anything for granted. If you could come back as an animal in your next life what would it be and why? It would have to be as one of my Weimaraner dogs. They’re full of energy and we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by plenty of land for them to run around. When they’ve finished that, they always seem to get the best spot in front of the fire!
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