Norfolk Voice #05

voic e

norfolk Economic benefits blowing in the wind East Anglia’s offshore wind power potential Big Interview

Corporate Hospitality

Mark Jeffries

Is it the answer to all our problems?

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY NV05.indd 1

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

JULY AUGUST 2011 6/7/11 09:40:38

Christmas Celebrations you won’t want to end

At the Holiday Inn Norwich - North we’ve got Christmas 2011 all wrapped up, with celebrations to suit all tastes and budgets combined with our impressive facilities, we really have the perfect Christmas package!

Early bird booking offer book and pay your deposit by the 31st July and receive a 10% discount† from the published ticket price.

Pre-order your wine and drinks packages Save time on the night by pre-ordering your wine and drinks packages at a discounted price.

Extend your celebration – special accommodation offers.

FESTIVE PARTY PLANNER Monday

Tuesday 22

Wednesday 23

Thursday

24

Friday 25

Saturday

November 25 Lee Vasey Big Band Night £36

29

30

December1 Christmas Party Night £16

5

6 80’s Party Night £19.95 / £21.95

12 Dirty Dancing Tribute £26

13 70’s Party Night £19.95 / £21.95

7 999 Night £19.99 14 Teacher’s Night £20

80’s Night with Prince Tribute £26

Abba Tribute £40

Christmas Carvery £30

Christmas Carvery £30

9

Good Girls with Robbie Williams Tribute £27.50 26 Boxing Day Lunch A: £24.95 / C:£12.50

NV05.indd 2

20 60’s Party Night £26 27

21 Lee Vasey Big Band Night £36

Christmas Carvery £36

Christmas Carvery £36

16

28

22 Christmas Party Night £26

10 Beatles Tribute £42

Abba Tribute £48

18 Christmas Party Night £26

Christmas Carvery £38 24

70’s Glam Rock £48

25 Christmas Day Lunch £55

30 Christmas Party Night £26

11 Christmas Party Night £22.50

17 Blues Brothers Tribute £48

23

29

4 Christmas Carvery £22.50

Queen Tribute £42

Christmas Carvery £38 19

3

Abba Tribute £35

15

27

Christmas Carvery £30

2

8 Grease Tribute £26

26 Lee Vasey Big Band Night £36

Christmas Carvery £30 28

Sunday

31 New Years Eve Glitter Ball £69

Forget the taxi home, stay over and make a night of it from as little as £55 per room* including full English breakfast & use of our Triangle Health & Fitness Club complete with indoor pool! † Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. *Based on 2 people sharing. Not available on 31st December 2011. Bedrooms subject to availability, £55 rate relates to nonpeak night

For further information, to request a brochure or to book please contact our Christmas Events Team on: T: 01603 410544 E: events@hinorwich.com W: hinorwich.com

6/7/11 09:40:41

CONTENTS

Contents.

03 04 05

Chamber News

07

Chamber News

08 09

Business News

12 13

Chamber Policy

15 16 17 The East of England is the heart of the world’s largest offshore wind market, with a predicted investment of over £200bn! This makes it a very exciting prospect for the region and for the Norfolk business community. In this issue we look at the economic and commercial opportunities the offshore wind market presents, incorporating inward investment and infrastructure and supply chain development.

Our Big Interview on page16 features Mark Jeffries, senior partner at Mills & Reeve and a new board member of the New Anglia LEP. He gives an insight into activities at the long-established law firm and how he views the economic future of Norwich and Norfolk within the law sector.

On 1 April we welcomed Bobby Burridge – creative director of The Click Design Consultants – to the Chamber board. He will have The Last Word on page 50, where we can learn a bit more about what motivates his creative mind!

Since we launched Norfolk Voice back in November last year, we have had a steady increase of companies and individuals wanting to be part of it, feature their stories, ideas and to advertise, too. This means it has already become a robust magazine that matters to Norfolk as a valuable method of communication. Please keep your stories coming and continue talking to us about what you would like to see in Norfolk Voice. magazine@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Welcome/Contents

The Big Interview

20

Focus on Education

21

Chamber Events

22 25

Cover Feature - Offshore Wind

26 27

Finance

35 36 37

Chamber News

Chamber News

43

Business News

44

Chamber 5ives Take a Break

47

New Members

49

Movers and Shakers

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 Tel: 01603 625977 Fax: 01603 633032

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

22

Chamber Savings

40

44 45

16

International Trade

31 PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk ADVERTISING Helen Longley, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2332 email: helen.longley@distinctivepublishing.co.uk FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

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

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

CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 3

JULY/AUGUST 2011

PAGE3 6/7/11 09:40:53

NORFOLK VOICE

Mini mentoring pays dividends.

Bosses are worst offenders for health and safety blunders.

Barry Dennis President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

I spend quite a lot of time these days being a business mentor. It’s great fun. I particularly enjoy getting involved with fledgling businesses.

I was recently asked to give a talk to a local conference entitled ‘Linking Clients with Mentors’. Well, I thought, it’s a bit like internet dating. Two people meeting up for the first time, hoping to strike up the perfect relationship. On the dating side, it’s all about seeking a long term partner or, at least, some new friends. As far as mentoring goes it’s about helping people with their careers, projects, launching new ideas or helping existing businesses.

Now I never had the benefit of a mentor when I moved into a management role – or did I? I remember the day when I moved from being an editor, a job where you are directing and making lots of decisions about content for your publication. In those days if the editor said jump, you jumped.

I had been promoted to the position of publisher, a role where you were responsible for strategy, bottom line, shareholder value and all that sensible stuff. I remember that first morning, sitting in my brand new office, readings papers about the magazines I would now be responsible for – Match Weekly, Trout Fisherman, Sea Angler, Practical Fishkeeping and Pet Product Marketing.

I must confess that by 10.30 I was already missing the cut and thrust of the morning conference, when the door opened and in walked the Chief Executive. “Morning Barry. I bet you’re missing the editor’s chair already. I did when I made the move a few years ago. Well let me give you a tip. To be a successful publisher you need to develop your powers of persuasion.” With that, he went out.

Thinking back, he was spot on. No-one in a management role likes to be told what to do, especially editors! When all’s said and done managers are paid to manage and get results. Sometimes, when you know from experience that something they are planning is a bit risky, some ’why’ and ‘how’ questions can get them thinking and reviewing their plan.

So I may have had the shortest mentoring session in history, but I’ve never forgotten the advice given. If anything, it’s helped me become a successful business mentor.

Incidentally, that boss of mine went on to turn a small local newspaper business into a FTSE 100 company. He got a Knighthood for his achievements.

British bosses lead the way when it comes to health and safety gaffes in the workplace, according to a survey conducted by business support services provider ELAS. In a survey of 1,000 SME business managers, 88 per cent admitted to breaking at least one basic health and safety regulation in the past week.

Of those, more than three quarters (76 per cent) admitted that they had flouted the rules knowingly.

Confessions included: n 51 per cent admitted heavy lifting without following the correct procedures. n 44 per cent had left a slip, trip or fall obstacle on the workplace floor. n 49 per cent had used electrical equipment that hadn’t been safety tested. n 26 per cent risked falling from height by balancing on the edge of a table or chair to change a lightbulb or reach a high shelf.

When asked about their staff, 56 per cent had pulled up at least one staff member for breaking a basic health and safety rule within the previous seven days.

Wayne Dunning, health and safety manager for ELAS, said: “It really seems to be a case of do as I say, not do as I do.

“Bosses often try to make out that health and safety is confusing, or that they don’t know what is allowed and what isn’t.

“But this shows they are clearly clued up about what constitutes a hazard and are quick to police them, but that doesn’t stop them from knowingly flouting those regulations when it suits them.

“Businesses need to recognise that, if they want to ensure their workplace is a safe and legal place to be, then bosses and managers need to take the matter seriously and lead from the front.“ For more information about ELAS’s health and safety business support services visit www.employment-law.uk.com or 08450 50 40 60.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 4

6/7/11 09:40:57

CHAMBER NEWS

Olympic effort.

Called ‘Tourism Joined Up’, the event looked at what Norfolk businesses are doing to attract inbound traffic to the region, and whether hotels and attractions should collaborate to create a joined-up strategy.

Guest speakers were Richard Ellis, who is Chairman of Norfolk Tourism and Managing Director of Norfolk Country Cottages, and David Marsh, Director of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority and board member of the New Anglia LEP.

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has hosted a networking breakfast at Grosvenor Casino in Great Yarmouth, with a focus on helping Norfolk businesses maximise the opportunities around the 2012 Olympics.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Regionally, we need to raise the profile of tourism destinations. Both speakers at the breakfast talked about how vital it is that all tourism organisations work closer together to ensure the maximum impact on promoting the area.”

The company has, since its inception in 1993, focused much of its activities on developing international growth through the exporting of materials and the running of major projects for clients around the world. This has led to a worldwide reputation in the delivery of electrical and instrumentation projects in many countries, from Russia to South America.

Ministers will provide the money out of the LEP Capacity Fund, which was set up to help partnerships better understand the issues facing businesses in their areas and to allow them to develop action plans.

The funding from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will be used to support areas of work for the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP, including: n Collecting and aligning key economic data

In February, E-Tech Group director Gary Williams was approached by a research company acting on behalf of The Sunday Times who were trawling through many thousands of companies whose submitted accounts indicated significant growth in international sales.

After several interviews, Gary was informed that E-Tech Group had been shortlisted for the top 100 and that they would be advised early May as to whether they had in fact made the list.

E-Tech Group now boasts 14 engineering bases around the UK, three in Europe plus Dubai and Ghana. Turnover for the past three years has averaged around the £24m, peaking in 2009/10 at £27.5m.

More than 200 staff are permanently employed and the company is looking to grow further internationally, whilst expanding its UK markets and diversifying into new sectors. One recent diversification into the water utility sector has seen E-Tech Group secure in excess of £20m of contracts in 2011 so far.

More information can be obtained at www.etech-group.co.uk

The Government has announced that the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been awarded £48,000.

A total of £4 million is available nationally over four years, a quarter of which was made available in the first round of bids.

E-Tech Group makes Sunday Times Top 100.

E-Tech Group, the Great Yarmouth-based electrical engineering and supply company, whose markets include international marine, petrochemical and the utilities/renewables sectors, has achieved success in the Sunday Times International Track 100 league table for 2011.

Cash awarded to enterprise partnership.

held by the different local authorities within the area. n Collecting and assessing information about

local economic clusters. n Identifying existing best practice and gaps in

provision. n Determining key skills priorities required to

facilitate growth.

The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership Board, along with Directors Alex Plant and Neil Darwin, will now work with partners to move the projects forward.

Neville Reyner CBE DL, Chair of the Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are pleased to have been given some funding from Government to help us move forward these key pieces of work.

“It is also pleasing to see that a £5 million LEP Start Up Fund was announced by BIS. This is a welcome response to arguments we have been making for many months about the need for some dedicated resource for LEPs, which will help us address the real barriers to economic growth in our area.”

To find out more about the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership, go to www.yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 5

PAGE5 6/7/11 09:41:00

Dental Nurse

Theatre Technician

Retail Manager

Marketing and Communications

Customer Service Representative

Hairdresser

IT Consultant

Financial Services

Chef

Construction Worker

With over 200 funded careers on offer we’re masters of the Apprenticeship.

From Health to Engineering, IT to the Creative Arts, City College Norwich has the comprehensive training for all types of business, providing real skills that employers want. The Apprenticeships we offer can be specifically tailored to your company,

ensuring the ultimate cost-effective way to train new or existing staff. Whatever age, whichever level, we can deliver the training your business needs. So get in touch to find out just how much City College Norwich Apprenticeships can help you.

www.ccn.ac.uk/apprenticeships

0800 328 3616

or email employerpartnerships@ccn.ac.uk and quote ‘Apprentice’.

TP17750 voice.indd 1 NV05.inddChamber 6

9/11/10 15:32:31 6/7/11 09:41:01

CHAMBER NEWS

Businesses urged to think healthy.

With sickness absence estimated to cost the UK economy £16.8 billion a year, two Norfolk organisations are leading a call to ensure happy and healthy employees are recognised as the most valuable asset for any successful company.

HMP Wayland and City College Norwich are championing a new Staying Healthy at Work programme (SHAW) by calling on businesses to join forces through an Employer Network and commit to a simple, five-step framework to introduce health and wellbeing practices to the workplace.

The Employer Network is a collaborative movement of employers, across all sectors, who have committed to working together to improve the health and productivity of individuals, businesses and the community in the East of England.

SHAW is run in partnership between NHS East of England and Business in the Community (BITC).

Gary Theobald, Head of HR at NHS East of England, said: “People in Britain work the longest hours with an average of 42.4 hours a week, compared with the European average of 40.5 hours. Yet the country lags behind the rest of the developed world in most productivity measures.

“Simply put, employees’ level of wellness can sustain or erode their level of engagement of productivity. We are asking employers to join the Employer Network and sign up to the framework

n Hilary Bright, Head of HR Services at City College, encourages colleagues Phil Bull, Sy Daye, Peter Durham, Sonya Mellor and Heidi Ray to get their five-a-day

n HMP Wayland prison governor Kevin Reilly takes a lunchtime bike ride with colleagues Roger Steggles, Mick Jolly and Paul Newport.

to demonstrate a commitment to taking action on wellbeing and to improve the health of businesses in the region.”

Kevin Reilly, Prison Governor at HMP Wayland, and Hilary Bright, Head of HR Services at City College Norwich, have been appointed employer champions for the programme, as both

organisations have already implemented healthy workplace approaches.

They will share best practice and highlight the benefits of signing up to the SHAW programme, including the free support and tips available to increase employee engagement and reduce sick days.

Mr Reilly said: “Encouraging health and wellbeing is part of the jigsaw of running a productive and effective environment. Whatever the business, it makes sense to help keep people at work.”

Ms Bright at City College Norwich added: “A happy, healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. Absence and sickness affects us all by putting pressure on team members and resources.

We have reduced days lost through staff sickness by 13 per cent since 2007/8. It is not a ‘fluffy’ issue, it is a case of necessity to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of our workforce, which in turn ensures that we are able to provide the best service possible to our students.”

Debbi Christophers, Head of Business Development at BITC, said: “Businesses should not feel like they have to tackle these issues alone.

By signing up to the Employer Network they will be able to join forces with businesses of all sizes in the region which are facing similar challenges to share ideas and resources.”

For more information about SHAW and to join the Employer Network and sign up to the simple five step framework, visit www.stayinghealthyatwork.co.uk/employernetwork

JULY/AUGUST 2011

15:32:31

NV05.indd 7

PAGE7 6/7/11 09:41:05

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

Businesses offered a helping hand. their communities go hand in hand with their responsibilities to their shareholders to make a profit.”

Simon Perryman, Director of Employer Engagement at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), said: “Investors in People will continue to play a key role in inspiring and enabling companies to adopt this ethos and transform their approach to training.

Thanks to the new network of expert delivery centres, it will now be easier than ever before for local employers to use the Investors in People Framework to boost their business.”

Employers across Norfolk are being urged to make the most of support being made available to help build their skills, improve performance and achieve their full potential, thanks to a new Investors in People Centre.

The new network was welcomed by John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, who said: “I am enormously encouraged that, even in these difficult times, so many British companies understand that their responsibilities to their people and

Stephen Smith, on behalf of Emb-Excellence Ltd, the enterprise and economic development company responsible for delivering a range of business improvement services, including The

By Steven Boast, solicitor with Howes Percival LLP, Norwich imprisonment and an unlimited fine, companies have three months to ensure their anti-corruption procedures are sufficiently robust.

It is therefore advisable to: n Lead from the top and appoint a member of senior management to be responsible for overseeing anti-corruption within the organisation.

Honour for company

Gary Jones, Director of Medics on the Move, said: “We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of the personal service we provide and this is great way to demonstrate how good we really are.” To contact Medics on the Move please call Gary or Nikki on 01508 493330, email: Norwich@medicsonthemove.co.uk Web: www.medicsonthemove.co.uk

To find out more about how the Investors in People Framework can improve your business productivity, performance and competitiveness, contact Emb-Excellence on 0845 872 7727 email info@iipcentralengland.co.uk or visit www.iipcentralengland.co.uk

Ever thought you could be guilty of bribery? Think again.

CHAMBER DIGEST Medics on the Move have been honoured at the prestigious ESTAS – The Estate & Letting Agent Awards 2011. The Norwich agency, which received the Bronze Award in the East of England category, was recognised for its excellent customer service as voted for by their clients during the course of 2010. The award was announced by Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location. Location property programme at a lavish luncheon and ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane London, attended by 500 of the UK’s top estate and letting agents.

Investors in People Standard across Central England – which includes Norfolk, said: “Our experienced team has a strong track record of assisting local businesses in their development and growth and is proud to be part of the national Investors in People delivery network. By matching what people can, and are motivated to do, against what the organisation needs them to do, the Standard successfully demonstrates how your staff can drive your company forward and improve its bottom line.”

n Undertake a risk assessment to fully understand the bribery risks you face.

The Bribery Act 2010 will come into force on 1 July 2011 and will introduce changes in the law that could significantly impact the conduct of businesses, both in the UK and abroad.

The Act is very wide in scope and extends the crime of bribery to cover all private sector transactions, including gifts, sponsorship and hospitality, as well as creating a new strict liability offence of corporate failure to prevent bribery. A company (or partnership) will only have a defence to this if it can show ‘adequate procedures’ were in place to prevent bribery.

The government has provided assurances that it is not the intention of the Act to frustrate normal business practices of corporate entertainment, but with penalties extending to 10 years’

n Revise disciplinary procedures to include the definition of what is considered to be bribery under the Act and that employees will be disciplined for any acts of bribery. n Where corporate gifts and hospitality are commonplace, implement a gifts and hospitality policy and consider putting in place a gifts and hospitality register. n Train staff on anti-corruption especially those involved in processing payments or who travel abroad for business to parts of the world where there is a culture of bribery. n Put effective 'whistleblowing' procedures in place to ensure incidents or allegations of bribery are reported and investigated.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 8

6/7/11 09:41:06

BUSINESS NEWS

n Andrew Edge

Don’t delay ISA subscription

From Left to right; Drahomir Baran and Richard Morrissey of Quattro Recruitment Ltd, Helen Chapman of Macmillan Cancer Support and Mark Curtis, Larking Gowen

I am as guilty as the next man when it comes to DIY, but one thing I never delay is my annual ISA subscription.

Charity effort.

A Norwich businessman has achieved his target and raised thousands of pounds for charity

Richard Morrissey has been raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support since 2005, after he lost his father-in-law to the disease. In March, he took on the challenge of running the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon and, with the help of his colleagues, has raised almost £3,000. This brings his overall fundraising efforts for Macmillan to over £15,000.

Taking part in the race was the fourth time Richard had undertaken something similar, having previously taken part in events such as the Three Peaks Challenge and the Nottingham Half Marathon.

“This charity is very close to my heart so having the support of my colleagues and friends made this race a pleasure to take part in as we had real team spirit. Special thanks must go to Archway Events and Cranswick Country Foods for their generous donations, as well as everyone else who kindly sponsored the team.”

This year’s Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon takes place on 27 November at the Norfolk Showground. Full details of the race and how to enter can be found at http://www.cityofnorwichhalfmarathon.com

CHAMBER DIGEST New role for President Chamber President Barry Dennis has been appointed Chairman of a Wisbech manufacturing business. Pike Textile Display are one of the UK’s leading makers of pattern books for fabrics, window blinds and wallpapers. The business boasts four generations of family ownership.

Barry has been a board member for three years.

Richard, who is Managing Director at Quattro Recruitment Ltd, said, “I’m delighted to have been able to raise more money for Macmillan.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 9

Each year, I open my ISA at the beginning of the tax year. I want my money out of the taxman’s reach for as long as possible.

Opening my ISA on April 6 gives me the ISA’s tax benefits for an extra year. This means no capital gains tax and no further tax on income.

So why would you not open your ISA as early as possible? Providing you have the money to invest, I can’t think of a single reason. If you’re uncertain about the markets you can place your ISA in a cash holding account (with some providers) and phase your money into your chosen investment over a number of months.

It’s been said that markets “climb a wall of worry” and there are plenty of worries around at the moment. Political instability in the Middle East, fiscal instability in Europe and the precarious state of our own economy are all on investors’ minds.

However, markets have been remarkably resilient in the face of this turmoil and all these factors are known and have therefore already depressed stock prices. As they are resolved we should see markets rise.

If you are considering taking advantage of this year’s ISA allowance, we recommend looking to do it sooner rather than later.

For financial advice on your personal circumstances, please contact Andrew Edge on 01603 619620 or email aee@lovewell-blake-fp.co.uk to arrange a review.

PAGE9 6/7/11 09:41:10

NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON LEGAL

Succeed against the economic tide.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Grab a slice of the multibillion pound franchising industry whilst you can.

Franchise food outlets are dominating the high street and are succeeding against the economic tide.

Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s and Subway are all examples of American franchises which have come over to the UK and proved to be both hugely successful and profitable. Many individuals have made personal fortunes by buying into these impressive templates.

However, the franchise industry has come a long way from being the choice expansion method for fast food chains and is quickly becoming a national phenomenon. In the UK, franchising is now a multi-billion pound industry with over a thousand different businesses from various sectors using the franchising framework. The types of businesses vary from car dealerships to hotels, petrol stations to retail outlets and from pubs to estate agents.

Each franchise must start somewhere. It is massively encouraging that franchise giants like Subway and McDonald’s started life as single unit businesses. Domino’s Pizza started with the original aim of opening just three pizza delivery stores (hence the three dots on their logo) and has since grown into one of the most successful businesses in the world, with over 8,000 stores in over 50 different countries. In the UK alone, it now has over 600 franchised units.

However, you do not have to start in America to be successful. There are many UK-owned businesses that have set up highly profitable franchise operations. Brands include Snappy Snaps, Cash Generator and Molly Maid.

Thorntons (the renowned chocolate shop) comes from humble origins as a small shop in Sheffield, with their original aim being to make their shop the best sweet shop in town. The business now has over 600 shops with well over 200 being franchised units.

over 200 units. Other local successes with East Anglia include Signs Express, VIP Bin Cleaning and Agency Express.

In the current economic turmoil, franchising poses an attractive option to businesses looking to expand. The industry shows no signs of slowing down and more and more businesses are turning to franchising as a platform for rapid business growth and market penetration.

If properly structured, establishing a franchise is a very cost effective and easy way to expand.

It reduces the initial capital investment required to increase operations and lessens the ongoing overheads for managing additional outlets.

It also by-passes many expansion problems associated with restrictive employment legislation. If done correctly, there is nothing stopping any business which has a transferable business system from succeeding and becoming the next big franchising brand to explode onto the market.

At Birketts, we advise on all aspects of franchising, from businesses looking to use the format to expand existing operations, to individuals looking to set up their own business.

With offices in Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge and Chelmsford and in excess of 380 staff, we have great resources in the region and are able to offer a full set of services to franchise clients.

The firm also offers property, employment and dispute resolution services.

If you are interested in franchising your business or buying a franchise, please contact Matthew for an initial consultation.

What can you lose?

This article has been written by Matthew Downing (right), a Solicitor with regional law firm Birketts LLP with offices in Ipswich, Cambridge, Chelmsford and Norwich, e-mail matthew-downing@birketts.co.uk It provides only a general summary and is not intended to be comprehensive.

Specific legal advice should be taken in any individual application. Law covered as at 16 June 2011. © Birketts LLP 2011.

In Norwich, there are a number of successful businesses that have used the franchise model to create hugely profitable businesses. TaxAssist Accountants started in Norwich and now has

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 10

6/7/11 09:41:14

Tel: 01953 451 111 Email: info@recyclite.co.uk Web: www.recyclite.co.uk

Recyclite Lamp Recycling In July 2005, the Government introduced a number of important changes to the Hazardous Waste Regulations, upgrading used fluorescent tubes and sodium lamps to hazardous waste. Disposal of these items needs to be regulated as they can release harmful phosphor dust and toxic mercury vapour into the atmosphere.

Finally, cost, this is always a major driver for our customers in these economic times. With our state of the art equipment, we demonstrate our commitment to the most efficient and cost effective solution to recycling our customers light tubes and lamps.

Recyclite offers a service whereby all types of lamps are collected, separated and crushed into its various components. Following this process they are further separated and sent on for recycling & re-use. Therefore, instead of these lamps going to landfill or incineration, the components of the lamps, glass, metal, mercury and phosphor powder are all re-used, Recyclite work on a recovery rate of 97.9%

There is a massive environmental impact reduction with light tubes being recycled and not sent to landfill sites, where there is a likelihood of the mercury contaminating the soil and waterways, causing major environmental problems to wildlife and ourselves. Mercury is classified as the World Health Organisation’s number one environmental poison.

Recyclite has two plants, a wet plant and a dry plant. The wet plant uses water to discharge the sodium from high pressure/low pressure sodium vapour lamps.

This process is a closed loop system, meaning no water leaves the process, but is used over and over again.

The dry plant works in a similar way as the wet process, breaking down the component parts. However no water is used to separate its components.

Our state of the art treatment processes ensure that all lamps are broken down into their component parts for recycling. By ensuring that each constituent part is effectively separated and segregated, we can maximise the potential for recycling each element of the lamp including, glass, metal end-caps, mercury and even the cardboard packaging.

To help our customers better monitor and track their waste, we issue a hazardous waste consignment note. This documentation acts, not only as assurance of legal compliance, but also as evidence of our customer’s commitment to an environmentally effective recycling process.

NV05.indd 11

Recyclite are committed to providing the most environmentally effective means of Recycling gas discharge lamps and as such we are both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, which mean we have met the standards required for the effective implementation of an EMS and QMS. Recyclite are also accredited by the Environment Agency as an “Approved Authorised Treatment Facility”.

Our purpose built facility has a licensed processing capacity of over 40 million lamps per annum, making it one of the largest dedicated light tube recycling plants in Europe. We anticipate the requirement for this recycling service in the UK will more than double over the next 5 years.

Contact Details Recyclite Ltd 51 Maurice Gaymer Road Gaymers Industrial Estate Attleborough Norfolk NR17 2QZ

6/7/11 09:41:17

NORFOLK VOICE

Chloe Smith Listens to Norfolk Business Leaders.

NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIRECTOR OF THE BOARD VACANCY As you are aware Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, in addition to providing services for its membership, also has a key influencing role for the wider business community. At present the Norfolk Chamber has a Director vacancy on its Board.

Chloe Smith (front second left) with Norwich business leaders

Members of the Board are from variety of sector specific areas, therefore we are particularly interested in recruiting from the manufacturing, financial, utility or tourism sectors. However, any applicants from outside these sectors who would like to put themselves forward for this position would also be considered.

In addition to being a champion for your own sector, as a full member of the Board you will be responsible for the strategic direction of the company.

On 20 May, Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, met with sector business leaders at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce to tackle some of the key issues that affect the city’s business community.

Candidate Criteria – Knowledge, Skills, Experience

The discussion revolved around several issues: the banking sector and how it can support local businesses; employment law and the amount of red tape involved; and business education and ensuring that employers have a good skills base to work with.

• Preferably 2 years’ experience working with a Board of Directors or equivalent

Chloe Smith commented: “It is really good to discuss business issues with people from a wide range of sectors in Norfolk and I am pleased that the Chamber organised today’s meeting. I have several issues that I can take to Westminster on behalf of Norfolk businesses and jobs are one of the most important things at the moment.”

Caroline Williams, CEO of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is essential that Norfolk businesses give clear messages to Government about their needs and frustrations. Talking directly to our local MPs is the best way to ensure understanding and joint working. It was great to be able to spend time with Chloe and to give her specific examples to take back to Government.”

Jonathan Cage, of Create Consulting Engineers, who attended the meeting, commented: “It is good that Chloe Smith is accessible for businesses to discuss issues facing them in Norfolk. Chloe was very receptive to the thoughts and ideas raised and will hopefully put the views of Norfolk businesses across in Parliament.”

• A Director must be a member of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce & Industry • A Director will hold a senior position within the member business (Director or equivalent) • Knowledge of non-profit organisations • Knowledge of Strategic Planning and Budgeting • Ability to work with individuals with different interests and opinions • Knowledge and experience of the needs of SMEs • High level of energy, motivation, persistence and positive attitude • Demonstrated ability to facilitate organisational growth • Participation at all monthly Board meetings, including the Annual General Meeting.

• Acting as an effective ambassador of the Chamber

The deadline for applications to be received is 19 August 2011 and interviews will be held on 21 September 2011, with notification of interview being advised by the end August. For more information on the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, please visit our website: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk If you are interested in being considered for a position on the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Board, we would ask you to send an email request to the email address below to obtain a nomination form: cw@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Two LEPs – One Meeting – Your business!

DO NOT MISS THIS...

Come and feed your views into both the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough (GCGP) and New Anglia LEPs at an event on Monday 26 September at Knight’s Hill Hotel, South Wootton, King’s Lynn, from 5pm-8pm. The West Norfolk Chamber Council has identified several key areas that should be considered by the LEP’s planning; skills and employment; transport and communication infrastructure i.e. rail, roads and broadband. This is your chance to get your views heard and take part in interactive, roundtable discussions with representatives of both LEPs, namely Neville Reyner and Mark Reeve of the GCGP, and Mark Jeffries of New Anglia. To book your free place, visit www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/events

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 12

6/7/11 09:41:22

CHAMBER POLICY

Cambridge Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has made good progress since being given the green light by Government back in October 2010.

n Mark Reeve CITB – Managing Director of Chalcroft (Construction), King’s Lynn

The LEP Board comprises a balanced mix of representatives from business, voluntary, education and public sector members from across the Enterprise Partnership area, which covers West Norfolk & King’s Lynn, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Rutland, West Suffolk (Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury), Uttlesford (Essex) and North Hertfordshire.

n John Bridge OBE – Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Board Members are as follows: n Neville Reyner CBE DL – Chair of the Board – Chair of Anglia Components Limited n Professor Mike Thorne PhD – Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University n Dr Lynn Morgan – CEO of the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity n Allan Arnott OBE – Operations Director at Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division n Professor Sir Richard Friend FRS FREng – Experienced businessman and Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge

New Anglia Businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk are working together to help grow the economy, as part of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

New Anglia LEP is the business-led organisation, with a remit to grow jobs, remove the barriers which hold back enterprise and help drive forward the economy of the two counties.

Dr Andy Wood, CEO of Adnams, has recently been elected as Chairman of New Anglia.

“Helping small and medium sized businesses to grow will create more jobs and drive forward the economy,” said Andy. “Business Link services are being withdrawn from November, with the exception of a website and helpline. We know that many businesses will need support in the future. New Anglia has worked with businesses and business organisations over the last six months to identify the professional advice, guidance and training they require, which we can help deliver.”

• Andy is joined on the Board by five other business leaders:

n Trevor Ellis MBA – Chairman of CS Ellis Group (Haulage), Rutland

The Board has already agreed their Terms of Reference and key priority areas, whilst Neil Darwin (Interim Operations Director) and Alex Plant (Interim Strategy Director) are working with Neville to develop an outline business plan for the Board to review and approve.

n Dr Robert Swann PhD – Entrepreneur specialising in technology and high-tech start up companies

The LEP has also announced its intention to bid for an Enterprise Zone, with further information expected shortly.

n Cllr Jill Tuck – Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council

To find out more about the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP please visit www. yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co.uk, follow them on Twitter @YourLEP or join their LinkedIn Group “Your Local Enterprise Partnership”.

n Cllr Sian Reid – Leader of Cambridge City Council n Cllr Marco Cereste – Leader of Peterborough City Council n Cllr Terry King – Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services at Rutland County Council n Cllr Ian Bates – Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council Neville Reyner, Chair of the Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am excited about the opportunity to work with such a strong group of individuals all working together to help drive forward our local economy.

We have a good balance of representatives from different sectors and backgrounds, each bringing with them their own experience and skills, which will undoubtedly strengthen the work of our Enterprise Partnership.”

Neville Reyner

Chair of the Enterprise Partnership

• Mark Jeffries, Senior Partner of Mills & Reeve • David Gledhill, Chief Executive of Hutchison Ports • David Marsh who has over 30 years’ experience in business founding a range of successful start-ups and SMEs • Erika Clegg, the Managing Director of Spring.

• Mark Goodall, Area Manager, Aker Solutions The full board of 12 also includes leading public sector figures from Norfolk and Suffolk. In Norfolk this includes Derrick Murphy, Leader of Norfolk County Council, and Alan Waters, Deputy Leader of Norwich City Council.

New Anglia’s immediate priorities are to focus on growing jobs in the tourism, energy, and advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Tourism, says Andy, is an employment giant with the ability to respond rapidly to market stimulation. “There are 72,500 tourism jobs in Norfolk and Suffolk and we are working with partners to maximise the benefits of the 2012 Olympics and ensure a coherent marketing strategy is delivered to promote iconic tourist destinations.”

Andy Wood, CEO of Adnams

New Anglia will also provide support to the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) to create new jobs in the next year, secure investment and help develop supply chains.

The Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector in Norfolk has many small businesses which are at the cutting edge of their field of expertise and have potential to grow.

Businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk are invited to log on and have their say on New Anglia’s priorities on the web portal www.newanglia.co.uk and on the business networking site LinkedIn New Anglia.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 13

PAGE13 6/7/11 09:41:23

NORFOLK VOICE

Carbon management and renewable technologies

Out of site, out of mind, but in safe hands.

Our fully protected storage centres in Thetford and Kings Lynn provide modern, clean, highly secure accommodation for sensitive documentation. Our archive services are completely flexible, we can tailor make bespoke packages to suit your individual requirements or complete end-to-end archive process management.

Independent and impartial consultancy service enabling you to confidently invest in renewables.

We can also facilitate funding for renewable energy systems Please call or email us to discuss your project, we’re here to assist

Clean Energy Consultancy Ltd, PO Box 213, Norwich NR18 8AT t: 01953-798112 e: info@cleanenergyconsultancy.co.uk w: cleanenergyconsultancy.co.uk

We offer a free, no obligation customised quotation specific to your requirements.

Cost saving, from as little as 25p, yes 25p! per box per month it is much more cost effective to store your records off site, in a secure, fully manned, alarmed and CCTV covered building rather than paying office rent and rates.

At your convenience, your records can be collected or retrieved at times suitable to your requirements. Although you are separated from your records,

your records are actually in a more secure environment than having them stashed in a corner, corridor or in the basement within your own office, and you still control exactly what happens to them.

4 Secure Self Storage, Rutherford Way, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1HA Phone: 01842 760090 Email: info@4securestorage.co.uk www.4securestorage.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

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 14

6/7/11 09:41:28

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Letter of credit service.

Ask the Export Expert…

n Are you paid by Letter of Credit for your exports? n Do you employ qualified and experienced staff who are confident when working with Letters of Credit?

We are pleased to offer our Letter of Credit Service to take away all the worries about raising documents correctly in order to guarantee your payments.

National figures show that 80% of documents presented against Letters of Credit are rejected first time round and more than 50% are still rejected on the second attempt.

This service has been ongoing for over 15 years and to date has a record of 98% ACCEPTANCE ON FIRST PRESENTATION. We deliver a professional service whereby your Letter of Credit is passed to our associates who will then: n Check the conditions in the L/C to ensure you can meet them n Inform you of any amendments that you need to obtain n Prepare all the relevant documents n Speak with the Shipping Agent n Check the Bills of Lading n Present all the documents to the bank For further details on this service, please contact Tracey Howard on 01603 729711 or tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk

International Trade Training Courses.

The training courses organised by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce are proving to be very popular at the moment.

Our courses are not just for new exporting staff, but also those who have been shipping for quite some time and may just need a refresher.

Course topics over the next couple of months are: 15 September

Documentary Letters of Credit

16 September

Incoterms® 2010

13 October

eCert Workshop

20 October

Customs Procedures

If your Company has a number of staff, who would benefit from attending our courses, we can arrange for our trainer to deliver the course at your premises.

For more information on any of the above, please contact Tracey Howard on 1603 729711 or tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Tracey Howard, International Trade Director answers your exporting questions......

We are just finalising the manufacture of some bespoke goods that are covered by a Letter of Credit, but our customer has informed us that he only wants to accept half the order.

Can we make him accept the whole order?

To ensure that negotiations between seller and buyer do not become strained, we would suggest that dialogue is first entered into to see if you can come to a mutually acceptable agreement.

Notwithstanding, in answer to the question we would comment as follows . You have mentioned that goods are covered by a Letter of Credit, but haven’t stated whether or not the L/C has been raised. If the L/C has been raised for the full amount, then to be able to despatch just half the goods, the L/C would either have to allow for part shipment, or be amended. You could, on an Irrevocable Letter of Credit, refuse to accept the amendment. Indeed, even if the L/C states that part shipment is allowed, you do not have to part ship. So, provided you are in full compliance to the L/C detail, you could despatch the whole consignment, claiming the full amount. Provided that the documents presented are fully compliant at the bank, then remittance should be made.

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

Norfolk Chamber holds stocks of the new booklet supplied by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICCUK). They cost £47.50 for Members and £65.00 for Non-Members. To order a copy, please send your details to export@norfolkchamber. co.uk and we will send them in the post straight away – please note that Non-Members will be contacted beforehand for pre-payment.

Has Kenya introduced the wood packing regulations, e.g. fumigation or heat-treated wood only, bearing the ISPM15 mark? We haven’t seen anything official but our forwarder has advised us that another client had problems recently?

Yes, in July 2009 Kenya introduced the wood packing regulations in-line with ISPM15 (International Standard Phytosanitary Measurers).

This was done without the usual WTO notification so it may have caught some exporters out. Please be aware that the Kenyan customs authorities will be checking wood packing to ensure it complies with the ISPM fumigation or heat-treated conditions.

I have just started shipping to Qatar for the first time. The client has asked for a European Certificate of Origin but surely they should have an Arab one?

Some companies within the Arab League States have an agreement with their authorities to allow goods to be imported on a European Certificate instead of an Arab one. As long as you get this in writing from your customer, I wouldn’t worry, as it will save you money. All Arab Certificates have to be legalised by the relevant Embassy in London and these can be quite costly compared to the European ones which are certified by the Chamber only. Just one thing to remember, you would however need to ensure you have signed an Arab Indemnity form for the Chamber. If you have any further questions about this, please call the International Trade Team on 01603 729711.

Have you any information on the “mutual recognition” of AEO accreditations under the AEO scheme?

In a recent information notice published by HM Revenue & Customs they said that the EC Commission and member states are currently negotiating mutual recognition under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme.

This is with a number of non-EU countries including the USA, China, Japan and India. Once a mutual recognition agreement has been concluded, a full or safety and security AEO certificate granted in the EU will be recognised by customs authorities in the partner country. The AEO approved company will benefit from fewer physical and document based customs controls when importing goods into that country. This will reduce costs involved in international trade, particularly in those countries where current levels of custom examinations are high and will give exporters with AEO status a competitive advantage over non-AEOs. We have heard from a number of sources that China is an excellent country to try and export to. Finding good, quality contacts in a new territory is hard enough for anyone – are there any companies that can do all the research and groundwork for us?

There are a number of schemes available through UK Trade and Investment (UKT&I) which is the Government organisation responsible for marketing the UK overseas, promoting British exports and attracting inward investment. UKT&I provides business opportunities, expert trade advice and support to UK-based companies wishing to grow their business all over the world – not just China. Have a look at their website at https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk For help and advice any other matter relating to International Trade, you can contact Tracey direct on Tel. 01603 729711 or Email. tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 15

PAGE15 PAGE15 6/7/11 09:41:30

NORFOLK VOICE

MARK JEFFRIES.

THE BI

Adapting to change in a rapidly moving business world.

Like so many business sectors, the legal profession has had to undergo dramatic change in recent years – and is preparing for another revolution at the end of this year.

For Mark Jeffries, dealing with those changes has been part of daily life in a legal career stretching back more than thirty years. Now Senior Partner of national law firm Mills and Reeve LLP, he was born in Yorkshire, lived for a while in Hampshire, read law at Cambridge and attended Law School in Guildford, before joining the firm in 1979.

Since then, he has risen up the ranks,

eventually becoming Senior Partner and overseeing the firm’s expansion until it now has six offices, including Norwich (where it was founded in 1880) and employs 800 people, including 94 partners and more than 360 other lawyers. That makes it among the 50 largest UK law firms.

The firm represents substantial and high growth businesses across the UK and has the largest private tax team outside London.

And always there has been change. Mark said: “One of the biggest changes I have seen during my career is around the way legal services are procured, by both private or listed companies and the public sector. The process has become more sophisticated with much more rigour involved.

“Law firms have had to adapt to changes like that. Recessions also lead to change. In a downturn the balance in a legal practice shifts. Lower levels of available bank finance reduce transactional work, but litigation and employment work increase.

“We have tried to maintain a balance of work that is counter-cyclical. Our insurance practice is an example.

“I believe a law firm survives by being nimble and flexible. The changing nature of the work means you need people with broad skill-sets.

“You also need people who are able to adapt to the changes that the profession is undergoing. This has become more challenging because lawyers now specialise much earlier in their careers than was the case when I started out.”

One of the biggest changes facing the profession is due to arrive in the Autumn with the advent of Alternative Business Structures. These will allow non-lawyers to participate in law firm ownership and investors to establish competing businesses.

Mark said: “We may not see the real impact for a couple of years as most of the major law firms are not looking for outside investors. But in the course of time the new structures will lead to big changes in the way we work.

“We used to work to a five-year strategic planning cycle. We have very clear ideas of where we want to be strategically and financially. One of those five-year cycles ends next year and we have decided to plan on a three-year basis to reflect the changing markets in which we operate.”

As if handling all those changes was not enough, Mark is also a leading member of the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), a Government idea introduced to replace regional development agencies.

He is one of six business members on the board of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which is tasked with leading economic development in Norfolk and Suffolk, covering an area with 1.5 million people and 60,000 businesses. It has already set out its priorities as tourism, energy and business growth, although it will not have the kind of financial support afforded to its predecessor, the East of England Development Agency.

As someone who in addition to overseeing substantial growth at Mills & Reeve is also on the regional council of the CBI for the East of England and one of the Bank of England’s regional advisory panels as well as on the boards of several local organisations, Mark Jeffries was seen as an ideal recruit.

He is optimistic about the new challenge. He said: “I think the LEP can make things happen.

We see our priority as supporting economic growth and the creation of jobs. We do not have large financial resources but we can work across local government boundaries.

“The early signs of strong co-operation across the private and public sectors are really encouraging and the LEP has the potential to make a major contribution to the economic success of Norfolk and Suffolk.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 16

6/7/11 09:41:34

THE BIG INTERVIEW

BIG INTERVIEW

By John Dean

deangriss@btinternet.com

Law firms have had to adapt to changes like that. Recessions also lead to change.

In a downturn the balance in a legal practice shifts. Lower levels of available bank finance reduce transactional work, but litigation and employment work increase.

Mark Jeffries Senior Partner Mills and Reeve LLP

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 17

PAGE17 6/7/11 09:41:36

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

CHAMBER NEWS

Work later, retire poorer, save more, pay more tax.

Britons are not saving enough for their old age, and, as a groundbreaking Government report concluded in 2004, there are really only four answers to the problem:

Lord John McFall Chair WRIC

In May, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members met with Lord John McFall, the Chairman of the new Workplace Retirement Income Commission (WRIC) to put forward their views on the compulsory pensions via employers.

The Facts: Today, a man retiring at 65 will live for, on average, a further 21 years. A woman will live for a further 24 years.

• A pension pot of £100K buys an annual retirement income of roughly £5,000 • The average 56 year old woman has £9,100 in her pension pot • The average man has nearly £53,000 in his pot • 53% of the workforce currently have no pension provision

Work later, retire poorer, save more, pay more tax.

None of these solutions is especially popular, but you only have to look at recent events in countries such as Greece to see what happens when Governments do not grasp the nettle of a hugely expensive welfare state.

In this country the Government has made a start on a number of tricky issues with plans to reform public sector pensions: 1. raise the state pension age to 66 for men and women by 2020 2. adopt a single state pension 3. auto-enrol workers into a state backed pensions vehicle: NEST All these are vital steps to kick-start the retirement savings culture in the UK. Auto-enrolment in particular will get millions of people to save into a workplace pension for the first time.

What is your opinion? Let us know by emailing: cw@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Dismissals at the end of Maternity Leave cover.

A provision exists within the Employment Rights Act 1996 which enables employers to terminate the fixed term contract of an employee who is employed solely to cover for the maternity leave of another employee.

short fixed term contract as a replacement for a permanent post holder who was on maternity leave. When that contract expired, there was no other work available work for him and the claimant’s dismissal resulted.

However, the recently reported case of Victoria and Albert Museum v. Durrant emphasises the need for such an arrangement to be communicated in unambiguous terms such as to leave no doubt on the employees part as to the circumstances in which the contract will come to an end. When, as in this case, the letter to the employer is ambiguous, the provisions of the Employment Rights Act will not be engaged and a finding of unfair dismissal could well result.

The Employment Tribunal found in favour of Mr Durrant when he brought a claim for unfair dismissal. The Employment Appeal Tribunal upheld the original decision of the Employment Tribunal in finding that the communication which surrounded the employment arrangements put in place for this employee were insufficient to enable the employer to rely on the provisions of the Employment Rights Act and straightforwardly terminate his employment once the maternity employee returned to work.

In this particular case, the claimant had a lengthy period of service with the museum. Following a period of illness on his own part, he did not return to his previous post but instead took up a number of temporary positions within the organisation.

The last of these temporary positions was on a

This is a further illustration of the need to ensure that any variations to employees’ contracts are properly drafted and sufficient for the purpose for which they are intended. In this case, the arrangements that were communicated to

New look for recruitment company website.

Recruitment consultant The Personnel People has launched a new website to improve its offering to both clients and candidates.

Su Harvey, Director, said: “Technology moves so quickly and we were more than aware that our old website was not in keeping with the times. We are very proud of our brand new website and are confident that clients and candidates will agree it is eye-catching, easy to use and reflective of all the latest available technology. We are confident that we will see increased traffic to our website and as a result will encourage even more quality applicants to register their details with us.

“James Gooderham, our TEC Manager, worked very closely with our developers Creative Smile over a number of months and the resulting website is, we feel, extremely well constructed.”

The new website can be seen at www.personnelpeople.co.uk

Mr Durrant in a long series of letters were still unsatisfactory in that they did not address the real intention of the employee at the time the changes were made i.e. to enable them on completion of maternity leave to terminate the employee’s employment.

For further advice on contractual terms and variation of contract, please contact Qdos on 01455 850000.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 18

6/7/11 09:41:44

Social Media

- slowly, slowly catchy monkey.

This global phenomenon is a real bonus for all but a few businesses. Like most things it’s possible to get this wrong! The main aim should be promoting and creating interest to drive prospects into your buying process. But remember the sales rules, in particular: • People don’t like to be sold to but they do love to buy. • Don’t concentrate on the product, concentrate on the person. • Create an environment which makes people want to buy. • Don’t pitch too soon, learn about the people first.

If you’re going to use social networking sites, apply these points: Tell people what it is they want to hear, in the way they want to hear it.

Before you do, you need to gain their trust. You need to show you are a trusted resource of information and an expert in the area you have positioned yourself in.

With the pure social sites you’ll need to be more personality orientated and give something of

your personal life, otherwise you’ll just be seen as another business trying to score cheap goals on a site which is designed for friends and family connections and not commerce. With the sites designed more for businesses you can afford to be more business orientated, although you will still need to follow the rules.

Using networking sites to build your database of contacts.

I believe the best use of online networking sites is to build your contact database for a variety of online marketing material. Keep in mind what complimentary information will be of value to your target markets, based upon the different personas identified in your research.

Probably the most effective way to do this is to have regular output which is easy to read and gives the reader a clear vision of your understanding of the issues they face, with solutions to help them. I use this method to help develop, through reminders, what my audience may already know, to educate on aspects they may not have considered or maybe have

By Chris Batten

www.chris-batten.com

forgotten over time. One system for this I have found works well for me is to take the following very obvious and logical steps: n Establish your profile n Send Invitations n Create content n Deliver extracts n Build links n Gain Referrals n Get feedback & learn

Getting the best from your networking sites.

Once you decide to use these sites to help with your marketing and also, perhaps, to raise your profile, you need to consider optimising the content to help get the best results possible. Here are just a few examples of some of the things you can do to achieve your goal: To achieve your goals from your social media strategy be specific; be a thought leader; use links; engage and participate in relevant subjects and make it easy for people to find you.

Are you a local business, or organisation?

LSDWWHU FRP LV D ORFDWLRQ EDVHG 6RFLDO 0HGLD SODWIRUP IRU EXVLQHVVHV DQG RUJDQLVDWLRQV OLNH \RXUV WR NHHS \RXU FXVWRPHUV XSGDWHG Search thousands of businesses & organisations

Connect with things you’re interested in

-RLQ LSDWWHU IRU IUHH WRGD\ DQG JHW DOO WKHVH DPD]LQJ IHDWXUHV 3URÂżOH SDJH ZLWK HPDLO DQG ZHE OLQNV

%XLOG FRQQHFWLRQV DQG SRVW GHWDLOV RI XS WR RQH RIIHU HYHQW RU XSGDWH HDFK GD\ )UHH ORFDO SURPRWLRQ WKURXJK RXU /RFDO WR <RX VHFWLRQ %XLOW LQ 6(2 JLYHV JUHDW VHDUFK HQJLQH UDQNLQJ

Get daily updates & offers local to you

7UDFN DQG YLHZ VWDWLVWLFV RQ \RXU SURÂżOH DQG PHVVDJHV

8SJUDGH WR D 3UHPLXP DFFRXQW LQFOXGLQJ EXLOW LQ ORFDWLRQ EDVHG DGYHUWLVLQJ LPDJHV YLGHR FRQWHQW DQG RQO\ FRPPLVVLRQ RQ YRXFKHU VDOHV IURP MXVW Â&#x2026; SHU PRQWK

* Subject to VAT

LSDWWHU FKDPEHU DGBY LQGG

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 19

PAGE19 6/7/11 09:41:47

NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON EDUCATION

Learning to teach the language language.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Norwich Institute for Language Education (NILE) was set up in 1995 as a specialist institute to provide professional development courses for English language teachers.

Every year we welcome more than 1000 students from over 40 countries to our centres in the city and at UEA, integrating Norwich in the world education community and adding another dimension to traditional educational exchanges.

NILE offers courses covering the whole spectrum of English Language Teaching (ELT), from CELTA (Cambridge ESOL Certificate in

English Language Teaching to Adults) for those starting their ELT career to an MA in Professional Development for Language Education, in addition to further qualifications in ELT and a range of short professional development courses.

beneficial experience. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, all our students are offered homestay accommodation; as well as putting a spare room to good use, this often leads to strong friendships being forged between hosts and guests.

INTO TEFL at NILE is the only official CELTA centre in the Norwich region, and at 99% we have an exceptionally high pass rate. In 2012 we plan to increase the number of our CELTA courses to 10, reflecting the demand from people looking for a career change and graduates alike. As part of this, we will also increase the number of free English classes available to anyone based in Norwich.

The number and range of NILEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s courses continue to grow, as do our premises; we have purchased the old Barclays Bank building on Upper St Giles Street and we intend to convert it into a state-of-the-art teaching building, so as to provide opportunities for both students and the wider community and continue to prove that we make learning special.

Our students are professional adults contributing to the local community both through spending money locally and spreading the word about Norwich abroad. Furthermore, NILE takes care to provide a social programme that embraces not only British, but local culture. We work closely with a variety of businesses and charities in the region to offer them and our students a mutually

For more information about becoming a host, our free English classes or how we can benefit your business, please contact sarah@nile-elt.com www.nile-elt.com

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 20

6/7/11 09:41:50

CHAMBER EVENTS

Diary Dates.

SEPTEMBER

14 Social Media Workshop Half Day Conference

Win an indulgent Pamper Package at Sprowston Manor Increasing the membership of the Norfolk Chamber provides greater opportunity for everyone involved, as it increases our mix of sectors and businesses. This in turn provides our membership with increased potential to lead generate and identify business opportunities. So we are encouraging our existing membership to enhance the diversity available by identifying potential new members to the ultimate business network. So if you know of a business that would benefit from being part of our growing dynamic network please refer them to us through Chamber Referral.

This quarter you can win an indulgent Pamper Package for two people at Sprowston Manor, including one night’s accommodation in a deluxe bedroom, full English breakfast, and a 60-minute ESPA Full Body Massage.

So How do I enter? How do I refer? n Look out for the Chamber Referral cards at events, or n Email your referral to debbie.sykes@norfolkchamber.co.uk and we will complete the card for you.

Entries for this promotion will be taken until 31 July 2011 and winners will be notified directly as well as publicised through Chamber media channels before 8 August 2011.

With tall oak trees lining the drive to the stately 16th century manor house, Sprowston Manor exudes a historic charm and famous Marriott service.

We will inspire you with timely, manor house traditions in a fresh and playful way. A perfect venue for residential conferences, away-days, ‘blue sky thinking’, team meetings and training. Unwind in the renovated La Fontana SPA, or relax in the leisure club by the tropical style pool, dip into the spa bath, steam yourself or work out in the gym. Play golf on the 18-hole, championship course. Corporate golf days and golf and/or leisure memberships also available. Quote NCOC for special offers. For exceptional dining, the AA two Rosette restaurant THE Restaurant & Bar 1559 is open for dinner six days per week. ZEST is bright and relaxing and open all day, seven days per week. A great place to meet for a coffee, lunch or dinner with friends or family.

Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability at the time booking. Treatments must be made at reservation stage. Cannot be exchanged for any other product or services. Not available on a Saturday (room or treatments). Additional treatments at extra cost. Valid to 30 Nov 11.

WHEN? Wednesday, 14 September, 8:15am – 1:00pm WHERE? The Forum, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Due to popular demand – If you want to better understand how social media can strategically help your business, plus top tips on how to get the best out of your efforts and not fall down too many holes, this is the event for you! We are currently putting together the final programme, but it will be dynamic, fun and very informative. We will feed your brain with breakfast and lunch, so allow time at the end of the session to network. For more information: megan.grint@norfolkchamber.co.uk

15 HR Forum, Norwich, Tackling Poor Performance WHEN? Thursday, 15 September, 2:00pm – 5:00pm WHERE? Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Sponsored by Steeles Law. Are your employees up to the job? Do your managers know how to deal with capability issues properly? Do you have the correct procedures in place to deal with poor performance? At the HR Forum, expert speakers from Steeles Law will be looking at the issue of employee performance and how to deal with capability dismissals fairly.

They will consider performance management procedures, as well as long term sickness absence and disability issues. Steeles will also be looking at capability issues with older employees in light of the removal of the default retirement age. For more information: laura.henderson@norfolkchamber.co.uk

21 Business Breakfast, Great Yarmouth WHEN? Wednesday, 21 September, 7:45am – 9:30am WHERE? Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Presenting John Murfitt, details to be announced.

For more information: laura.henderson@norfolkchamber.co.uk

22 North Norfolk Networking WHEN? Thursday, 22 September, 7:45am – 9:30am WHERE? Oddfellows Hall, Sheringham 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. To book: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 21

PAGE21 6/7/11 09:41:53

NORFOLK VOICE

Economic benefits blowing in the wind.

Few emerging business sectors offer quite as much exciting potential for East Anglia as that of offshore wind power.

Work is already well advanced on developing major projects off the area’s coastline, with the focus very firmly on finding ways to make that potential a viable business proposition.

Key to the initiative is the East Anglia Offshore Windfarm Zone (EAOW) being developed by equal partners ScottishPower Renewables and Vattenfall, who were awarded rights to the area from The Crown Estate in its third licensing round for offshore wind projects.

Located 14km off the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk and covering about 6,000 square km, the joint venture hopes to develop, build and operate up to 7.2 gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity. This would generate enough power to meet the equivalent electricity needs of more than five million UK households.

Key to the project is better understanding of the opportunities and among recent initiatives was the appointment of Lowestoft-based Cefas to collect data on the waves and currents off the region’s coast.

As part of the study, three directional wave-rider buoys and two current-profiling devices have been deployed off the coast and will survey the sea for the next 12 months, providing information of wave patterns and tidal flows.

The results from these surveys will not only provide the wind farm development team with information to support applications for wind farm projects, but they will also provide information to support the technical design, construction and the operation and maintenance of wind farms once constructed.

David Walker, EAOW project Development Director, said: “ScottishPower Renewables and Vattenfall are delighted that our efforts to consent, build and operate wind farms offshore from East Anglia will make a telling contribution to the UK’s renewables energy targets and will also provide important scientific data to other organisations.

“We are committed to working with the people of East Anglia and are eager to ensure that as much benefit as possible is given to the region, be that through inward investment or information sharing.”

Angela Scott, of the Environment Agency, said: “Sharing of data allows wider coverage of vulnerable coastlines that enable more effective flood and coastal risk management. Real-time data from these sites will allow the Environment Agency to monitor conditions during events and adjust warnings as necessary for the higher flood risk low lying east coast areas. The data would also be used to validate local models and hence improve local flood forecast over time, allowing better respond to the prevailing coastal conditions”.

The move to offshore wind has influential backing in the corridors of power and the Government recently emphasised that with the announcement of major investment.

Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the start of a competition to form an Offshore Renewable Energy technology and innovation centre to focus on technologies for offshore wind, wave and tidal power.

The Government has committed more than £200 million over the next four years to establish an elite network of at least six technology and innovation centres. The centres allow businesses to access equipment and expertise to help them commercialise new and emerging technology.

A great example of how a such a technology innovation centre could work in East Anglia, is OrbisEnergy, the innovation and incubation centre for offshore renewables based at Ness Point, Lowestoft.

Johnathan Reynolds, of OrbisEnergy, which is owned by Suffolk County County, and managed

by NWES Property Services, said: “The concept of a technology innovation centre is one that is interesting people in this area.

“OrbisEnergy, for example, already has many of the component parts of the proposed TICs and we will be lobbying hard to try and secure significant investment into East Anglia. We will be positioning OrbisEnergy and East Anglia as key drivers for such a centre, building on the strong offshore renewables platform we've already created.”

For Vince Cable, the idea has strong potential.

He said: “The UK is a world leader in offshore engineering and our reputation makes us an excellent location for research in this area.

“In creating an Offshore Renewable Energy technology and innovation centre, we are taking the next step to transforming the UK into a low carbon economy. There is a clear opportunity for the Government to support the UK’s offshore industry and this centre will be of great benefit to the sector and the economy.

“The Government is committed to greening the economy and despite the difficult financial challenges we face, we have already achieved a great amount, such as a vision for a Green Investment Bank and a commitment to world leading carbon reduction.”

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said: “The Government’s continued investment in technology and innovation centres ensure the UK stays at the forefront of global innovation and technology.

“It is vital we invest in renewable energy now to gain maximum benefits in the future. There is huge potential for growth in the sector, and the prospect to generate billions of pounds for the economy whilst creating thousands of job opportunities at the same time.”

Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board Iain Gray said: “These centres will be a vital part of the UK’s innovation landscape and enable world leading businesses to emerge in these areas.”

Vince Cable also announced that £20 million will be invested into two clean technology funds, Zouk Cleantech 2 and HG Capital Renewable Power Partners 2, as part of the £325 million UK Innovation Investment Fund (UKIIF).

The funds will support innovative businesses with high growth potential that are raising equity finance. The money will then flow into companies working on: n Alternative energy generation; n Renewable energy infrastructure including wind farms; n Energy efficiency; and n Water treatment and conservation.

Mr Cable said: “The Government is committed to increasing investment in clean technologies to support innovation and growth. This funding provides the support to allow private sector industries to grow and for them to become more energy efficient. Transforming the UK into a low carbon economy is a great challenge, but one that we are taking seriously with investments such as this.”

Continues page 25

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 22

6/7/11 09:41:53

COVER FEATURE

By John Dean deangriss@btinternet.com

We are committed to working with the people of East Anglia and are eager to ensure that as much benefit as possible is given to the region, be that through inward investment or information sharing David Walker

EAOW project Development Director

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 23

PAGE23 6/7/11 09:42:03

NORFOLK VOICE

East Anglia is one of the most exciting places in the country for energy and is doing some of the most important, inspiring work in renewables.

Charles Hendry Energy Minister

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 24

6/7/11 09:42:07

COVER FEATURE

From page 22

A sector ready to realise its potential.

Among those convinced that the sector holds great promise for the future is Johnathan Reynolds, of OrbisEnergy.

Here, he explains why offshore wind offers so much potential for the East Anglian area.

East Anglia is at the heart of the UK’s offshore wind industry, with the supply chain, skills base and infrastructure ready for action.

It’s well known that the offshore wind industry is a critical source of future energy supply for the UK and is a sector of the economy which has still to fully mature. The East Anglian region is at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind deployment and the UK’s most dense area of offshore wind energy development between the Humber, Greater Wash and Thames Estuary, with a market value in excess of £200bn.

A highly developed offshore supply chain has led to competitive operating costs in the offshore sector, with the full breadth of the manufacturing and services industry to the offshore sector located here.

For more than 45 years, the region, in particular the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft area, has supplied a versatile and respected workforce for offshore industries across the globe, with the region incorporating unrivalled facilities for training.

With major port facilities all around the shoreline, such as Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Harwich, the region possesses the infrastructure and expertise to provide logistics solutions to enable the industry to develop in the UK. We have one of the best wind resources in the world and plenty of shallow seas in which to expand. We are home to world-class engineering expertise, with particular strengths in offshore operations thanks to our experience of extracting oil and gas from the North Sea.

And, crucially, with 400 turbines already in place and a further 300 being installed, we have first mover advantage.

The region’s rich history in offshore operations, innovation and technology, coupled with world-class credentials in automotive design, engineering and manufacturing gives East Anglia a unique offering.

The region has a vital role to play in the future of the UK’s energy industry. With a wide mix of energy generation – from gas and offshore wind to bio-ethanol and nuclear – it’s a microcosm of where we need to be for the whole of the UK in order to secure and develop our energy supplies for generations to come.

At the centre of all of this is OrbisEnergy, a stateof-the-art specialist innovation and incubation centre that sits on Britain’s most easterly location at Ness Point in Lowestoft.

Our prime objective is to maximise the supply chain opportunities associated with the rapid development of offshore renewables in the North Sea, and to help regional businesses take advantage of the many opportunities the growing sector offers.

developed, the site will be home to a significant proportion of the supply chain for offshore technologies such as offshore wind, allowing for manufacturing and fabrication, business incubation and skills training.

OrbisEnergy plays a major role in ensuring all the links in the supply chain have access to this fast-growing industry of wind, tidal and wave renewable energy sources, helping build partnerships and commercial links among suppliers, contractors, engineers, manufacturers and research centres.

OrbisEnergy also forms a strategic link as part of the region’s ‘Corridor of Power’ with its sister facilities Beacon Innovation Centre in Great Yarmouth focussing on the offshore gas sectors, and the Leiston Enterprise Centre focusing on the civil nuclear sectors, itself close to the Sizewell nuclear power stations.

East Anglia: the powerhouse for an offshore revolution. * For further information please contact Johnathan on 07787 518643 jr@orbisenergy.net

OrbisEnergy was opened in late-2008 and among the 30 or so businesses we already have based at the centre are anchor tenants Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Ltd, with its joint venture partners SSE Renewables and RWE npower renewables already investing in a state-of-the-art operations base in Lowestoft; and East Anglian Offshore Wind Ltd, with its joint venture partners Scottish Power Renewables and Vattenfall. The hub has also gained ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification, further demonstrating its own commitment to the low carbon agenda.

During a recent visit to OrbisEnergy, Charles Hendry, the Energy Minister, said: “East Anglia is one of the most exciting places in the country for energy and is doing some of the most important, inspiring work in renewables.

“What is especially exciting is that OrbisEnergy brings together people with ideas and enthusiasm and helps them get established. This is exactly the sort of groundbreaking work we need, bringing all the links in the chain together."

OrbisEnergy is the flagship building in an area of Lowestoft that is being developed as an offshore technology park – ‘PowerPark’. Once fully

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 25

PAGE25 6/7/11 09:42:11

NORFOLK VOICE

Making the most of Inheritance Tax exemptions.

The Budget in March confirmed that the nil rate band for inheritance tax will remain at £325,000 until 2015. This is the amount you can leave without paying inheritance tax on your death.

Any amounts left to charity whether by gift of shares, cash or any other asset are exempt.

Whilst on the subject of charities, there was an announcement in the Budget that if you leave at least 10% of your estate to charity then the remainder of the estate would suffer a lower rate of inheritance tax of 36% (as opposed to 40%).

Full details are not yet available on this as we are currently in a consultation period, but it may be worth reviewing your Will. The planned start date is 6 April 2012.

It is therefore important to make the most of the other exemptions, some in your lifetime, as follows:You can give away £3,000 in any one tax year. If you have not used the allowance from the previous year, this can also be used but not carried forward any further.

Anne Richardson

You can leave £250 to any number of persons (other than those who benefit from the £3,000 above).

This is useful for grandchildren etc. If you are fortunate to have substantial income then you are able to make gifts that are termed to be “normal expenditure out of income”. For these to be exempt from inheritance tax they need to

Personal Tax Partner

be an amount that is able to be paid out of your excess income (after tax and after normal living expenses), not deplete your capital and you also need to establish a regular pattern of giving.

to the gift itself; this is not correct – it applies to the tax payable.

Therefore, if your gift is under the nil rate band as above, then there will be no tax payable and therefore no tax to taper.

Make the most of these reliefs and take professional advice as appropriate.

For more information on this topic, or any other tax query, please contact Anne Richardson on 0845 4502471 or at privateclientservices@larking-gowen. co.uk

You are at liberty to give away further amounts not covered by the exemptions above and, providing you live for seven years after making the gift, this will be exempt from inheritance tax. You may have also heard of “tapering relief”, if you live at least three years after making the gift. There is a common misunderstanding that the taper amount applies

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.

You can

count on us

After all, it’s what we do for a living. Lovewell Blake will always guarantee a professional, friendly service, with that something extra when you need it, helping you to get on with running your business. l l l l l

Accounts & audit Pensions & investments Payroll & bookkeeping Corporate finance Business recovery

l l l l l

VAT, CIS, PAYE & NIC Self assessment Tax planning Family business support Human resources consultancy

Graham Sillett | 01603 663300 | gms@lovewell-blake.co.uk

www.lovewell-blake.co.uk Offices: Great Yarmouth 01493 335100 | Halesworth 01986 873163 Lowestoft 01502 563921 | Norwich 01603 663300 | Thetford 01842 755032 Market day offices: Aylsham, Diss, Long Melford and North Walsham

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 regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 26

6/7/11 09:42:18

FINANCE

Fund offers companies a route to finance.

For most companies, securing finance is crucial, which is why the recent announcement

by Business Secretary Vince Cable of the Business Growth Fund is so important.

Established to help Britain’s smaller and medium sized businesses with an annual turnover of around £10m to £100m, the fund has major backing from the financial sector.

It is an independent fund of up to £2.5 billion, supported by five of the UK’s main banking groups – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS, and Standard Chartered – and working in collaboration with the British Bankers’ Association.

Vince Cable said: “The Business Growth Fund is ready to make substantial equity investments into ambitious mid-cap British companies who are set to create the business success stories of the coming years.

“To see the fund ready to invest so quickly is greatly encouraging and I look forward to the first successful firms receiving funding.”

The BGF will invest approximately £2m to £10m per business in return for a minimum 10% equity stake and a seat on the board for a BGF director.

It will provide long-term equity investment for those growing companies which do not have access to this kind of capital.

Dr. Cable added: “Alongside new government support for exporters and commitments made by the banks to increase the credit available to businesses of all sizes, this private fund will provide crucial support to the firms generating the employment our economy needs.”

Fund Chair Sir Nigel Rudd said: “The Business Growth Fund began life as a 37-word sentence published in the Business Finance Taskforce report. The report outlined 17 measures that would be taken by the UK’s largest banks to help the UK economy grow out of recession and help businesses, large and small.

“Today those 37 words are a reality. The Business Growth Fund plc is open and ready for business.

“Before the last election I spoke to David Cameron on one of his visits to this City and told him quite bluntly that small and medium sized companies needed more equity, not more debt.

The Secretary of State has been very vocal in exhorting banks to lend more and so they should, but in my long experience a solid, permanent capital base is essential for growing companies.

“By the end of the year we expect to have five offices around the country with up to 100 staff.

We will be regionally based. Our investment teams will be firmly rooted in their regional and local business communities – accessible, approachable, and actively looking for opportunities to support growing UK companies.

“Our ambition is nothing less than to create the household business names and listed companies of tomorrow. It will not happen overnight, but I am confident that it will happen.”

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 27

n Vince Cable

PAGE27 6/7/11 09:42:23

NV05.indd 28

6/7/11 09:42:31

Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

We put local business first – and our service is second to none If you’re starting out in business, struggling with tax returns, or looking for a proactive accountant that puts you first, choose Stephenson Smart.

We’ve got the expertise, the services and the team of professionals to make a real difference to you and your business.

22 - 26 King Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1HJ Telephone 01553 774104 Connaught House, 11 Oak Street, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9DX Telephone 01328 863318 2 The Crescent, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 1EH Telephone 01945 463383 www.stephenson-smart.com

NV05.indd 29

6/7/11 09:42:43

NV05.indd 30

6/7/11 09:42:47

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

When being hospitable pays off.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Corporate entertainment can be one of those things that comes under pressure in tight economic times, but there are some important reasons why it should be continued.

The key reason is that it maintains relationships with clients. In a fast-moving age dominated by the Internet, texting and Cloud Computing, the personal touch is highly valued.

Often it is when client and customer are together, watching a sporting event or enjoying a good meal, that business is done, relationships are forged and deals struck.

Creating that kind of environment takes many forms. For many companies, it often revolves around sporting events, a trip to the races, a day at the cricket or perhaps a meal followed by watching Norwich City destroy (hopefully) Premiership opponents at Carrow Road. However, there are other options, trips, teambuilding events among them.

suggested that its value was expected to increase by 2% this year.

The key to them all is time away from the office and a sense that the company staging the corporate hospitality values those whom it has invited.

That figure is in sharp contrast to 2009, when a 5% decline took turnover to a five year low of ÂŁ933 million. This was attributed to lower levels of spending on corporate hospitality by businesses seeking to minimise costs by cutting back on marketing and related activities.

But does the idea have a future in a time of financial realism and ever-more-rapid communications technology? Well, according to market researchers MBD, the answer is yes.

Last Summer, the company released a major survey into the hospitality market which

This is believed to reflect an increase in demand from businesses in the UK, as the economy begins to recover following difficult economic conditions and they start to feel a little more confident.

The turnaround started happening last year when a one per cent growth was recorded. Prior to 2009, sales growth was recorded in each year between 2006 and 2008, with turnover peaking at ÂŁ1045 million in the latter year, driven by a series of major sporting events.

The upturn has a similar cause. MBD predicted that in 2011, demand for corporate hospitality is projected to increase to ÂŁ1024 millions because of the positive effects of the London 2012 Olympic Games and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. That increase is expected to gather pace as the events approach.

Whatever the reason and whatever the causes, the statistics underline what has been known for a long time, that companies are prepared to invest in corporate hospitality if they can see something to be gained for it. The increase this year and last underlined the importance that business still places on showing clients and staff alike that there is life after work.

Often it is when client and customer are together, watching a sporting event or enjoying a good meal, that business is done, relationships are forged and deals struck.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 31

PAGE31 6/7/11 09:42:54

NV05.indd 32

6/7/11 09:43:03

we speak your language… ...and we write it, too.

LINEA is a leading documentation and technical translation company

LINEA Network (UK) Ltd

serving major European energy suppliers and the nuclear energy

Beacon Innovation Centre

industry. We’ve been based in Europe since 1991.

LINEA Network (UK) Ltd specialises in providing the energy industry with first-class translation and documentation development services.

Together with our Stuttgart, south Germany, office we supply all European languages. We translate and write thousands of pages every

Beacon Park Gorleston Great Yarmouth NR31 7RA Tel. 01493 446520 Fax 01493 446521 Email: office@linea-network.de www.linea-network.de

year, for texts such as: Our European headquarters are in Stuttgart, south Germany: l

safety reports

l

operating manuals

LINEA Language & Information Network for Europe

l

international standards

l

scientific studies

D-73265 Dettingen/Teck

Kelterstr. 97 Germany

In fact, if it’s engineering or energy, we do it.

For more information, please contact:

office@linea-network.de

NV05.indd 33

Tel. +49 7021 509 6714 Fax +49 7021 509 6715

LINEA 6/7/11 09:43:06

NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON ENVIROMENTAL

Global challenges, local business response response.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The issue of climate change is at the heart of the drive towards more sustainable and resource efficient businesses. In the UK, legislation and best practice standards are in place to help drive emissions reductions but it is a huge challenge and climate change is a global problem.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions increased by a record amount last year to the highest carbon output in history with most of the rise coming from developing countries.

The vast majority of electricity globally comes from burning fossil fuels and releasing CO2 into the atmosphere that was otherwise trapped underground. Following the recent disaster at the Fukushima nuclear reactor, Japan and Germany have called a halt to their nuclear power programmes with Germany committing to shutting all its reactors by 2022.

With a continuing widespread use of fossil fuels and growing pressure to reconsider nuclear as a low carbon alternative, preventing a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees Celsius (considered to be the threshold for potentially dangerous climate change) is, therefore, going to be extremely challenging.

Climate change is widely recognised as the single biggest and most urgent challenge facing humanity requiring strong political will, globally binding agreements and international collaboration. This at a time when there is widespread conflict and economic stagnation in parts of the world.

The global population is also expected to reach 7 billion in 2011 and 9.3 billion by 2050 with the majority of the increase occurring in developing countries. This will further increase the demand on the world’s natural resources leading to increased costs for a wide range of raw materials and more uncertainty in the security and distribution of supplies between developed and developing nations.

Energy security and the availability of raw materials are substantial global environmental

issues but they also manifest as conventional business problems at a local level. Security of suppliers, rising energy costs, the availability of raw materials and market stability are all routine challenges for UK enterprises, which are linked to wide-ranging environmental influences and so require management to ensure long term security and profitable operation.

From a business management perspective, the first step for any organisation is to understand where the greatest business impacts and exposures lie. Without this benchmarking assessment it is not possible to effectively manage the business and its direction for the future.

On a simpler level, all organisations share common characteristics from an environmental point of view. They all consume raw materials, use electricity, exploit water and take advantage of other finite resources. They often damage habitat and the wider natural environment and all generate waste. By better management of these issues, all organisations could reduce operating costs by being more efficient in terms of what they consume and less wasteful and damaging in terms of environmental impact. Consuming less and wasting less is a great idea for all businesses from a quick win money-saving perspective. It also clearly makes a contribution to tackling the much more substantial issues discussed earlier whilst also helping secure the business’s future prosperity.

Benchmarking Assessment please contact our Shining Earth™ team on shiningearth@deltasimons.com or visit www.shiningearth.co.uk With energy and raw material prices growing faster than inflation and competition more intense than ever, what business leader worth their salt would pass up on a free cost-saving and business-winning opportunity like that?

We can provide advice and help on the following issues; n Carbon Management n Corporate Responsibility n Energy n Green Buildings n Resource Efficiency n Green Marketing & Events For further information go to www.shiningearth.co.uk Shining Earth™, the sustainability division of Delta-Simons Environmental Consultants , providing services in the following areas; n Contaminated Land n Ecology n Geotechnical n Drilling n Environmental Health & Safety n Waste Management For further information please go to www.deltasimons.com

Whatever your stance is on the issue of climate change, a more resource efficient business is a more profitable organisation. Furthermore, enhancing an organisation’s environmental credentials often provides marketing opportunities and improves tender applications for business-winning opportunity too.

For a free initial consultation on resource efficiency or for further details of our Resource Efficiency Study or Exposure and Opportunity

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 34

6/7/11 09:43:10

CHAMBER NEWS

Healthy approach at City College Norwich.

City College has a comprehensive range of health and wellbeing benefits in place to support staff, including an in-house occupational health service, confidential counselling services, free membership to Simply Health, on-site health checks and other medical benefits including flu jabs, onsite fitness classes including Yoga and circuit training and subsidised complementary therapies.

Hilary Bright, Head of HR Services, said: “We are known locally for our wellbeing initiatives and are often consulted for advice and to share good practice. A lot of the benefits that we have available were originally suggested and put in place by staff.

“It does take an investment of time and commitment to improve staff wellbeing and it won’t happen overnight. But you don’t need to have the budgets of a multinational company to get started. Through the SHAW Employer Network you can find local organisations which can provide help and advice and share tips and resources with other businesses in your area.”

CHAMBER DIGEST Broadband success A bid by Norfolk County Council to bring super-fast broadband to large swathes of Norfolk has paid off after the Government agreed to match the authority’s £15 million investment. The council submitted a bid to Broadband Delivery UK in April for a share of a £530 million national fund to improve availability. Now the council has been informed that its bid is one of the first in the country to get the go ahead. The council hopes to award a contract with a supplier by September 2012 with work on the ground starting shortly after. Derrick Murphy, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “This really is fantastic news for Norfolk and I am sure the ‘Norfolk United’ approach of ourselves, our MPs, businesses and the EDP speaking with one voice has been very helpful in ensuring our message has been heard so clearly in Westminster.”

HMP Wayland leads the way.

HMP Wayland holds regular lunchtime sessions to advise employees on staying healthy at work, to remind them of the facilities available for them to use and to introduce programmes such as the recent quit-smoking support offered to employees.

On-site fitness facilities include a gym and a cycle shed stocked with bikes available for staff to use. The prison also has an immunisation programme and an occupational health service.

Kevin Reilly, Prison Governor, said: “Our approach to health and wellbeing can only have a positive effect on staff/prisoner relationships, which are integral to the successful operation of the prison. Helping to keep people

fit is also important to remain on track within the national sickness target, which we are now well below, thanks to the initiatives we have in place.”

CHAMBER DIGEST Contract award Great Yarmouth-based Conductor Installation Services Ltd (CIS), an Acteon company, has been awarded the largest contract in its history

by Weatherford Nigeria. The USD multi-million dollar contract requires CIS to provide a range of conductor installation services in Nigeria on behalf of two major operators in the region.

Services will be carried out in conjunction with construction of a jetty, onshore and offshore platforms, and offshore stand-alone conductors.

“We are very excited to have been awarded this extraordinary contract by Weatherford Nigeria to provide services on a construction programme of this magnitude,” said Andy Penman, Group Managing Director of CIS.

New websites are launched. www.cleanenergyconsultancy.co.uk

Architectural Consultants, Paul Robinson Partnership (uk) LLP has just launched a new-look website as well. The site has been designed to enable users to view regularly updated photos of projects showcasing the Practice’s designs and projects.

Lyn Robertson, Business Development Director, said: “As our business grows, our website needs to better reflect the range and depth of independent and impartial renewable technology consultancy services we offer businesses and organisations.

The site lists all the services PRP has been offering for many years now but also has focus on sustainable issues affecting the construction industry. It also has a news page, where regular updates will be posted on industry news, project status with much more and includes links to ipatter and PRP’s new facebook page.

“The new site is full of additional information, including a section on funding, a large number of case studies, energy saving advice, up to date company news and events, as well as full details of the services we provide.

Kings Lynn-based Yourspace Studio brought together the concept created by Stuart Clarke, Associate, and Ellen Webster, Practice Manager, to produce the new user friendly site.

The site can be found at

Clean Energy Consultancy Ltd has launched its new website:

“This progression demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and clients can come to us confident in the knowledge we will provide them with exacting information to meet their financial and sustainable aspirations.”

www.paulrobinsonpartnership.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 35

PAGE35 6/7/11 09:43:10

NORFOLK VOICE

A real business advantage.

Chamber Purchasing is proving extremely popular with members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, who are taking advantage of very attractive prices on a huge range of products and services through free and exclusive access to AF Affinity.

AF Affinity, which are based just outside Norwich, are able to offer members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce a competitive service because they are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anglia Farmers (the largest agricultural purchasing group in the UK with a negotiating turnover of £200 million) and benefit from their purchasing power.

Norfolk Chamber members can purchase products and services ranging from commercial electricity and renewable energy, to mobile phones, vehicles, stationery, office furniture and waste services. These can be viewed on the AF Affinity website, www.af-affinity.co.uk which lists a huge range of products and services as well as the latest offers, when registered members log in with their password.

Norfolk Chamber members can also offer their staff access to an attractive staff benefit scheme for free by signing up to Chamber Employee Rewards. This gives employees access to a full range of consumer products at attractive prices, including white goods, mobile phones, vehicles, heating oil, BUPA healthcare, KwikFit tyres and much more.

AF Affinity general manager, Jeremy Philippi, explains: “We see a variety of enquiries coming across our desks, ranging from paper to breeze

blocks, and with our purchasing power we are able to offer these at excellent prices.

we use our influence to ensure members receive a first class service from suppliers.”

“But AF Affinity is about much more than just price. We are a Norfolk-based company which understands the business needs of members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and

AF Affinity recently helped develop the Norwich conference venue, The Space, for Chamber members, The Proclaimers, by sourcing many of the materials for the project at very competitive rates.

We see a variety of enquiries coming across our desks, ranging from paper to breeze blocks, and with our purchasing power we are able to offer these at excellent prices.

Owen Morgan, centre manager for The Space, who also bought his car through AF Affinity, said: “AF Affinity has saved us hundreds, maybe even thousands of pounds in developing The Space, from building materials to stationery. It’s helped us to create a unique and flexible venue, one that won’t break the bank every time you use it.”

Some Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members who have already taken advantage the chamber purchasing scheme include Archant, Norfolk Constabulary, Arnolds, Alan Boswells and Lovewell Blake.

For further information contact Jeremy Philippi on 01603 881 892 or visit www.af-affinity.co.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 36

6/7/11 09:43:16

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.

First aid Employers in Norfolk are being offered the opportunity to save time and money on their first aid training. St John Ambulance is offering businesses in the region bespoke, on-site training on the client’s premises. Sue Skoyles, East Regional Training Manager for St John Ambulance, said: “We believe that providing courses on client sites can provide a cost effective and convenient way for employers to make sure they have sufficient numbers of staff trained in first aid.”

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.

To discuss your organisation’s first aid needs please contact 0844 324 5535 or go to www.sja.org.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 37

PAGE37 6/7/11 09:43:18

NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING

A fresh approach.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

BuyinConfidence Ltd have offices based in Blofield, just east of Norwich and are manufacturers of specialist antiperspirants, deodorants and skin care products.

The company was started in 2005, by Scott Duffy and his wife Justine, who found that many friends and colleagues were experiencing issues with nuisance sweating and that all had found the current

antiperspirant offerings were completely inefficient and unable to adequately control excessive sweating. There seemed a clear need for a product that could solve this problem.

sweating, underarm wetness or problem odour and this is where Perspi Guard Antiperspirant excels; it is strong enough to treat the most severe sweat problems but mild enough for more mainstream use.

“Countless products are marketed with claims of providing ‘Total Protection’ and, ‘48hr Odour Control’ but we found that in reality, none of these products lived up to their claims. I was aware of the condition Hyperhidrosis and that there were already products on the market designed to control this issue, but market research highlighted the fact that out-dated formulas where far too harsh on the skin to make them a viable treatment option. We developed the Perspi Guard brand in order to create a range of antiperspirant treatments that would eliminate problem wetness and odour without causing irritation”.

Perspi Guard is a clinically proven antiperspirant treatment designed to be used not only under the arms, but also on hands, feet and anywhere else sweating is a problem.

It is so effective the treatment is applied just once or twice per week before bed to clean dry skin.

Perspi Guard was actually created for the medical condition called Hyperhidrosis which affects around 4% of the population. However, almost half of us suffer at various times with excessive

BuyinConfidence Ltd currently produces seven unique treatments designed to combat problem sweating (Hyperhidrosis) and body odour (Bromhidrosis), with several more in development. Aside from their signature line, they also produce a range of natural deodorants, aluminium & alcohol free antiperspirant, underarm sweat liners and an antibacterial body wash. The bulk of the formulations can be found sold under their internationally registered Perspi Guard trade mark, but the company also provides private label production for in markets around the globe. These own label goods are sold amongst blue-chip brand ranges for various different companies.

Perspi Guard products can be found in pharmacy chains across the UK, such as Rowlands, Davidsons, Numark and hundreds of independent chemists. BuyinConfidence export their products to exclusive distributors in 21 countries, as far away as Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines and to more local markets such as, Ireland, Turkey, Croatia and Cyprus.

For more information, please see www.perspi-guard.co.uk or call 0845 643 9545

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 38

6/7/11 09:43:22

Contract and specialist cleaning services delivered throughout Norfolk and East Anglia, including Daily office cleaning

Floor restoration

Washroom supplies

Specialist cleaning services

High level and deep cleaning

Norwich office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01603 710101 Colchester office - 01206 215300

www.monthindclean.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 39

PAGE39 6/7/11 09:43:52

NORFOLK VOICE

Reach 170,000 shoppers per week for as little as £25 Vancouver Quarter is a spacious, open-air, pedestrianised shopping complex located next to King’s Lynn bus station, major car parks and is on the main thoroughfare from the railway station (1 hour 30 minutes to Kings Cross).

With around 170,000 visitors a week, the £26 million refurbishment of Vancouver Quarter, has transformed King’s Lynn’s appeal as a shopping destination. The scheme which is fully integrated into the town consists of a strong line-up of retailers including T.K.Maxx, New Look and TJHughes. Other retailers in the town include M&S, River Island, Primark, Topshop and Next.

With a full programme of events and activities taking place throughout the year, We can work together with you to ensure your business receives the maximum possible impact in our centre.

past clients include: Eon, Sky, Saab, Vauxhall, Talk Talk, Norfolk Green, KLFC, AA You can select a full package or we can tailor-make one for you. Choose from: l In centre promotion space l Website banners ads l In centre banners/posters

l Database and Social Media Marketing l Wifi Advertising

For more information please contact Abbie Panks, Marketing Manage

01553 819901 abbiepanks@vancouverquarter.com

7 L;HI7J?B; L;DK; ?D J>; 9;DJH; E< DEHM?9> JE 8EEA YWbb J^[ <ehkc" Dehm_Y^ ed &',&) -(-/+& eh ;cW_b ki Wj _d\e6j^[\ehkcdehm_Y^$Ye$ka 9edjWYj ki je Z_iYkii oekh _dZ_l_ZkWb h[gk_h[c[dji WdZ \eh W ikhfh_i_d]bo Yecf[j_j_l[ gkej[

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 40

6/7/11 09:44:04

REGIONAL NEWS

Record number of entries for Mayor’s Design Awards.

The 2010 Mayor’s Awards for Design in the Environment winners are:

Category - Refurbishment Winner - 20 St Ann’s Street, King’s Lynn Owner: Mr Paul Lane, Agent: Mr I Bix and Associates Highly Commended - Moulsham House, Stoke Ferry Owner: Mr Peter Martin, Builder: Mr G V Bensley

n Overall Gold Award Winners

n Overall Silver Award Winners

category for an award. This year’s awards attracted a record 39 entries – more than double the number of entries last year.

Councillor Mrs Zipha Christopher, who was Mayor at the time and presented the awards as well as being on the judging panel, said: “The standard of the entries was very high and, as always, it was incredibly difficult to select the winners.

However, I know that we gave the awards to exemplary recipients, and that the winners have much enhanced their surroundings and thus the borough." n Overall Gold Award Winner, 14 St James Street Before...

n Overall Gold Award Winner, 14 St James Street after....

A presentation for the winners of the Mayor’s Awards for Design in the Environment took place at the Town Hall in King’s Lynn to recognise the efforts of individuals, builders and designers.

Schemes entered for an award ranged from extensions, new builds, renovations, commercial schemes and community amenity projects. This year, of the 39 applications received, 29 were shortlisted for awards. All these schemes were then visited by the judging panel before the final winners were selected.

Stuart Ashworth, Planning Control Manager, said: "We never fail to be impressed by the standard of schemes nominated for these awards.

Architects, designers and builders continually bring forward schemes that are sensitive to their surroundings and yet are innovative and creative. Showcasing these awardwinning designs helps to provide inspiration for others who may be embarking on their own development within the borough."

Category - Residential Extension Winner - 14 St James Street, King’s Lynn Owners: Mr and Mrs Howard, Agent: Mr Mark Loake, Tower Consultancy Highly Commended - School House, Welney Owner: Mr and Mrs Haycock, Agent: Grahame Seaton Category - Non Residential Extension Winner - Titchwell Manor Hotel, Titchwell Owner: Mr and Mrs Snaith, Agent: Mr Gareth Mower, Russen and Turner Design Category - Single New Build Winner - Cedar Cottage, Thornham Owner: Mr and Mrs Morton, Agent: Jason and April Law, Strata Architectural Ltd Highly Commended - 25 Manor Lane, Snettisham Owner: Mr and Mrs Howard, Agent: Mr Richard Waite RIBA AABC Dip Arch (Leics) Category - Small Multiple New Build Winner - Charles Dewar Close, Great Massingham Owner: Freebridge Community Housing (Mr Jeremy Mason) Agent: Mr Paul Dunthorne, The Design Partnership (Ely) Ltd Highly Commended - Barley Mow Court, King’s Lynn Owner: Mr N Link, Agent: Mr Richard Waite RIBA AABC Dip Arch (Leics) Category - Commercial Winner - New Distillery, Norfolk Lavender, Heacham Owner - Norfolk Lavender, Agent: Karen Bradley Overall Silver Award Winner: Cedar Cottage, Thornham Owners: Mr and Mrs Morton, Agent: Jason and April Law, Strata Architectural Ltd

The awards were introduced in 1998 to draw attention to some of the innovative design in the borough and to highlight the high quality of smaller schemes not recognised by larger national award schemes.

Each year the Mayor, along with a panel of judges, selects the best scheme in each

Category - Community Amenity Winner - Floral Tribute Area, Mintlyn Crematorium Agent: Mr Simon Lemmon, Distinct Designs Highly Commended - Hunstanton Methodist Church, Hunstanton Owner: Managing Trustees, Agent: Mr Paul Hutchings, PDG Architects

n Small Multiple New Build Winner

Overall Gold Award Winner: 14 St James Street, King’s Lynn Owners: Mr and Mrs Howard, Agent: Mr Mark Loake, Tower Consultancy

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 41

PAGE41 6/7/11 09:44:06

ARE YOU READY FOR THE AGENCY WORKERS REGULATIONS?

From 1st October 2011 agency workers will have enhanced rights to equal pay, working time, and holidays as well as access to facilities at the hirers’ site.

The Regulations are complex, however at The Personnel People all of our staff are fully trained on the new regulations. We are ready to support you and your business and work together to find the solution that best suits you.

A brief overview: Rights on Day 1 • Agency worker becomes entitled to collective facilities and amenities.

• Hirer must inform agency workers of suitable vacant positions.

NV05.indd 42

Rights after 12 week qualifying period • Agency worker becomes entitled to equal treatment to permanent staff members. This means equal pay, bonus scheme, working time, night work, rest breaks and annual leave to comparable employees doing the same job.

• A break of minimum 6 weeks between assignments in the same hirer or a new role which is different breaks the accrual period.

• As a hirer you have the same option to use agency workers as a flexible workforce on the same basis as you have to date. We will manage the process and by implementing starter rates you could actually reduce costs.

To discuss further please contact us on (01603) 761717.

We would also be very happy to meet with you to guide you through the process. Our aim as always is to ensure you experience the best agency service.

6/7/11 09:44:08

BUSINESS NEWS

Agency Workers Regulations 2010.

What are The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (AWR)?

The government has now published its guidance notes on the implementation and implications of these Regulations which come into force on 1 October 2011. The AWR affect Great Britain, with Northern Ireland publishing its own regulations. This article is intended as a guide to any organisation that may be affected by the AWR. The AWR apply to:

If any of your business activities fall into the category of Temporary Work Agency or Hirer, you are subject to the AWR.

Qualifying for equal treatment The AWR give agency workers new entitlements from the first day of the assignment referred to as Day 1 rights and additional pay and basic working entitlements following a 12-week qualifying period.

Overview n Access to facilities; such as the staff canteen, transport facilities, car parking and child-care facilities; and n Access to vacancies; the right to be notified of any job vacancies within the Hirer.

n Individuals and organisations involved in the supply of agency workers, whether directly or indirectly, to work temporarily under the supervision of the Hirer; and

This is not a right to special treatment. For example if there is a waiting list for facilities i.e. a car parking space the temporary agency worker will be added to the list.

n Any Hirer

Rights after 12 weeks in the same job

What is a Temporary Work Agency (TWA)?

Overview

What is an Agency Worker?

An agency worker, often called a temp, is a person who has a contract with the TWA but works temporarily for, and under the direction and supervision of, a Hirer. There is a tripartite relationship between the TWA, the agency worker and the Hirer.

The steps to be taken to ensure compliance with the AWR are very much determined by the nature of your organisation and whether you act as a Temporary Work Agency or whether you fall into the category of a Hirer.

Day 1 rights

n Individuals who work as agency workers;

A TWA is an agency who supplies agency workers to work temporarily for a third party who is the Hirer. The agency worker operates under the supervision of the Hirer but has a contract of employment or service contract with the TWA. The Regulations cover traditional agencies but also extend as far as intermediaries, which will include umbrella companies and master vendors. Sometimes, the hire of agency workers is managed for the Hirer by a neutral vendor who does not employ the agency workers directly or sources other recruitment agencies. Most of these organisations will be categorised as a TWA in view of their involvement in the supply of individuals and the forwarding of payments to such individuals.

What can my organisation do to ensure that we comply with the AWR?

These new equal treatment entitlements will only come into effect after the agency worker completes a 12-week qualifying period with the same Hirer. They are: n Pay related to work undertaken on assignment n Duration of working time n Night work

Cutting the cost of business training.

The Skill Up Norfolk training website has been going from strength to strength, with over 160 training providers to search from. So there has never been a better time to find the right training courses for your business.

One of the best things about Skill Up Norfolk is that it is completely free to use, and you can call a dedicated helpline if you need to know more or discuss the available options.

n Rest periods n Rest breaks n Annual leave n Paid time off for ante natal appointments.

These rights are not retrospective, so an agency worker will only be able to accrue from 12 weeks after the 1 October 2011, even if the assignment started earlier.

If there is a break between absences of more than six weeks, this will act as a trigger to restart the qualifying period.

What is a Hirer?

There are very specific rules in relation to the suspension of the qualifying period and restarting of the period for temporary absences, including sickness absence and pregnancy related absence. Any TWA or Hirer should take specialist advice in these circumstances.

The Hirer, often called the end user, is a private limited company, partnership or sole trader that books temporary agency workers through a work agency.

TWAs and Hirers should also be aware of anti-avoidance provisions, which address any situations that are designed to deliberately deprive an agency worker of their entitlements.

The cost of training is often seen as the biggest obstacle to a business increasing its levels of training. To help with this, Skill Up Norfolk has been working to promote ‘Beyond 2010’, which offers up to 70% funding for business training.

Beyond 2010 is a training grant programme funded by the European Social Fund and the East of England Development Agency and managed by Essex County Council.

The programme has been developed to assist businesses in the East of England to fund training which will fill critical skills gaps within the business and support business development. It will run until December 2011, within which time all training must be applied for, completed and claimed back.

To find out more about Beyond 2010, visit the Skill Up Norfolk funding area at: www.skillupnorfolk.co.uk/funding

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 43

PAGE43 6/7/11 09:44:09

NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER 5IVES

Six of the best for Chamber 5ives!

“After winning last season’s cup we are keen to come back and defend our title. This league is the best I have ever played in, very professional, great fun and we have gained some excellent brand coverage for Grosvenor Casino through the Norfolk Chamber.”

Paul Copp, Grosvenor Casino Sales Manager and team captain “This is our second season in the Chamber 5ives league. We had such a great time in the last one, there was no doubt we’d sign up again. 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. Plus, we have gained great some awareness of our business locally and what we provide.”

Luke Farrant, Sales Executive at STM Polythene and team captain.

Get the team spirit The Chamber 5ives League has really taken off since it started earlier this year. It’s the perfect opportunity for member companies to get fit, have fun and team-build with work mates. Plus the business will get great company exposure through all the Chamber media channels as the league progresses.

The Chamber 5ives Summer Football League is up and running and we are delighted to have six teams signed up. They are Anglia Farmers, Grosvenor Casino, Birketts Solicitors, Colin Grooms Solicitors, Cooper BMW, and STM Polythene. Here is what they had to say about why they joined this very popular and competitive league: “We wanted to find something to do together outside the office, and the Chamber 5ives League provides a great opportunity to do this and get closer as a team. The league is extremely well organised, we even get our own team kit, and is a good balance of friendly and competitive.

As a company, Anglia Farmers will gain valuable exposure through the Norfolk Chamber. The team is loving every minute of the league so far and having so much fun. Obviously we’d love to win the league and three games in we are where we want to be.”

Sean Dugdale, Anglia Farmers Insurance Manager and team captain “We were looking for a football league to enter a team and the Chamber 5ives presented the ideal opportunity. We jumped at the chance to sign up and it is great that Birketts will benefit from all the

publicity associated with the league. We have played a few games already and although there is lots of room for improvement, the games have been great for team bonding and getting some much-needed exercise into the work diary.”

Matthew Downing, Birketts solicitor and team captain “I have always been interested in football, so when I heard about Chamber 5ives I suggested we put a team together. The players are young and keen and I believe that when you have such a high level of enthusiasm you should nurture it. We are having great fun and improving our game all the time.

We’re also looking forward to getting some good awareness through the Chamber media channels.”

Colin Grooms, company Principal and team manager “We joined Chamber 5ives because we wanted to do more to support the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, get some exposure for the company and take part in a fun, team-building activity. The players are loving it so far and they are improving every time they play.”

Emily Adcock, Cooper BMW Business Development Manager and team manager

Why not get your own team together for the Autumn League, which starts on 8 September?

It will run for a maximum of 15 weeks and match fixtures are on Thursday evenings at 6.15pm. For more information, call Lisa Li on 01603 729707, email lisa.li@norfolkchamber.co uk, or go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

CHAMBER DIGEST Business blueprint The Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk has published a document which will guide the way that housing, commercial properties and key services are located and developed over the next 15 years. The final draft of the Core Strategy and Focused Changes document was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate late last year following consultation with local people, and has been judged sound. The Planning Inspector’s report can be viewed on the borough council’s website at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 44

6/7/11 09:44:14

TAKE A BREAK

Ridley Pinstripe.

Continuing the exclusive diaries of go-getting lower ranking business executive Ridley Pinstripe.

Quiet day at the offices of Barking Barking and Madd. Wednesday morning, too near Friday night to get too excited.

Or so you would think. But the arrival of Old Bill the gardener changed all that. Our directors take the maintenance of the grounds very seriously, which is why they cancelled the £250,000-a-year contract with local horticultural specialists Grass-R-Us in favour of Old Bill.

It made sound business sense, they argued, to dispense with a company using shiny orange cutting machine thingies in favour of a 74-yearold arthritis-ridden chap wearing a dishevelled jacket and a flat cap. The business sense being that he works for £1.20 an hour and as many teabags as he can eat.

Anyway, on this morning, in comes Old Bill with his rheumy eyes glistening with age and clutching in his hand a small yellow flower.

Behind him is Roddy Prendergast, the Health, Safety and Environment Manager.

“Will you look at this,” says Old Bill in a voice quavering with sheer age, holding up the by now somewhat wilted flower.

“It’s a dandelion,” pipes up one of the lads in Stock Control, momentarily distracted from his game of cards on the computer.

“It certainly is not,” says Roddy indignantly, “This is the Angel Orchid, one of the rarest orchids in Britain. And Old Bill has found it on our grounds while doing the grass cutting. This is very exciting.”

It certainly was very exciting: within three days television crews and newspapers and reporters had descended on the factory to cover the story of this rare plant which had been found. The plant was visited by a local celebrity naturalist, the term ‘celebrity’ based on his appearance once on a cable television programme when he became the first person in known history to be hospitalised by a rampaging water shrew.

Sudoku Easy

���������� ��� ���������� ���

The publicity was excellent for the company: there were acres of newspaper coverage and pieces on the telly and in the radio.

The event was not so good for Old Bill, who walked into the office several days later.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, suspecting all was not well when his wobbly legs gave way beneath him and he sprawled across the floor.

Something was indeed wrong. Turns out that the advice from the naturalist was to leave the area containing the orchids uncut to allow them to prosper. So Roddy Prenderghast had called Old Bill in and cut his pay by 50p an hour on the grounds that he was doing less work.

Devastating for Old Bill. And three days later, it was devastating for the company when another naturalist came to visit, this time not a coiffeured television nobody man with a fear of water shrews but a proper botanist. And he pronounced within seconds that the lad in Stock Control was right and it was a dandelion after all.

�������� ��������

Solution Issue 4

Next day, Old Bill was sacked and Grass-R-Us arrived with a big tank of pesticide and within three weeks we had a new car park. Strangely, they didn’t put out a press release on that.

Anyway, he stood there with patches over his jacket elbows and spouted forth on the importance of the find of the Angel Orchid, before accidentally standing on a small clump of them.

Ridley JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 45

PAGE45 6/7/11 09:44:16

NV05.indd 46

6/7/11 09:44:19

NEW MEMBERS

New Members.

Cory Environmental

BuyinConfidence Limited

Totally Dynamic (Franchising) Ltd

0207 4175200

0845 643 9545

01603 742482

Waste Management/Disposal

Manufacturing (General)

Advertising

Cory Environmental, has formed a consortium with Wheelabrator Technologies to design, build and operate an Energy from Waste facility near King’s Lynn. The facility would manage Norfolk County Council’s residual waste, producing electricity and heat.

BuyinConfidence are UK-based manufacturers and distributors of healthcare products, specialising in antiperspirant treatments, light therapy and UVB Skincare.

Totally Dynamic is the UK’s largest vehicle wrapping company, specialising in bespoke high quality vinyl transformations on all types of vehicles. We currently operate nine dedicated centres across the UK, including one in Norwich.

Extra Mile Training and Consultancy Ltd

Payne Pallet Inverters Ltd Kingdom Transport Planning 01603 325587 Transport Consulting Engineers providing advice on new and existing development. Specialising in transport assessment, travel planning, highway design, flood risk assessments, drainage design and infrastructure planning.

01953 880209

01328 700138

Training Providers/Services

Manufacturing (General) Manufacture, sales and rental of pallet inverters and associated equipment.

Migration Solutions Ltd

Jungle Public Relations Ltd

0845 251 2255

01362 694649

Computer Consultancy

Strident Business Solutions 01603 670260 Data Services Strident are a fully accredited Sage Business partner who have recently opened an office in Norwich to assist sage users in Norfolk to get more out of their current systems.

Public Relations

Migration Solutions is a vendor independent data centre consultancy firm providing design, build, audit, migration, business continuity and operational services. Www.Sentry42.com is the colocation business of Migration Solutions with a 60,000 sq ft data centre.

SPP Digital

01603 610586 Training Providers/Services Construction training company offering NVQs, apprenticeships and short courses.

01473 883000

Printers

Educational Service

SPP Digital offer practical solutions for all your print, signage, display and exhibition requirements. We supply small business up to blue--chip companies with quality print and design at a competitive price. Let us review your print options

Recruitment for Energy Ltd

Award winning Jungle Public Relations has a proven track record looking after a number of clients in Norfolk. Jungle PR’s client base is both consumer and business to business, from attractions and hotels to architects and a brewery!

National Apprenticeship Service

01493 440292 Construction Training Specialists

Training company. Goverment funded NVQs and apprentriceships. Customer service, business admin, security and management.

Ace Surfaces Ltd

01493 800000

01603 263842

Energy

Kitchens (not appliances)

Recruitment for Energy are a leading recruitment agency, specialising in the energy industry including wind farms, drill ships, jackup vessels, NUIs fabrication. Operating from Lowestoft we are dedicated to hiring local skills.

Restoration of worn or damaged baths, showers, sinks, tiles and work surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens to look and feel like new in a fraction of the time and cost of replacement items.

Our aim is to increase the number of Apprenticeship opportunities and provide a dedicated, responsive service for both employers and learners. We are simplifying the process of recruiting an Apprentice through Apprenticeship vacancies, online web-based matching.

Springwood High School 01553 773393 Education Springwood High School is a comprehensive school with Specialist Performing Arts Status and a long history of providing an excellent education to pupils in West Norfolk.

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 47

PAGE47 6/7/11 09:44:21

NV05.indd 48

6/7/11 09:44:26

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Movers and Shakers.

Law firm gears up for industry changes by investing in home grown talent.

October sees the Legal Services Act reforms come into effect, allowing the opportunity for new entrants into the legal market place. In response to these changes, local law firm Steeles Law has chosen to invest in home grown talent by promoting from within the firm.

Katy Levy, Ian Robotham, Amanda Owens and Karen Bacon have all gained senior positions.

The promotions see three of the firm’s former trainees promoted.

Promotion for Michelle.

Joining him as an Associate is Amanda Owens, who has more than 12 years’ experience in dealing with divorce and family matters.

Amanda heads the Family Team at Steeles Law. The final promotion sees Karen Bacon, one of the firm’s long standing employees with more than 30 years’ experience, promoted to Legal Director within the Probate, Wills and Tax Team.

Based in the Diss office, Karen trained with Steeles Law and is known for her work in the Agriculture sector.

Steeles Law’s Managing Principal, Stephen Drake, said: “Our recent promotions reflect the outstanding leadership and talent we have within the firm. With the changes due in October, we have taken the decision to strengthen the firm. Katy’s promotion to Partnership is the first the firm has seen in four years. All four have shown a real commitment to the firm, substantial achievement in their sectors and, equally important, the real potential to help build on the firm’s successes.”

Michelle is a graduate of the University of East Anglia and completed her legal training at Nottingham Law School. She subsequently joined the firm’s Private Client department as a trainee solicitor in 2005 and qualified in 2007.

With particular expertise in the areas of wills, tax planning, trust and probate work, Michelle has been a key member of the department.

She said: “Cozens-Hardy has always had a very strong and well respected private client department and I am delighted to take the position of Principal alongside our department head, Alistair Sursham. I share the firm’s commitment to client service excellence and I look forward to helping the firm grow and meet the challenges that await us in the legal services market.”

Katy Levy, who trained as a solicitor with Steeles Law between 2004 and 2006, has been made Partner at the firm following a successful year heading the Dispute Resolution Team in Norwich.

Katy moved back to lead the team in May last year following two years at Eversheds. Katy is the firm’s third female partner.

Ian Robotham, who completed his training contract with the firm in 2008, has successfully been promoted to Associate within the Dispute Resolution Team. Ian specialises in commercial disputes, in particular disputes relating to VAT and excise duty.

Cozens-Hardy LLP has announced that experienced Private Client lawyer Michelle Collins has been appointed a Principal of the firm.

Left to right; Karen Bacon, Ian Robotham, Katy Levy and Amanda Owens

Simon Whipp, Managing Principal, said: “Michelle delivers outstanding service to her clients, all of whom comment on her highly approachable manner and ability to simplify even the most complex matters; we are very pleased that she has accepted our offer to become a Principal.”

JULY/AUGUST 2011

NV05.indd 49

PAGE49 6/7/11 09:44:28

NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name Bobby Burrage Company The Click Design Consultants Job title Executive Creative Director BIOG: Bobby is Executive Creative Director of The Click Design Consultants – an awardwinning, independent, multi-disciplined creative agency. Learning his trade at an international branding agency in London, Bobby worked on global design projects before founding his own agency, The Click, in 2004. The Click’s diverse client list spans arts and culture, consumer, education, professional services and the public sector. In addition to running The Click, Bobby is a board director of The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, a part time HE lecturer and public speaker at creative conventions.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A footballer (obviously).

What could you not live without?

Our Client Director, Fiona Smillie. She runs our business, she remembers everything – not just for herself, but on behalf of us all! Generally speaking she’s perfect. I’m marrying her in December.

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

Fiona and I love Grand Designs and do in fact have plans to build our own house one day. I’d love it to be overlooking a remote corner of the Norfolk Broads – perhaps Blackhorse Broad. Moorings included of course.

What makes you angry?

Footballers who, in a week, earn as much as I do in a year. Especially the ones who then behave inexcusably.

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

What is, in your opinion, the greatest invention ever?

The iPhone. No explanation needed!

What is most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?

To believe in yourself and simply do your best. The rest will fall in to place.

Heston Blumenthal and Wayne Rooney.

We’d enjoy some great food courtesy of Heston. Wayne can wash up and serve coffee.

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

What is the best thing about Norfolk?

A cat. I have two and, as far as I can tell, they rotate two principle activities. Eating and sleeping.

It has to be The Norfolk Broads.

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

I’d bet on Norwich City to win the Premier League. A year later I’d be loaded!!

© Sascha Drenth

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

NV05.indd 50

6/7/11 09:44:33

NV05.indd 51

6/7/11 09:44:35

NV05.indd 52

6/7/11 09:44:38