voic e
norfolk Dr Vince Cable comes to Norfolk, page 18!
Tourists watch the pennies Big Interview
Commercial Property
Mark Reeve
Optimism despite the darkening clouds
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2011
CONTENTS
Contents. 03 2011 is already drawing to a close…and what a year it’s been! Businesses are still facing huge challenges in a slow economy, but I am encouraged and delighted to report that so many are engaging with us and the wider community to maximise every opportunity. We are very excited about our ‘Unlocking Growth’ Business Conference on 2 December at OPEN, in Norwich, where this theme is tackled by some big hitters. Our keynote speaker will be Dr Vince Cable, and there will be a number of other inspirational speakers. Read more about it on page18 and book your place to be part of the debate. The cover feature of this issue is tourism. Norfolk is a fantastic place to visit and with our superb coastline, historical sites, award-winning family parks and gorgeous scenery, we have plenty to shout about. Our big Interview features Mark Reeve, managing director of Construction firm Chalcroft – a wellestablished, yet modern, dynamic business that’s going from strength to strength. Mark is also our local Board member on the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP. A very warm welcome to our new President, Davina Tanner, General Manager of Chapelfield, who took up the reins in October. She will be writing a regular column in Norfolk Voice and you can read the first one on page 4. Our Last Word candidate is Jodie Guttrich, General Manager of Sprowston Manor. As well as overseeing one of the region’s most successful and picturesque hotels, we are delighted to welcome Jodie as one of the new members of the Norfolk Chamber board. Find out who else we’ve appointed on page 35. Our new-look Norfolk Voice has been going for a year now, and we have received very positive feedback. Members, make sure you’re part of it – send us your stories and you can get PR absolutely free. A great way to reach thousands of Norfolk businesses and promote your products and services!
Welcome/Contents
05 07
Chamber News
08 09
Business News
15 16 17
International Trade The Big Interview
18
Unlocking Growth Business Conference
21
Chamber Policy
22 25
Tourism
31
Commercial Property
35
Chamber News
36 37
Chamber Savings
41
Chamber Events
45
Take a Break
44 47
22
New Members
49
Movers and Shakers
50
The Last Word
37 Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication. All editorial and general enquiries: info@norfolkchamber.co.uk
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
PAGE3
NORFOLK VOICE
Davina Tanner – taking over from Barry Dennis.
Business mentors sought.
DAVINA TANNER President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
As I look back at Barry Dennis’ final Norfolk Voice column I realise what big shoes I have to fill as your new President! I’ve been involved with the Norfolk Chamber since I joined the Chapelfield team in 2008 and have never failed to be impressed by the energy and impact that its members have within the Norfolk business community. In his last message Barrie touched on the subject of Studio Schools; a new type of state school model, designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed in life and work. Whatever your views on the state education system, I think we can all agree that preparing young people for the world of work is critical for the growth of our economy. The theme for the first ever Norfolk Chamber Conference on Friday 2 December will be ‘Unlocking Growth’. I believe passionately that harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of our young people is pivotal to unlocking and securing the growth of our county and our region. That’s why my focus during my Chamber Presidency will be on young people and how we can engage with them to get them interested in and engaged with the business community. I’m really excited by the work that Dick Palmer and his team at City College Norwich are doing on the new Enterprise Zone. This hugely innovative project, the first centre of its kind anywhere in England, aims to help budding entrepreneurs learn about how to set up their own businesses in an increasingly competitive environment. It will give students the opportunity to investigate what setting up your own business is all about. Even during my relatively short time in Norfolk I’ve seen some exciting changes within education in our county. For example, the City Academy Norwich replaced a failing high school, and students are now achieving great things and have a real sense of pride in their school. The Retail Academy based at City College has established a centre of excellence for those wishing to develop a successful career within retail; obviously something close to my heart. One of the simplest definitions of the word entrepreneur I’ve found is: a person who organises, operates and assumes the risk for a business venture. Over the next two years I would like the Norfolk Chamber and its members to form closer links with our young people; helping them understand what being an entrepreneur means in practical, everyday terms. Most importantly, we need to use our skills and experience to help them take their first steps into the world of business. We have some exciting times ahead and I look forward to working with you all as the Norfolk Chamber continues to make its mark.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
The University of East Anglia is looking for mentors from the world of business to get involved with a new scheme which will help students find employment after they graduate. Its Career Mentors Scheme aims to connect current students with local business people and former students now working across the career spectrum. The initiative will give students the opportunity to learn from people who have first-hand experience in the world of business, gain a better insight into different career sectors available to them, and learn vital skills which will help them into employment after graduation. Meanwhile mentors will get the opportunity to create a strong link with the university, develop their communication and coaching skills, and network with other businesses and organisations taking part. The scheme has been launched by the university’s Careers and Employability service and builds on a successful pilot run last year. Project organisers are now recruiting both mentors and students for the 2011/2012 scheme. To find out more about becoming a mentor please e-mail careermentors@ uea.ac.uk or visit www.uea.ac.uk/careers/mentors
CHAMBER NEWS
Architect’s flair earns partnership with top firm.
Talented Norwich architect Stuart Jones’ vision and bold design flair has been rewarded with a partnership in one of East Anglia’s most distinguished practices…at 33 years old. Stuart, who becomes the fifth partner at Feilden+Mawson’s Ferry Road, Norwich, offices, said: “It has been rather meteoric. Being made a partner so soon is a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect it quite so quickly. ”Stuart’s burgeoning talent has seen him leading design teams on some landmark Feilden+Mawson projects in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Managing partner Robert Todd said the appointment was a well-deserved reward for a highly-talented architect. Stuart’s career had developed very quickly as he gained experience in the firm’s London, Cambridge and Norwich offices while rising through the Feilden+Mawson ranks. He said: “Stuart has great design flair and has shown a real commitment to delivering what a client is looking for. He understands a client’s vision, while at the same time is very practical. “He is a very solid team leader working very well with his team to deliver what our clients are looking for.” Some of Stuart’s projects have recently been given approval by planners. They include new flagship buildings at Hethel for Lotus’ motorsport and engineering divisions, a 60-bed care home at Downham Market and a modern, 800-seat church complex at Drayton.
Stuart was also lead designer with the Feilden+Mawson team which obtained planning approval for a £30m development at Snetterton Race Circuit. The plans include a business park and hotel. In the Smart Hills Road area of Cambridge, Stuart has been engaged on two projects for a business arm of Cambridge University and another five-storey office block for Unex. Stuart said: “I am fascinated by architecture and I am looking at it all the time. I’m always thinking about the impact a building has on the lives of people who work there. I ask people what they want from a building. It’s got to work for them on a personal level as well as meeting regulations. “I see a building as a piece of furniture rather than as a big block on the side of the road and try to work out how people engage with it. I believe you can always create something special – even an industrial shed.” Stuart’s love of architecture dates from childhood. As an eight-year-old he watched enthralled as a property his parents bought at Fornham St Martin, near Bury St Edmunds, was converted and extended to become a care home. Stuart and his wife of four years, South Africaborn Monique – marketing manager at Haverhillbased Kirton Healthcare – have subsequently bought back part of that same property and converted it into a home for themselves.
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CHAMBER NEWS
“Buy local and don’t choose price over service” – say Norfolk businesses. A new study has revealed that more than three quarters (78%) of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the East of England believe it is important to ‘buy local’ when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Craig Brown, MD of Signs Express
The survey also revealed that, despite a challenging economy, SMEs in the East of England still believe that price is not the most important factor when it comes to selecting a supplier. More than two thirds of those surveyed (69%) said that if they believe they are getting good value and service, price is not the most important factor. Only 7% of businesses in the East of England always select the cheapest quote.
The survey was carried out by Signs Express, the UK’s largest sign company, which has its head office in Norwich and production centres in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn. Signs Express commissioned an independent research company to poll more than 1,000 businesses in the UK. The results show that 54% of SME decision makers in the East of England think it’s quite important to choose a local supplier when purchasing goods and services and 24% believe it’s very important. The top three reasons that East of England businesses gave for choosing local suppliers were: n it is better for the local economy (71%) n local suppliers are easier to approach if something goes wrong (64%) n local suppliers care more about doing a good job (52%).
Craig Brown, Managing Director of Signs Express, said: “A large proportion of Signs Express customers are SMEs, so it’s really important that we understand their priorities and concerns when it comes to working with suppliers. “That’s why we carried out our ‘SME Expert’ research. The survey confirmed quite a lot of things we believed but it has also raised some very interesting points that we were not previously aware of. “For example, when we asked businesses what frustrates them most about suppliers, 55% of businesses in our region responded that they are put off by a ‘hard sell’ approach. And, quite shockingly when the business world is facing so many challenges, within the last six months more than half of the East of England businesses surveyed, 53%, have experienced a supplier not providing a quote as promised.”
Regional managers appointed. Social network ipatter.com has appointed regional managers to form part of an extensive regional development plan.
Chris Batten, Head of Global Sales and Marketing at ipatter.com, said: “ipatter.com is very good at building business connections which are very much reflected by and suited to a particular locale. While other sites such as Facebook and Twitter have the ability to make us think the world is a smaller place, ipatter.com actually thrives on creating ‘community’.
Managers have been appointed and assigned to key areas such as Northern Ireland, the Home Counties and East Anglia and each will be responsible for growing ipatter.com in those localities.
“Through our regional managers we will recruit in the region of 30 new members of staff to support our broadcasters in every region. The blend of online interaction and offline support is our key point of difference and we know we’re hitting the mark as others are already trying to copy our model.”
Historic treaty with Swiss banks. The Treasury has just announced a landmark arrangement with the Swiss authorities to tackle tax evasion. The agreement will put an end to the longstanding abuse of Swiss banking secrecy. Anne Richardson, Personal Tax Partner at Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors said “Individuals who are resident in the UK are generally taxable on all their worldwide income. However, the Swiss banking system has allowed people to store up income unidentified. It is feared that this may have tempted many to fail to disclose foreign income held in this way.” Existing funds held by UK taxpayers in Switzerland will be subject to a one-off deduction of between 19% and 34% to settle past tax liabilities. As a gesture of good faith, Swiss banks will make an upfront payment of CHF 500M to Britain. This will not affect anyone who instructs their bank to disclose details of their accounts to HM Revenue & Customs. From 2013, a withholding tax of 48% will be introduced on interest income and 27% on gains. These rates are just below the maximum tax liabilities which would otherwise be payable. It is expected that a similarly high rate will be applied to dividends. There will be a new information sharing provision to enable the authorities to find out about Swiss accounts held by UK residents. Anne added, “These arrangements are part of the Government’s crackdown on tax evasion and follow similar arrangements with Liechtenstein and various disclosure initiatives. Those who have declared all their income and gains have nothing to fear from the new arrangement.” 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.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
Extended store is new era for jeweller. Winsor Bishop, which has been one of the UK’s leading independent jewellers and part of the Norwich City scene for more than 175 years, has opened the doors to its newly-extended store at 39 London Street. As well as doubling the size of its premises, Winsor Bishop is hoping to appeal to a broader range of customers by introducing a range of stylish, more affordable jewellery brands to its extensive collection, including Hoxton, Missoma and East Anglia’s largest Links of London in-store showroom. A series of boutique areas have also been created for high-end brands including Patek Philippe, Panerai, Hublot and Breitling, which are exclusive to Winsor Bishop in East Anglia. Sophie Fulford, Managing Director of Winsor Bishop, said: “We listened to what our customers
wanted, but also to what the public in Norwich wanted in terms of a luxury shopping experience. We’ve taken all of that into account, and our
newly extended store has been received with such a positive response – more than we could have hoped for.”
Great Yarmouth shipbuilding business prospers in offshore renewables market A Great Yarmouth business is enjoying success in the offshore wind energy market, boosting employment, the economy and the manufacturing sector in the region. Alicat Workboats has launched its sixth vessel since being set up just over two years ago, establishing itself as the market leader in providing catamarans to the offshore renewables sector. The high speed 20 metre aluminium-built vessels are used to transfer personnel to wind farms that are being constructed around UK shores. The company, which has taken on 40 staff who work on up to three craft at any one time, has orders for a further 10 vessels, with significant interest also being received from overseas. Each vessel takes five months to assemble.
activities such as diving, hydrographic surveying, marine mammal and bird surveys, and transfer of cargo and equipment. The success of the Alicat is based on their high build quality, fuel efficiency, low whole life costs and the spacious and airy main cabin that provides a comfortable ride for up to 12 passengers, a key factor when transfer trips can take a few hours. This newest Alicat is one of three that have been commissioned for use in building the London Array wind farm off the Kent coast which will be the largest in the world. Due for completion by the end of 2012, phase one consists of 175 turbines which will generate up to 630MW of power, enough clean, renewable electricity for around 480,000 homes.
Steve Thacker, general manager at Alicat Workboats, said: ”We’re immensely pleased with how quickly the business has taken off and the level of interest being shown in the Alicat. They’ve proven to be highly favoured by passengers and crew alike because of the extremely smooth ride they provide even in the roughest of conditions and the ease with which they can be handled.”
Alicat has also built a new, covered maintenance and repair dock for the on-going support of the vessels which will result in further employment. The company is based at Richards Dry Dock and Engineering and both companies are owned by Gardline, a global operator in marine surveying, contracting and mobile satellite communications, which itself employs over 1,200 people worldwide and is headquartered in Great Yarmouth.
Because of their stability, the vessels provide an ideal platform to carry out a range of other
For further information on Alicat Workboats Ltd visit www.alicatworkboats.com
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
CHAMBER DIGEST Law Warning Businesses in Norfolk are being warned not to fall foul of new legislation which outlaws the sale of tobacco products from public self-service vending machines. Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards team said the legislation, which came into force on October 1, also makes it illegal to display advertisements or photographs for tobacco products on vending machines. Businesses may face prosecution if they break the new law and Harry Humphrey, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet member for Community Protection, said: “Vending machines have provided an opportunity for young people under the age of 18 to buy tobacco products illegally. I would urge every business and retailer to comply with the important legislation or risk facing the consequences.” For more information, visit www. norfolk.gov.uk/businessadvice or ring Trading Standards on 0344 800 8013.
BUSINESS NEWS
Can Norfolk employers afford to reject candidates with a criminal record?. A recent survey of business decision makers in the East of England has revealed that only just over half (55%) would consider interviewing a candidate with a criminal record, even if they were well-qualified and experienced. The 45% of organisations in the East who said they would be put off short-listing a skilled and experienced candidate if they knew they had been in prison and/or had a criminal record could be dramatically reducing their pool of good people. The short survey was commissioned by Business in the Community (BITC) in the East of England, a business-led charity which works to advise, support and challenge businesses to be responsible, sustainable and successful. The charity, in partnership with the National Offender Management Service and the European Social Fund, is delivering the Right Step project to help businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. Mike Brophy, Regional Director of BITC in the East of England, said: “Interestingly, whilst just under half of our respondents were quite candid in their reluctance to consider employing someone with a criminal record, 80% of them agreed that ex-offenders should be helped to get back into the workforce. The question is, who provides that help?” One of those companies helping is Norse Commercial Services, a facilities management
company based in Norfolk, providing a variety of blue collar services, primarily to the public sector. GYB Services Ltd is a subsidiary of Norse Commercial Services, and was established in 2003 to work in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to provide a wide range of environmental services to residents and visitors alike. Norse, through GYB Services, works as part of a group of businesses supporting ex-offenders and the homeless back into employment, working in partnership with HMP Norwich. Ex-offenders attend a two day training course before taking up a placement with GYB Services. They are given an individually developed induction taking into account their individual needs, learning styles and previous experience. Placements last initially for two weeks and individuals are provided with a work buddy who will support them throughout their placement. Since 2006, 138 individuals have started the two day training programme; 70% of these placements have been ex-offenders and 15% of them have been offered employment work with GYB Services. In 2008 Norse was awarded the EDP Business Award for Community Impact and the Business in the Community Award for the Most Innovative New Programme BITC is hosting a series of Right Step events and workshops for Norfolk businesses throughout November. For more information go to www. bitc.org.uk/east_of_england/events/index.html
Annuities - a safer source of pension income. The new pension rules that allow for the flexibility of modern life give people much greater control of what they can do with the funds they’ve saved for retirement. An annuity is simply an income for life bought from an insurance company in exchange for your pension fund. Stringent rules have meant that nearly everyone had to buy an annuity by the age of 75 — even if they were not ready to do so. Pensioners have long argued the obligation to take an annuity by a specific age is unfair and since April this has been scrapped. Now, after age 55 you can choose whatever best suits you — annuity, drawdown or the new option of flexible drawdown. The value of your income depends on the size of the pension pot, the annuity rate and whether it covers you and your spouse. Due to the recent turbulence in worldwide investment markets annuity rates have fallen and while in my living memory no annuity provider has defaulted this cannot be ruled out. It is vitally important that you shop around for your annuity and that you do not simply sign up for terms offered by your own pension provider. You need to secure the best annuity rate with the right structure with an annuity provider with a good credit rating. Once an annuity has been set up, it cannot be changed at a later date. Special higher rates can be secured for smokers and individuals with health issues.
Couples putting divorce on hold due to recession, reveals new survey. Couples on the brink of divorce are delaying formal proceedings because they can’t afford to go ahead in the current economic climate, according to a survey by leading financial and business advisers Grant Thornton, which has offices in Norwich. More than three quarters (82%) of lawyers questioned during Grant Thornton’s eighth annual matrimonial survey said they believed people were delaying divorce on financial grounds. More than half (54%) of respondents said lack of value and or liquidity of clients’ assets was the main reason for delay, while 25% said people could not afford to fund divorce proceedings. Forensic accounting partner Chris Clements, of Grant Thornton in East Anglia, said: “These findings are in line with what we are seeing locally where we are called upon to provide valuations in matrimonial proceedings.” The survey into the opinions of more than 100 of the UK’s top matrimonial lawyers also revealed
that the year on year rise in pre-nuptial work has continued, with 58% of survey respondents saying they had seen an increase in volume. Additionally, 59% of those questioned said they expect to see further increases in the amount of this type of work over the coming year following the Radmacher v Granatino 2010 ruling which stated that pre-nups should be given decisive weight. The survey also uncovered a shift in the reasons given for divorce. For the past seven years extramarital affairs has been the top reason cited in the survey for couples divorcing. However, this year it has dropped to its lowest level ever (25%) and been overtaken by people who said they had simply grown apart or fallen out of love (27%). “The shift in the reasons for divorce is difficult to explain, although one potential influence on the reduction in the proportion of divorces due to unfaithfulness could be the rise in the number of ‘celebrities’ who have very publicly accepted their spouses’ infidelity,” said Chris Clements.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
An alternative for the right kind of investor is an income drawdown plan. With drawdown you leave all or part of your funds invested and, if you wish, withdraw any amount up to a maximum limit. When you die, the fund can provide an income for a dependant or be passed on as a lump sum with a tax charge. Drawdown is not new - the main difference now is that it can be carried on after age 75 without minimum income limits and with a tax charge of 55% when passed on. Previously the tax charge was up to 82% if you died after age 75 and 35% if you died before. Whatever option appeals to you, it is important that you seek qualified independent financial planning advice before making your final decision. Graham can be contacted on 01493 858398 for a free initial consultation
Graham Walker
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FOCUS ON EDUCATION
Sewell Park College and Sewell 6th Form Centre. ADVERTISING FEATURE environment we have designed a curriculum to develop those abilities and enterprise skills which will give them the edge over others when applying for jobs, college or university. As Norwich’s only specialist Business and Enterprise school, we are well placed to help our students develop confidence, creativity, literacy and numeracy, good financial understanding, and problem-solving skills that will help them succeed in whatever walk of life they later choose. Now, as our first ever Year 7 cohort prepares to sit their GCSE examinations, the college is also ‘coming of age’ with new-look sixth form provision to cater for all abilities and aspirations. Our wide range of courses - including A levels, GCSEs and level 1, 2 and 3 vocational courses - complemented by career placement opportunities, will ensure all students have the best chance to succeed. We are a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and are always looking to expand our links with local businesses and employers. Please contact Amanda Wiggins, PA to the Principal, if you are interested in becoming part of our success.
At a time of major changes to the education system in England, we are proud to be known and recognised as a caring school, providing a safe, happy and exciting learning environment. We are a school that challenges all our students to succeed, whatever their background and ability, and we are ambitious to build further on the success and strong improvements of recent years. Every individual is a valued member of the College and is provided with a wealth of experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
young people who are independent learners, creative thinkers and skilled communicators; confident citizens of the future who are able to grasp the opportunities offered through further education and compete successfully in the world of work.
n The Business Centre which offers a range of courses in the evening including mathematics, business, ICT and eBay.
Above all we want our students to experience the joy of learning and sense of self-worth which comes with achievement. An example is the success of Year 8 and 9 students involved in our Young Chamber, who won the interschools challenge in June 2010 and who so impressed our local MP when they organised a business breakfast.
We are a school that offers alternative pathways through education and training, which produces
To ensure our students are well-placed to succeed in today’s competitive
The school and our wider community also benefit from: n The Sewell Barn Theatre which offers regular performances throughout the year. n Our Sports Complex including the sports centre with fitness suite, gymnasium, sports hall, dance studio and outdoor areas.
Neville Rayner
The Young Chamber is a very interesting initiative....I was struck by the confidence and skills of the young people running the business breakfast
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
CHAMBER NEWS
E-Tech secures international award. E-Tech Group, which has its headquarters in Great Yarmouth, enjoyed success at the 2011 EDP Business Awards. The company was founded in 1993 by local entrepreneurs Gary Williams, Paul Brown, Adrian Dawes and Derek Rose, who rented a small office above a nightclub in the town. They were soon joined by Alan Gordon. Their core business was always centred around the marine and petrochemical industries, although recent years have seen the business move into new sectors such as luxury superyachts, the water utility sector, waste treatment and recycling plants, as well as seizing the new opportunities in offshore wind. Following on from the company’s recent performance in the Sunday Times International Track 100, where it was placed at No 18 out of all
Gary Williams, director
“There have been as many difficult times as there have been good times and there have also been times when we have all probably asked ourselves whether it was it all worth it. “Something like this gives everyone such a boost as it is not one individual that has won this; it could not have been achieved without a dedicated team working together and supporting each other. of the UK businesses involved in exporting, it was suggested that it may be an opportune time to enter the region’s most prestigious business awards run by the Eastern Daily Press. The awards night, hosted by Stuart White and held at the Holiday Inn, Norwich Airport, saw E-Tech Group winning their category, the International Enterprise Award. When asked what the award meant to E-Tech Group, Gary Williams said: “ When we started the business back in 1993 sitting in our first tiny office having given up jobs and security to realise our vision of creating the best electrical engineering
Howes Percival joins the East Anglian legal elite Howes Percival has been promoted to the East Anglian legal elite in the latest edition of The Legal 500 – the authoritative guide to the UK’s leading law firms. The Norwich-based law firm has broken into the East Anglia ‘regional heavyweights’ list which in recent years has been largely dominated by Cambridge-based practices.
“In the past 18 months we have invested in a series of high calibre partner appointments and proactively developed new markets, so our promotion to ‘heavyweight’ status also reconfirms that strategic vision.”
“This award is for everyone past and present that has played a part in getting E-Tech Group to where it is, which is possibly the UK’s largest privately owned marine electrical contractor, respected throughout many sectors by our valued clients with a unique selling point of providing the most comprehensive single source solution for electrical and instrumentation projects.” Gary also works extensively with trade support organisations such as EEEGr, the East of England Energy Group and Marine East. He also sits on the board of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and will be taking over the presidency of the Great Yarmouth Chamber in March 2012.
New Council seeks to support business On 12 September the new improved Great Yarmouth Chamber Council met for the first time and stated its aim of driving forward the business needs of the town. The meeting, which was also attended by members of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, focused on a number of issues including Purple Flag, a new initiative sponsored by Norfolk Constabulary to improve the night-time economy of the town with a focus on safety, the quality of entertainment and general appearance. The meeting also featured an update on Enterprise GY, which promotes business startups in the town. Chairman of Enterprise GY, Ian McCreadie, gave a presentation which outlined the success of the scheme and its plan to continue for another two years.
Legal 500 also acknowledges Howes Percival’s expertise in commercial litigation and insolvency and corporate recovery work, with ‘top tier’ rankings for both these practice areas.
Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, said: “The first meeting of the new Chamber was very positive and served to highlight the strength and variety of knowledge we have in the council members.
The Legal 500 is essentially the clients’ guide to the best law firms and is widely regarded as offering a definitive judgement of law firm capabilities. Howes Percival’s Managing Partner, Andrew Barnes, said: “To be ranked as one of the top six firms in the whole of East Anglia is a fantastic achievement and is down to the hard work of everyone involved with the firm.
company with the most comprehensive single source solution, little did we know what lay ahead.
Andrew Barnes
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
“Going forward, we are committed to driving some key areas in the town, including the new enterprise zone, infrastructure, skills – including business education – energy, tourism, enterprise and business support and image and identity. With the new team on board we are fully focused on the future needs of Great Yarmouth.”
CHAMBER PATRON
A long history of working with the business community. Earlier this year, Hugh J Boswell became Gold Patron of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. Account Director Peter Foster said: “We are proud to be associated with our local Chamber and keen to ensure our partnership adds value to the Chamber and its members.” Staff from Hugh J Boswell will be attending Chamber events throughout the year and welcome businesses of any trade or size to raise any questions or concerns they have regarding their insurance arrangements. Hugh J Boswell has been trading since 1906. At the time, the owner and sole trader Hugh Boswell traded from a single room in the centre of Norwich and specialised in stock broking and insurance. Throughout its long history, Hugh J Boswell has encountered many changes, including a PLC buy-out in 1964, only to return to private status 20 years later when purchased by the Directors. Now trading from a Victorian school on Carrow Hill, the company comprises three main divisions: Commercial Insurance: This is the insurance broking arm of the group, specialising in placing corporate insurance risks on both a local and national scale. This ranges from straightforward office packages to complex, high risk commercial and fleet policies. Hugh J Boswell has a wealth of experience, structuring insurance products to protect all types of business. Risk Management: Working closely with clients to provide advice and guidance on risk management helps reduce the risk of losses occurring. This ensures business continuity, safeguards statutory duties and moral obligations to employees and ultimately achieves premium savings for our clients.
Boswell offices
Financial Services: The division is dedicated to providing a comprehensive financial planning service to individuals and businesses. The experienced team provides advice on products and services from pensions and investments to shareholder protection and keyman cover.
Investment The management behind Hugh J Boswell believe in organic, sustainable growth. This has lead the company from employing 27 staff in 2007 to over 50 today. “Investment in people is one of our key philosophies as a company,” said Peter Foster. “The downturn in the economy has meant much of the commercial sector is cutting back in areas such as training and development. We have an alternative attitude; our staff are our most valued asset. By continuously investing in improving the skills of our team, we are able to provide exceptional levels of service to our clients.” Hugh J Boswell has continued to invest in its inhouse claims operation, whilst many competitors have outsourced their claim processes. Peter Foster continues: “Customers often do not realise the true value of an experienced broker until they make a claim. We ensure our staff are able to support our clients at the most difficult of times.”
Peter Foster of Hugh J Boswell and Caroline Williams
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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Sentry42, the colocation business of Migration Solutions, Europe’s leading data centre consultancy, has opened The Gatehouse Data Centre in Norwich. It offers clients unparalleled levels of service and efficiency at affordable prices with the flexibility, security and support that can be expected of a leading data centre specialist. Information is the life blood of every business and the IT infrastructure that provides it demands support, management time, resource and space. Managing and maintaining a secure, resilient and connected data centre environment is probably not your core business, but it is ours. To learn how we can help protect your business please contact us on 08451 424242
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Ask the Export Expert… Tracey Howard, International Trade Director, answers your exporting questions... I would like to be able to check Import Duty Rates applicable to my customers overseas, but I can’t access the EU Market Access Database which I normally go to. Is there anywhere else I could try? The World Customs Organisation (WCO) website may be able to help. The address is www. wcoomd.org. On the home page, select “About us” from the left hand side and then “National Customs Website”. Select your country and it will take you into the tariff pages. Please note that some of the links do not always work and many of the pages are in the country’s national language, but it’s still worth a try. I have a potentially very large export client asking me to take samples of my products abroad for them to have a look at. Is there any paperwork available that can assist with shipping the samples overseas? As long as the goods are not sold whilst overseas and are only going to be used for demonstration purposes, you may be able to use a Carnet. An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty/tax free TEMPORARY import of goods for up to 1 year in over 60 countries. There are 3 categories for goods to be classified under: Commercial Samples, Professional Equipment and for Exhibition purposes. The main thing to remember is that a Carnet acts as a passport for the goods – whatever leaves the EC must ALWAYS come back. Norfolk Chamber is the nominated agent for the whole of the East of England for the issue of Carnets. Have a look at the Carnet section of our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for more information.
Where can I find out more about AEO? An AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) is a business involved in the international supply chain which has proved themselves to be compliant and trustworthy, and where applicable, safe and secure. AEO status entered into force on 1 January 2008 across the EU. The introduction of AEO status is the EU response to the need to secure international supply chains and the introduction of CustomsTrade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in the USA. There is masses of information on this within the Import/Export section of www.hmrc.gov.uk I am running low on blank Standard Shipping Notes and Dangerous Goods Notes – is there a local supplier of these forms? Norfolk Chamber not only supplies the blank Certificates of Origin but they hold stocks of all blank forms such as EUR1s, A.TRs, CMRs plus Country Specific Invoices like Nigerian C16s, Caricoms etc. All forms are sold in packs of 10. What is the Customs Procedure Code? A Customs Procedure Code (CPC) is used for both imports and exports to identify the nature of the movement of the goods. It is made up of three pairs of numbers and each pair identifies the applied procedure, the previous procedure (if applicable) and further classifies the nature of the movement. These sets are fully explained in Volume 3, Appendix E of the Customs Tariff and the full 6 digit CPCs are detailed in Appendix E1 (Exports) and Appendix E2 (Imports). Once the correct procedure code has been determined the CPC should be quoted in box 37 of the SAD (C88) at both imports and exports. We have completed a massive research project in South America and are now ready to start contacting prospective clients in Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. We have a number of products in our range and have produced a brochure which we would like to translate into Spanish as a marketing tool during our sales trip. Can you recommend any translators?
International Trade Training Courses. Spaces on our export/import training courses are filling up fairly rapidly, so we recommend booking early. 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: November 17 Export Procedures and Documentation January 11 Documentary Letters of Credit February 21 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:
The Chamber offers an excellent translation and interpreting service which is very fast and extremely efficient. We have a database full of translators, all of whom are fully qualified to translate by way of being members of the Institute of Linguists. You can have anything from a short fax/email to a hard backed book translated – no job is too small. Just send us the document/s and we will pass it on to our contacts who will let us know how long it would take them to complete. See our website www.norfolkchamber.co.uk for details of our prices. 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
Do you know what a Carnet is? n
Do you have to take samples with you on your overseas sales trips?
n
Do you participate in Overseas Trade Fairs or Exhibitions?
n
Do you ever need to take Professional Equipment overseas?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may find that using an ATA Carnet will make the trip so much easier. The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty/tax free temporary import of goods for up to one year. The initials “ATA” are an acronym of the French and English words “Admission Temporaire/ Temporary Admission” Using an ATA Carnet cuts out red tape for you at border points, avoiding cash deposits and the like in the country of temporary importation. It can be used for multiple trips, is valid for one year and covers 61 countries. Carnets can cover almost anything: computers, repair tools, photographic and film equipment, musical instruments, industrial machinery, vehicles, jewellery, clothing, medical appliances, aircraft, race horses, old masters, prehistoric relics, ballet costumes and rock group sound systems are just some of the items that can cross borders duty-free and tax-free, thanks to ATA Carnets. Fore more information, a quotation or if you have any questions, please contact Tracey Norfolk Howard on 01603 Chamber of Commerce 729711 or by email at: The Ultimate Business Network
Tracey Howard Tel. 01603 729711 tracey.howard@norfolkchamber.co.uk
tracey.howard@ norfolkchamber.co.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
THE B
Mark Reeve.
When a clear view pays business dividends. For Mark Reeve, the journey to his role as managing director of a construction company turning over more than £30 million a year began when he left school aged 15. Having trained primarily as a carpenter, he set up his own company in 1986 before joining his father’s construction business two years later, initially working as foreman in the £30-million turnover firm.
expertise in the food and drink, warehouse and distribution, industrial and commercial and renewable energy sectors. For Mark, that success is down to understanding the firm’s capabilities. He said: “We have always had a clear view of where we wanted the company to be. We have targeted niche sectors such as food production because it is something that we know about, where we can add value for our clients and use our considerable experience to ensure the success of our projects. “Our view was that we wanted to build a client list of blue chip companies and work closely with them.” That approach has proved successful, partly because Chalcroft has always prized the quality of its work and focused on providing an excellent service.
Following the collapse of a major client, that firm ceased trading, at which point Mark went to work for family company Chalcroft, which had been one of his father’s suppliers.
Mark said: “During the recent recession, we have seen our competitors giving work away, taking contracts on at a loss. We have never done that.
He helped build the business up, with turnover going from £11 million a year to £43 million, and in 2007 led the staff team which completed a management buyout, including his brother David as Finance Director.
“Our experience is that the companies we work with require high standards of health and safety and environmental performance and appreciate the commitment and efficiency of the Chalcroft team. Value is as important as cost. That is why we are working on ISO 18001 this year and going for zero carbon next year, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because our clients expect to see us do that.”
Based in King’s Lynn, Chalcroft builds throughout the UK, carrying out work ranging from refurbishments to multi-million pound factories. Employing its own highly-skilled workforce, and working closely with specialist sub-contractors, the company has developed substantial
During 2010-2011 Chalcroft turned over £35 million and started its new financial year with an increased volume of secured work. Mark is confident about the future. He said: “During the boom years, our turnover hit a high of £43 million. We then saw our clients cutting back on capital projects, which just were not there. “However, they were still doing smaller projects and that was down to the nature of the companies we work for. Take Coca Cola. During a recession, their sales go up ten per cent because people do not go out but stay in and get themselves a meal
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
and a large bottle of coke. The same applies to the pet food industry, for which we also do work. People buy things for their pets because they do not give them any trouble. “However, what we are seeing now is that the large capital projects are starting to come back as well.” Over recent times, Chalcroft has also been moving into the renewable sector, identifying it as one of the areas where construction is being carried out at a significant level. One of the company’s recent projects was the £180,000 completion of work for Babcock International Group, as part of a two-year programme to allow a Scottish Power electricity substation to receive energy from a new offshore wind farm nearby. Chalcroft’s Special Projects team were called in to install pylon foundations at the substation at Eccles in the Scottish Borders of Berwickshire. For Mark Reeve, such developments are all part of identifying markets in which the company knows it can perform effectively. He said: “We have never really gone into general construction. We believe that targeting niche areas, where we can build on our specialist knowledge, is what allows us to come through recessions. “We are confident for the next year. Our business tends to be cyclical. We are busy from the start of the calendar year, then in June, and July the decision-makers go on holiday and things quieten down. Come September, the phones start ringing and the emails start coming in with work. That has happened again this year. “We are also heavily involved in the digital switchover which is a three-year contract and which needs to be finished by the time the Olympics come along. “We also decided during the recession not to cut back on marketing or training. We still put our name out there so that when the upturn comes we will be ready for it. “Chalcroft will continue to provide excellent service and value and to build long-term relationships by exceeding our contractual obligations.”
THE BIG INTERVIEW
BIG INTERVIEW By John Dean
deangriss@btinternet.com
Mark Reeve, Managing Director, Chalcroft
Chalcroft will continue to provide excellent service and value and to build long-term relationships by exceeding our contractual obligations
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK
CHAMBER EVENTS
2 December 2011, OPEN, Bank Plain, Norwich, 8.30am – 2.30pm. An exciting half-day conference aimed at individuals working in the private, public and voluntary sectors. We are delighted to welcome as keynote speaker Dr Vince Cable, who will be talking about how the Government is addressing the challenges faced by businesses.
Dr Vince Cable
Martyn Pellew
Adam Marshall
David McNally
Secretery of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
President of the British Chambers of Commerce
Director of Policy for the British Chambers of Commerce
CEO of Norwich City Football Club
Johnny Hustler
Davina Tanner
Andy Wood
Matthew Hudson
Managing Director of Archant Anglia
General Manager of Chapelfield Shopping Centre
CEO of Adnams and Chair of New Anglia LEP
Business Reporter for ITV Anglia, who will be hosting the conference.
Hear from two entrepreneurs about what unlocking growth means to them. The conference will close with a buffet lunch and networking opportunities. For more information and to book your place go to www.unlockinggrowth.co.uk or call 01603 625977. Event sponsors:
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Networking sponsors:
FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING
WESTCOTEC LTD
A safer world. ADVERTISING FEATURE
Westcotec design, manufacture and install a comprehensive range of speed and warning signs, providing bespoke solutions in order to help reduce your accident black spots. Westcotec Limited is a major producer of dynamic road signs for both the UK and international marketplace. By improving traffic management, reducing vehicle speeds, and raising road safety levels and awareness, Westcotec has had an overall beneficial environmental impact. The Directors, however, recognise that the Company’s manufacturing operations have an environmental impact on the local and regional environment. Taking this into account the Company has developed an efficient Environmental Management System.
responsibilities to support the environment. 450 coppice ash trees have been planted by us in the 15 acres of nature reserve we manage, in an attempt to offset the diesel used over the last three years installing our vehicle activated signs. We also sponsor a blood bike and rider, which is required for swiftly taking blood between hospitals in Norfolk and Cambridge. As a company we believe that our commitment and support of employees, suppliers, business partners and the environment where we live is of highest priority. Since 2010, westcotec have been a highway electrical academy (HEA) approved training organisation. we are able to offer a variety of training courses all on site in our fully functional training room, with our approved trainer. Westcotec Ltd has been at the forefront of the Vehicle Activated Sign industry. Based in the centre of Norfolk, we have grown to become one of the biggest suppliers of quality vehicle activated signs in the country.
Within this system, environmental regulations, laws, and codes of practice are regarded as setting our minimum standards of environmental performance.
We have started selling further afield, building and fitting signs all around the united kingdom, as well as sending signs to foreign countries to meet their individual traffic needs
Through a coordinated environmental system strategy, Westcotec have taken on
At the heart of our growth, is a commitment to customer service. Westcotec’s aim is to make
the whole process of buying a VAS system as smooth as possible. Free advice is always available from our experienced staff. Using state of the art LED and radar technology, we are able to provide effective solutions to most traffic related safety problems. Through continued development, we have exceeded the latest European performance standards. The Company will, as far as possible, use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources to meet our needs. We will invest in improved energy efficiency in the workplace and in relation to the products we use and sell. We consider the environmental impacts of its products at all stages of their life cycle from design, to manufacturing, customer use, and finally disposal and reacts to minimise any negative impact. Westcotec Ltd 34 Bertie Ward Way Rash’s Green Industrial Estate Dereham Norfolk. NR19 1TE Sales : +44 1362 853124 Fax : +44 1362 851809 E-mail : sales@westcotec.co.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
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 – 01603 710101 Colchester office - 01206 215300
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www.bbkingz-it-solutions.com A forward thinking company... We offer a range of IT services including website hosting BBKingz IT Solutions Telephone: 01842 898434 Fax: 01842 898535 Mobile: 07872 491919 Email: hayden@bbkingz-it-solutions.com admin@bbkingz-it-solutions.com BBKingz UK Ltd. 85B Gorse Industrial Estate, Barnham, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PH
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
BB
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CHAMBER POLICY
Business leaders seize the day with two LEPs.
Neville Rayner
Heather Garrod
On 26 September, over 50 West Norfolk business leaders took the opportunity to question board members of the New Anglia and Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough (GCGP) LEPs about how they plan to help business in the region.
Neville Reyner, chair of the GCGP LEP, felt that the two LEPs should avoid competing, but work closely together for mutual benefit. “There are areas of mutual interest such as motorways – the A47 and A14. There may be some overall integrated planning decisions that could be heard across the borders.”
The event, held at Best Western Knights Hill Hotel, in King’s Lynn, provided a forum for a number of topics which had been identified as key areas for discussion; skills and employment, and transport and communication infrastructure, such as rail, roads and Broadband.
King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council leader Nick Daubney, who also attended the event, said: “Norfolk Chamber of Commerce has done the right thing in bringing us together in King’s Lynn, because we have got ourselves involved in two LEPs. The reason we have done that is a business driven decision and that fits in with how LEPs will work.”
Mark Reeve, board member of the GCGP LEP and managing director of construction firm Chalcroft, in King’s Lynn, commented that West Norfolk businesses should take full advantage of having two LEPs and come forward with ideas about what they want their LEPs to do.
He said: “Businesses need to give us the ideas. We are there to support what they want to see happen in the future and being part of two LEPs will bring twice the opportunities for any proposals that are made.” Heather Garrod, president of the West Norfolk Chamber Council said: “People might think that we are going to fall between the two LEPs. That can happen if you don’t use it as a positive. We are a member of two, so that must be our strength.”
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NORFOLK VOICE
Tourists watch the pennies as tourism defies a difficult climate. Norfolk’s tourism sector appears to be in fine shape, despite a year in which it has had to defy the vagaries of both the economic and meteorological climate. However, for all the area attracted large numbers of people again, helped by the move towards Staycations, there were some changes, the key one of which was that people seemed to be spending a little less. Kate Morfoot, managing director of Jungle Public Relations Ltd, a Norfolk-based PR & Marketing agency that represents many high profile leisure attractions and hotels, said: “Tourists and day-trippers have been more careful about how they spend their time and money. More emphasis has been put on attractions that offer a full day out experience and allow backpacks filled with their picnic goodies. The weather played a fantastic card for the tourism in Norfolk early on but had a terrible impact over the wet summer holidays.” Nevertheless, tourists continued to flock to the area when conditions allowed. Indeed, tourism is worth almost £2.6bn to the local economy and supports 49,652 tourism-related jobs, 14% of the workforce. And according to recently-released figures from VisitEngland, the number of holiday trips taken in England by Britons in the first half of this year rose 3% and the amount they spent increased by 10% between January and June. Ian Hacon, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Sky Leisure, which is based at Bradwell, Great Yarmouth, and runs the holiday parks of Kelling Heath on the North Norfolk Coast at Weybourne, and Woodhill Park at East Runton near Cromer, said: “We have an extremely healthy and vibrant tourism sector in Norfolk. We have a wealth of natural assets such as the Broads and our beautiful coastline. The health of the sector is as good as it’s ever been in most areas. “We have fared very well during the recession. Staycation, whether you like the word or not, is very real for us. The years 2009 and 2010 were record years for us, which is common amongst a number of Norfolk tourism businesses and indeed the holiday park industry nationally. “The 2011 season has been strong again, but there is a clear pinch on funds, with more deals being sought, a much later booking pattern and much less discretionary spend once on holiday. “The economy remains the biggest concern. Things like the Euro-zone problems and the real risk of a double dip recession remain a threat. We have thus far, ironically, benefited to some
extent by people choosing to holiday at home rather than travel abroad. There is a real risk now, however, that they will simply choose to take no holiday at all. We certainly saw this year that people were coming on holiday but spending less whilst here.” Jac Sandy, from Briarfields Hotel in Titchwell, said: “Guests want to know they are getting value, so everything has to be right. The right price, the right package with excellent quality. This year we have made some refurbishments and really concentrated on offering excellent locally produced food, so we can offer both value and quality, which has worked well for us.” Kate Morfoot said: “Continual assessment of what your business offers consumers is crucial in today’s market, as quality competition is often just around the corner. She adds: “Staycation is a trend that started in 2009 and has continued to boost Norfolk businesses. Statistics researched by VisitEngland show that since 2008, the yearly average number of domestic overnight visitors to Norfolk stands at 2.89 million. “Norfolk’s certainly an attractive county to visit and one with lots to offer, which is why I think the Staycation is here to stay for many years ahead.” But there’s always the weather to consider. Ian Hacon said: “UK holidays are still very much affected by the weather. Yet again, a very promising early season due to extremely good weather in April and May started the season well. But again as in previous years there was distinct lack of actual summer weather all summer.”
BeWILDerwood, near Wroxham Jo Artherton, Marketing Manager at the curious treehouse adventure park, said: “Given that this year has been a tough one regarding the economic climate and increased living costs, we have been pleasantly surprised. The start of the year was very promising, with record-breaking visitor numbers, however it levelled out over the summer months, mainly due to bad weather. All in all we are up by approx. 5% on last year’s visitor numbers. This proves that people are still spending money, however our visitors want to ensure they get value for money. “This year we introduced daily storytelling sessions, with the last session being the new story, “A BeWILDermuddle”, from Tom Blofeld. We have also introduced “Twiggle Twirling & Boggle Bouncing” workshops, aimed at the younger children. These activities encourage children to engage in movement and dance, developing their imaginations and offering a link between the characters of BeWILDerwood and the park.”
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
COVER FEATURE
Continues page 24
Continues page 24
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
From page 23
We had a very positive start to the year, the first five months were the best first five months we have had in eight years and Easter was fantastic Mark Noble, Commercial Manager at Pensthorpe
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
COVER FEATURE
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens near Fakenham Mark Noble, Commercial Manager at Pensthorpe, said: “This season has been a very difficult one to try to interpret, which we have put down to the poor weather conditions and the current economic climate. We had a very positive start to the year, the first five months were the best first five months we have had in eight years and Easter was fantastic, with incredibly good visitor figures. “The run up to the summer holidays was quieter than expected and sadly it didn’t really pick up over the main summer holidays. We are
predominantly an outdoor attraction, therefore very weather dependant, and this summer wasn’t the hot and sunny summer we would have hoped for. This was compounded by the economic uncertainty making people hesitant to spend money or go out. September, however, was over 30% up on September last year which was a real surprise, but then we had fantastically unexpected weather. “We took advice from Jungle PR to launch a special activity tent that we ran every day over the school holidays. We launched ‘Summer Nature Explorers’ this year and these new activities worked well to encourage families to visit us, as there was no additional cost and it
enhanced our offering, making their day out even better value for their money. The activities all had a fun and educational focus to bring children closer to nature and wildlife. “We have noticed a drop in people’s secondary spend through our shop and cafe, which again is a reflection of the hard economic times we are in. A lot more people are picnicking and in the cafe it was tea and ice-cream that sold best. “One of the positive outcomes from this summer has been where our visitors have travelled from. There was a sharp increase in the number of visitors from further afield, which seemed to buck the trend, with visitors coming from the Midlands to holiday in North Norfolk and visiting the reserve.”
Jungle PR’s Top Tips to Promote your Tourism Business 1. Be Committed - All too often businesses don’t see PR as an investment. PR pays dividends over time but it’s not necessarily a quick fix. Allocate a monthly budget to PR over the course of one year. At the end of that year you should be able to look back and see the benefits. 2. Be Clear – A Brief is something so few companies are prepared to produce when they approach a PR consultancy. What are your objectives? What makes you different from your competitors? What is the ‘personality’ of your brand and business. Thinking this through will enable you to have a more fruitful meeting or conversation. 3. Be Open to Ideas – PR is about being exciting, creative and putting yourself out there as an ‘expert’ in your field. A good PR agency should come up with pro-active ideas to market your business and ensure that you’re clearly communicating with your customers, stakeholders, target audience or clients. 4. Be Honest – A good PR practitioner should tell you when a story isn’t up to scratch rather than pedal a press release that simply won’t get picked up. 5. Be Credible – Credible PR agencies are usually those affiliated with the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) as a stamp of their commitment to professionalism and ethics. Search for agencies who are associated with Chartered bodies to ensure you’re dealing with one that’s committed to excellence. 6. And above all, be selective! Work with people who are like-minded, fun and creative. At the end of the day, your PR representation becomes an extension of your team so it’s vital you enjoy working together! For PR, Marketing or Design advice contact Jungle Public Relations Ltd - 01362 694649 or visit www.junglepr.com.
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NORFOLK VOICE
Does history repeat itself? ADVERTISING FEATURE “U-Turn as tax boss says ‘sorry’ for fiasco” was one of many similar news headlines last year which I imagine the head of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), Dave Hartnett, will want to put behind him. The public relations disaster came about after it was realised Tim Angell, Tax Manager that, for several years, HMRC had been sending out incorrect pay as you earn (PAYE) codes for a large number of taxpayers, particularly those with more than one source of income. The problem was exacerbated because the Revenue had stopped carrying out routine end of year reconciliations and as a consequence it was estimated that around 2.3 million people had underpaid an average of more than £1,400 in income tax over the previous two years alone.
A large number of taxpayers had their debts written off but others were faced with unexpected bills, sometimes running into thousands of pounds. Many of these cases are still being disputed. In the circumstances one would expect HMRC to take extra care to get things right from now on. Unfortunately, the evidence from HMRC’s ‘PAYE end of year reconciliation process’ for 2010-2011 suggests that this is not always the case. A number of my clients have recently received unsolicited and incorrect tax refunds as a result of ‘system generated’ tax calculations that include erroneous figures for income sources such as rent and bank interest. Usually these figures are based on known amounts from a previous tax year, but they can be several years out of date. Inevitably a significant number of those who receive a surprise cheque will simply bank it without question, and not think too kindly of anyone at HMRC who later asks for the money back. In the light of experience, I am surprised that Dave Hartnett has not considered this.
Given that public money is involved it does seem mind boggling that repayments are being issued without the most basic of checks having first been made by HMRC staff. The lesson for us all: always look at tax calculations carefully and never take it for granted that HMRC will have got things right! For more information on this topic, or any other tax query, please contact Tim Angell on 01362 693318 or at tim.angell@larking-gowen.co.uk This article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Larking Gowen is registered to carry out audit work by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. ©Larking Gowen.
Contact Tim Angell on 01362 693318 and tim.angell@ larking-gowen.co.uk
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FINANCE FEATURE
It’s still a cautious world out there. There is increasing evidence that businesses are adopting a cautious approach to finance with the continuing uncertainty over the global economy. That was confirmed by Spencer Dale, Bank of England Chief Economist and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), who argued in a recent speech that it is crucial that businesses feel able to invest in productivity, but that continuing financial uncertainty may be holding some back. Mr Dale said that he was concerned that the level of private sector productivity is now lower than it was before the start of financial crisis more than three years ago, and stands 9% short of the level it would have reached had it grown at its pre-crisis average of 2.5% a year. He said that restrictions in the supply of bank credit could have caused some firms to cut back on investment. Mr Dale said: “Many smaller companies and new businesses, which are a critical source of innovation in our economy, have struggled to secure the finance they need to grow and expand. Some companies have become more cautious, preferring to hang onto liquidity or pay down debt rather than invest in increased levels of training and R&D.” He added: “The amount of management time devoted to managing banking relationships has increased very substantially, diverting attention from the search for new products and new markets.” Mr Dale concludes that there are good reasons to think that the “impact of the financial crisis may have dampened underlying productivity growth in recent years,” adding: “we need the banks to be working for our economy to grow and prosper.” It’s an issue for other organisations as well. Tim Hawkins, commercial director at Centric Commercial Finance, said recently, for example, that although bank lending was up slightly on the second quarter of the year there were still plenty of concerns. He said: “Lending to small businesses may be slightly higher than in Q2 but, once again, it’s fair to say that the banks are failing to respond to the funding needs of UK SMEs. Imposing funding
parameters on specific industry sectors is hugely short-sighted and means that the banks are failing to consider the real attributes of individual businesses.” According to the British Bankers‘ Association (BBA), many businesses do indeed remain cautious. However, the BBA argues that banks are trying to help, pointing to statistics such as those for August that showed that annual growth of net mortgage lending was 1.6%, ahead of the 0.8% for the whole mortgage market in July.
undermine confidence in both household and business sectors, which impacts on borrowing demand. “The banks’ new mortgage lending has ticked up in the past couple of months with higher buy-to-let demand, and some business sectors are edging towards year-on-year borrowing growth, although the general landscape is one of households not wanting to take on more borrowing and businesses waiting for trading conditions to improve before borrowing to expand or invest.”
BBA statistics director David Dooks said: “The weak economic environment continues to
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
PAGE27
NORFOLK VOICE
Armchair
16 Wymer Drive, Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk. NR11 6XF Tel: 01263 731009 Mob: 07920106624 Email: david@money-mountain.co.uk
MORTGAGES
Armchair Mortgages specialise in offering non-investment financial solutions, established in June 2000 and directly authorised by the FSA. Contact David Mountain for a free no obligation review of your current Mortgage, Protection and Insurance policies or to discuss in more detail any of the following;
l Residential & Commercial Mortgages l Buy-to-Let Mortgages l Re-mortgages l First Time Buyers l Life Assurance & Critical Illness Cover l Business Insurance/Protection l Mortgage Protection l Building & Contents Insurance for residential properties and landlords l Income Protection l Accident. Sickness & Unemployment Cover l Personal Loans l Secured Loans l Pre-Paid Funeral Plans We can also offer most types of insurance for tradesmen and businesses. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Head Office 60 Foxfields Way, Huntington, Cannock, Staffs WS12 4TA We are directly authorised by the Financial Services Authority and our registration number is 304264.
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
NATWEST
Daughter takes over as Serenity Hair Emporium finds new home in Kings Lynn. ADVERTISING FEATURE ideas for the business, and I am delighted to see the changes she has made already making a real difference.” Teresa Dye adds: “We have started with a bang - a new location, and a new name for the business. When I took over from mum it felt in some ways like a new beginning, so these changes reflect this. Mum has done a great job building up a strong and loyal customer base. I see it as my job to build upon this and expand where appropriate. The addition of the beauty room brings with it new clientele and new revenues streams which we hope to reinvest within the business.” Maria Plumb, relationship manager, business banking at NatWest who helped organise the funding for the premises move said: “The new site at St James Street provides the space Teresa needed to realise the plans she held to add to the beauty treatment side of the business. They now have an extended offering from better located premises, based around the facilities they need to grow the business further.” Kings Lynn, May 16th 2011 – Teresa Dye has taken over her mother Susan Gallagher’s hairdressing business – moved it into new premises in Kings Lynn and changed the name of the business from Jigsawz Hair Design to Serenity Hair Emporium. The move to new premises has been financed by NatWest. Susan had run Jigsawz for a number of years and bought Teresa into the business. Looking to step back from the day to day operations, Susan has passed the company over to Teresa and her husband Martin – who becomes company secretary. To mark the change in ownership, Teresa made the decision to move to new premises in the town and change the name of the company and expand its beauty treatment offering. Serenity Hair Emporium now trades from 32, St James Street in Kings Lynn. The move has allowed the business to expand and now includes a beauty room - given the additional space the new premises provide. This allows the business to attract additional business to the salon which has chairs for 11 stylists. The seven members of trained staff are joined by two trainees currently working within the business, another positive sign for the future success of the business. NatWest provided the business with a loan to purchase the lease to the St James Street site. Speaking about the recent developments, Susan Gallagher said: “I put a lot of time and effort into establishing the business. It was natural and also a very proud moment when I handed over the reigns to Teresa and Martin. I know she has big
Supporting SME ambitions Our customers and supporting UK Businesses are at the heart of everything we do at NatWest. That’s why we’ve spoken to 8000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gain a deeper insight into what is really important to them. In listening to our customers a sense of disengagement and lack of trust is clear, with many feeling that banks are out of touch and only 40% believing they have a role to play in supporting their business ambitions. The remaining 60% felt that banks had no role and a key reason for this is that their bank has not demonstrated or shown they can help (Source - Online Business Panel, iCD, September 2010 n=1,259). This powerful and honest feedback is key in helping us understand and respond to these concerns, driving our desire to become the bank of choice for UK SMEs. Simon Lubbock, from NatWest explains:
such as the Enterprise Finance Guarantee and European Investment Bank schemes as well as specific sector funding packages. But we understand that growth is not the main ambition for all SMEs. For many the focus is survival and day to day cash flow. This is where our teams of locally-based Business Managers and Relationship Managers can help, alongside sector specialists in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and franchise – all of whom are working towards industry accreditations to underpin their expertise. Wider banking needs can also be accommodated through invoice finance to help with late payments and protection against bad debtors, structuring asset finance solutions as well as support of overseas trade activity and day-to-day domestic and online banking.” With over 1.2million of the UK’s SMEs banking with The Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest, our team genuinely understands the challenges faced by small businesses. Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Over 18s only.
ANY PROPERTY USED AS SECURITY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE YOUR HOME, MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT
National Westminster Bank Plc Registered Number 929027 England Registered Office: 135 Bishopsgate London EC2M 3UR Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services RBS Invoice Finance. Registered in England No. 662221. Registered Office: Smith House, Elmwood Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 7QD
“We are responding to the research and using it to shape the way we work. We are ensuring that everything we do is about helping customers achieve their ambitions whether they are immediate needs and goals or longer term plans. We want them to have the confidence to achieve their ambitions through working with us. ‘Ahead for Business’ encapsulates our commitment to making banking simple for all and offers SMEs a relationship team that understands their ambitions and can deliver transparency and added value through business and sector expertise.
To find out how NatWest can support your business, get ahead and contact Simon Lubbock, Director Business Banking Norfolk on 07801 621594 or simon.lubbock@rbs.co.uk.
We are proud to be leading the way with regards to the Government lending initiatives
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Optimism despite the darkening clouds. ADVERTISING FEATURE
The East of England’s commercial property market needs to be seen in the context of events on a wider scale, which can have a knock-on effect on business confidence.
With fears over recession and Europe concerned about the crisis in the Euro-zone, it’s a fluid and fast moving situation and one that impacts right across Europe. According to Cushman & Wakefield, which analyses property markets worldwide, figures for the second quarter of the year showed that activity in commercial property markets across Europe slowed with €26.2bn traded, 11.5% less than in the opening three months of the year. However, the company feels that all is not doom and gloom because trends show that the slowdown is by no means uniform, with some markets gaining. Michael Rhydderch, head of the European Capital Markets Group at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Quarterly trends can be hard to read given the time it takes for property to trade and the changing conditions we see month to month. “What cannot be denied though is that less stock has been sold than we had expected, with volumes in the year to June actually dipping slightly to €122.4bn. What we have noticed in particular is that average deal times have lengthened due partly to very thorough due diligence by sponsors and extended credit approval processes.” One area offering optimism was the renaissance in the office sector, which saw its share of activity rise from 36% in Q1 to 46% in Q2, with trading up
10% compared to falls of 35% for retail and 46% for industrial. David Hutchings, Head of European Research at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Investment spending by companies is rising and recruitment is up in some cities. What is more, while corporate Europe is not in such a bad shape, consumer expenditure will face pressure for some time to come and will be slower to benefit from the economic recovery than many had hoped.” Recent trends suggest that, difficult economic times or not, some investors remain prepared to take a risk on commercial property, in the hope of returns further down the line as the economy picks up. Nevertheless, the picture does remain uncertain, according to David Hutching, who said: “Many of our teams have been reporting increasing levels of demand over the past few months but while some countries will post strong growth in the second half of the year, others will struggle to match last year’s level of trading. “Nonetheless, a steady easing in nerves over the sovereign debt crisis may open the door back into markets which are off the list for core investors now.”
Accountants Lovewell Blake moving to Bankside 300.
In the largest office letting in the Norwich area this year, the regional accountancy firm, Lovewell Blake has leased two floors totalling 20,000 sq ft in Bankside 300, the latest office building at Broadland Business Park. Lovewell Blake plan to move into the building during November. James Allen of Roche, the letting agent for Broadland Business Park commented, “We are very pleased that Lovewell Blake, as one of Norwich’s leading professional firms, has decided to move to Broadland Business Park, recognising it’s pre-eminence as the leading business park in the Norwich area and one of the largest schemes in East Anglia”. For further informationऀ-ऀऀJames Allen T: ऀ01603 619876 F: ऀ01603 665096 E: james.allen@rochesurveyors.co.uk
And Michael Ryddherch said: “Our expectations are still for a pick-up in activity in the second half of the year, based on current deal activity and the fact that more property is coming on to the market, particularly from the banks.”
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
PAGE31
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For further information on any of the above properties please contact the sole letting agents, Bidwells on 01603 763939.
NFK VOICE 2011 180X110:NORFOLK VOICE
21/10/11
5:18 pm
Page 1
Norwich’s Premier Office Location
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
David Lambert
Sackville Place Business Centre Have some potentially nice spaces going, offer very flexible terms, very reasonable rates & can also offer: • Access 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week • Parking bays right outside • Public Car Park opposite & one behind • Can provide furniture FREE if required
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• Call forwarding service
• 70 Other business on site so good opportunities for picking up clients & networking etc. Our rates are all in so they include all heating, lighting etc. The only other monthly expense you’d need to consider is BT. With us it gives you the flexibility to shop for the best deal from all providers & take the number with you should we part company. Also you’re not having to pay for the business centre’s mark up on calls & line rental. If you need to expand or contract in size we’re happy to move you into new space regardless of how long you’ve left to run on your existing lease. No credit checks, no VAT to pay.
Stewart Wright, Centre Manager, Sackville Place Business Centre, 44-48 Magdalen Road, Norwich NR3 1JU T. 01603 616 221 E. sackvilleplace@cygnetproperties.co.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
FOCUS ON ENGINEERING
YoY growth and expansion for leading engineering firm. ADVERTISING FEATURE
As the UK economy remains in uncertain times, Create Consulting (founded 2009) has enjoyed rapid success enabling them to make key hires throughout the organisation, further developing their brand as a leader in sustainable engineering and culminating in winning ‘Best New Business’ in the EDP Business Awards 2011. Jonathan Cage established Create Consulting Engineers and puts its success down to outstanding customer service, strategic planning and a strong team with in-depth market knowledge: “Having increased turnover 200% from £0.4 million in 2009 to £1.4 million in 2010 we are delighted that our strategy and approach is starting to show signs of having a significant impact on the market.” Jonathan continues: “In line with our long-term strategy and slightly ahead of schedule we have recently expanded and recruited key members of staff in London, Cambridge and Glasgow. This expansion will allow us to further develop our services across transport, energy, water, geoenvironmental & geotechnical impacts, sustainability and infrastructure engineering”. Having previously held the position of Group MD at the national consultancy Millard Consulting, Jonathan’s ambition was to establish an innovative customer-focused engineering consultancy, providing a full range of technical and environmental support services yet still maintaining a personal service. In just two years Create Consulting has become one of the leading independent engineering firms in the East.
A key element of the organisations approach to business is their commitment to Corporate Responsibility, evident in their strategy to further develop the sustainability practice, and in how the company encourages its employees to provide support to public sector and community organisations. To date employees have become a School Governor, given time to community based projects and worked with charitable bodies and aid organisations. In addition to which Create has recently moved into their new eco friendly office in Norwich and is awaiting receipt of their gold rating with Ska – a scheme helping organisations achieve more sustainable office refurbishments which reduce their impact on the environment. With experience spanning residential, commercial, leisure, education, health and strategic land projects, Create Consulting operate across a broad spectrum of projects, from a single car parking space in Kensington to a new settlement of 15,000 houses and the associated infrastructure. Create works with clients to develop projects and infrastructure by providing core skills
Energy - Renewables, Efficiency and Carbon Management Transport - Transportation, Travel Planning and Highway Design In addition to which, there is a dedicated environmental team who focus on site investigation, risk assessment, remediation planning and design, air quality and noise assessment. Create Consulting has accreditations with: Shaping Norfolk’s Future (Transport Group), A47 Alliance, Achilles, Constructionline, SMAS, Association of Project Safety, EcoHomes, BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Home. Jonathan Cage is a Board Director of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and currently Chairs its Planning Group providing advisory services on key areas of sustainability specifically where relevant to engineering projects across the county For more information about Create Consulting Engineers, contact Jonathan Cage on 0845 4507908 or via e-mail Jonathan.Cage@ createconsultingengineers.co.uk
spanning technical master-planning, project management and expert witness services based around three core elements: Water - Supply, Flood Risk and Sustainable Drainage
THE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEOF OFNORFOLK NORFOLKCHAMBER CHAMBEROF OFCOMMERCE COMMERCEAND ANDINDUSTRY INDUSTRY
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
CHAMBER NEWS
A strong team on Board. We are delighted to have appointed three new members to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Board: Phil Risby
Peter Foster
Jodie Guttrich
Director & CEO Gasplas, Norwich
Account Director Hugh J Boswell, Norwich
General Manager Sprowston Manor
Involved in innovative world class research for clean energy and environmental solutions.
Responsible for a large portfolio of commercial clients, and the operation and development of their Community Broking Division.
Responsible for the running of a 94 bedroom hotel and spa, set in 150 acres of parkland, complete with championship 18-hole golf course.
“It is important, in this everchanging environment, that Norfolk business issues are recognised and taken into account in local and regional policy making. If ever there is a time to work together, it is now.”
“I am delighted and proud to have joined the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce board. I passionately believe in the service and support they provide to our community’s businesses. My aim is to assist fellow board members in providing economic and business growth within Norwich and Norfolk.”
“I am very excited about being appointed to the board. Having worked for 26 years in the hospitality sector, I am very interested in getting more involved in bringing business into Norfolk to provide long term stability to the tourism sector. I am looking forward to actively working together with established businesses in Norfolk for the better of the business environment.”
Here are the other members of the board. Full details at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
Critical friend leads the business agenda. In September this year, Norfolk Chamber set up two new business groups, whose aim is to work closely with the business community and act as a ‘critical friend’ to influence, challenge and advise on key policy issues. The Business Finance Group, chaired by David Whitehead, of Larking Gowen, has a number of immediate priorities. These are to ensure the New Anglia LEP Business Support Portal, planned to go live in 2012, is user-friendly and suitable for small businesses. In addition, the group is meeting with HMRC in November to challenge the treasury on how it plans to support businesses in the future. “The Business Finance Group comprises senior bankers and accountants from across the region and our aim is to ensure that business support is a key element within the LEP’s strategy,” commented David Whitehead. “We will be able to feedback to the LEP the needs of business in Norfolk and assist in identifying solutions.”
“Business doesn’t get a vote, therefore it is essential their voice is heard when considering planning issues which could affect the competitiveness of a region,” says Jonathan Cage. “It is the aim of the planning group not only to provide this voice, but also clear, practical advice guiding our members through the ever changing maze of planning policy.
David Whitehead
Jonathan Cage
The Chamber Planning Group, which is chaired by Jonathan Cage of Create Consulting Engineers Ltd, has been established to help businesses understand the ever-changing planning regulations. It comprises key people within the industry, including major developers, landowners, architects, planning lawyers and chartered surveyors, with the aim of providing practical advice to the Chamber members. The group will also be working with some of the major utility companies such as EDF, providing support and advice on how businesses could assist in both the delivery and planning of key infrastructure projects.
“We want Norfolk to show it is ready for business. It is essential that we welcome anybody who wants to invest in our region and demonstrate that we have the skills and the supply chain to service their needs. The first stage of this is to ensure a coordinated planning approach and the Planning Group will be actively trying to encourage each of the authorities to work together.” The Group will be meeting regularly and is looking at establishing a regular bulletin in Norfolk Voice magazine, as well as a LinkedIn forum for members to contribute or raise issues that they would like addressed. The group also plans to work closely with both LEPs to provide feedback on what businesses really think about planning. Contact Jonathan Cage on: jonathan.cage@createconsultingengineers.co.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
Legal Protection When You Need It Most. Unexpected legal disputes can be costly at the best of times, but in a challenging economic climate it is more important than ever for small and medium sized businesses to have access to affordable justice, legal representation and advice. In general, smaller firms will not have their own in-house Legal/HR team and the responsibility lies with a manager or possibly a director themselves. In the ever-changing minefield of employment legislation, it is impossible for parttime HR managers to be fully up to speed on current legislation, rights and responsibilities. The latest Employment Tribunal Service annual report shows that in the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, there were 218,100 Employment Tribunal Applications. Although this represents an 8% fall compared to 2009-10, it is still a 44% increase on the 200809 figure. The average award for unfair dismissal is now £8,924, race discrimination £12,108, sex discrimination £13,911 and disability discrimination £14,137.
The maximum awards are even more alarming with £289,167 paid out for a Sex Discrimination case. As a member of The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce you benefit from being automatically covered by a Legal Expenses Insurance policy providing peace of mind in knowing you have up to £670,000 to cover the professional fees of a Solicitor, HR consultant or Accountant to represent your business following certain legal disputes including Employment. Members also have access to the 24/7 Chamber Legal Advice line providing telephone-based advice relating to any legal, employment or taxation matter.
A few case studies: A member firm completed a recruitment process to employ a new member of staff. Afterwards an unsuccessful candidate filed a claim for discrimination. The employment tribunal advised the claim was unfounded, but because of the nature of the allegation the case had to be heard. The claim was successfully defended by one of the Chamber Legal Expenses solicitors. Defence costs of £11,536 were incurred, costs the firm would have had to find if they were not covered by the Chamber Legal Expenses policy, and they had not done a single thing wrong.
Another firm was the subject of a normal Inland Revenue investigation. In order to deal with it, specialist tax experts were instructed to defend the matter incurring costs of £6,715 – costs the firm would have had to pay had they not had Chamber Legal Expenses. A member firm’s landlord, when renewing their lease, served a firm notice of a ‘schedule to repair and dilapidations’. The sum claimed by the landlord was around £100,000. Our solicitors were instructed to attempt to reject the claim and successfully reduced the costs by over 75%. Fees were incurred of £14,000, which was paid by us because the firm was covered by Chamber Legal Expenses.
Accessing the Chamber Legal Expenses and 247 Legal Advice Line Service: It is essential that members contact the Chamber Legal Advice Line as soon as they become aware of any issue that may give rise to a dispute and treat the Advice Line as if it was their own in house Legal Department. Delaying notifying the Advice Line could jeopardise your ability to be covered, especially if you take any actions without the authority of the Insurer. Chamber Legal Expenses is provided by Composite Legal Expenses Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Please refer to the Chamber Legal Expenses policy wording to fully understand the policy terms and conditions. Details are available on request from your Chamber of Commerce or by visiting www. composite-legal.com/chamber The Chamber Legal Advice Line can be accessed by calling 0871 423 5239.
Delaying notifying the Advice Line could jeopardise your ability to be covered, especially if you take any actions without the authority of the Insurer.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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 01603 625977 to find out more.
Chamber Legal
Chamber Health 1
Chamber Utility Auditing
FREE 24/7 Legal Helpline + Legal Expenses Insurance with up to £670,000 of indemnity, worth a minimum of £125 for the smallest business.
Chamber Optical & Dental Healthcare Plan from Westfield – provide your staff with healthcare from as little as £1.10 per week. Holistic treatments also included.
Free comprehensive review of your utility bills by approved specialists to make sure your business is getting the most competitive rates.
Chamber HR
Chamber Health 2
Chamber AA Fleet
FREE 24/7 HR Helpline + Online Resource with downloadable templates, policies and updates on employment law worth a minimum of £350 for the smallest business.
Chamber Private Healthcare Plan from AXA PPP Healthcare.
Save up to 61% on AA Fleet Membership for company vehicles with Chamber Fleet Assist.
Chamber Purchasing
Chamber Debt Recovery
Chamber Finance
The Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and AF Affinity have joined forces to give you access to Chamber Purchasing. Your business can now leverage on the buying might of Anglia Farmers through its subsidiary AF Affinity, enabling you to buy goods and services at very competitive prices.
Debt Recovery Service – Free initial letter and a small fixed fee if the debt is recovered. No charge if the debt is not recovered.
FREE business banking for one year for established business and 3 years’ free banking for start-ups with Natwest as a Chamber Member.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
STEELES LAW LLP
Olympics 2012 Businesses be Warned. ADVERTISING FEATURE
James Tarling, a Principal in Steeles Law’s Commercial Team, examines the legal implications for businesses looking to cash in on the Olympic Games. Because of the national and global exposure inherent in the Olympics, there will be many businesses which are keen to associate their goods or services with the Olympics. Under existing laws and new laws passed specifically for London 2012, the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has powerful rights to protect exploitation of the Olympics. The famous Olympic rings, the words “Olympics”, “Olympian” and “Olympiad”, and the Olympic motto “Citius Altius Fortius/Faster Higher Stronger” all have special protection under English law. The presumption is that none of these images, words or phrases can be used by any business without consent from LOCOG. There are some exceptions, such as where there is clearly no association with the Olympic Games, and Little Chef have been cleared to continue to sell
their “Olympic Breakfast” because they have been selling this since before these rights were created. However, no new “Olympic” bars or restaurants are likely to be permitted to open next year. LOCOG has also registered a number of trademarks relating to the 2012 Olympics. These trademarks are extensive and amongst those registered are “London 2012”, and the “Wenlock” and “Mandeville” characters. LOCOG did however abandon its attempt to register the number “2012” itself (which was no doubt a relief to calendar publishers!). In addition to these restrictions on specific words and images, LOCOG has been granted the exclusive right, known as the “London Olympics Association Right” (LOAR), to sell sponsorship and licences which allow companies to be associated with the 2012 Olympics. Businesses are prohibited from making any “association” with the 2012 Olympics without LOCOG’s consent. LOCOG interpret the concept of “association” very widely. The use of certain words such as “2012” together with “London” or “Summer” and phrases such as “Supporting the 2012 Games” are likely to indicate an infringement but there is no actual black list of words.
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
I have had many clients present ingenious ways to create Olympic related products without using any of the prohibited words or phrases, often using images of London or athletics. However, this powerful new right held by LOCOG makes such clever marketing tactics very difficult. If the intention, or effect, is to create an association with the 2012 Olympics there will have been an infringement. That said experience from previous major sporting events suggests that there will still be those who will try ambush marketing in various forms and there will no doubt be some interesting cases running through the courts next year as the limits of LOCOG’s powers are tested. Any business considering an advertising campaign or producing merchandise that relates, or could be considered to relate, to the 2012 Olympics should think carefully before doing so. If you require any advice in relation to the issues covered in this article, please do not hesitate to contact James Tarling on 01603 598000 or jtarling@steeleslaw.co.uk.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
PAGE39
NORFOLK VOICE
Time to update your copier? Or want to combine your copying, desktop printing and scanning into one machine? Don’t make any decisions until you’ve spoken to us.
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
CHAMBER EVENTS
Diary Dates. NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
Business Breakfast Great Yarmouth
Opportunities in….. Latin America
Business Breakfast
WHEN? Thursday, 10 November, 7.45am – 9.30am
WHEN? Thursday, 1 December, 3.30pm – 6.00pm (followed by networking buffet)
WHEN? Thursday, 9 February, 7.45am – 9.30pm
WHERE? Great Yarmouth Racecourse, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Business breakfast with networking opportunities. This event is titled ‘Business Opportunities’. Speakers are EDF, Compete For and New Anglia LEP. Sponsored by Compete For and New Anglia LEP. North Norfolk Networking WHEN? Tuesday, 15 November, 7.45am – 9.00am WHERE? The Feather Hotel, Holt. 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. HR Forum Norwich WHEN? Wednesday, 16 November, 2.00pm – 5.00pm WHERE? Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Are you ready for Compulsory Workplace Pension Reform? Sponsored by Smith & Pinching. Business Breakfast Norwich WHEN? Thursday, 17 November, 7.45am – 9.30am WHERE? Norwich City Football Club WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Sponsored by Dingles Toyota, who will provide a brief talk on the future of cars and how they are powered in the UK, highlighting future technologies, their relative practicalities and their interaction with Government policy and the tax regime. Better Business Finance WHEN? Tuesday, 29 November, 9.00am – 12.30pm
WHERE? L J Create Ltd, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Sponsored by UKTI. Looking at business opportunities in Brazil and Mexico. Case Study by L J Create Ltd. ‘Unlocking Growth’ Business Conference WHEN? Friday, 2 December, 8.30am – 2.30pm
WHERE? Grosvenor Casino, Great Yarmouth WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Business breakfast with networking opportunities. High Five Lunch, West Norfolk WHEN? Tuesday, 21 February, 12.00pm – 2.00pm WHERE? Congham Hall, King’s Lynn
WHERE? Open, Bank Plain, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? ‘Unlocking Growth’ is a half day conference designed to inspire and offer an insight into ways to unlock the potential growth of your business. The keynote speaker is Dr Vince Cable. Other guest speakers include David McNally, CEO of Norwich City Football Club, and local entrepreneurs.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT? A fantastic opportunity to network, with a keynote presentation by Mark Reeve, from Chalcroft Construction. Sponsored by Llloyds & Hayhow. Business Breakfast WHEN? Wednesday, 22 February, 7.45am – 9.30am WHERE? Holiday Inn, Norwich
High Five Lunch West Norfolk
WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Business breakfast with networking opportunities.
WHEN? Tuesday, 6 December, 12.00pm – 2.00pm WHERE? Congham Hall, Kings Lynn
North Norfolk Networking
WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Keynote speaker Gordon Chetwood of Kinnerton Confectionery. A series of events where West Norfolk businesses can hear first hand from Business Leaders and their key drivers for success. Sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking and Hayhow Accountants.For more information on all the events, or to book, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk
WHEN? Thursday, 23 February, 7.45am – 9.00am WHERE? TBA WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Series of networking events based in North Norfolk. Mix with like-minded people over a coffee before heading to the office.
JANUARY Mix @ Six WHEN? Thursday, 26 January, 5.45pm – 8.00pm WHERE? Number Ten, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Join the Chamber for an evening of informal networking over a game of bowling.
WHERE? Sprowston Manor, Norwich WHAT’S IT ABOUT? The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has teamed up with the Better Business Finance scheme to launch a series of regional seminars on business access to finance. Throughout 2011, representatives from the UK’s major banks, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS and Santander, are taking part in the Regional Outreach Roadshow – a scheme which is run by the banks and the British Bankers Association (BBA).
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
SOLUTIONS DISCOVERED
The X-Factor of Success and how to claim it. ADVERTISING FEATURE
By Next Christmas you could have £50,000 in your bank account! Success for Life UK is the UK’s first and only structured discovery course on how to become a millionaire in 60 months or less, it features the best material in the world, specifically selected to give results fast. The question is, not can you do this, because you can, with our help! Are you ready to change your life with our “Platinum Programme”. Success for Life UKis a six-month programme run in your local area by our support leaders in a group/community environment. You will be shown the principles and mechanism of success by three world experts using DVD and audio presentations. You will be shown the secrets of a special business - home publishing!
Not only CAN you do this It is your DUTY to be wealthy!
people who are seriously determined - people who may well have tried different business opportunity programmes from other sources and realised finally that they need a different route. We’re not looking for desperate cases - we’re looking for determined cases. If you have failed before and realise that failure is an event, not a person, or if you are someone who refuses to quit on his or her dream - then we’d like to hear from you. If you are determined to find new oceans, then you have just found your ship.
“People are far more creative than they think. Every day they come up with ten new reasons why they can’t do something.”
Your first step to a new future starts here …
1. Remove all debt from your life, everything, mortgage, the lot.
Your alternative is to be earning exactly what you are earning now - plus 3% p.a. if you’re lucky. In five years’ time will you be on a beach with a laptop watching yourself make more money in a day than others do in a month? Or will it be just like today, but five years later? Your choice. It’s always your choice.
2. Put you firmly into the BIG income bracket or well on the way there.
Contact Jane at successforlifeuk@uwclub.net or call 01603-765768.
The OBJECT of all this is clear. It is for us to give you the knowledge, support and help to:
Platinum is the full support and training package. It also goes into other ways of information publishing. Most important, it goes into more detail concerning your biggest problem which is not about the details of how to home publish. No, the biggest obstacle to success in any area is self confidence and how to generate the energy to drive you forward.
3. Give you absolute confidence in yourself that you can do these things. 4. Remove FEAR from your life completely. 5. Show you the techniques of successful information publishing including special information on how to write a massively successful eBook that can set you up for life.
That’s right. It is your duty to be wealthy. Seriously, this is no longer a question of choice. It may have been yesterday, but it certainly isn’t today. Choosing to be poor, which (with respect) is what you have been doing so far without realising it - is no nlonger an option. Allowing others to dictate your success in life is also not an option.
This is NOT about working harder. You don’t work harder to become rich! Get home publishing right and you’ll walk through the car park at Asda in the full and certain knowledge that you can buy any car in the car park for cash any time you want to, and nobody would know who you are.
Are you ready for the Quantum Income Leap? Do you qualify for this? I’m afraid we cannot take just anyone on this course. This is not a chequebook entry system. This is for people who can take responsibility for their own lives. People who are willing to do what it takes. Above all it’s for people who are prepared to go the extra mile themselves, with help, as distinct from wanting someone else to do it for them. We’re looking for
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
PAGE42
TRAINING
Skill Up Norfolk expands.
With more and more visitors coming to the Skill Up Norfolk site every day, we have expanded the range of training providers that you can search from. A number of training providers from Suffolk and Cambridgeshire have joined, so the chances of you finding the training course that your business needs is higher than ever. Funding is still available for businesses who want to train their staff. The Leadership and Management Advisory service is currently offering grants to cover 50% of training costs (up to £1000), so there has never been a better time to train your staff. Skill Up Norfolk Project Manager Jason Williams said: “Training is something that many businesses see as a luxury that they will only indulge when the times are good, and what many of them
sometimes forget is that staff that lack key skills will often cost them more than the training cost itself. Skill Up exists to make it as easy as possible to find that course that can give your business a boost.”
Skill Up exists to make it as easy as possible to find that course that can give your business a boost
Skill Up Norfolk now has over 230 providers and over 3000 courses, and these numbers are increasing every week, so take this opportunity to find that training course that can give you and your business some much needed up-skilling. For more information, go to www.skillupnorfolk.co.uk or call the dedicated hotline on 01603 729715.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER JULY/AUGUST 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
CHAMBER EVENTS
Wish you were here! We work hard throughout the year to deliver a wide range of events that are topical, practical and often great fun! Here’s what we’ve been up to.
MP’s even t
hibition B2B ex
n itio xhib e B2B
Bikers ’ Brea kfast
Meet the Buyer B2B exhibition
Sustainability
Chamber 5ives Football League
r 5ives Chambe League Football
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Socia l Med ia Wo rksho p
TAKE A BREAK
Ridley Pinstripe. It’s 9.15am at the offices of Barking Barking and Madd. Very quiet. Too near home time. However, unbeknown to the employees, the wind of change is a-blowing. The wind in question blew into the Stock Control Department with the arrival of a green memo. Previously, green memos had been used for financial matters but this one had been changed to read Renewables. I knew something was afoot, of course, because I had been asked to purchase a new batch of green paper. There’s not many decisions get made around here without me knowing. Anyway, the memo said that the company was about to ‘Embrace the Green Revolution’ by installing a wind turbine at the back of the factory. The company was, according to the memo, keen to do its bit to protect the environment and the wind turbine would be an excellent way to do that, once the copse had been felled to make way for it. Over the weeks that followed, we were bombarded with a series of notes extolling the importance of protecting the planet by more judicious use of resources. Among the instructions, we were urged to switch lights off during the day and recycle all our packaging, a memo that was rescinded when Jenny from Accounts lost her footing in the darkness and plunged down the main stairs while carrying a huge batch of empty cardboard boxes. The floor broke her fall but she still spent a week in hospital. The day of the wind turbine unveiling duly arrived with excitement at fever pitch among no one in particular. We all trooped out the back to see a bearded and somewhat miserable-looking man from the wildlife trust standing next to our newly appointed Director of Renewables, Gordon Green. The company had strenuously denied that Gordon’s appointment was a gimmick and that he had been promoted from Deputy Head of Widgets Production because of his surname, but it did not hesitate to rush out a press release headed ‘Company Appoints the Green Man’ anyway. Gordon stepped forward and announced that, in addition to the wind turbine, we were also embarking on a tree planting ‘programme’ to make up the loss of the copse. The programme turned out to be a somewhat sorry looking specimen which he and the wildlife trust man proceeded to plant. It immediately lurched to one side and its remaining leaves fell off.
Then came the unveiling. “We have,” said Gordon proudly, addressing particularly the gathered media scrum (a scruffy lad from the local weekly), “estimated that the turbine can generate enough power to keep the factory powered for at least two hours a day, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.” Everyone clapped, Gordon flicked a switch, the turbine rotated feebly a couple of times, the factory was plunged into darkness and we heard the grinding of metal followed by a series of strange pinging sounds and the shattering of glass as the production line ground to a halt and widgets peppered the windows. After the resultant front page story in the weekly paper, and the somewhat unfortunate national coverage that followed, there was a rumour that the turbine would be taken down. Which turned out to be wrong because a few days later the area was hit by mild winds (some might describe it as a breeze) and the blessed thing came crashing down of its own accord, flattening the newly-planted sapling. Last time I saw Gordon Green, he was back on the shop floor. Well, I say back on it, actually he was sweeping it.
Ridley NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
NEW MEMBERS
New Members. Anglian Water Services Ltd
KLM UK Engineering Ltd
Warren Services Ltd
01733 414138
01603 254400
01842 760850
Public Services
Engineering
Engineering
Anglian Water, Water Company.
Based in Norwich International Airport for 40 years, KLM UK Engineering is a leading aircraft maintenance provider, wholly owned by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, employing approximately 360 people. We also have a Technical College working in partnership with KLM.
We are your ‘manufacturing solution’ for precision and production engineering. Our capabilities extend from water jet wEtting, EDM wire eroding, Laser profiling and CNC milling/ turning, to fabrication and finishing (shop blasting and paint/powder coating)
Business First Solutions Ltd
0844 88 44 585 Telecommunications Telecommunications - specialising in business mobile phones with a managed service for all sized companies.
Cargocall UK Ltd
01366 383 377
Marsh Hammond & Partners LLP
07530 314881
01603 882152
Business Adviser
Energy
A Firm of licensed insolvency practitioners, business advisers and consultants, passionate about finding the optimum solutions.
Installer/operator of small wind systems
Transport (Haulage) International Freight Forwarder providing transport and logistics services to business for exports and imports. All methods of transport all types of cargo including abnormal loads to or from any part of the world.
Eaton Vale Activity Centre
01603 501228 Outdoor Education Eaton Vale Activity Centre is Norfolk’s leading outdoor education centre. A joint venture between Norfolk Scouts & Guides the centre is a community asset and aims to deliver first class outdoor activities to both local, national and international groups.
ENER-G Procurement Limited
0161 745 7450 Energy Chamber utilities is a dedicated energy cost reduction service, covering electricity and gas, water contract procurement, energy efficient solution, funding and advice. For a fast energy service go online www.Chamberutilities.Co.Uk
The Finance Shop
01493 441140 Financial Adviser
Windcrop Limited
CHAMBER DIGEST
Neo Car Sales and Shipping Award for Louise
01502 731335 Car Services We find the best priced car for our overseas customers in the UK and ship it to them in Southern Africa.
Solutions Discovered
01603 765768 Business Adviser The number one site in the UK for home business audience and training in how to run a hugely scuccesful home business. A must for anyone looking for any business opportunity, home business or success seeker.
TAG Leisure Limited
01603 660662 Nightclubs Tao Club and Lounge is Norwich’s stunning new premier venue, a sumptuous oriental chic design. Located in the heart of Prince of Wales Road it has an atmospheric lounge bar, ideal for relaxing after a hectic week
Norfolk-based business management college Deltic is celebrating with student Louise Venn, after she received a special award for Outstanding Academic Achievement at the Institute of Administrative Management’s (IAM) international graduation ceremony in London. Louise, who is staff training and development coordinator at Notre Dame High School in Norwich, was presented with her award by IAM Chief Executive, Jenny Hewell, having achieved one of the highest overall results for the Level-4 Diploma in Administrative Management, placing her in the top percentile.
Mortgage & Financial Advisers
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
PAGE47
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Howes Percival strengthens Commercial Property team. Jamie Kidd Howes Percival
Health provider adds to team Occupational health provider Abermed has strengthened its clinical team by appointing Dr Steve Boorman as medical director for UK occupational health services. Dr Boorman, a widely recognised occupational health consultant, has advised the Government and NHS and was chief medical officer and director of health and safety for the Royal Mail. James Miller, chairman at Abermed, said: “Dr Boorman‘s unrivalled experience in occupational health will greatly benefit all of our clients. He combines a wealth of expertise with genuine charisma. We’re delighted to welcome a colleague at the top of his profession.”
Howes Percival has further boosted its Norwich-based Property team with the appointment of a new partner. Jamie Kidd, an expert in Property Litigation, joins Howes Percival from London firm Forsters. The move follows the recent appointment of Trevor Ivory as Planning partner, Tracey Hughes as Property Development partner and Alice Liddle as a director in the same team. Jamie advises on all property issues of a contentious nature. This encompasses a range of disputes concerning residential, commercial and agricultural land. He has particular experience in relation to asset management concerns such as rent reviews, dilapidations and other landlord and tenant matters, as well as development and joint venture disputes and the impact of insolvency in a property context. Howes Percival’s Managing Partner, Andrew Barnes, said; “I’m delighted to welcome Jamie to the firm. Having a Property Litigation specialist of Jamie’s calibre means we can be even more responsive and effective for clients when property related disputes arise.”
Dr Boorman said: “I am delighted to join Abermed at an exciting stage in its growth. It already has a strong clinical team. Together, we have the opportunity to build on Abermed’s diverse client and customer base to deliver excellent occupational health services. I can’t wait to get started.”
Tax manager for specialist medical team Mark Tombs has been promoted to tax manager in Lovewell Blake’s specialist medical team serving general practitioners and consultants. Mr Tombs joined Lovewell Blake in 2004 and qualified as a member of the Association of Tax Technicians. He graduated with a BA in accountancy and management from Essex University, Colchester, in 2001 and worked for three years for an accountancy firm in the town. Lovewell Blake’s 13-strong medical team is one of the strongest in the region, dealing with over 50 GP practices across the Eastern Counties and South East. Mr Tombs provides advice on all aspects of taxation and tax planning.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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NORFOLK VOICE
The last word. Name Jodie Guttrich Company Sprowston Manor Job title General Manager BIOG: Jodie Guttrich has been the General Manager at Sprowston Manor for the past four and a half years. It is her second senior leadership position with Marriott International. Born in the United States, she studied German at university and was fortunate to be offered a position in Germany. With the hotel industry being such an international business, it seemed a perfect fit. Her 26 year career has taken her to hotels in six different countries, providing her with a very diverse and culturally rich approach to business. Jodie has recently been appointed to the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce board. “I am very interested in getting more involved in bringing business into Norfolk and to provide for long term stability to the tourism sector. Also, I would like to work together with established businesses in Norfolk for the better of the business environment,” Jodie commented. In addition, she is chairman of the Norwich Area Hoteliers Association. “My hotel is part of a large company that can provide unique insight into trends within in the industry and globally.”
Jodie also has a very strong approach to supporting the community. “Our hotel has 90% of our business coming from the UK, 40% from East Anglia. In the time that I have been in Norfolk, we have become more passionate about our “Spirit to Serve our Community”, Marriott’s community service program. It is a great programme that integrates community service into every aspect of our business.” Specifically, Jodie and her team work with Norwich City College and Flegg High School together on career fairs. The hotel also runs work placement with seven schools in the local area as well as supporting “Care 2 Work” which integrates troubled youths into jobs. One of the hotel’s team members is a director on the Flegg High School Opportunity and Aspiration Trust. “It is vitally important not only that I am involved in local community projects, but that my team are involved. They are our future managers, so to continue this culture we need to encourage them to personally become active members.”
What did you want to be when you were young?
If you could invite any two people to dinner who would they be and why?
A fire-fighter. During school half-term, I would get up at 6 am to start the “early shift” with my twin sister. We would use our bedroom as the fire house. My mother couldn’t understand why we were always running to catch the school bus because we couldn’t get out of bed, but would get up at 6am during our holiday!
JK Rowling, I think it is amazing that she wrote so many books that appealed to both adults and children, and that she is such a strong philanthropist which seems to keep her grounded.
What could you not live without? The first cup of coffee in the morning.
If you could build a house anywhere in the world where would it be? I would have to say that wherever in the world I would go, I would want a small cottage in Norfolk. Norfolk is the most beautiful and naturally diverse area that I have ever seen.
What makes you angry? Dishonesty.
Angela Merkel. I find her fascinating, a very powerful woman who has the fate of Europe in her hands. I worked in Germany for 17 years and would love to chat about politics!
What is the best thing about Norfolk? There are so many great things about Norfolk that it would be difficult to pick just one. It has great beaches, wonderful country walks, friendly people and the Kings Arms in Reepham. It is the best county I have seen in Britain. I lived in Reepham and Postwick and I have been very warmly welcomed.
If you only had £1 left in the whole world what would you spend it on? Pixy Sticks, it is a powdered, dextrose candy in a wrapper that resembles a drinking straw. I used
THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
to love it as a kid and they have recently started making it again.
What is in your opinion the greatest invention ever? An aeroplane. It gives me the chance to work in Britain but still visit my family in the US.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in life? You have to take chances particularly in the current economic environment. You have no chance of succeeding or being all you can be unless you take a chance.
If you could come back as an animal in your next life what would it be and why? My golden retriever, Louie. He has a wonderful temperament, is always happy, and loves the simple things in life.
You feel like doing something adventurous at work today. Do you… Wear the yellow socks Do different. Do our MBA. It’s a proven way to further your career. It involves hands on consultancy projects as part of your course. It’s the UK’s first MBA to jointly award a Diploma in Management Consultancy. It’s available part-time or full-time. And it starts in January. We hold MBA Open Evenings throughout the year – please check our website or contact us for the next date Do different. Call 01603 591753 or email mbateam @ uea.ac.uk www.business.uea.ac.uk/mba-programmes