Norfolk Voice 08 -2

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norfolk Vince Cable kicks off ‘Unlocking Growth’ in Norfolk

Big Interview

Unlock the potential for growth

Dany Bahar

Unlocking makes good commercial sense

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2012

EEEGR’s biggest conference focuses on ‘some of best energy resources in world’ The eyes of the world are focused on the East of England’s rich energy assets and that will be reflected in one of the region’s major conferences in Norwich.

The Southern North Sea Conference, SNS 2012, staged by EEEGR (the East of England Energy Group) will be the biggest ever, with a strong international flavour and headed by former BP chief Lord Browne.

Lord Browne

“The Southern North Sea is blessed with some of the best energy resources in the world: natural gas, wind and wave,” said Lord Browne, now a partner in Riverstone Holdings LLC. “But the crunch question is what we can do, whether in business, government, or education, to make the most of that resource.

We cannot afford to get it wrong.”

Industry speakers lined up alongside him include Paul Jeffs, head of production operations for RWE; Peter Giller, director of German windfarm developers WindMW;

Oliver Kleyn, from Shell Projects; Keith Tucker, decommissioning manager for Perenco; and Dr Rainer Mohr, of REpower Systems, turbine manufacturers.

SNS2012 has nearly double the capacity of the three previous sell-out events with 350 delegates expected at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, on March 1. There will also be an The event will be more pro-active than ever with delegates having the chance to meet buyers from major companies with specific energy projects in gas and offshore wind, among them SSE, Perenco, Offshore Marine Management, Petrofac, Jacobs Engineering and EAOW (East Anglia Offshore Wind), the team behind a multi-million pound venture off the Norfolk coast.

Conference sponsors and participants are Seajacks UK whose managing director Blair Ainslie added: “We have the highest possible regard for the skills and expertise of this region and, since the oil rush of the seventies, this is the most exciting time in its energy history.” www.eeegr.com/events

THERE’S ENERGY IN THE EAST Make sure you’re heading our way

Catalyst for the Join EEEGR. Energy Industry. www.eeegr.com

CONTENTS

Contents.

03 A very Happy New Year to you and welcome to the first issue of Norfolk Voice for 2012. This is going to be a very exciting year because we will be focusing on the theme of ‘Unlocking Growth’. This means we will be working hard to help you identify commercial opportunities, tap into the numerous supply chains and new development schemes, and so unlock the potential growth of your business.

We kicked off this theme on 2 December with our hugely successful Unlocking Growth Business Conference. The event attracted over 200 delegates, and we were delighted to welcome Dr Vince Cable MP as one of our inspirational speakers. Read all about the event on page 22.

Our next Unlocking Growth event is called ‘Opportunities 2012,’ which will be on 15 March at Norwich City Football Club. After 13 successful years we will no longer be holding our B2B Spring exhibitions, although we will continue to hold the B2B Autumn exhibitions in October every year.

‘Opportunities 2012’ is four events in one and it’s a key opportunity for the region’s buyers, suppliers and developers to meet and form meaningful relationships. Read more on page 34.

The Unlocking Growth theme runs throughout this issue of Norfolk Voice. Lotus has recently secured an injection of funding…great news for the region.

Their MD Dany Bahar will be talking about what this means to the company in the Big Interview on page 16.

We are also introducing a new and more personal Chamber membership service, offering tailored, practical advice to help members make and save money and raise their profile in the Norfolk business community. Read more on page 37.

Working together, we can make 2012 a positive year to remember. Help us to help you.

Welcome/Contents

04 05

Chamber News

07

Chamber Policy

08 09

Business News

12 13

Chamber News

15 16 17

5

International Trade The Big Interview

18

Chamber News

21

Chamber Events

22 25

Unlocking Growth

26 27

Conference and Exhibitions

34 35

Chamber Events

36 37

Chamber Membership

43 44

Chamber News

45

Take a Break

47

New Members

49

Movers and Shakers

50

The Last Word

16

43 Norfolk Voice is a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce publication.

All editorial and general enquiries: info@norfolkchamber.co.uk

ADVERTISING Helen Longley, Business Development Manager, Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2332 email: helen.longley@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Norwich Office: 9 Norwich Business Park, Whiting Road,

FEATURE EDITORS John Dean & Francis Griss email:deangriss@btinternet.com

Norwich NR4 6DJ Tel: 01603 625977

E-BOOK www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk/publications

Fax: 01603 633032

Caroline Williams CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Distinctive Publishing, 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Tel: 0845 884 2384 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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

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

CHAMBER’S GOLD PATRONS

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE3

NORFOLK VOICE

Think ‘outside the box’ to unlock your growth.

Good year for Further.

DAVINA TANNER President of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce

At the time of writing this column, we are all finishing our preparations for the first ever Norfolk Chamber Business Conference. This is a hugely exciting event for the Norfolk business community and I am so proud of Caroline and her team for securing a prestigious keynote speaker in Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

When I was asked to prepare a brief presentation as part of the conference, on the theme of unlocking growth, I decided to talk about the importance of thinking ‘outside of the box’. Although this is an over-used phrase, I do believe that we all have the potential to be a little more creative when making business decisions; perhaps being prepared to be a bit braver and put our heads above the parapet once in a while. This doesn’t always mean trying to change the world, but it can involve challenging the norm and taking a calculated risk.

As many of you will know, I am very passionate about the reducing re-offending agenda. The prison population recently topped 88,000 for the first time and the vast majority of those serving a prison sentence will be released. If we do not want them to end up back in prison within a year, as a society we have to take steps to help prevent these people from re-offending. Evidence shows that having a job is a major factor in turning people away from crime.

You may have seen that Marc Bolland, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer, Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group and a number of other prominent business leaders wrote to the FT back in October, urging companies to back the government’s plans to provide work and training for ex-offenders.

I’m proud that the East of England is leading the way in this area. At Chapelfield we decided to think ‘outside the box’ by developing the Chapelfield Custody & Community project which has achieved amazing results by providing work experience and training opportunities for serving prisoners. Now, with the support of initiatives such as the Business in the Community Right Step project, more and more employers in our region are finding that offering opportunities to a serving prisoner or ex-offender can bring real, tangible business benefits – as well as reducing re-offending.

I know that this type of project would not suit every type of business, but I would encourage every business person reading this to consider how they can think creatively to unlock growth in their own organisation.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

2011 was a momentous year for Norwich-based Further Search Marketing.

Fee incomes for the year broke through the £1m barrier for the first time, signifying a 25% growth in sales and consolidating the agency’s position in the UK Top 40 Search Agencies List.

The team added new young talent and fresh skills sets within social media and online PR, growing to 21 by the year end.

A string of new regional and global clients joined the Agency, but also, existing key clients increased their commitment as a result of significant results and case studies. After all, everything Further does online is trackable and measurable right down to the last pound of budget.

It is this clear demonstration of effectiveness that brought the year’s highlights which saw Further pick up three of the industry’s most coveted awards.

In October the team were crowned ‘Best eCommerce Marketing Agency of 2011’, which was quickly followed up with two wins from two nominations in the UK Search Awards – the two UK Search Awards both coming from work not for one of Further’s household names, but Norfolk family business Richardsons Boating Holidays, a fact the team is extremely proud of.

All this seems a far cry from mid-2006 when Further first set up as a two man venture by its founders Steve Jaggard and Zak Ireson, based out of Hethel Engineering Centre near Wymondham. As Zak recalls: “We started off creating websites in order to gain client trust and selling them onto what was then our core service of SEO; a reverse sell if you like.”

Within four months Technical director, Joe Gass, joined and as business started to grow so did investment in the best SEO talent.

Further is now based and fast filling up its office in The Old Church in Norwich’s St Matthews Road, and has a second ‘sales’ office in London from where 40% of the company’s business is now derived. In June, ex Agency.com and Flow Interactive MD, John Thew, was appointed to take Further to the next level – and ambitious plans are afoot.

As John points out: “We are no longer an SEO agency, we are a specialist in making companies ‘find, engage and convert’ customers online. As we’ve proven this year, we can compete and win against the very best when it comes to results and return on investment – and with new people and structures in place, we are all set to achieve more in 2012.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Fendercare Marine to further expand support for offshore renewable energy.

Fendercare Marine has announced a major expansion in Great Yarmouth.

Following the launch of its first Renewable Energy Support Base in Lyness, Orkney, in 2010, to support wave and tidal developers, Fendercare Marine, a member of James Fisher & Sons plc, has announced a second offshore marine energy O&M facility in Great Yarmouth for 2012.

This new facility will provide an extensive range of support services and equipment to the expanding offshore wind industry and associated supply chain in the area.

Sons plc to the UK’s offshore renewables industry and, in particular, installations in the Southern North Sea.

to complete these service requirements, resulting in reduced operational efficiency and project over-runs.”

Tim Smith, Fendercare’s Renewables Sales Manager, said: “Many companies with vessels in the Southern North Sea are finding it difficult to locate suitable facilities to carry out both scheduled and emergency maintenance.

The investment in a second base with more than 4,000 m2 of space in Yarmouth will provide a number of core services including full mobilisation and de-mobilisation facilities, (cranage up to 100T), maintenance and repair facilities, storage, project management offices, bunkering and fuelling services.

“In some cases, owners and operators are being forced to return their vessels to mainland Europe

The investment further underlines the commitment of Fendercare and James Fisher &

Eric Plane, Managing Director of Fendercare, said: “This base is part of Fendercare’s overall strategy in becoming more involved in the energy industry worldwide, both in terms of the oil & gas industries as well as renewables. The facility will enable us to do what we do best: provide an excellent reliable service and it will act as a conduit to bring other James Fisher group companies services to the Southern North Sea area.”

James Fisher & Sons Ltd is a leading provider of marine services with extensive experience in the marine and offshore industries worldwide.

Jim Hey, Group Business Development Director, said: “Our presence in the renewables sector is expected to increase significantly through the ability of the group to deliver high value solutions to meet the needs of our customers.”

Legal firm issues a challenge to businesses.

Norwich-based Cozens-Hardy Solicitors has urged local businesses to participate in the newly introduced ‘Business Challenge’ relay category of next year’s Norwich Triathlon, which takes place at Whitlingham Country Park on Sunday 1 July.

order to enter a team, businesses need to find one employee who can swim 1500m (open water), one employee who can cycle 39k and one employee who can run 11k. They can then enter the event at www.tri-anglia.co.uk/relaybusiness-challenge.

Having sponsored the Norwich Triathlon last year, Cozens-Hardy is sponsoring the popular sporting event for a second time. As part of the sponsorship, the firm has worked closely with event organisers, the Tri-Anglia Triathlon club, to introduce the exciting new Business Challenge category to the relay division of the event.

Tri-Anglia Race Director, Mark Philo, said: “We are thrilled to have Cozens-Hardy on board again and to be able to take forward their idea of the Business Challenge.

Philippa Rudd, Principal, Cozens-Hardy LLP, said: “We are thrilled to continue our support for the event next year and hope that many local firms get involved in the new Business Challenge category.”

The Business Challenge has three standard categories; all male, all female and mixed. In

“We introduced the relay concept into our triathlon event a couple of years ago and it’s really taken off, because it allows people who find the three discipline concept of the sport a bit daunting the chance to be involved.

Having found that more and more of the relay entries were coming from work colleagues Cozens-Hardy being a great example - we’ve put together the Business Challenge category to encourage more local businesses to get involved.”

Left to right: Chris Groves, Senior Principal Cozens-Hardy LLP; Mark Philo, Race Director Norwich Triathlon, Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club; Philippa Rudd, Principal Cozens-Hardy LLP; and Anna Farquharson, Solicitor Cozens-Hardy LLP.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE5

CHAMBER POLICY

Chamber brings senior civil servants to Norwich.

Chamber Council update.

The Norfolk Chamber has brought a team of senior civil servants from the Government’s HM Revenue & Customs SME Strategy Team to Norwich to meet with local businesses.

The four-strong HMRC team, which came to Norwich on 21 November, visited Syfer Technology for a factory tour and met with company managing director Howard Ingleson and finance director Jason Keogh.

A working lunch followed at the Chamber, with local businesses having roundtable discussions on topics such as R&D, tax relief, online filing and import/export tax implications.

In the afternoon, the HMRC team met with the newly-formed Chamber Business & Finance Group (BFG), which comprises representatives from Larking Gowen, PwC, Price Bailey, Lovewell Blake, Barclays, HSBC, Clydesdale Bank, Natwest and Lloyds TSB. Chair of the Chamber BFG, David Whitehead from Larking Gowen, said: “We were delighted

Left to right – Nova Fairbank, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce; Roy Warden, HMRC; Carol Lunney, HMRC; Howard Ingleson, MD Syfer Technology; Kerry Spendiff, HMRC; Steve Hughes, British Chambers of Commerce; and Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

that the HMRC SME Strategy Team was able to meet with us to discuss many current business issues such as tax simplification, the perceived hardening approach of HMRC, start up problems and other specific issues that Chamber members had raised with us. This has opened a line of communication with the Strategy Team that will help us raise members’ concerns in future.”

Norwich Chamber Council met on 8 November and were given a presentation by Stefan Gurney, who heads up the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID).

The group is currently drafting its business plan and aims to ballot businesses within the BID in July 2012.

At the Great Yarmouth Chamber Council meeting on 14 November attendees were given an update on progress in promoting the regional energy sector by guest speaker James Gray, Inward Investment Director for the Norfolk and Suffolk Energy Alliance (NSEA).

Group meets with Local Authorities to debate C.I.L.

NSEA is made up of Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Waveney District Council, Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce and EEEGR. Mr Gray, whose role is to promote the East of England Energy sectors of wind, gas and nuclear, also stated that competition was fierce within the sector, particularly on price, and that the North East, Humberside and Harwich were in direct competition with the East of England.

He also pointed out that as a region we have 45 years of experience in the Southern North Sea, which will enable us to deliver more effectively than many other regions.

On 2 November, the Chamber Planning and Development Group held a debate with Norfolk Local authorities on the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (C.I.L), where each council outlined their plans.

C.I.L is a non-negotiable levy on all dwellings and built developments of at least 100m2. Affordable housing is exempt and charges can vary by type of development and zone. The Levy will be used for the infrastructure needed to support the development of the area.

West Norfolk Chamber Council met on 15 November to discuss its objectives for 2012. These include: creating a new series of High Five events featuring local speakers; and a new West Norfolk business group comprising members of the legal profession, plus accountants and bankers. This group will feed into the Chamber’s Business Finance Group.

The Council also prioritised supporting 11-16year-olds to ensure students understand the requirements of employers.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE7

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

Firm completes move to Bankside 300.

Business celebrates three decades of trading.

Lovewell Blake has moved to new premises on Broadland Business Park, Norwich, marking a significant milestone in the 153-year history of the firm.

The move brings together the 135 Norwichbased staff of Lovewell Blake and Banham Graham following the official merger of the two firms.

for Lovewell Blake. The increased floor area provides a more comfortable and efficient working environment, as well as allowing us the opportunity for future growth.

“We have enlarged dedicated areas for the specialist teams that are so important to our success, more conference and meeting rooms, more staff and training facilities — and for the first time, a board room. Financial planning will gain, too, being on the same floor as our other activities.”

Mr Young also pointed to the ‘green’ benefits of the new development, particularly the zonal lighting with sensor controls that switch off automatically when an area is vacated or when there is adequate natural daylight.

For the past 23 years Lovewell Blake has had offices in Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, where it moved following a merger with E J Riches & Son. The firm, reputed to be the oldest accountancy firm retaining its original name, was founded in Great Yarmouth and opened its first office in Norwich in 1925.

For Banham Graham the move from its Thorpe Road offices comes 25 years after the firm was formed by two accountants, one of whom, James Banham, began his career with Lovewell Blake.

Lovewell Blake is leasing 20,000 sq ft on the ground and first floors of Bankside 300, overlooking the lake and set in one of the most scenic parts of the fast growing business park.

The floor area in the ‘L’ shape building represents a 20 per cent increase on the previous office space.

Managing director Douglas Young said: “Bankside 300 opens up an exciting new era

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

From left to right - Lee Jackson; Technical Director, Caroline Martin; Managing Director and Rodney Greer; Sales Director, outside the Photostatic store

Norwich-based office equipment supplier Photostatic Anglia has celebrated its 30th anniversary with plans to increase turnover by 20% next year.

Established in 1981, Photostatic Anglia started out as a one-man operation by local businessman Robin Warman, with a small shop off Heigham Street. It has since moved to West End Street.

The company has grown its workforce to seven and worked with customers including the former Norwich Union contract, installing 300 machines into their offices. It also underwent a management buyout in 2006.

Photostatic supplies printers, fax machines and photocopiers and is the region’s authorised agents for Sharp after being awarded their national dealership in Norfolk. It has also become main agents for Riso duplicators and OKI Executive series copiers and printers.

Managing director Caroline Martin believes strong, local customer service has helped the company prosper over the years, She said: “Customer service is something we invest a lot of time into and it’s definitely a contributing factor to our success.”

Rodney Greer, sales director at Photostatic, said: “I am very pleased the company has reached this important milestone. Photostatic has been a big part of the local community and has seen technology vastly improve over the years.”

BUSINESS NEWS

Breakwater launches new Telecoms Division.

Over 55?

Then read on…

Breakwater IT, the IT services company based on the Meridian Business Park in Norwich, has launched a new Business Telecoms Division after joining forces with a team of specialist telephone consultants working from its Norfolk head office.

Peter Davies, Chairman of Breakwater IT, said: “We think that many companies are totally unaware of the potential savings they could make with their telecoms bills if only they were prepared to shop around.

Kelly Hemingway, Key Account Manager, and Peter Davies, Breakwater Chairman

“Leased lines have previously been used more by bigger businesses, but now that costs have come down they are so much more affordable to the average company.”

Odd though it seems in the current market, house prices have risen significantly over the last thirty years, and there is a large amount of cash tied up in properties owned by the over 55s. But, this age group may not be achieving the level of pension or savings that they had hoped for.

Apart from dealing with fixed line and mobile calls, Breakwater is keen to make businesses aware of leased lines available at prices significantly cheaper than they were only a year or two ago.

Breakwater is offering to do a free audit of telephone expenditure and is working with a wide range of different businesses from smaller companies to clients whose expenditure runs into several hundreds of thousands of pounds per annum across multiple sites.

In a recent survey by LV=, 1.2m people stated they will consider using their property to help fund future retirement needs. They may raise a lump sum for a single expense or draw down an income to supplement their pension.

Peter said: “The cost of having a leased line has come down considerably in the past 12 months and if clients are concerned about

Breakwater IT currently works with some of the best known names in the region and recently won a major new contract in the offshore sector.

Many use equity release to help children and grandchildren, so they can enjoy watching the benefits. Unlike a traditional mortgage, business owners can raise money for their business. It can also be an effective way to borrow money if you have a poor credit record, or to aid tax planning.

“We now have access to much cheaper telecoms rates and we would like any business in the region to challenge us to reduce their telephone expenditure in the same way you can with any other utility.”

their broadband speed now is the time to do something about it.

Looks like a good year for UFS.

With the right advice and a qualified and experienced adviser, modern equity release mortgages can be an effective option today, with many inbuilt guarantees.

Your adviser will help you through the maze.

They will also consider your options, check your benefits situation, liaise with the lender and your solicitor/accountant, to ensure nothing is missed.

The only thing you need to do is to enjoy your retirement!

2012 looks like being a landmark year for Thetford freight company UFS Limited. The familyowned company, which offers daily road freight services to and from Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Holland and France has been made a finalist in the European Logistics Category of

the BIFA (British International Freight Association) Freight Service Awards for 2011.

For expert, independent advice, call Karen Last on 07584 901839 or email k.last@lovewell-blake-fp.co.uk

To be nominated for a national award is a huge boost to a company that is also celebrating 20 years since its move to new HQ office/ warehouse premises in Thetford.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE9

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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Data Centres are the Foundation of the Digital Age. ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Digital Age is upon us and, understanding the foundation, what keeps it all going, is not necessarily at the top of most people’s agenda.

What is important though, is that we understand that it affects everything that we do.

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We send a request to download the tune … this passes from the data centre that is providing our Internet connection, to the data centre that is storing the tune we want to download. Simply downloading a tune passes through two data centres, imagine how many more if we are to pay for it! n We buy petrol using a debit or credit card.

The petrol station will be connected to a data centre that monitors when they will need another delivery. The machine that we put our card into connects to a data centre.

That data centre is the card processing data

centre and will pass the transaction to a ‘clearing’ data centre which subsequently passes the transaction to our bank or credit card company who then authorises the transaction and it is passed back through each of the data centres. So, buying petrol is actually using four data centres!

So, what is a data centre and why is it the foundation of the Digital Age? 100 years ago we were in the middle of the Industrial Revolution – we were building roads and railways to transport the goods that we were manufacturing. 50 years ago was the Golden Age of Flight – we were building airports and aircraft to carry our goods, and people, around the world faster and more efficiently. Today, we need data centres for everything we do – these are the foundation of the Digital Age. If data centres are the foundations, then the service they provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, must be second to none. And for the people at Sentry42, it is. The Sentry42 Norwich data centre is one of the most advanced, environmentally efficient, highly secure, data centres in the UK. Operated by Migration Solutions, Europe’s leading data centre consultancy, the Sentry42 data centre provides levels of service, security and efficiency that are second to none.

At the heart of every business today is electronic data. That electronic, (digital), data, whether it is the accounts, our website, or that critical legal document, is our business’ ‘crown jewels’. What would we do without it? What is the impact on our business if we suffer a power outage, or worse, a disaster that means we can’t access the data? How much server downtime can we afford, would the business survive without email or the website? Is there regulatory reasons that we must have a copy of our data elsewhere?

If you would like to know more about how a state-of-the-art data centre can save you money, provide security for your data and reduce your carbon footprint, talk to Sentry42 on 08451 42 42 42 or email info@sentry42.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE11

NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER NEWS

Team shows Local company celebrates head and 20 years supporting business. heart.

Norman Wilson said: “We always look to give the best support to local businesses and believe Managerial Development has to be top of the list. So with this in mind, back in 2001, we applied for European funding. This enabled us to deliver Management Development to some 50 locallybased companies. We still offer the service today and help with funding application if applicable.”

Norman Wilson

Don Pearson

WLP is celebrating 20 years of supporting businesses in Norfolk.

The firm began two decades ago when six people who wanted to provide a support service to small and medium sized businesses in the East of England formed Wilson, Lee & Partners.

All six qualified as Chartered Management Consultants, the only internationally-recognised qualification in the profession.

Two of the current directors, Norman Wilson and Don Pearson, recognised the support needed by small and medium sized businesses and also developed the Business Growth Club concept in Norfolk. The initiative received funding from the DTi and helped 80 local companies to access guidance and information.

By 1997, WLP was expanding and opened a head office in Watton, Norfolk, to give its consultants a central administration point from their bases throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Over the years WLP has worked alongside clients, forming good working relationships based on trust. Don said: “We remain the only Institute of Consulting recognised Practice in Norfolk. Our clients’ success is our success.”

WLP client Bryan Turner, from Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture, backed this statement when he said: “The continual support we have had over a number of years from WLP has enabled us to grow. It has been invaluable during both the good and the tough times.”

Praise also came after Paul Fieldhouse, business growth adviser from WLP, assisted the Opportunity Peterborough team, attracting new casual dining operators to the newly refurbished Cathedral Square area. Steve Bowyer, Head of Economic Development, said: “Paul’s knowledge and ability to engage with the sector retailers assisted us in this venture and has been a major contributor to the success of the project.”

The new development will consist of a 12,000 sq ft, three storey, headquarters - to house the growing onshore team - and a 10,000 sq ft warehouse which will be used as a base to service the vessels.

The winning topper was made by International Trade Director Tracey Howard (pictured above, centre). Also pictured are Sarah Monk (left) and Fiona Walker from Steeles Law, who judged the competition and added another £25 to the collection.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “Over the years WLP have been an active and supportive member of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. They have understood the changing needs of businesses across the East of England and their individual, independent advice and knowledge has been, and will continue to be, a valuable service to assist sustainable growth.”

New HQ for Seajacks.

New Chamber member Seajacks UK Ltd recently announced that work had started on the construction of their new 22,000 sq ft bespoke headquarters on South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth. Adjacent to Great Yarmouth’s Outer Harbour, Seajacks is the first company to agree a new build in the area since the Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour was constructed. Seajacks’ building will also be the first to emerge within the Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone.

Hats off to the Chamber team (below) who raised £55 for Children in Need with a ‘create a hat’ competition.

Blair Ainslie, Seajacks Managing Director, said: “I am hugely excited that construction has started on our new headquarters in Great Yarmouth.

The new offices will allow us the space we need to continue with our growth strategy. I am particularly pleased that construction of the offices is to be undertaken by Great Yarmouth based companies. Paul Robinson Partnership and Elm Contracts are both excellent local employers, and by choosing them, it is our hope that a number of jobs will be created for the local area in what is a difficult time for the construction industry.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CHAMBER DIGEST NHS wins award NHS Norfolk has won an award for the way it has worked with the local community in North Walsham to plan the redevelopment of the community hospital. The organisation was presented with a Gold Award for Community Relations at a ceremony staged by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in East Anglia. The award follows four years of close work with local people in North Walsham over plans to replace some of the old community hospital buildings with a purpose-built 21st century 24-bed ward.

Building work is now under way.

CHAMBER NEWS

Enterprising heads on Young Chamber shoulders.

Mark Prisk, business and enterprise minister, hears some sales pitches during the visit to Aylsham High School. Picture provided by EDP.

Amelia Sawyer-Stone, Year eight Young Chamber Communications Manager at Aylsham High School, gives her account of some inspiring goingson during National Enterprise Week.

Monday 14 to Friday 18 November was National Enterprise Week and Business and Enterprise at Aylsham High School was very busy. On Monday 14 November the Young Chamber organised a ‘Super Challenge Day’ for the year seven and eight pupils. The main aim was to come up with an idea to bring visitors to Norfolk during the Olympics.

The day was a huge success with many bright ideas. On Thursday and Friday of that week the Enterprise spirit was in full flow and year

nine Business and Enterprise students had the chance to run their own business. Students had completed market research to find out what their customers wanted and lots of different products and services were on offer. Cakes and biscuits were sold, and there were competitions including Darts and Sand Sifting.

On Friday 18 November we had a very special guest, Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Business and Enterprise. He spent half the morning with us, discovering what we do at Aylsham High School.

Not only was this a great achievement for our school to be selected, but he also gave us lots of advice. He said: “I have been inspired today.

To meet your generation and see what you are doing is brilliant.”

Those words mean a lot to Aylsham High School and they leave us all feeling very proud. The importance of this visit has been recognised by the media and articles have appeared in many papers including the Eastern Daily Press, the Norwich Evening News, and the North Norfolk News, as well as featuring on BBC Radio Norfolk.

It was a busy week for me and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I really enjoy enterprise because I do lots of fun and motivational actives that allow me to improve my enterprise skills; these help me in all of my other lessons. The day was a chance

in a million and the Minister loved exploring Business and Enterprise at our school.

However, we also wanted to know about how we can take our Business and Enterprise skills further and one of my Young Chamber colleagues, Alex Ridgway, asked: “I don’t want to go to college; I want to get straight out there and do an aircraft apprenticeship. But why is it so hard to find one in Norfolk?” Mark Prisk replied by saying he knows there has been a shortage in apprenticeships, but the Government is committed to increasing this number.

I am proud to be a member of the Aylsham High School Young Chamber and the aim for us is to continue to develop and support the links between business and our school. I see the importance of the work we do and so do our teachers who motivate us.

Our teachers, Emmalucy Auber and Adam Turrell, said: “Enterprise is special at our school. The work of the Business and Enterprise department team and our outstanding Young Chamber allows the entrepreneurial spirit to flourish.”

The week was a massive success, the Business and Enterprise activities made the whole school buzz and we were so glad we got to impress the Minister with what we do.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE13

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

You can

count on us

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

• • • • •

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

• • • • •

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

Mike Smith | 01603 663300 | m.smith@lovewell-blake.co.uk ajt@lovewell-blake.co.uk

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

Registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk, under reference number C002613207. Lovewell Blake LLP is an appointed representative of Lovewell Blake which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

The new and improved John Lewis Norwich.

We think you'll agree it's worth a toast.

Our Norwich store has now been completely refurbished. Inside you'll find an even wider range of fantastic brands, more choice and inspiration. Come and visit us in store.

Our commitment to value means that we match the prices of high street competitors (this excludes online-only or mail order businesses). Service conditions must be comparable. See our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ leaflet in our shops or online for details.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

News from the Export Expert…

Letter of Credit Service Tracey Howard, International Trade Director

Skills has been a hot topic for quite some time, but have you actually taken time out to review the skills of your staff who are involved with International Trade?

Norfolk Chamber has been promoting trade to all businesses in our region as one of the most popular ways to aid recovery – not just in Norfolk, but the UK as a whole.

Are you paid by Letter of Credit for your exports?

Surviving a Customs Audit An official letter lands on your desk from HMRC telling you that they will visit you shortly to carry out a detailed audit of specific aspects of your Import and Export operations. How do you react? Most people PANIC! You don’t need to.

Attend this half-day seminar and learn how to survive and hopefully ensure such visits are rare events. This course is ideal if you are considering becoming an Authorised Economic Operator.

Our other popular courses are still available and will be delivered on an ongoing basis: n Appointing and Managing Agents/Distributors

Do you employ qualified and experienced staff who are confident when working with Letters of Credit?

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

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

This service has been ongoing for over 15 years and to date has a record of 98% ACCEPTANCE ON FIRST PRESENTATION.

We have been delivering a number of training courses relating to International Trade for many years. Some of the courses are viewed as just for beginners, but they are also great as refreshers for experienced staff, simply because of the ever-changing rules.

n Customs Procedures

We have added some new course topics to our listing for 2012 onwards, and we hope that more companies will see that with some serious thought and consideration they too could take the plunge and join thousands of others who are enjoying the benefits of overseas trade.

The courses are held at the Chamber office in Norwich. However, if you have a number of staff who would all benefit from attending a specific course, we can make special arrangements for our trainer to deliver the course directly to your staff within your own premises.

n Check the conditions in the L/C to ensure you can meet them

The new courses topics are:

Our next few training dates are:

n Speak with the Shipping Agent

Creating an Export Strategy So many businesses drift into export without any clearly defined strategy, and often without any planning at all. This full-day seminar is designed to help managers examine their organisation and find out how exporting can form an integral and profitable part of their business.

n Export Procedures and Documentation

We deliver a professional service whereby your Letter of Credit is passed to our associates who will then:

n e-zWorkshop n Incoterms® 2010

n Inform you of any amendments that you need to obtain n Prepare all the relevant documents

6 March

Export Procedures and Documentation

n Check the Bills of Lading

22 March

Customs Procedures

19 April

Getting Paid for Export

26 April

e-zCert Workshop

For further details on this service, please contact the International Trade Team on 01603 729712 or email export@norfolkchamber.co.uk

n Present all the documents to the bank

Getting Paid for Exports This full-day workshop unravels the complexities of letters of credit. It describes the 7 main types, how they are used and how to get a workable letter of credit, without having to pay for amendments.

Documentary Collections and the use of Bills of Exchange are also covered. The finale is a checking exercise, as used by a major bank when training their staff. This course previously covered Letters of Credit only, but has been adapted to include other payment options.

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

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce The Ultimate Business Network

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE15 PAGE15

NORFOLK VOICE

DANY BAHAR.

THE B

Life in the business fast lane.

Dany Bahar is a man who lives and breathes the motor industry.

His first job after studying economics and marketing, was at the Fritz Kaiser Group, a private asset management company in Lichtenstein. As the right hand man of owner Fritz Kaiser, he took on some of the key accounts, including that of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

Dietrich asked Dany to join him at Red Bull, where he was responsible for the corporate business development and helped to diversify the business by setting up the Formula 1 racing strategy as well as the US-based Nascar Team operations.

From 2003 to 2007, he developed the company’s two-prong F1 entry strategy with Red Bull Racing, formerly Team Jaguar, and the establishment of Scuderia Toro Rosso; Red Bull Racing is the main team and Toro Rosso is designed to develop new drivers.

Dany, who holds an MBA from MC Institute of Vevey/Lausanne, also helped in the acquisition of football clubs in Salzburg , New York and Ghana.

Following his time at Red Bull, Dany moved to Ferrari to take on the role of Senior Vice President, Commercial and Brand, responsible for worldwide road car sales and the after-sales business, overall road car and F1 marketing activities, licensing, and merchandising business.

As senior vice-president of the Sales, Marketing and Communications department for Ferrari SpA between 2007 and 2009, his activities included launching flagship stores to provide the customer with a 360 degree Ferrari experience.

He describes his current job as the Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc as “my biggest and most interesting challenge to date.”

Asked to identify the secret of his success, he says: “I take great pride

in my work. I think I’m able to identify a clear goal, a clear opportunity and then I’m able to work towards that goal without losing focus. I’m exceptionally determined – I never lose sight of the end game.

“I’m not motivated by the usual things, money or fame. There is a deep-rooted ambition inside of me, a motivation to achieve something extraordinary. A real challenge, something out of the ordinary, something not done by others.

I’m not attracted to normality or following the crowd, and I certainly don’t want to follow in someone else’s footsteps, I strive to achieve something different, something special.”

NV asked him about the world of Lotus: How has your business survived the recession? What were the strengths that allowed it do that and how do you unlock growth?

I don’t think that the sportscar industry in general has been too heavily affected by the recession.

If you’re the kind of person who needs a sportscar you are anyway someone who is led by emotional rather than rational desires, so the state of the economy doesn’t change things too much for you.

Unlocking growth is an interesting theme for Lotus. The beauty of us being a relatively small organisation means that we can change and adapt our plans as and when we spot opportunities or shorts within customer demands.

The perfect example of this is the creation of the Evora GTE road car – we initially launched this as a very special limited edition for the Asian market but the response globally was so huge that it was a no-brainer for us to increase production to cater for other markets.

How important is Norfolk to your long-term strategy for the company?

Norfolk is very important to Lotus, it’s been our home for nearly fifty years and, thanks to the support of the British Government, it’s where we will produce all our future cars.

On a personal note, I enjoy living here, it’s not always a convenient location for conducting international business but it’s a great place to have your family. The landscape is beautiful - if you’re lucky enough to have the time to enjoy it!

What are the main challenges facing you and your company during 2012?

The challenges we will face in the next year will be very similar to the ones we faced last year.

And like 2011 we can plan for some of these but there will always be surprises, I don’t think

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

that they’ll be anything that we can’t deal with, though. We have some tight production deadlines to stick to as a consequence of the popularity of the Exige S and the Evora - we literally can’t make the cars quick enough - but this is a good problem to have. 2012 will mark the third year of the five year business plan and in the first two years we have set the benchmark high by meeting all of our milestones and targets, so the expectations for this year are high.

What hopes do you have for 2012 - where does the business want to be at the end of the year?

By the end of 2012 we will be close to reaching the final quarter of year three of the business plan, so I would expect to see us meeting all the targets as set out there. With regards to onsite developments, you’ll really be able to see our physical progress, there will be a new motorsport facility, new pit garage and hospitality and hopefully the shell of the new manufacturing facility will be complete.

How important is FI to Lotus and how difficult is it to remain in the sport when other teams are enjoying greater success? Does the glamour translate into solid commercial success?

Lotus founder Colin Chapman believed in racing first and foremost, he created the car business to fund his passion and this energy and enthusiasm for motorsport still exists at Lotus today. Our cars were built on the race track adhering to racing principals such as performance through lightweight and superior ride and handling – these values are part of our core DNA and remain a real focus for the cars we’re making now and will make in the future.

How important is F1 to Lotus? Well, it makes up a fundamental part of our motorsport program – we’re also involved in lots of other disciplines such as IndyCar, Le Mans, GT4, Karting and from 2012 onwards WRC. Track success doesn’t necessarily translate into road car sales and the reverse is also true, so we don’t rely on the F1 team to outperform the others in order for us to meet sales targets – our goal is more long term than that. F1 provides an incredible communications platform for our brand – unlike most automotive manufacturers, we don’t rely on traditional advertising – instead we use platforms that allow people to feel the full Lotus experience, motorsport is a great example of this, our magazine is another and every event we put on or participate in has this special Lotus feeling.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

BIG INTERVIEW

By John Dean

deangriss@btinternet.com

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive, Group Lotus

I’m not motivated by the usual things, money or fame. There is a deep-rooted ambition inside of me, a motivation to achieve something extraordinary.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE17

PAGE TITLEVOICE NORFOLK

CHAMBER NEWS

Foundation seeks businesses to support.

Community finance organisation Foundation East has money to lend to people starting up and expanding their businesses.

opportunity charging for rides around Cromer and so we started looking into whether it would be feasible.”

A review of the past year shows that many have taken this opportunity to change direction, but there is still concern that ambitions are being stifled as people assume that they will have difficulties obtaining finance.

After gaining the relevant licence from North Norfolk District Council and insurance, Joseph and Amanda turned to Foundation East which gave them £5,000 to buy a new carriage, harnesses and more horses to share the workload.

Valerie Jarrett, Foundation East Business Loans Manager for Norfolk, says that businesses that rise out of adversity are often the strongest.

Cromer Carriages has quickly gone from strength to strength, with Joseph now carrying out more than 30 rides a day, from Spring through to Autumn, pulled by his three horses – Blaze, Connie and Devon. Amanda also has eight donkeys, which she takes to Cromer East Beach to give rides.

She said: “Our aim is to support people with sound business plans when they face a tough patch. We work to get them to a stage where either they can trade their way to success or become eligible for mainstream banking.

“Our focus is therefore greater than loaning the money; we want to ensure the long term viability of the company.”

In the past year, Foundation East loaned more than £0.78m to small businesses. A membership organisation, with individuals and companies purchasing shares, Foundation East offers loans of up to £50,000 for businesses that have been refused bank finance.

Among those benefiting have been Joseph Cook and his wife Amanda, who were treating their children to a trip out on their horse-drawn cart in Cromer, when they discovered a potentially lucrative business opportunity.

Joseph Cook, Cromer Carriages

Joseph said: “My wife was buying ice creams for our kids when locals and tourists came up to me asking for a horse-drawn ride in our tatty old cart. We were just out for fun but we soon realised there was a potential business

UEA mathematicians offer help to local business.

Mathematicians at the University of East Anglia (UEA) are looking for local businesses that need help solving a tricky problem.

At a week-long gathering on campus, from 10-20 April, mathematicians from across Europe will be challenged to come up with fast solutions to practical industrial problems.

In the past, companies have used the event for everything from improving the head on Guinness poured from a can, to improving safety for divers by modelling their return to the surface. Other problems have come from a variety of areas including fluid mechanics, chemistry, electronics, offshore engineering, transport, energy, finance, optimisation, biology and medicine.

Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors across East Anglia are welcome to submit their

challenging problems to the 85th European Study Group with Industry (ESGI) – hosted by UEA. The ESGI provides a forum for businesses to work alongside mathematicians on problems of direct relevance to their business.

Conference co-ordinator Dr Richard Purvis, of UEA’s School of Mathematics, said: “This is a great chance for local businesses to work with established academics to find rapid solutions to complex problems. It also provides excellent recruitment opportunities and lays the groundwork for future collaborations.”

The 85th European Study Group with Industry (ESGI) takes place at UEA from 16-20 April. To find out more, please visit www.cimr.uea.ac.uk/ workshops/esgi85 or contact Dr Richard Purvis at r.purvis@uea.ac.uk

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Joseph said: “I really enjoy what I do now. We meet some lovely people – and have given rides to everyone from a three-day old baby, to pensioners up to 96 who remember the milk rounds. It's really lovely when you get children who may have never seen a horse up close, falling in love with them and asking lots of questions.”

Their children Lauren, 16, Allyse, ten, and Bobby, four, are all involved in the family business, with Lauren helping her mother with donkey rides and Allyse often joining her father in the horse-drawn cart.

For more information on Foundation East, go to www.foundationeast.org.

CHAMBER DIGEST Energy event Energy opportunities for Great Yarmouth, Waveney and the surrounding areas will be showcased at the EFG Exhibition and Conference on Wednesday 25 January at Great Yarmouth Racecourse. With industry experts and enterprising local and national organisations, EFG will introduce companies of the Advanced Engineering sector to the opportunities over the next ten to fifteen years available in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney sub region and the overall New Anglia LEP catchment. For more information on EFG, email tze@managedperceptions.co.uk or telephone 0844 357 490.

A new business communications experience in Norwich.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

On Friday 2 December business communication specialists the Conrad Global Group held the grand opening of their new offices, to celebrate the new move to Norwich after 25 successful years in Martham.

Founded in 1986, Comm-Tech Voice & Data Ltd has developed two further businesses – Juice Telecoms Ltd and RPC Recycle Ltd and the three companies have been recently brought together under one roof. The stunning new Head Office, formally known as St Johns House on King Street, Norwich, has been changed to Communications Centre to align with the group’s business strategy. With offices also in Hong Kong and China, the group currently employs 75 members of staff, growing by eight since moving premises in early October.

Managing Director Justin Millar (right) and Clarke Willis, Chief Executive of Anglia Farmers, at the opening ceremony

turnout. Without our customers and dedicated staff none of this would be possible.”

The talking points of the evening were the customer experience centre, an exciting addition to the new building which really boosts the company’s customer experience offering, as well as the mural painted by local artist Jenny Leonard, displaying the group’s 25 year history.

The group has built an impressive reputation in light of their commitment to customers, being awarded Vodafone Platinum Partner status in 2010, and winning Vodafone “Best Customer Retention Award” in 2011. The group has recently been awarded ISO 9001 for quality management systems. As an ISO certified organisation it reflects the group’s commitment to high standards, continued growth and exceeding industry expectations.

Juice Telecoms Ltd and RPC Recycle Ltd became separate entities from Comm-Tech in 2010, and were all put under the umbrella of a holding company, Conrad Global Group. All three companies support each other to provide a complete business telecommunications solution.

The opening event, which started at 3.30pm with a champagne arrival, was then officially opened at 4.30pm by Managing Director Justin Millar and Anglia Farmers CEO, Clarke Willis.

Justin Millar said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all those who attended. The event was a huge success and it was great to see such a big

n Speak to highly trained staff about their business communication requirements in order to find the best possible solution n Obtain a FREE communications review to ensure they are getting best value n View vehicle tracking and security systems from Trakm8, Tracker and Cobra n Attend open days and “ask an expert” evenings n Discuss mobile phone recycling opportunities If you missed out on the opportunity to pop along to the grand opening event and would just like to see what business communications opportunities Comm-Tech could present your business, simply call 01603 218600 or email enquiries@comm-tech.co.uk.

The group boasts an impressive product portfolio including mobile communications, fixed line solutions, vehicle tracking and management systems, mobile and fixed line business grade broadband, right through to a complete redesign of your business telecommunications infrastructure.

Businesses are now able to come along and visit the state of the art customer experience centre and n Trial the latest handsets, including the latest BlackBerry® Smartphones n Learn how Vodafone One Net could benefit their business

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE19

NORFOLK VOICE

BUILD is an independent registered charity supporting adults, and young people, with learning difficulties and other disabilities, based in Norwich, but serving other parts of Norfolk.

A range of peer led services support individuals and small groups of people, in community settings, to get the most out of life in a social, leisure or learning environment.

These include BeFriending schemes, a weekly activity club, a youth club and a training and consultancy service.

Services from BUILD include providing training and awareness packages to local employers and those providing leisure or retail services to increase their awareness of employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and how to widen their responsibilities to a growing, and more confident, customer base.tel: +44 (0) 1603

765 252 web: www.norcom-techno

Norcom To find out more Technology, call

a Norwich based com 01603 618029 navigation software, celebrated its 25th Birth Visit www.buildnorwich.org.uk The company started in Managing Director P Email james.kearns@buildnorwich.org.uk the then modern Amstrad 1512 PC which ha year. The PC 1512 cost £499 as an introducto the CPU was an 8 MHz Intel 8086 and the DOS 3.2. The video output was compatible wi extension allowing all 16 colours to be used in FROM THIS‌

...to this! tel: +44 (0) 1603 765 252 web: www.norcom-technology.co.uk

%DFN LQ some compan Pipelayperform Bargecomp have changed the introductio

Norcom Technology, a Norwich based company specialising in marine navigation software, celebrated its 25th Birthday on 9th December 2011.

Norcom Technology, a Norwich based company specialising in marine navigation software, celebrated its 25th Birthday on 9th December The company started in Managing Director Phil Harris’2011. back bedroom with Amstrad 1512 The in Managing Director Phil of GPS and the easy availability of in the same thecompany thenstarted modern Amstrad 1512 introduction PC which had been released Amstrad 1512. From this...

Harris’ back bedroom with the then modern charts. year. 1512 ThePCPC cost £499 aselectronic an introductory offer, it had 512K of RAM, Amstrad which1512 had been released in Over the years Norcom has been involved in THIS! ...to this!

Pipelay Barge Pipelay Barge the same year. The PC 1512 as anIntel 8086 the CPU was ancost8 £499 MHz andas positioning the operating system ‌TO was MSprojects such the Second Severn introductory offer, it had 512K of RAM, the CPU tel: +44 (0) 1603 765 252 River Crossing, laying subsea telephone DOS The compatible with the CGAcables, standard, with an was an 8 3.2.

MHz Intel 8086video and the output operating was web: www.norcom-technology.co.uk installing offshore wind farms, moving oil rigs, system was MS-DOS 3.2. The video output was extension allowing all 16 colours to be used in the 640Ă—200 mode.

Norcom Technology,laying a Norwich based company specialising marine pipelines, Hydrographic surveys and ingraphics compatible with the CGA standard, with an

Over the year River Crossin rigs, laying pip Norcom is cur 48� gas pipeli company, Mer for the leisure

navigation software, controlling celebrated remote its 25thoperated Birthday vehicles on 9th December (ROVs). 2011. extension allowing all 16 colours to be used in The company startedNorcom in Managing Director Phil Harris’ back bedroom with is currently working on a project the 640×200 graphics mode. the then modern Amstrad 1512 which had in the same %DFN LQ PC

LW been ZDV GLI¿FXOW WR SHUVXDGH monitoring anchor catenaries onreleased a barge laying year. The PC 1512 cost £499 an introductory offer,from it had 512Ktoof RAM, Back in 1986 it was difficult to persuade some a 48� gasaspipeline in the Baltic Russia some companies that it was possible to the CPU was an 8 MHz Intel 8086 and the operating system was MScompanies that it was possible to perform Germany. In 1996 Norcom set up a subsidiary DOS 3.2. The video output was compatible with the CGA standard, with an complicated navigation computations on a company, Meridian Chartware which is now a perform navigation extension allowing all 16 colours tocomplicated be used in the 640×200 graphics mode. computations on a PC and display the PC and display the results. How things have leading developer in electronic charting software have changed; not only has the performance of PCs improved vastly but changed; not only has the performance of PCs for the leisure sailor and will be exhibiting at the %DFN LQ LW ZDV GLI¿FXOW WR SHUVXDGH Image Courtesy of Saipem improved vastly but there has also been the London Boatshow in January.

(Stand A101) the introduction of that GPS and thetoeasy availability of electronic charts. some companies it was possible perform complicated navigation computations on a PC and display the results. How things have changed; not only has the performance of PCs improved vastly but there has also been the introduction of GPS and the easy availability of electronic charts.

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Over the years Norcom has been involved in projects such as positioning t River Crossing, laying cables, offshore wind Over the years Norcom hassubsea been involvedtelephone in projects such as positioning installing the Second Severn River Crossing, laying subsea telephone cables, installing offshore wind farms, moving oil rigs, laying pipelines, Hydrographic surveys and controlling remote operate rigs, laying pipelines, Hydrographic surveys and controlling remote operated vehicles (ROVs).

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Norcom is currently working on a project monitoring anchor catenaries on a barge laying a

CHAMBER EVENTS

Come and debate with Norfolk MPs at ‘Routes to Growth’ 3 February, Sprowston Manor Hotel

You can join in the debate about business issues that affect you and hear from eight of Norfolk’s MPs at an event on 3 February at Sprowston Manor Hotel, near Norwich.

Called ‘Routes to Growth’ the event is a forum for open and honest debate and will tackle a range of key issues that affect the region, specifically Economy, Education & Skills and Life Sciences and Green Economy.

To book your place, go to www.norfolkchamber.co.uk or email abi.charter@norfolkchamber.co.uk

The event will also feature a presentation by Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, John Longworth.

Event sponsored by

ITV Anglia’s Matthew Hudson will be the host.

3 February 2012 Sprowston Manor Hotel 3.30pm – 6pm

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE21

NORFOLK VOICE

When concentrating on ‘unlocking growth’ makes good commercial sense.

Davina Tanner, the General Manager of Chapelfield, left, Dr Vince Cable MP and Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber

It can be the toughest challenge facing a business. There you are with a bright idea and a talented team but how do you go about turning their enthusiasm into solid commercial success?

How, in short, do you unlock the potential for growth?

That is a key theme for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce over the next year, which got off to a fantastic start on 2 December with our Business Conference, at OPEN, in Norwich. The event was

attended by over 200 delegates and we were delighted to welcome Dr Vince Cable MP as keynote speaker.

His presence at the event highlighted that ‘Unlocking Growth’ is a key part of the Government’s agenda, and that engaging with the Norfolk business community as a whole is a vital part of getting the UK back on its economic feet.

Dr Cable acknowledged the opportunities that exist for Norfolk businesses, particularly within life sciences, energy and the creative sector. We took the opportunity to drive home to him the importance of Norfolk as a business community and that businesses need to be treated according to their size, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ solution, in matters such as employment law.

British Chamber of Commerce President Martyn Pellew and Director of Policy Adam Marshall were very positive about how the British Chambers and Norfolk can work together to bring about growth.

Adam asked how many people in the audience were positive about 2012 and there was an overwhelming show of hands.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Andy Wood, CEO of Adnams and Chair of New Anglia LEP, talked about what Norfolk and the LEP has achieved in 2011, particularly the Regional Growth Fund, Enterprise Zone and Green Pathfinder.

David McNally, CEO of Norwich City Football Club, focused on recruitment, underlining that employers need to assess candidates’ overall offering of experience, skills and attitude when recruiting. He said that we need to exceed customer expectations when delivering service.

Johnny Hustler, Director of Archant Anglia, said we need to embrace new ideas and new methods of communication and marketing into the way we do businesses, and accept that they are an inevitable part of change and positive growth.

Davina Tanner, the General Manager of Chapelfield, encouraged businesses to work more closely with the community and presented a film on the work Chapelfield is doing to reduce the prison population by giving work, and hope, to ex-offenders.

The conference ended with an interview with young entrepreneurs Ben Farrin and Kieran Miles.

COVER FEATURE

Calling for help from the ‘Angels’.

Young entrepreneurs Ben Farrin (left) and Kieran Miles talk about their route to success with Matthew Hudson

Jerry Walker, George Freeman and John Irving

These two young men have shown extraordinary initiative and drive to achieve remarkable business success at a very young age. They were positive and enthusiastic about the future and summed up the tone of the conference.

The event was hosted by Matthew Hudson, Business Reporter, ITV Anglia.

An intelligent prescription support system, a smart device that ensures valuable samples for clinical trials arrive in peak condition, a drug detection device that uniquely links the specimen to the person, and a method of providing scientific evidence for a new generation of medicines were all presented to angel investors at an event designed to show the technologies and business opportunities emerging from Norwich Research Park.

Caroline Williams, CEO of Norfolk Chamber, said: “The conference was a great success and showed that Norfolk is determined that the current economic situation will not curb its ambition or desire to grow. Norfolk has fantastic opportunities, but businesses need to work together to ensure every chance is maximised. The Chamber is dedicated to working with Norfolk business to ensure this happens.”

Angel investors were invited to the launch of VENTA, a new initiative supported by the Cambridge Capital Group, which aims to encourage potential high growth, early-stage companies to set up and flourish on the Norwich Research Park. Four science-based companies were selected to present to a group of 40 investors and professional advisers at the event hosted at the NRP Innovation Centre.

Walter Herriot, chair of Norwich Research Park’s Enterprise from Innovation Board, said: “The focus over the next ten years is to create new jobs by maximising the commercial potential of this intellectual property and attracting inward investment.”

One of the companies invited to present was Trillion Genomics. The company has developed an imaging technology that can be used to gain more information about the metabolic pathways in the human body.

Among other companies presenting were Intelligent Fingerprinting, which is developing a technology which can detect traces of drugs in the sweat on a person’s fingerprint. This was developed within the University of East Anglia (UEA) and spun-out as a company.

George Freeman, MP for Mid-Norfolk, said: “The NRP is the perfect location for new and expanding science, technology and research businesses and I have long been a vocal supporter of the world class excellence to be found in Norfolk science.”

Struan McDougall, Chief Executive of the Cambridge Capital Group (CCG), said: “Members of CCG are committed to backing the best high-potential technology businesses from the region.”

If you are interested in commercial and investment opportunities at Norwich Research Park, please contact venta@nrpic.com or enquiries@nrp.org.uk or visit the websites www.nrp.org.uk and www.nrpic.com.

Inspirational speakers, left to right, Adam Marshall, BCC; David McNally, Norwich City Football Club; Davina Tanner, Chapelfield; Johnny Hustler, Archant; and Martin Pellew, BCC

Continues page 24

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE23

NORFOLK VOICE

From page 23

We have the expertise and the facilities on the Norwich Research Park to create an economic powerhouse that will shape a new generation of industry.

Alan Giles Director of Norwich Research Park

Unlocking growth in the world of science.

Among those people increasingly honing in on the idea of unlocking potential is Alan Giles, Director of Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s largest single-site science and innovation clusters with particular expertise in food, health and environmental sciences.

The campus includes the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, four world-class research institutions that focus on plant and microbial science (John Innes Centre and Sainsbury Laboratory), on food (the Institute of Food Research) and a new international centre for Genome Analysis (the Genome Analysis Centre) and more than 30 innovative and fast growing companies.

Alan is confident that the park’s potential can be further unlocked, saying: “The plan is to increase the number of commercial sciencebased companies on the park. We are entering a growth phase that will include promotion of the park as a centre of excellence and a building programme to increase the available accommodation.

“We have the expertise and the facilities on the Norwich Research Park to create an economic powerhouse that will shape a new generation of industry.

“I think the park has an important role in our future economy. We have already seen the industrial revolution, built on fossil fuels and the technological revolution built on computing technology. What we have here on the Norwich

Research Park is the beginnings of an ‘bio/enviro science’ revolution built on some of the most exciting breakthroughs in plant, food, health and environmental sciences.”

He cites as an example the fast-moving field of nutrition and health, which excels in unlocking the potential of ideas, often from the most humble of beginnings.

Alan said: “The potential for specific food components to prevent disease and promote health is becoming increasingly apparent.

“For example flavonoids – the purple and blue coloured components from fruits such as blueberries and blackcurrants or in red wine or dark chocolate have been shown to be important in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Just recently, a new variety of broccoli called Beneforte, which was pioneered on the Norwich Research Park at the John Innes Centre and the Institute of Food Research, was made available at Marks and Spencer. This broccoli variety has three times the level of a naturally occurring beneficial nutrient compared to standard varieties. There is a large body of evidence, which shows that this nutrient reduces chronic inflammation, stops uncontrolled cell division associated with early stages of cancer.

“The combined expertise across the spectrum of food, nutrition and health sciences based at the Institute of Food Research, the John Innes Centre the Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia is of great interest to nutritional and

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

food companies since our researchers are at the forefront of this science.

“The industry is valued at billions of dollars and we can offer companies access to the latest research programmes, an international genomics centre and a clinical trials unit based at the hospital, with access to consultants and patients. This is a unique proposition.”

The Norwich Research Park is already a major employer. There are 11,600 staff on the campus, 3,000 scientists and 14,200 students. It houses three of the eight Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Councils UK institutions.

In May 2011, the Government announced that the Norwich Research Park has been awarded £26m to create a next generation commercial science park.

Alan said: “The aim is to create 5,000 new jobs across greater Norwich over the next 10 years based on high-growth businesses that leverage the science excellence and reputation.

“We think the new companies will come from spin-outs from academic organisations or from local businesses, but also from overseas, perhaps international companies looking for a European office. Also we are seeing interest from multinationals that have R&D interests in for example agriculture, biotechnology, food, health and bio-fuels and want to establish a research department here. We are already seeing this happening.”

COVER FEATURE

Nuclear industry offers opportunities for supply chain companies.

“If the project was to go ahead, we would expect to create approximately 5,000 jobs during the peak construction phase and up to 900 permanent jobs during its 60 years of operation.

One of the largest examples of unlocking potential for the area comes in the nuclear power industry.

“We intend to work closely with the relevant authorities and Chambers of Commerce to maximise the local benefits from the procurement of goods and services for the construction and operation of the power station.

“There will also be the on-going training opportunities for the long term development of skills and the potential future use of local facilities that can be left after construction.”

What you can do – supply chain opportunities The industry has more than half a century of history of successfully working in partnership with the people in this region. Sizewell A power station near Leiston, in Suffolk, was one of the first nuclear power stations in the country, construction work having begun in 1960, and heralded more than 50 years of continuous opportunities for local people and businesses.

Although Sizewell A is now being decommissioned, the opportunities are continuing with EDF Energy’s Sizewell B power station currently producing enough electricity for more than two million homes, 3% of the UK’s energy needs. Although plans for a Sizewell C power station are at a very early stage, it could provide jobs well into the future.

The Government has decided that, for this country to have a secure energy supply for the future, we need a diverse and balanced energy mix, rather than depending too heavily on a small number of energy sources.

EDF Energy is committed to securing our energy future by helping bridge the potential energy gap through investment in a mix that balances the needs of low-carbon emissions, security of supply and affordability. It sees nuclear power as the most affordable large-scale low-carbon energy source currently available to the UK. The company owns and operates eight of the UK’s ten nuclear power stations and the statistics tell a story of unlocking potential. EDF Energy’s Sizewell B power station was the most recent nuclear power station to be built in the UK. During its construction period, between 1988 and 1995, more than 3,000 UK companies were involved in the work, including 690 companies from East Anglia.

The station employs more than 500 staff and 250 contractors, but there are also spikes of employment at specific times. Sizewell B power station is brought offline to refuel every 18 months.

The power station recently carried out its eleventh refuelling outage. During these times, an additional 1,200 specialist workers are brought onto site to assist Sizewell B staff with the planned work.

This included workers from 25 local suppliers, who shared contracts with a combined value of up to £3million. Local firms included welding and machinists J T Pegg & Sons from Aldeburgh and precision engineering experts H W Webb Engineering from Bungay.

An estimated additional £20 million was invested in the local community through the accommodation of additional workers and in areas such as salaries.

EDF Energy continually invests in employing and developing new staff. The company recently launched its Apprentice Recruitment Scheme for 2012, where nationally some 80 trainees are taken on each year on a four-year apprenticeship programme. Through its ‘Bright Futures’ programme, EDF Energy also offers more than 150 positions each year, which includes its graduate recruitment schemes.

Set against these on-going opportunities, EDF Energy is looking to the future with its plans for Sizewell C power station.

Tom McGarry, the communications manager responsible for organising the forthcoming public consultation for Sizewell C, said: “The plans for Sizewell C are at a very early stage. We have not even started the formal consultation with local people.

As part of its procurement strategy for Sizewell C, EDF Energy has partnered with the Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce to support local businesses that want to become part of the supply chain.

The Chambers are the first point of contact for businesses and agencies wishing to engage in the construction of this proposed nuclear newbuild project.

Their website forms the central resource for all Suffolk and Norfolk businesses who wish to make the most of the opportunities arising out of the development.

On the site, your company will be able to register interest in supplying the project by completing a short online form. Your capabilities will then be made available to EDF Energy and interested Tier 1 contractors.

The Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce websites will allow you to: n Update your company details as your company develops its capabilities and standards. n Keep abreast of the latest developments. n Access a library of reference material and training documents. n Be kept informed about upcoming supply chain events.

Check out Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce websites for the Sizewell C supply chain on: www.sizewellcsupplychain.co.uk

“EDF Energy recognises that a new nuclear power station in Suffolk would bring a welcome boost to the local and regional economy.

It would bring employment, support skills development, as well as creating economic and wider community benefits across Suffolk and East Anglia as a whole.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

Tom McGarry Senior Communications EDF Energy

PAGE25

NORFOLK VOICE

Events industry has ‘major role to play in UK economic growth’.

If anyone ever doubted the importance of the events industry to the UK economy, then a recently released report underlined the point perfectly.

The report, which was circulated amongst Members of Parliament, outlined ways in which the UK events industry can work together with national and local government to increase

Britain’s competitiveness internationally, and provide a boost to the economy.

Presented to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events and other MPs, the report was compiled jointly by the Events Industry Forum and the Business Visits & Events Partnership.

It highlighted opportunities for growth in the UK Events Industry, which it suggested can grow dramatically from its existing £36.1 billion, to £42.2 billion in 2015 and £48.4 billion in 2020, as well as helping the 25,000 companies that rely on it.

The authors said that Ministers needed to offer support for the sector, but MP Nick de Bois said: “This is not just about coming cap in hand to government, but about a collaborative effort to work together.

“Events in Britain represent a major opportunity for growth for UK plc and a chance to underline our place as a centre for global business.”

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The report says that as well as the economic value of the industry, the sector provides ‘invisible benefits’, supporting exports and positioning the UK as the centre of international business, intelligence and knowledge sharing.

It also underlined the vital role events play in bringing together ‘global leaders and thinkers to discuss, debate, learn and share’.

Phil Mist, representing the Event Industry Forum, who provide the secretariat to the Parliamentary Group, said: “With the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and The Queen’s Jubilee well underway, the UK events industry will undoubtedly again show the world that organising major outdoor and sporting events is one of our specialities, and because of our expertise, the UK economy as a whole will benefit accordingly.”

Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership, said: “This report comes

CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITIONS FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE The first consideration is the nature of your event.

Do you need a large hall or will something a little more intimate work? Is it formal or informal?

They are salient questions because atmosphere is important to the success of exhibitions and getting it right matters.

Whatever the choice, it is vital that visitors can easily understand the layout and find their way around with the minimum of fuss. Large exhibitions can be bewildering events so adding to visitors’ problems with poor layout can only detract from the success of the event. In a world where business people feel more pressured than ever, wasting time getting lost at an exhibition is unlikely to foster much in the way of goodwill.

at a crucial time for the UK economy as the Government considers its growth agenda.

“The UK events sector is well set to play a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth and added employment by showcasing Britain as a world class destination for international conferences and trade shows, as well a staging its great sporting and cultural events and festivals.”

Those words ring true for the many business people for whom conferences and exhibitions are the places to create and cement those personal contacts upon which the economy relies, as well as to learn about new products and services.

The good venues are the ones that can tailor themselves to providing the exact needs of the event organisers. One approach is to bring in a specialist company to do it. The staff at these companies will have encountered just about every problem presented by the process.

Similarly, specialist help is invaluable when staging an exhibition. Whether it is staff at specialist venues or outside exhibition organisers, they will tell you that there is a lot to think about to make sure it runs smoothly.

Throughout the process, it is important to recognise the need of exhibitors and to make sure that they are well represented. They need to feel part of the occasion. Getting that right creates a sense of goodwill which helps an exhibition turn into a success.

One of the other things that makes an exhibition successful is a sense that something is happening, so it is useful to have staged areas for demonstrations and performances, or for companies to show their products at work. Such activities, with the interest they attract, make an exhibition feel like it is alive. All good exhibitions have a touch of theatre about them. It’s what singles out the poor ones from the good ones.

So what are you looking for if you are trying to organise an event? How do you make sure that it plays its part in economic growth?

Well, one of the key factors is a good location, somewhere that is easy to reach and that looks attractive for delegates.

When assessing the venue, you are looking for a number of other important factors. Can the venue cope with the numbers expected to attend, has it got a good meeting room, will it provide equipment like projectors and Internet access, are the staff friendly and flexible in helping you meet your needs? If the answers to those questions are yes then the event is likely to be a success.

The UK events sector is well set to play a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth and added employment by showcasing Britain as a world class destination for international conferences and trade shows, as well a staging its great sporting and cultural events and festivals.

Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE27

NORFOLK VOICE

Much more than an enterprise centre MEETINGS CONFERENCES EVENTS Tel: 01362 857100 www.southgreenpark.co.uk Mattishall, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 3JY

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITIONS FEATURE

Create a lasting impression at an unforgettable venue

The Weston room in the Hostry building at Norwich Cathedral is an impressive and exciting venue in which to hold your function.

It can accommodate up to 150 people or be tailored to suit smaller groups. Excellent catering facilities and full audio and visual equipment are also available.

Full of natural light and overlooking the Cathedral Close, both the setting and the room itself are sure to create a lasting impression on your guests.

For more information or to book: Call 01603 218321 Email hospitality@cathedral.org.uk

The Weston Room Arts & Conference Venue

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE29

Putting Your Business First Whether you’re a multi-national giant, an established SME or just starting out in business, a well trained workforce is proven to put you one step ahead.

Lowestoft College can help with its range of training options designed with businesses in mind: l l l l l

Apprenticeships Management development Supervisory and management courses Health and safety programmes Tailor-made training programmes

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Bespoke team building activities in our environmental tank NVQs in the workplace Training needs analysis Higher Education through UCS A variety of industry specific short courses

Whatever the size and nature of your company, Business Development at Lowestoft College has the training to help you maximise your potential.

To find out more about any of the courses or to talk to us about developing a personalised training plan for your company ring 01502 525158, email a.grand@lowestoft.ac.uk or visit www.lowestoft.ac.uk Lowestoft College, St Peter’s Street, Lowestoft, NR32 2NB

Construction work commences on £1.4 million project at Norfolk Showground.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Construction work has commenced on Norfolk’s largest indoor venue which will see new facilities provided in a 21st century design.

The Exhibition Hall is undergoing a major facelift including a distinctive two storey circular entrance foyer and greatly enhanced facilities for visitors.

Planning Permission was granted by South Norfolk Council and work commenced in the Autumn. Completion is scheduled for May 2012.

As well as a state of the art new reception, there will be a complete redesign of the interior of the building with a flexible ceiling pattern for sound absorption and to block out most natural light.

New internal wall cladding will give a modern look to the building as well as further improving acoustics.

There will also be a sound proof partition meaning clients can choose to let 1/3rd, 2/3rds or the entire building. This will offer flexibility to cater for events of an array of sizes.

At the moment visitors have to leave the building to use the nearest toilet block. The programme of enhancements includes brand new, high specification internal toilet and baby changing facilities which will further enhance the visitor experience.

The Exhibition Hall already hosts numerous events throughout the year and the RNAA, who own the grounds and buildings at the Costessey site, say they have been listening to the needs of

existing customers as well as being mindful of the need to upgrade the building to attract new customers.

Says Chief Executive, RNAA John Purling: “We have seen a healthy growth in the number of events being held in the Exhibition Hall in recent years. The venue is currently fairly basic with no reception or internal toilets and bare walls. As well as providing a more pleasant environment for existing customers, the improvements will enable us to attract new customers. In particular, the improved acoustics will make it an ideal venue for music and theatrical productions and the new reception, cladding and toilets will mean the building is of the required standard to cater for corporate exhibitions, conferences and trade events’’ Anyone wishing to find out more about booking the new facility next year can contact Louise Wilkinson at the Showground on 01603 731 969 or contact louise@norfolkshowground.co.uk

Norfolk’s Premier Events Venue For Business Meetings, Conferences and Exhibitions Meetings and Conferences From 6 – 3,000 we can cater for all your corporate needs in our suite of modern meeting rooms and larger halls.

Exhibitions We are investing £1.4million in Norfolk’s largest indoor Exhibition Hall (completion May 2012). The modern new facility will include an imposing reception, internal cladding, option to partition and sound proofing. Our Exhibition Hall is the ideal venue for B2B and B2C exhibitions and events.

Set in 150 acres of delightful parkland, Norfolk Showground is the ideal venue for all your business needs. We offer easy access from A47 and All, ample free parking and fine catering for all your event needs.

For more information contact: Louise Wilkinson tel: 01603 731 969 | e: louise@norfolkshowground.co.uk www.norfolkshowground.co.uk

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE31

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

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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.

Neville Rayner

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.

The Young Chamber is a very interesting initiative....I was struck by the confidence and skills of the young people running the business breakfast

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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

Opportunities 2012 We are staging an exciting new event on 15 March at Norwich City Football Club which focuses on our Unlocking Growth theme for 2012. The event is called ‘Opportunities 2012’ and it’s 4 events in one: Meet the Buyer

Suppliers Marketplace Divided into 5 business sectors: Enterprise, International, People, Technology and Finance & Advice.

We have pulled together the very best suppliers in Norfolk to showcase both the new and well-tested products and services that are available to help you to start or grow your business.

Delivered in conjunction with

This tried and tested meet the buyer event allows you to pitch your products and services to key private and public sector buyers at pre- booked, 10 minute one-to-one MEET THE meetings.

BUYER

SuppLIERS MARKETPLACE

BUYERS EXPO

Topical Workshops Access Specialist Knowledge through a series of 20-minute informative and topical workshops to help you boost your business skills and give you a real competitive advantage. Topics to be covered will include tendering, planning and business planning.

Buyers interested in taking part please email: cw@norfolkchamber.co.uk for details.

Buyers Expo TOPICAL WORKSHOPS

An exhibition made up of the region’s key buyers and development schemes. If you are interested in reaching these key individuals, and understanding what opportunities are open for your business, this is your chance to find out.

Stand rates for the Suppliers Marketplace: Chamber Members £350 + VAT Non Members £500 + VAT. Stand rates for Buyers Expo: £350 + VAT To book or to find out more, go to: www.opportunities2012.co.uk, call: 01603 625977 or email: events@norfolkchamber.co.uk

THE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEOF OFNORFOLK NORFOLKCHAMBER CHAMBEROF OFCOMMERCE COMMERCEAND ANDINDUSTRY INDUSTRY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

CHAMBER EVENTS

Diary Dates.

JANUARY

Norfolk Chamber Quiz

Super Bowl Challenge

WHEN: Wednesday, 23 February, 7.45am – 9.30am

WHEN: Thursday, 26 January, 5.30pm – 8.00pm

WHERE: Dunston Hall

WHERE: Number Ten, Norwich

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Start the day with a fantasic networking opportunity over a buffet breakfast, followed by a test of your knowledge in the Norfolk Chamber Quiz, hosted by Radio Norfolk’s Becky Betts. View full event details at www. norfolkchamber.co.uk

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Chamber for an informal evening of competitive bowling, great networking opportunities and a delicious buffet.

View full event details at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

MARCH

FEBRUARY Routes to Growth WHEN: Friday, 3 February, 3.00pm – 6.00pm WHERE: Sprowston Manor WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Bringing eight of Norfolk’s MPs together for interactive discussions with the business community on local issues affecting Norfolk and possible routes to growth. View full event details at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

Sixty Second Spotlight WHEN: Thursday, 9 February, 7.45am – 9.30am WHERE: Imperial Hotel WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join the Chamber for a breakfast networking session, with 10 local companies allocated just one minute to provide a profile of their company without “repetition, hesitation or deviation”. View full event details at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

High Five Lunch, West Norfolk

This really is a must-attend event for everyone who’s in business in the region. Visitors can attend for FREE, so come along and find out how you can unlock growth and make 2012 a year to remember.

WHEN: Tuesday 21 February, 12.00pm – 2.00pm WHERE: Congham, Hall, King’s Lynn WHAT’S IT ABOUT: A series of events where West Norfolk Businesses can hear first hand from Business Leaders and their key drivers for success.

Keynote speaker is Mark Reeve, Managing Director of Chalcroft Construction. Sponsored

by Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking and Hayhow Accountants. View full event details at www. norfolkchamber.co.uk

New Anglia Green Economy Pathfinder Launch WHEN: Thursday 1 March, 3.30 – 7.00pm WHERE: Dunston Hall WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Join New Anglia for the launch of the Green Economy Pathfinder Project and enjoy an afternoon of learning, discussion and networking. Sponsored by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

HR Forum WHEN: Wednesday 14 March, 2.00pm – 5.00pm WHERE: Dunston Hall WHAT’S IT ABOUT: The latest on key legislative and case law developments in 2012. Sponsored and presented by Birketts solicitors. View full event details at www.norfolkchamber.co.uk

‘Opportunities 2012’ WHEN: Thursday, 15 March, 10am – 5.00pm WHERE: Norwich City Football Club WHAT’S IT ABOUT: An exciting new event designed to boost the region’s supply chain by bringing suppliers and buyers together in one location. Go to www.opportunities2012.co.uk

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE35

NORFOLK VOICE

Chamber Debt Collection – a real tangible benefit.

Effective Credit Collections Limited is delighted to be the recommended provider of debt collection services for Norfolk Chamber members, offering real tangible benefits under the scheme.

excess of 15% from our normal commission rates. And, of course, these commissions are only due if money is recovered.

The scheme provides two distinct services. The first is a letter before action scheme, free at the point of delivery. We will issue a letter of demand on your behalf requesting payment of the overdue account. A significant number of cases are resolved by this method.

We may not always tell you what you would like to hear, but we will always tell you what you need to know.

We are here to help you and look forward to continuing our long tradition of doing so in support of all members of the Norfolk Chamber.

Simply contact our offices with your membership credentials and give us direct instructions to seek payment of your debt.

A nominal fixed charge is made to you if, and only if, the communication enables payment to be secured. This charge, based on debt value up to a maximum charge of £40 plus VAT, represents substantial savings against our normal commission rate service.

What if the letter before action is not enough?

While a written request for payment is often enough to secure payment, this is not always the case. At this stage we are able to offer members our full range of collection services. Our charges revert to our traditional ‘no collection no commission’ terms, but members receive a discount of in

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Our work may be required in any number of different circumstances and we can ensure cases are resolved in a relatively short period of time – before they become embroiled in lengthy and strongly contested litigation. Our philosophy is always to seek to provide you with the best advice we can and ensure that, economically, any resolution of a dispute is on the best potential terms available to you.

For more information please contact Bob Partridge at Effective Credit Collections Limited on 01733 755001, or email at office@effectivecc.co.uk

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

A helping hand to unlock growth.

The Norfolk Chamber has created a new professional team which is offering members a personal service to help them unlock growth in their business and gain maximum benefit from membership.

a regular basis. They know that the Chamber is a huge resource and as a result they are seeing significant benefits.

“2012 is going to be an exciting year for the Norfolk Chamber and we are focused on massively improving the membership experience and promoting members to engage with each other.

“There are many misconceptions about being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Some people see us as just a networking organisation, but events and networking are only a small part of what members buy into when they join the Chamber.

“There are a few key areas that members can tap into to get more out of their membership, but the biggest tip I can give any business is to get involved. I can’t stress this enough – the more you put into the Chamber, the more you will get out of it.

Here are a few tips to get you started on the right track. n Use The Free Pr: Send stories about your news and successes. Have you taken on apprentices, won a big contract, or received an award? Through our media methods you can reach over 3,000 business and we can raise your profile and get you noticed. Send us your news and we can even Tweet it for you! n TRY DIFERENT EVENTS: Book yourself onto a variety of events so you can meet likeminded people from the business community.

Come bowling, or have a breakfast with us. Listen to influential professionals and entrepreneurs in key business areas.

Membership Account Manager, Chris Perry

Membership Account Manager, Chris Perry, who heads up the team, said: “Our aim is to help members to get the best value for their money.

Chamber membership can be a powerful tool for any business, as long as they have a better understanding of what’s available to them.

“The benefits are vast and by understanding the specific needs of businesses we can really help them to reap the rewards. Businesses are not all created equal. My main aim is to work closely with members, talking to them one on one and finding out how their business operates. This means that we can offer them personal, tailored advice, on a very practical basis, to help them

make and save money and raise their profile in the Norfolk business community.

“There are many ways we can help, from increasing company profile through our media channels and helping them work within the business community, to getting actively involved with events and local policy. I am also introducing a host of great new initiatives for members, to help them trade and communicate with each other more effectively.

“But it’s a two-way street. Members need to engage with us, tell us what they need. The most satisfied members are those who work with us on

n TRY THE FREE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Our HR and Legal services are fantastic and completely free for members. These are delivered by specialist national companies that can give you professional advice, plus documentation and templates that would normally cost over £90 per hour. n TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HUGE SAVINGS: The Chamber has over 140,000 members across the UK and with this comes massive buying power. We buy savings on your behalf including AA cover, Dental and Optical cash back plans, Health Insurance and Business Purchasing.

“This is just a small sample of the ways you can use the Chamber to start to grow your business.

To talk further, please contact me or my team at any time and we can get you on the right track.”

Call Chris on 01603 625977 or email chris.perry@norfolkchamber.co.uk

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

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NORFOLK VOICE

www.af-affinity.co.uk www.chamberpurchasing.co.uk

Affinity – group purchasing power for Chamber members Affinity is a commercial buying group offering an extensive range of everyday products at enormous savings. This is achieved through the unparalleled buying power of its parent company, Anglia Farmers, a dedicated purchasing organisation with a turnover of £200 million.

Through Chamber Purchasing, the bespoke purchasing service developed by Affinity and the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, you can benefit from group purchasing power for your business and employees.

Extending the benefits of group purchasing to staff is an increasingly popular way to provide a valued employee reward and

with over 30,000 company employees from companies such as Bernard Mathews Farms, Archant Publishing and Lovewell Blake now benefiting from the scheme your staff could benefit too.

Through Chamber Purchasing, Affinity is able to offer anything from stationery, mobile phones and electricity at prices consistently below what you would expect to pay on the open market. And, it doesn’t stop there.

The company can provide highly competitive prices for just about anything you’ll ever need to buy.

Richard Bridgman, Chairman of Warren Services, a Chamber member who joined

recently said: “After meeting Affinity’s Jeremy Philippi at a conference, I tasked him with reducing one of my largest costs, electricity. The outcome was excellent.

Not only is Affinity saving me money but they are also taking responsibility for bill validation and any queries that arise.”

Registering your business with Affinity or the bespoke Chamber Purchasing, is simple.

Visit the website, request registration and direct debit forms, complete and return them and Affinity will send you your passwords. You’re then ready to start saving.

For more information, ring Jeremy Philippi on 01603 881 888.

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Colin Grooms Solicitors Norfolk Family Law Specialists n Divorce, Finances

n Cohabitation Agreements

n Ancillary Relief

n Pre-Post Nuptial Agreements

n Adoption

n Civil Partnerships

n Maintenance, Domestic Disputes

n Regulated by the SRA No 557102

Like doctors, there are many types of specialised solicitors throughout Norwich. Divorce law is filed under the classification family or matrimonial law. We are specialists in divorce law.

We are well aware of UK laws and how they can change.

If you’re considering separation or a divorce, you’ll require the services of a solicitor in Norwich. Even if your case is simple and you’re organised, you will still need an initial consultation with a family law solicitor. Family law solicitors are qualified to give you expert legal advice regarding your specific situation. Specific details regarding finances and children can be discussed with a family law solicitor. It’s recommended that you trust the advice of your family law solicitor.

If you want to save costs, there is no VAT payable on all bills raised in 2011 thus giving an immediate 20% saving plus, we will not be beaten on costs and have the benefit of expert advice tailored to your needs and at no inconvenience to you simply call 01603 913032 or email enquiries@cg-family-solicitors.co.uk to talk to a real Family Law Specialist.

Or visit www.cg-family-solicitors.co.uk

The Principal, Colin Grooms is a Family Law specialist with many years of experience in dealing with these sensitive matters.

Colin qualified as a Solicitor in 1993 and worked for two large firms in Kent both with national reputations for excellence. Colin was Head of the Family Law Department and a Partner prior to moving to Norwich in 2003 where he joined a local firm of solicitors as Partner and Head of the Family Law Department.

Colin’s wide experience in family law has enabled him to understand the emotive and sensitive issues that can surface at a time when his clients need direction and support and to properly deal with those issues with professionalism and expertise.

Colin’s professional qualifications are second to none. He is an accredited Family Law Specialist with Resolution first for family law and is an accredited member of the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme. He is also a Resolution trained Collaborative Lawyer.

NORFOLK VOICE

(Cavell & Lind Ltd)

Occupational Health Services, Health in the Workplace, Kings Lynn and Norwich.

There has never been a better time for your company to consider employing C+L Occupational Health (Kings Lynn and Norwich) as your occupational health services provider.

What can we do for your business: New employee health assessment Health surveillance and medicals l Health promotion & wellbeing l Vision and hearing tests l Spirometry (Lung-function Testing) l Attendance management l Medicals tailored to your needs l l

Established as an Occupational Health service provider since 1986 www.cllimited.com

Corporate Games 2012 Active Norfolk would like to invite your company to take part in Norfolk’s Fit4Work Corporate Games 2012, sponsored by Admin Re.

The Games will take place on Friday 15th June at the UEA Sportspark in Norwich, 9am-6.30pm.

The Games offers a unique opportunity for your staff and clients to join the action, get active and compete in sporting challenges against teams from other local businesses.

The event promises to be hugely enjoyable, as well as a serious opportunity for you to network and promote your business to potential customers.

From archery to golf, volleyball to football, there are activities to suit all abilities and give everyone a chance to shine. You just need bags of enthusiasm and a good team spirit to prove that your company is the very best in Norfolk!

An entry of the minimum of 5 people per team is required (maximum of 7 people) and you may enter as many teams as you wish. The cost to enter a team into the Games is only ÂŁ50, inclusive of all activities and equipment.

For more information and to register your team please visit

www.activenorfolk.org/corporate

If you have any questions please contact us on

01603 732333 or email: info@activenorfolk.org

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Taking a positive approach to health in the workplace.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The need to ensure health and well-being in the workplace is not to be laughed at - but it might be worth a smile, according to a recentlypublished study.

The vast majority (79%) of these hours are unpaid, which means workers are providing around worth £225 million of ‘free’ hours each day for employers.

As a result of these extra hours, the health of the UK’s workforce is suffering, according to the research. More than a quarter (27%) reported they felt tired all the time, 23% say they feel really stressed, 15% admit that their diet is suffering as they eat junk food and 9% need to smoke or drink to unwind. Fewer than one in five (18%) reported that they still have a good work/life balance in spite of these extra hours.

Surveyed staff are adopting a number of strategies to squeeze in these extra hours:

Research by the British Heart Foundation suggests that taking a positive approach to life has tangible knock-on health benefits.

The five-year study of older people revealed that the higher people rated their feelings of happiness, the longer they lived.

The research, led by Foundation researcher Professor Andrew Steptoe asked more than 3,800 people aged 52 to 79 to rate their feelings of happiness and anxiety four times over the course of the day.

Researchers followed participants for five years and the results showed those who reported feeling happiest had a 35 per cent reduced risk of dying during the study, compared to those who reported feeling the least happy.

Maureen Talbot, the Foundation’s Senior Cardiac Nurse, said: “Like previous studies of its kind, this research does not establish cause and effect, but does show that older people with a positive outlook may live longer.

“Interestingly, the findings showed those who feel happiest are less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise, behaviours that we know are beneficial to our heart health along with eating a healthy diet.

“There is certainly something to be said about staying positive and if we can combine that with keeping established risk factors, like high cholesterol and blood pressure, under control, we’ll being doing our heart a huge favour.”

Watching the overtime at work may also have health benefits, according to research by Aviva, which revealed that UK workers are putting in 26 million extra hours in the workplace each day.

Aviva’s latest Health of the Workplace Report showed six in ten employees regularly work beyond their contracted hours, putting in an average of 1.5 hours’ overtime a day. Nearly one in four employees (23%) claimed they work an extra 2-3 hours daily.

n 37% work in the evenings after their contracted hours n 28% come in early to get a head start n 16% put in hours at the weekend n One in 10 (11%) even admit to working late at night when unable to sleep.

Douglas Wright, head of clinical development for Aviva, said: “Most employers make great efforts to look after their workers and ensure they get a good work / life balance. In fact our study showed that this is a top priority for a third of employers over the next 12 months, so they may be very surprised to see how some employees are struggling to manage their workloads.

“Working excessively can have a huge impact on people’s mental and physical well-being, so anyone who feels they might have a problem should speak to their manager to address the matter before it becomes a bigger issue. Six per cent of workers actually report they have been off sick as a result of overworking, so it’s very much in employers and employees’ interests to nip any such problems in the bud.”

It pays to have a healthy workforce!.

Did you know that physically active people take 27% fewer days off sick, are better motivated for work and more productive?

With the average person spending 60% of their waking time at work and one in five people in Norfolk being obese, we need to encourage sport and activity into the working day.

Active Norfolk’s Fit4Work project is free and available to all organisations in Norfolk.

Make sure your organisation is part of the action!

What is Fit4Work?

Fit4Work is a project that aims to promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle to employees. It is a ‘hands on’ project - it will provide your organisation with activities for your employees to be involved in, rather than just guidance and advice.

Who can be involved?

Any organisation can be involved with the project, including public, private or voluntary sector - from manufacturers to call centres, retail to schools, we can offer something for everyone.

What are the benefits of being involved?

Physically active people take fewer days off sick. Signing up for Fit4Work can impact on sickness and absence, staff turnover, employee satisfaction, company profile, motivation, morale and much more. Ultimately, it can maximise benefits to an employer, by increasing productivity and financial savings.

What does Fit4Work involve?

You can be as involved with the Fit4Work project as you chose - the more involved you are the more you and your employees will gain in return!

How do I sign up?

For more information and to sign up go to www.activenorfolk.org/fit4work and complete an expression of interest form.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE41

NORFOLK VOICE

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THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

PAGE42

CHAMBER NEWS

Game on!.

Steve Elsom, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking in East Anglia, offers advice on how businesses can benefit from the 2012 Olympics

The Olympic stadium is built. Other venues are on schedule, if not already completed, and the world’s elite athletes are honing their training schedules to peak when it matters most. We’ve been told what the London 2012 Games will mean for the UK economy, but as we race towards them, are you taking stock of what London 2012 – and its legacy – will mean to you as an individual business?

As London 2012’s first national sponsor, we feel that Lloyds TSB is integral to the 2012 Games’ successful delivery. As well as promoting nationwide business opportunities linked to the 2012 Games, we want to assist companies like yours to become better businesses with a longterm and increasingly global outlook. That will be our lasting legacy, being felt years after the Olympic Flame itself has been extinguished.

The scope for increased trade is enormous and extends to the whole of the country, not just London. These opportunities have the potential to resonate for years after the summer of 2012, as Vancouver, host city to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, can testify.

Undeniably, such a momentous event brings challenges too. The colossal influx of visitors will test the UK’s physical and virtual infrastructure. For individual businesses, no matter what their size, London 2012 fever could even be seen as a threat to everyday logistics and productivity. One such example of this is next year’s Glastonbury festival – cancelled due to a shortage of portaloo’s… they are all being used at the Games!

The possibilities and the challenges could both be easily underplayed, but as with most aspects of business, early planning could help you sail through the challenges and seize the opportunities.

A lot of the impacts are inter-related and your staffing levels, proposed absences, travel issues and what you’ll do to mark the 2012 Games for

your staff and customers all need to be planned for. There will be changes to normal transport routes, thereby affecting expected travel times, while improved technologies, such as enhanced computer networks, may need to be brought in to counter the massive technology requirements of London 2012. Security procedures will need to be tightened to safeguard not just premises and physical property, but also to secure businesses’ IT software, hardware and data.

Assisting your Customers

This applies to businesses the length and breadth of the country as the 2012 Games is not just about London. The Olympic Torch Relay, Training Camps, Olympic Live Sites, venues outside the Capital and an influx of visitors taking the opportunity to explore other parts of the UK – these will all have implications for businesses nationwide. Businesses who rely on temporary agreements for people or products will find contracts have gone and people already hired out. Trained security staff, buses, mobile catering vendors and even portable toilets will be hard to hire throughout the country – such will be the demands of London 2012-related activities.

n £750m increase in consumer spend in the seven weeks of London 2012.

If you’re anticipating extra custom from London 2012 Games visitors, look for ways to help them out. For instance, equip employees who speak other languages with flag pins of the relevant countries. It will help your staff feel further engaged with the 2012 Games.

Here’s some of the numbers to help you get some idea of scale;

n 10,000 private security staff required for main Olympic and Paralympic venues. n 12,000 police officers per day patrolling London’s streets. n 42% of UK Companies are planning to install screens for staff to watch the 2012 Games. n 20m trips will be made on London Underground by spectators during the Games.

So in summary;

Engaging your Staff Could you lay on some hospitality in the office – perhaps themed around the traditional dishes of some of the competing countries? Is it possible to deck out your premises with flags, or even stage a fun mini-sports event for staff? Get your employees involved in a brainstorming session – they’re bound to have some bright ideas to help your office fully embrace the 2012 Games.

n Consider how you can engage your staff and teams.

Sharing Success

n Consider supply chain interruptions and potential logistic challenges.

You might consider giving staff an opportunity to get together to watch certain key events – for example, when Team GB has a Gold medal opportunity. That may mean being flexible enough to allow for longer lunch breaks at these times. There’s a trade-off to be made here between temporarily reduced productivity and the boost to team morale.

n Consider the impact on travel. n Consider holiday cover and potentially being more flexible in the work place. n Consider the capacity and capability of your IT network and bandwidth.

Your free copy of the Games Time Ready Guide can be downloaded from www.lloydsbankcorporatemarkets.com/London-2012/ Games-time-ready

Enhancing the Feel Good Factor Getting more ambitious about your event can further enhance the feel-good factor and that will be felt by your customers in their exchanges with your staff. Choose a theme that’s a good fit with your business – perhaps to coincide with an event at a nearby competition venue, or the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay in your area.

Look for the Local Connection London 2012 will operate 34 competition venues, 600+ Training Camps and 20 Olympic Live Sites, while 95 percent of the UK population are within one hour’s travel of the Olympic Torch Relay.

Can your employees visit these sites and venues together, ensuring they share the enthusiasm of the Olympic Spirit with each other?

Steve Elsom, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking in East Anglia

JANUARY/FEBRUARY JULY/AUGUST 2011 2012

PAGE43

NORFOLK VOICE

CHAMBER NEWS

Your chance to support charity’s vital work.

EACH, a charity which provides care and support to life-threatened children, is appealing for Norfolk businesses to supports its work.

The care is delivered wherever the family wishes – in their own home, in hospital or at one of the charity’s hospices in Ipswich, Milton or Quidenham, the latter of which marks its 21st birthday in 2012.

Quidenham delivers a range of services including short break care, specialist play activities, music therapy, hydrotherapy, parent groups, sibling groups, care at end of life and bereavement support for all family members.

EACH supports children and their families across Norfolk as well as Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

A diverse range of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce members already support EACH – and the charity is hoping their efforts will inspire businesses to become involved in the 21st birthday celebrations.

EACH has launched a corporate challenge and is asking 21 companies to raise a minimum of £2,100 and NatWest has already signed-up to take part.

Nick Winter, Director for Commercial banking in Norfolk, said: “Here at NatWest we take corporate social responsibility very seriously, which is why it’s important for us to support local charities in our community. EACH is such a fantastic cause and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

The team from the R G Carter Grand Cycle Tour EACH will also be hosting an abseil down the Norfolk Tower in Norwich on 11 March. The event has been made possible by Heritage Developments, which has loaned the building.

Matt Bartram, Managing Director, said: “The Directors of Norfolk Tower recognise the tremendous depth of support EACH provides to many people in the region and have looked at different ways to support their work.”

Also, in 2011, R G Carter Construction, which has offices across East Anglia, chose EACH as its charity of the year and has raised almost £40,000.

The company organised a grand cycle tour which saw more than 300 staff, clients and suppliers cycling to R G Carter offices across the

region, visiting two EACH hospices en route. It also hosted crane rides at the Norfolk, Suffolk and East of England show and a sponsored boat race.

Orchard Toys is also a long-standing EACH supporter. Simon Newbery, Managing Director, said: “We consider it our privilege to support worthy local causes, and because of the work EACH does in the East Anglian community supporting families and carers of children with life threatening illnesses, they have to be our first choice.”

And the Click Design Consultants in Norwich is running ‘The Print Sale’, selling screen printed posters with 100% of the profits going to causes including EACH. To find out more, visit: www.theprintsale.com

Making all the difference to young lives.

Angelina Faith Mills, from Gresham in Norfolk, has a rare incurable neurological condition called Sturge Weber Syndrome.

Angelina, her mum and dad Lisa and Stephen, and siblings Jodie, 22, Luca, 10, and Stefan, 9, are supported by EACH. Angelina began to have seizures aged 18 weeks. She became weak on her left side and

suffered development delay. She was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital where her family discovered her epilepsy was life threatening.

Angelina then underwent a seven hour operation to disable one half of her brain and remove her temporal lobe.

Lisa said: “After the operation it was like a second birth. We took Angelina to the hospital as a baby and brought home a little girl.

Angelina needs lots of stimulation and the EACH play specialists at Quidenham brings toys and activities to help with her development.

“EACH really has helped Angelina to get to where she is today. They are so supportive to the whole family in so many ways I can’t thank them enough,” Lisa added.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Stephen said: “She’s like my little butterfly. After the surgery Angelina is finally out of the chrysalis; full of colour and life and flying high.”

The children and young people EACH care for may have been born with a genetic disorder, have a problem with the development of one or more of their body’s systems, had an accident at birth or later in life, have organ failure or suffer from cancer. The charity cares for those aged from birth up until their 19th birthday and cares for family members, too. The majority of EACH’s costs are for delivering specialist one-to-one nursing and supportive care.

For more information on EACH and its work please visit: www.each.org.uk or call (01953) 715559.

TAKE A BREAK

Ridley Pinstripe.

Sudoku Jan-Feb

It’s 10am at the offices of Barking Barking and Madd. Great excitement because someone has just heard the rattling of the tea trolley. Several members of the Stock Control office have even woken up, if only briefly, to stare hopefully at the door rather like a loyal Labrador awaiting the return of its owner.

Those who have met Gladys, our canteen lady, would appreciate the analogy.

I am not surprised that some of my team have been sleeping because it blots out what have been difficult times at the company following the loss of a major widget contract from a company in Greece.

In theory, it was a good contract designed along relatively conventional lines; we shipped out half a million of our best widgets (the little orange ones, of course) and the Greeks paid for them. That, after all, we thought, is how business usually works.

Not in this case, though, because the Greeks did not come bearing gifts. In fact, they did not come bearing anything because they were caught up in the Euro-zone crisis with the result that the delivery wagon turned up at the deserted factory to see a scrawled note on the front gate.

That we do not know what it said is not down to language problems. It wasn’t written in Greek or anything exotic. Actually, it was written in English and very good English at that.

Unfortunately, our driver had left school with one GCSE at Y level or something similar and couldn’t even spell his own name. Or anyone’s.

He can’t read One Way, Filter Left or Beware Cows Crossing either but that’s another story.

Anyway, the result was that he hightailed it home in his truck, leaving us with half a million widgets to get rid of at a time when the widget market had slumped alarmingly, particularly when it came to orange ones, for obvious reasons. They ended up stacked up in the car park for weeks.

What to do with them was a major issue of conversation among absolutely no one but before the tea trolley could arrive, into the office walked, to a mixture of amazement and disappointment, none other than Melanie Spraggs, our new International Markets Development Officer. Amazing because no one knew we had an International Markets Development Officer. Disappointing because

Answers in the next edition

Cartoons the rattling turned out to be her jewellery and not the tea trolley.

“The company,” she announced grandly, “has come up with a solution to the Greek Crisis.”

The solution, it turned out, was a Festival of the Widget, which is why we, our bored families and a few bemused locals, turned up on the muddy field behind the plant on a lousy Saturday winter afternoon to patronise a series of shabby stalls selling bags of widgets for the kids, take part in the coconut shy where the only prize we could see appeared to be widgets and drunk tepid tea from widget-shaped plastic cups.

The managing director called it, via a conference call from his Bermudan tax haven, an ‘absolute triumph’ and the local newspaper called it, via a huge front page headline, an Absolute Shambles.

And the remaining 486,754 widgets? Sadly, they perished in a mysterious fire the following evening. No one knows what caused it.

Ridley JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

PAGE45

NORFOLK VOICE

FOCUS ON ENGINEERING

Engineering Firm ‘Create’ Sustainable Future for Growth.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Flood Risk Assessment Housing Scheme - Felixstowe

International Logistics Centre design - Newark

What does the design of an International Logistics Centre in Newark, reclamation of a former Sugar Beet Factory site in Essex, Air Quality/Odour Assessment for Sewage Works, a Straw Fired Biomass Power Station, a River Diversion in Essex, Underpinning of a Grade 2 Listed Hall in Norwich, Infrastructure Planning for a New Market Town in Surrey and a bypass for a Market Town in Suffolk all have in common?

They are just some of the projects which Create Consulting Engineers Ltd will be working on during 2012. Whilst 2011 has been difficult for all in the construction and development industry, Create has continued to grow both its range of projects and its client base culminating and has seen the firm win ‘Best New Business’ in the 2011 EDP Business Awards.

Innovation is at the core of our approach and we are extremely excited to launch a number of new products in 2012 including our Renewable Energy Technical Support (RETS).

This service aims to build on the expertise within the existing energy team at Create, providing a full range of technical support services to assist developers, utilities and energy companies bring forward any form or Renewable Energy Scheme. This will include Transport Planning for abnormal loads such as turbine blades, movements of Biomass fuel, noise impact assessments, civil engineering design and access assessments for cable routes and power stations, air quality assessments of Biomass Power Stations and Anearobic Digesters as well as Hydraulic Design of Hydro-Power Stations.

Another new service that Create is looking at expanding is its emergency Flood Risk Planning

and Water Team. Water is rapidly becoming as important a resource as energy, critical for a modern healthy life and essential in any development plans for new communities or housing. With limited resources of water available, we have to conserve, recycle and capture as much water as possible, whilst maintaining a natural balance of ecosystems and environments.

The water team at Create has recently been commissioned to undertake a Flood Risk Assessment of a housing scheme based on the coast at Felixstowe which has used extensive computer modelling techniques and animations to show the impact of both Coastal and River Based Flooding. The model enables an emergency evacuation plan to be developed showing the most suitable escape routes, along with estimated times for various levels of inundation. Create has also developed a working partnership with a consultancy based in New Zealand, with The team at Create providing expert 1D/2D modelling services.

The Transport Team at Create is looking forward to a busy year, with new commissions including mixed use schemes in central London, and new residential scheme in Chelmsford, Horsham and

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Canterbury. Whilst continuing to work on projects throughout, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Scotland. The team has recently built a fully validated microsimulation model of the Thickthorn Junction in Norwich and is looking to replicate the success of this work on other projects throughout the UK. With only a few final touches of refurbishment left, Create’s new sustainable office on Princes Street is in line to receive a Gold Ska rating and in the process will be one of the only commercial properties in the area with this accolade for sustainability. This coupled with a proposed new regional office in Cambridge aimed at providing support to our teams in Ipswich and London, will enable us to develop our client base regionally, nationally and overseas.

For more information about Create Consulting Engineers, contact Jonathan Cage on 0845 4507908 or via e-mail Jonathan.Cage@ createconsultingengineers.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS

Marketing agencies join up.

New Members.

Lintott Control Systems Limited

Mindshift Strategies LLP

01603 594200

01603 400690

Electrical Installation

Internet business and life coaching

Lintott Control Systems is a leading innovative designer and manufacturer of engineered Chemical Dosing systems, Intelligent Process Control Systems and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems across numerous industrial sectors.

Lawtronic Limited

01553 765247 Electronics Manufacture

non agricultural pest-control (Environmental Sciences), seeds and plant biotechnology.

Ingeus UK Ltd - Kings Lynn

01553 668880 Employment Agencies Welfare to Work provider delivering innovative effective support programmes to help people back into employement. Currently delivering the flagship Work Programme contact for Department of Work & Pensions across 8 regions in the UK including the East of England.

Control System Engineers.

Kellbun Ltd Snappy Snaps

01603 920973 Photo and digital specialists

Yours Business Networks

01553 611120 Facilities Management State of the art meeting rooms and superior office space to let in a business centre located in the heat of King’s Lynn. Offering video conferencing, virtual office services and much more to businesses locally, nationally and internationally.

Global Wind Service

01553 278387 Energy Suppliers Renewables industry - wind sector onshore and offshore wind supply of skilled personnal to wind farm projects.

CSS Sage Solution Centre

01493 334800 Computer Consultancy/Services Business Computer Systems and Support. Supply and maintenance of business computer systems and networks.

01621 855134 Telephony and customer relationship management business solutions

Bluebird Travel Limited

Two Norfolk marketing agencies combine forces as Naked Marketing announced the acquisition of Active Marketing and Design.

02077 249911 Travel Services We are a Travel Management Company dealing with Flights, Hotels and Transfers. We offer a 24/7 service, account management and discounted rates on travel. We were founded in London in 1968 and established strong business links to Norfolk since 1989.

The acquisition is a key part of Naked Marketing’s continued growth plans with more developments set to follow in the coming months. Naked Marketing has purchased the goodwill of the business and will continue to deliver all the services from Naked Marketing’s offices in Wymondham.

Ben Handford, Managing Director of Naked Marketing, said: “This was a natural move for us. There was a lot of synergy between the two businesses both in services offered and ethos and values. We see this as an important step in the company’s future growth plans.”

Lanpro Town Planning

01603 631319 Town Planning Lanpro offer planning services to landowners and property developers who seek local, independent and innovative schemes that should succeed through the planning process.

Lanpro Services have a proven, envied track record in positive successful planning.

Bayer CropScience UK Ltd

01603 242424 Chemicals Bayer CropScience, is with annual sales of about EUR 6.8 billion, one of the world’s leading innovate cropscience companies in the area of crop protection (Crop Protection),

Naked Marketing started in 2002 and since then has gone from strength to strength in the creative sector in Norfolk, building a diverse portfolio of clients.

Active Marketing and Design was set up in 2006

by Kate Herren (then Kate Elliott) in conjunction with creative director and designer Claire McDermid.

Kate said; “We’ve worked very hard to establish a great level of service and professionalism for our clients, and through Naked Marketing we know that this will continue with the same positive results.”

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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.

NFK VOICE 2011 180X110:NORFOLK VOICE

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Norwich’s Premier Office Location

PRESTIGE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TO LET Suites within 3 buildings ranging from 1,444 sq ft to 4,830 sq ft Combinations of suites possible to suit larger size requirements • • • • •

Available for immediate occupation Excellent parking provision VRF comfort cooled Environmentally efficient building designs Mature landscaped environment

James Allen or Graham Jones

www.broadlandbusinesspark.com

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

David Lambert

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Scheme wins award.

The REV ACTIVE project has won the highest award level possible in the Green Apple Environment Awards announced in London.

The Green Apple Awards highlight Britain’s greenest companies, councils and communities.

REV ACTIVE, a scheme founded by Breckland Council, to provide support for medium and small businesses along Norfolk’s A11 corridor, competed against more than 500 other nominations to be presented with the Gold Green Apple Award for Best Environmental Practice at a ceremony in the House of Commons.

The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, nonpolitical, non-profit organisation that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world.

National organiser Roger Wolens said: “To show continued interest in environmental issues during the current financial climate shows great foresight and they deserve the recognition of being Green Apple Award winners.”

Mark Kiddle-Morris, Chairman of REV ACTIVE and Executive Member for Assets and Strategic Development at Breckland Council, was at the House of Commons with Mark Stanton, Head of Economic Development, to receive the award on behalf of the council.

Mark Kiddle-Morris, Chairman of REV ACTIVE and Mark Stanton, Head of Economic Development at Breckland Council receive the award on behalf of the council at the House of Commons. The award was presented by Chris Hopkins of Ploughcroft Solar.

He said: “This is a fantastic coup for the REV ACTIVE project. It was an honour just to be nominated for such a prestigious award, actually winning it shows that the project is very well regarded by industry professionals and that it is recognised as an effective and successful project leading the way for other similar projects around the UK.” The judges commented: “This small district council, with a core economic development team of four, has reviewed around 100 of the

400 scheduled businesses. Focusing on key cost savings, reducing wastage and reducing risks, they have been able to save businesses £440,000 and reduce carbons by 2,300 tonnes.”

As a result of this success REV ACTIVE has been invited to have its winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can follow their example and learn from their experience.

Global business mentor appointed as CEO. Chris Batten, a business mentor to more than 250 businesses worldwide, has been appointed CEO of ipatter.com, a communication platform aimed at SMEs. Before his internal promotion in the business, he was Head of Global Sales and Marketing and will now be responsible for focusing on developing the business further across the UK and internationally.

His appointment also marks the formal launch of a host of new features aimed at the business community including masterclasses, books,

‘patter boardrooms’, educational events and roadshows.

Chris said: “It’s a tough time for a number of businesses and rather than being supported, they’re being overlooked. ipatter.com is all about giving businesses shared learning experiences, advice, leads and links to others working in similar industries. Essentially, we’re a clicks and mortar business giving organisations the foundations they need to realise potential and grow.”

Chris has experience of working as CEO to businesses in the UK, US and Middle East and he has mentored in excess of 250 organisations. He is also the author of four business support books, including ‘Small Steps to Culture and Value’ plus ‘Stop Winking in the Dark’.

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NORFOLK VOICE

The last word.

Name: Sophie Fulford Company: Winsor Bishop Job title: Managing Director BIOG: A 5th generation jeweller, and first female at the helm, Sophie also has a degree in Psychology. She founded the most entrepreneurial website in the industry www.rentyourrocks.com and has supplied jewellery to major TV shows including The X Factor. Customers vary from locals to A-List celebrities.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A doctor! I was quite ill when I was born and spent many years as a patient at Great Ormond Street Hospital, so it was quite a ‘normal’ environment for me.

What could you not live without?

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

On top of a mountain. My mother was Norwegian and we have a lot of family out there still. My sister and I own a plot of land there in the most beautiful spot that overlooks the crisp white mountains, whilst also having 180 degree views of the fjords. We haven’t built anything there yet, but we have our plans in place and it will be a place where our children can love and enjoy and be immersed in a different culture that’s all about the outdoors and healthy living.

What makes you angry?

Being let down. I hate feeling disappointed.

If you could invite someone to dinner who would they be and why?

Neil Armstrong because he was the first man to walk on the moon, what an incredible journey that must have been.

What is the best thing about Norfolk?

Fresh, crisp, clean air. It should be bottled and released in heavily polluted areas. It’s fantastic.

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

A lottery ticket probably!

What is in your opinion the greatest invention ever?

Ever? Goodness….vaccinations I think. To be able to save lives by preventing disease is priceless.

THE MAGAZINE OF NORFOLK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

What is most valuable lesson you have learnt in life?

To not take things for granted. I have experienced first hand having things change overnight and it’s a tough lesson but one that focuses you so much for the future. It makes me truly enjoy what I have here and now, and to try to protect it as much as humanly possible.

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

An eagle…. I would love to be able to fly high in the sky – above tree tops and swoop down for a closer look. Eagles are elegant and strong, I think that’s what I would like to be.

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